Babs has a speakeasy-type feel. For the uninitiated, it is very hard to find (it is in the basement of an office building with only one plain sign outside). But, once you enter the building, go down the steps and through the door you feel like you've been transported back to the roaring twenties. For the cigar smokers out there, this place is heaven. Not only do they sell cigars, but they aren't overpriced! read more

Babs' is truly underground in more ways than one. It is, quite literally, underground - in the basement of a seemingly normal looking office building. Also, it's not easy to find the entrance unless you know where you're looking. Babs' caters more to the graduate and local scene, which I'm good with. There's a lower section with tables and some lounging and dancing areas and the bar. There's also an upper area (only by 3 or so steps) with pool tables and a long counter with high chairs. Waitresses tend to you in the upper area but some people prefer to go to the bar themselves. Overall they make good drinks and service is relatively quick. Good times. read more

Hey, it's just not my type of bar. The atmosphere is a 180 from their previous location, going from a dark and somewhat exciting environment to a wide open sports bar kind of place. The crowd has also dramatically shifted and it seems like I don't really see anyone I know here anymore, which would be fine except I'm pretty sure the Scorekeepers crowd has moved in judging by the loud rap music and the giant screen TVs showing baseball every time I go in. There's also never a place to sit, which is like the old Babs, except the area outside the tables is bare and wide open so your party will be standing in full view of the rest of the bar with no place to set down drinks or hang up your coat, again reminding me of a sports bar. I think the service is fine and I have no issues with the drinks or prices, but the atmosphere is piss poor compared to the old location. read more

Does it get a little crowded on weekends? Of course. But Babs' ample space, great music selection, and affordable cocktails more than make up for it. Being in a basement, Babs' has a modern speakeasy feel to it. I thoroughly enjoyed my rye cocktail, and was impressed by the tasteful presentation, especially for a place that can get pretty bro-ey some weekends. Oh, and I forgot to mention, they also have pool tables and some other bar games to keep you entertained. If for the size alone I'll definitely considering having my next birthday here. read more

Decent vibe, drinks aren't terribly expensive, but really crappy service. I was a Babs' for a party last weekend; the organizer had reserved the back room for us. When I got there it took at least 10 minutes to locate a server, and then another 5 to explain that we were there for the party, and then another 10 at least for her to take orders, forget a couple, come back with some, make another trip to the bar... rinse and repeat. We had to keep the door to the back room open even though it was so loud in the pool area that we couldn't hear the game we had on. THEN it turns out that although the organize had called several times to confirm the reservation, the bar went over capacity and half our party was left waiting outside, even though Babs had promised our whole group would be allowed in. We ended up leaving pretty quickly. Maybe it was just a mis-communication, but the way the whole situation was handled ensures that I won't be returning. read more

A cool vibe, good art, and definitely a comfortable place. People always love this place when they first find it, because it is so hidden, and its easy to miss with even the best directions. However, the service is usually pretty bad, and last time I went I saw them break a fifth in the ice bin. Anyone who has ever worked at a restaurant knows you need to dump the ice when this happens because its impossible to pick up all the pieces of small glass, but it was busy, and they did their best to pick the pieces out, but they never emptied the ice. HUGE health-code violation, and incredibly dangerous. read more

I WANT TO GIVE 4 AND A HALF STARS!!! Bab's is my favorite bar in Ann Arbor. Mind you, I do my best to stay away Friday and Saturday nights because the crowd begins to look too much like Rush Street. I may be somewhat biased as I first learned how to play pool here, but it still remains to be one of the only places in town that is large enough to accommodate a lot of people, but still laid-back enough where you can have a conversation with a large group (rather than just the person you are sitting next to). Lack of the Charley's/Rick's/Skeeps crowd is a major plus. Fleetwood across the street? Plus, part deux. read more

John Carlo makes wicked martinis (says my company). Stop on by for good drinks and a good atmosphere. It picks up after 9:30. Expect a mixed crowd with casual dress. This isnt your most upscale lounge, but its not a hole-in-the-wall sports bar either. They are a cigar bar/lounge with a lot of space, pool tables, and a great atmosphere. The entrance does not look like anything special. It looks like you are going down into the entrance of a hotel gym if you get there early enough and they dont have the coat guy already there. Dont hesitate to head down and pick out a spot because it will fill up. Cheers! read more

I like the concept... swanky-ish bar with no real sign, tucked away in a building basement in downtown Ann Arbor... shh... it's a secret. Yet, I'm always somehow disappointed every time we end up here. I think maybe if I went on a random night like Tuesday when they have $4. forties and play movies I might enjoy myself more. Babs gets too crowded on the weekends; you will struggle to find a place to sit and standing can make you feel like you're in the way. The main problem is that they seem to have as many servers on the floor on a packed Saturday (I usually count two, for the WHOLE place) as they do on a slow Tuesday. Getting service (or anything to drink) can be a challenge, no doubt. Be prepared to wait an extended period for a drink and even longer for the bill at the end of the night. Bring exact change or you'll be there until next week. BOTTOM LINE: A decent spot for a random week night, too much work for a weekend. read more

I was in Babs' briefly and can report that I would never know it existed. My friend Nick O. likened it to Ann Arbor's Black Finn. I wouldn't necessarily think that a good thing but I think it paints an accurate picture of the clientele--cougars, business men, townies, undergrads who are tired of their peers, etc. And there was a line! A long line to actually get into the bar. I think what I found most unappealing was that it was weirdly hidden, almost unmarked, in the basement of a business. I don't understand why this would be where anyone would want to spend their evenings, but to each their own? If I were choosing a bar in Ann Arbor to grab a cocktail at, I would want more ambiance. . . and windows. There was pool and it actually was spacious. . . kind of a like a basement rumpus room--maybe this was their intention? read more

Babs' reminds me of the basements you'd see in the homes of really rich high school friends-just add a large bar and lots of people sporting lumberjack shirts. I didn't notice the swankier paintings, but I suppose I'd be calling it an art deco basement then. This isn't bad at all, though. Sometimes after sweaty jostling at The Brown Jug and the contrived cool of PJ's, you need a reminder that bars need not be saunas filled with overpriced alcohol and trashed undergrads. The drinks are tasty, the bartenders are really nice and you've gotta love a crowd that cheers at the strains of the Star Wars theme set to a danceable beat. I'll be back. read more

Bab's is solid. It's much better than my usual Ann Arbor drinking establishments (i.e. Eightball or Circus), in that they actually "clean" things after people leave. Lots of seating, especially if you get there earlier, and because it seems like there's always a line later in the night... A decent amount of the clientele try really hard to be Ann Arbor hipsters, which just makes want to pat them on the head and giggle. I get beat up a lot in this town. read more

Good bar, fair prices drinks, good atmosphere for drinks, the people were a nice blend I would come back read more

The typical townie hangout. Not nearly as classy as the original, but one of the only places in A2 where you can dodge the d-bags. Well, some of them anyway. A great spot to chill out with some friends, hang with Gian Carlo the fab bartender, and watch the old cokeheads who have (unfortunately) turned into crackheads... They could use an updated cocktail menu, though. From the looks of it, the menu hasn't been updated since 2003, with exception for a mediocre Pomegranate martini. read more

Babs underground is a great place if you don't know where it is then I'm not telling you will have to try and find it on your own that's the whole point about this place read more

Looks like an awesome place, but we walked in to found the floor full of students... no seats.. we walked out. We're only 23 and 22! Do not go on Saturday read more

Oh my gosh! I lived in the area for 5 years and didn't know this place existed until Friday night! Oh what a find! Sooooo much fun. They, of course, had Oberon on tap. I mean, it IS Michigan for goodness sake. Then my wonderful friend Thom introduced me to the Sidecar, the most wonderful, fantabulous old school cocktail EVER! So delish! I really enjoyed this place because it wasn't the typical Ann Arbor crowd. Yes, some hipsters were spotted, but overall, it seemed more like a locals kind of place, which is something I appreciate. Jean-Carlo (I think I have that right!), is an amazing bartender and mixes drinks with a touch of love. All in all, wonderful! read more

I love the atmosphere here. Great place to come wit a few friends for some casual drinks or for a date night. They have great ambience in their lounge area, with table service or ordering at the bar. The drinks are great and pretty strong. They have some snacks to nibble on but that's not their main goal here so that's not a highlight. They also have a pool table and a pinball machine, along with some video game machines. You can even get coins from a change machine to play. Definitely a cool, laid back spot for some drinks any night out. read more

I love Bab's. If you don't know where it is, you may pass it! The drinks are delicious~ they make one hell of a dirty martini. They have this photo booth in there that takes the four black and white pictures on one strip. This is a very useful tool for remembering who you were with last night... The crowd tends to be your standard Ann Arbor crowd~ hipsters and I'm too good for you types. Very few rowdy college kids. I've never left Bab's still sober...and I think I am going to keep it that way! read more

Bab's is ok. Decent beer section, but HORRIBLE service. The 1st time i went there, the server tried to charge me higher prices the more guiness I consumed. The first 3 guinesses were $5. She attempted to charge me $7 more than once after. I called her out and then asked to speak to her manager. I never saw her the rest of the night. I guess they assume that the more you drink, the easier it is to rip you off. The second time i was there the server ignored us completely (which is better than getting ripped off). This place is ok if you're already drunk and wanna play some pool. Enough said! read more

I loveee coming to this place when I am visiting Ann arbor. Its always a blast. Their lavender hill drink is to die for. I love Ann arbor and Babs!! read more

Babs' Underground Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

This was hard to find! But once we did, we really enjoyed the atmosphere and the drinks. Lovely staff and extensive selection of wine, beer and specialty drinks. We were in on a Thursday and there was a moderate crowd. I personally enjoyed the Texas mule. read more

Bab's is my kind of swank. From the name to the decor to the speakeasy entrance, it threatens to be the kind of insufferable place that I avoid like the plague. But Bab's has managed to placate even a hardcore dive bar patron like myself. Bab's has TVs playing sports. They have pool tables and couches. Perhaps most importantly, they actually put some thought into the design of the actual bar. Its giant and winding, always well staffed and has a ton of access points. I guess I do know a bartender or two there pretty well, so maybe my luck is attributable to that. Of course the clientele can be a bit douchey, but its Ann Arbor, you're going to have to deal with that on some level at most places in town. And par for the course, it ain't cheap most nights. I guess more than anything Bab's feels like a fun slightly upscale night out without the insufferableness often associated with places of that ilk. I've never had a bad time there, which should be endorsement enough. read more

A nice retreat from AA - a little smoky, but yes, bartenders and drinks are great and they monitor the capacity quite nicely - the best part is the departure from your typical beer guzzling hole and even though there are sports, it's not intrusive. Best part for me is the ol' fashioned photo booth (b+w) where you can really capture those moments after you've had your second martini. Fun fun. read more

Cool speakeasy vibe But kind of snooty as well Worth visiting once Has a mature crowd Babs' will be your kind of bar If you hate South U read more

A local directed me here when I asked where a decent, normal bar is. I don't know if this fit the bill. The music selection was odd. I was happy to hear MF Doom "Rhymes Like Dimes" but dismayed when I heard god damn Sting "Every Breath You Take" directly following. A couple walked in and said something about outdoing some people. I turned to the left and saw a couple making out. That made me think this place was on the up and up. This was solidified by when I went to take a piss and saw a novelty vending machine. I did not feel at home here. I felt it was a contrived atmosphere. If you are going to be one type of place, be it. Just don't play Sting. For crying out loud. read more

The atmosphere seems pretty swanky and upscale, but the drinks are reasonably priced, and they have specials throughout the week. It's a little darker than I prefer, but I guess that it adds to the ambience. The people here really makes this place special for me. The staff are attentive, personable, just easy to get along with. There are regulars who like to chill there before the 10pm rush, and they're good people to know. After 10, the mood livens up as people fill up the area. There seems to me an even mix of people from the neighborhood and young professionals frequenting Bab's on most nights. If it's not too busy, I recommend introducing yourself to the bartenders, they're good people. read more

Came here with a few coworkers after getting some drinks down the block. It was dead empty on a Wednesday at 10pm - but that was fine for us. The decor is a little dated and you know you are in a basement but hey - it's in the name of the place. Very large and open, two pool tables and a few tv's. Strong cocktails at reasonable prices. Shout out to the maker's Manhattans - strong but not to sweet, how i like them. read more

Babs is always a great place to go. It's a bit more low key and somehow it always makes you feel like it's somehow your own. I think it's likely the lightly signed door, the walk down the stairs, and the unpretentious entrance that does it for me. And besides t's a cool place, with a great atmosphere, and great drinks. What more could you want? read more

After reading previous reviews, I'm thinking I missed this place during it's hayday. A lot of disappointed reviewiers. However, I really dug this place! I will admit it was a bit hard to find, but once you're in, it's this nice clean, dark lounge with several types of clientele. I think the difference for me was I went on a Thursday night. It wasn't packed, so I didn't have to experience the bad music, Dbags, or lack of service. I do prefer the low-lit lounge vs. the overly crazy dance club, and I felt that Babs' was a very nice place to hang out in a big comfy chair, have a great conversation and enjoy a tasty beverage. They have 2 nice pool tables in case sitting and talking isn't your thing. I enjoyed a pretty good cucumber martini made by a very friendly bartender. He admitted he was no expert with the drink, but said he would try to refine it each time I came in. Ok then...I'll be back! read more

I went to Bab's with a group of friends on a Thursday to grab a drink and shoot some pool. The place was pretty empty, which was fine for us, but still kind of odd. The pool tables were nice and there were plenty of cues that all seemed to be in good shape! They had a few TVs showing Thursday Night Football and decent background music. They also have a special on Thursdays that for $7 you get a shot of bourbon and a short beer. The problem I had with this place was the service was fairly shoddy. We were a group of four and the service was fairly slow. Even though the place was empty... Also, our server really screwed up our checks at the end and after it was fixed they kinda blew it off and were rude about it. Overall I'd say it's a pretty cool bar if you're looking to shoot pool in a very low key environment. Just be prepared for service to be on the slower end! read more

I went here for a beer on Friday night- and it was EMPTY! There were a few people playing pool, but not much for people at the bar. The bartender was very nice, attentive, and wanted to strike up a conversation with us. The location is strange, but I think that's part of the fun- that you have to really "know" Ann Arbor to get there easily. They did have a "beer and a shot" special for $7 if that's your thing. read more

A group us grad students came here last night (Friday) because someone knew they'd have room for all 12 of us after Mash was crowded. Really low-key chill and pretty much empty until 11. Two pool tables. A TV. Ample seating. Pretty good background music playing. Pretty sure they don't serve food but we came to drink. I'm a sweet drink cocktail girl. Had the Fruity Fitz ($8) - was okay. Had the Apple Cider Martini ($8) - *really good* - had another. All in all, a good place to go for a good time. Not my favorite bar ever, but I'd definitely go back! read more

Super fun speakeasy type bar. You walk in a building and it looks like you're going to a business office but it's just another basement bar. The cocktails all sounded amazing and I went with the lavender one. Super tasty and did the job! read more

Solid existing reviews...only here to give it more props. Didn't discover this gem till my last year in the deuce. Great place to bring a date and the ambience always puts me in the mood for scotch and a cigar, though it's cocktails are solid. It's downtown location combined with lowkey fascade (oxymoron i know) is a great seive for catching those that would frequent Rick's. read more

Never judge a bar by it's storefront. My friend and I wandered around Ashley St. until we stumbled upon a large bald man reading a novel on a barstool in front of what appeared to be an office building. After showing our IDs, we walked down some steps and through a plain wooden door. To our surprise, the bar was filled with twentysomethings, the TVs had a variety of games showing, and there were two pool tables! If you scrutinize the place, you'll realize that it's actually pretty plain in terms of decor. Also, I think there may have been one waitress covering the whole crowd, so the service was subpar. However, I liked the overall atmosphere and it's a nice change of pace from the South U bars and most of the Main St. bars. (I'd say Babs' falls somewhere in the middle.) Will definitely visit again, and redeem myself at the pool table :D read more

Wow! Bab's used to be one of my favorite bars and it was a 4-star in my book. Unfortunately times have changed and it has just become an average bar that has lost its sophisticated feel. I was in there last night for the first time in 2 years and I was extremely disappointed. A smoky bar with a rude bartender means that I won't be back any time soon. Sorry Bab's... read more

Wondered in here after a night on the town with a few people and i was very impressed and couldn't believe i had not heard of this place before. They had some great cocktails that were fairly priced for this area and could make you just about anything you wanted. The place is actually pretty large, we got there pretty early and it was pretty empty but by the time we left it was getting really crowded but still plenty of floor space to move around. The speak easy feel was also a bonus to them and i want to hit this place up a few more times and really get a feel with it. I like that i can now rotate around some cocktail places and expand the map because the ann arbor cocktail scene is limited and its nice to have another place to go to. read more

Babs' was one of my favorite bars, but it really let me down this weekend. I made a reservation 3 weeks in advance for a surprise party in the VIP room, put down a deposit, and called to update the number of people in our party and check on my reservation when Michigan made it to the final four. Each time, I dealt with a great manager who was helpful and understanding, and who assured me that everything was all set. Unfortunately, the night of the party, the manager on duty (not the one I had talked to when making the arrangements) did not hold the line as promised and stopped letting people in. I received no phone call to let me know that he wasn't going to hold the line, and found out about it about 20 minutes before the surprise was scheduled. Guests who had gotten in were treated rudely, and I was treated rudely on the phone. I will not be taking my business there again. I'm extremely disappointed with my experience and with the manager who did not honor my contract and deposit. If you do decide to book the VIP room (though I would STRONGLY caution against it), make sure you get your reservation time and any promises confirmed in writing--otherwise they'll just deny what they previously said. read more

I normally can get pretty decent drinks from the tall bartender with the bowtie. He's honestly good in my book. However, the short and squat manager that was working tonight (4/21/2018) was pretty horrendous. According to another worker at the establishment, they had been dealing with a few rude customers already. To be fair, I may have come off a little forceful about my (and my boyfriend's) drinks but I have had a few barely-any-alcohol drinks from Bab's before so I just wanted it corrected. I was told that they didn't do any "returns" even though I was just asking for the drinks to be remade, or for different drink altogether. When it was clear that we weren't going to get that, I just asked for a water because I just wanted to sober up at that point. I was told repeatedly by the squat manager that they didn't do returns. Even though I just wanted water. In the end, this has basically left me to never want to return to Bab's. I would never ever recommend this "establishment" to any friends but, if they did choose to visit, I would still recommend the tall gentleman of a bartender because I still think he's the best. read more