Every journey is more fun when you're together. Grab your friends and hit the road in style in the Chevy Trax.
Photo courtesy of Shores Inn
When the clock hits that magical hour, signaling the end of a long workday, there’s nothing quite like finding a spot where the drinks are cool, the ambiance inviting, and the deals too good to pass up. This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of happy hour, a beloved tradition that offers a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In Metro Detroit, several establishments stand out for their exceptional happy hour offerings, each with its unique charm and an array of specials that promise to elevate your post-work unwind.
BAR VERONA
59145 Van Dyke Avenue, Washington
Bar Verona distinguishes itself not only through its culinary prowess but also through its happy hour specials that beckon patrons with the promise of $3.50 beer bottles, $4.50 drafts, $5 wines, $6 mixers, and $7 martinis. These drink specials are perfectly paired with truffle fries, flatbreads, fried ravioli, Tuscan egg rolls, steak brochettes, or Brussels sprouts, making Bar Verona a must-visit for those seeking quality and value. These happy hour specials are available Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.
SHORES INN
23410 Greater Mack Avenue, St. Clair Shores
“Shores Inn is a place where families and friends come together to enjoy great food, drinks, and camaraderie,” shares owner Stavros Bricolas. “Since 1937, we’ve been serving up delicious classics like pizza, burgers, and shareable appetizers alongside an impressive selection of over 150 beers from around the world. Our Hall of Foam membership adds an extra layer of fun, rewarding our loyal customers with lifetime discounts after they’ve explored our diverse beer offerings. But that’s not all – we also offer unbeatable Happy Hour Deals, available Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.! During these hours, guests can enjoy $1 off all drinks and BOGO free appetizers with a minimum purchase of two drinks. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day or kick off a fun-filled evening with friends.” Their commitment to community and value shines through their Happy Hour, inviting everyone to partake in the joy of good company and great food. Some of my happy hour favorites include the Bavarian pretzel sticks with beer cheese, southwest egg rolls, bang bang shrimp, and steak bites. The apps are a great size for sharing when meeting up with friends for drinks.
BESA
600 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
At Besa, the allure of happy hour is magnified by its sophisticated setting and the promise of indulgence without the hefty price tag. Monday through Friday, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., guests are treated to appetizers and salads at 30% off, complemented by $6 wines, $7 cocktails, and $4 taps. This delightful array of appetizer options includes an open-face spinach pie, pulled lamb shoulder with brown butter hummus and pomegranate reduction, Caledonian blue prawns, and roasted eggplant toast. As for salads, pick fresh choices like the butter lettuce, arugula, kale, or village salads, all made with fresh veggies and toppings that perfectly complement.
TELLY’S PLACE
20791 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods
Telly’s Place has been a Grosse Pointe Woods staple since the early 80s, and for good reason. Boasting as “not your normal bar and grill,” Telly’s Place offers a contemporary atmosphere with friendly staff and great specials. Daily from 3 to 6 p.m., happy hour specials include $1 off beer, wine, and beverages, as well as $6.95 select appetizers. If you pop in on a Wednesday, specialty martinis are $8 and include options like pineapple upside down, almond joy, thin mint, and more.
THE BLOCK NEIGHBORHOOD BAR & KITCHEN
3919 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
With mouth-watering wings and a relaxed vibe, The Block Neighborhood Bar & Kitchen offers a welcoming atmosphere that feels like you’re hanging out with friends. Their menus feature items like sweet chili salmon, braised short rib, shrimp and grits, and more, and cater to a wide range of tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone whether you stop in for dinner, brunch, or happy hour. “The concept behind The Block is something not pretentious; it’s a casual concept which has comfort food. We like to think of ourselves as a ‘Cheers’ like atmosphere, where our bartenders and staff know you by name, and you feel right at home as part of the Midtown neighborhood,” shared Stephanie Byrd, co-owner of The Block Neighborhood Bar & Kitchen. This sense of belonging and community is a testament to the power of a good happy hour spot in bringing people together. Specials are from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays and include wings, bacon Brussels, spinach dip, and pepperoni flatbread along with $3 beer bottles and house wines.
ANCHOR BAR & GRILL
450 West Fort Street, Detroit
Anchor Bar and Grill serves as a beacon for those in pursuit of generous happy hour deals. With a vast menu that includes $3 shots, $5 well drinks, $8 pitchers of Miller High Life or Pabst Blue Ribbon, and $12 pitchers of other beers, the Anchor Bar’s happy hour, running from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, is a testament to the establishment’s dedication to providing value and variety to its patrons. You can get classic Detroit or cheddar cheese whiz sliders for $3, and other bites like truffle fries, chili cheese totchos, Garbage Can nachos (featuring chili, house-made cheddar cheese whiz, sour cream, and pico), and Caesar salad for $8 each.
OLD PONY MARTINI PUB
17008 Kerchavel Place, Grosse Pointe
Within the Village business district of Grosse Pointe, you’ll find Old Pony Martini Pub with fun cocktails, beer, and old-fashioned burgers. Happy Hour is from 3 to 6 p.m., with specials on drinks and burgers. Pair the $4 cheeseburgers with $3 bottled beer, $4 drafts, $5 wines, $6 mules, or one of the 10+ $6.50 signature martinis. Speaking of martinis, as this pub takes its name after, choose from options like the Freckled Pear for a light drink with notes of pear and lemon, or the Strawberry Cheesecake for a sweeter option. Even if you can’t make happy hour, Old Pony Martini Pub has nightly specials that start right after and last until the end of the evening.
