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Photo courtesy of Prime29 Steakhouse
From steakhouse sliders and curated cocktails to snacks, Metro Detroit’s happy hours deliver big flavor in that golden window between work and dinner. Consider this your after-work playbook for good drinks, shareable plates, and easy prices.
Prime29 Steakhouse
6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield
Prime29 Steakhouse runs a bar-only happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., pairing its polished steakhouse vibe with approachable pricing. Snackable favorites include Fancy Nachos topped with pickled jalapeño and mozzarella cheese, Chicken Sliders with house-made chips, Crispy Jumbo Wings, Filet Mignon Sliders, Fish Tacos, and a Quinoa Salad, each under $15. Drinks are dialed in with $9 cocktails like Citrus Spritz (vodka with fresh lemon and lime juice), Out of Town (Blanco Tequila paired with coconut syrup and a Tajin rim), and Archangel (bruised cucumber accompanies London Dry Gin), $4 bottled beers, $6 drafts including Stella Artois, Hazy Little Thing IPA, and Frankenmuth Christmas Ale, plus $9 wine pours. Prime29 is a contemporary, relaxed fine dining spot built around prime beef aged 29 days, fresh seafood, and solid cocktail lists, with vegetarian and gluten-free options as part of the broader menu.
The Whiskey Six
646 St. Clair Avenue, Grosse Pointe
The Whiskey Six offers happy hour Tuesday to Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., leaning into crowd-pleasing comfort food. Food specials are under $10 and include Loaded Beef Nachos, a Half Dozen Wing Dings with BBQ, garlic parmesan, or buffalo options, Loaded Tater Tots with beer cheese, bacon, green onion, and jalapeños, classic Mozzarella Sticks, and a Deviled Egg Flight that features Greek and Mexican styles. Drinks keep it simple with $5 house wine, $4 draft beer, an $8 Detroit Mule, and the $5 Village Breeze. The full menu ranges from saganaki and Crispy Rice Balls to tacos, burgers, salmon, and grilled swordfish, so staying for dinner is an easy call.
Aurora Italiana
2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township
6199 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township
Happy hour at Aurora Italiana runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. in the bar area, with a list of Italian bites and spritzy sips. Happy hour standouts include Arancini, Wild Mushroom Bruschetta, Mussels Arrabbiata, Meatball Sliders, and personal Margherita, Pepperoni, or Truffle pizzas, each under $10. Cocktails are priced to try more than one: Aperol Spritz for $6, Negroni for $7, Basilico with gin, elderflower, cucumber, lime, and basil for $6, Novara Mojito with rum, Campari, mint, lime, and seltzer for $6, Il Picante with reposado tequila, fresno, and lime for $8, and an Espresso cocktail for $8. House wines, including Cabernet, Chianti, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc, are $8 a glass. “Aurora Italiana highlights the vibrant essence and fresh flavors of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with a menu curated by the Prime Concepts Detroit culinary team,” the Aurora team shares, and the happy hour set proves it.
Barrel House
22740 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
Ferndale’s Barrel House frames happy hour Tuesday to Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. around chef-driven bar snacks and a strong drink list. Expect beer, wine, and cocktail specials alongside favorites like French Onion Breadsticks, Roasted Cauliflower Nachos, Short Rib Sliders, and Bang Bang Shrimp. The broader menu covers salads like a beet and pistachio combo with honey caraway dressing, shareables from Crab Arancini to Sesame Wings and Coney Dog Egg Rolls, filling sandwiches, and entrees such as the Steak and Frites, Mediterranean Salmon, and a vegan risotto. “Your new favorite Happy Hour spot awaits,” Bar Manager Wendall shares, “We’re all about great food, exceptional drinks, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.”
Ima
2100 Michigan Avenue, Detroit
4870 Cass Avenue, Detroit
32203 John R Road, Madison Heights
Ima’s $5 Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at all three locations, making it one of the best value options for variety. At Ima Izakaya in Corktown, the list includes Sapporo drafts, house sake carafes, all mocktails, cocktails, plus Robata skewers like Asparagus with Smoked Trumpet Mushroom, Chicken & Scallion Tsukune, Chili Garlic Shrimp, Smoked Pork Belly, and Dry-Aged Ribeye. There are sushi hand rolls (Garden Veggie, Smoked Salmon Avocado, Spicy Ahi Tuna, Hamachi Scallion) and small plates such as the Togarashi Rice Chicharrones, Chili-Citrus Edamame, Blistered Shishitos, Umami Fries, and more. The Madison Heights location features Spicy Cucumbers, Tokyo Street Fries, and steamed Bao in pork belly, chicken, or tofu varieties. In Midtown, you’ll find pours of house sake and all beers, alongside Sake Punches, Bao (Kimchi, Thai Basil, Pickled Ginger, and more), and Kimchi Yakisoba noodles. However you mix it, $5 goes a long way at Ima.
Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse
9 South Main Street, Clarkston
Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse keeps things elegant with a bar and lounge happy hour Sunday to Friday between 4 and 6 p.m. The kitchen turns out a Wagyu Burger with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and fries, Wagyu Pigs in a Blanket with a spicy-sweet mustard, a Prosciutto Plate with parmesan and grilled sourdough, Pimento Cheese paired with pickled Fresno chiles, chef’s choice Oysters with white balsamic mignonette, and Oysters Rockefeller with truffled spinach, all under $20. The drink list features wine and cocktails for $12, ranging from Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2023 and Benanti Etna Rosso 2022 to a classic Margarita, Tiny Tini, Tom Collins, Whiskey Sour, and Lemon Drop. Just one year in, this Clarkston steakhouse blends prime and Wagyu selections and polished service in a spot that feels special even at happy hour prices.
Plan your route around the clock, since timing varies by spot. Whether you want elevated sliders with a classic martini, small plates with an Aperol Spritz, or a $5 parade of skewers, Metro Detroit’s happy hour scene has the value, variety, and vibes to make weeknights feel like a mini celebration.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on March 7, 2024, and was authored by Carolyn Hall.
