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It’s already midweek, which means you’re likely getting your weekend plans together, or perhaps even planning on a weekday social outing before Friday hits. If so, I like your style. While we’ve all got our favorite local bars, there’s nothing wrong with venturing out for more than just a beer.
The next time you gather up your buddies or your closest group of girlfriends, why not head out for a night of not only drinks, but games as well? There are so many bars in the Metro Detroit area with games like pool, darts and shuffleboard; it would be a shame to not take advantage of them. Whether you’re a novice or a professional, grab some friends and get going to one of the following establishments:
On the Dunes, 2055 Haggerty Rd., Commerce Twp., is known for its virtual golf simulators, but there’s plenty more to enjoy at this establishment. Pingpong, pool, foosball and cornhole are all games you can play here.
On Cornhole Tuesdays, participate in a tournament beginning at 7 p.m. and enjoy $3 Tito’s cocktails and $6 burgers. The following night, Pingpong Wednesdays begins at 7 p.m. with a tournament and half off specialty pizza. The winners each week will collect points, and those with the most points at the end of the month will be awarded prizes!
It might be wise to get there a little early each night to warm up—and if you do, you can enjoy happy hour! From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, $5 happy hour includes snacks like Pickle Chips, a Personal Pepperoni Pizza and Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw.
Harry’s Detroit, 2482 Clifford St., Detroit, is a great downtown bar for meeting up with friends before or after a game. Why not play some pool or darts while you’re there? Best of all, Harry’s offers a free shuttle during home games, as well as free parking, so you can spend your money on better things, like beer.
The menu is more sophisticated than typical bar fare, including appetizers like Applewood Smoked Wings (tossed in a honey chipotle sauce) and Shrimp-N-Grits (Cajun shrimp, homemade bacon and oven-dried tomatoes served over grits). As for the burgers and sandwiches, try the Campus Martius (roasted portobello mushroom, roasted red peppers, arugula, smoked onion jam and Gruyere cheese on whole wheat bread) or the Baconater (two Angus burgers topped with bacon, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle chips and burger sauce).
You can’t rightfully concentrate on a game of pool without a bacon burger first, now can you?
Bailey’s Canton, 1777 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton, is a great place for playing pool with friends. If you’re looking to sharpen your skills and impress your pals, keep in mind that you can play pool for free Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to pool, Bailey’s has darts and electronic shuffleboard, for those of you looking for variety.
You can’t go wrong with the Drunken Chicken Tenders at Bailey’s, or the Newcastle Beer Battered Fish and Chips, if you’re still looking for a lent-friendly meal. With nearly 40 beers on tap, there’s no way you’ll go thirsty, and there are also plenty of specialty cocktails on the menu.
If you need a reason to test out the pool tables at Bailey’s, head to the St. Patrick’s Day party on Tuesday, March 17 beginning at 11 a.m. Green beer, beads, drink specials and games… what more could you want?
Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore, Detroit, offers free shuffleboard to its patrons, so you can take advantage of the game whether you’re there to catch some live music or just catch up with friends.
Every Wednesday night, you’ll find the Mike Jellick Trio performing from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., when you can enjoy 50 percent off wings. Thursdays feature blues, funk and soul by the Skeeto Valdez Experience, along with half off fish and chips. Live music, discounted food and free shuffleboard make for a great evening out. While you’re at it, enjoy a Founders All Day IPA, New Holland The Poet, or a rotating draft beer from Atwater or Bell’s.
Orleans Sports Café, 100 Macomb Pl., Mt. Clemens, formerly known as Orleans Billiards Café, has six pool tables, three shuffleboard tables, two dartboards and nearly two dozen plasma TVs. It’s certainly the place to be if you’re looking for somewhere to hang out with friends, grab some grub and play a few games.
The menu features everything from appetizers to burgers to Orleans Famous Pizza. When in Rome, try the Orleans Special (with pepperoni, ham, onions, mushrooms and green peppers) or Philly Cheesesteak (grilled steak with mushrooms, onions, mozzarella and Cheddar cheese, pizza sauce and Italian dressing) pizza. Don’t forget the Chewy Cheese Sticks (pizza dough baked with Mozzarella cheese, served with ranch or pizza sauce).
Be sure to check the Orleans Sports Café Facebook page for daily specials before you go.
When it comes to bar fun, there’s no shortage in Metro Detroit. Get out there and enjoy a game of pool, cornhole or shuffleboard in the D!
