Who does not like this place?!?! Oooo yeah people who cannot wait for a table and think it is stupid to wait for a table here. I enjoy coming to this place....yes I have had to wait but call in before and put your name down instead of walking in. The place honestly sit a small amount of people. But once you walk through those curtains you will fall in love with the place. As for the drinks, they do have a menu of cocktails that they specialize in. However, you can get any drink they can make. The first time I came here I ordered a drink from the menu because you just have to. But now I have ventured off to explore the other types of liquor they have there. The people there are so nice that they will help you find a drink you will like. I enjoy coming here and will continue to come. You will meet different types of people there, I always have. To see what other people are drinking. It is a good place to share and have a good time at. read more

Expect to spend some good money here. Their specialty drinks range from $18 to hundreds. GREAT little place to sit and have a cocktail with one or two intimate friends. NOT for large parties--I'd say small and tight knit is their aim. Call ahead or stop in for a reservation. It took about an hour for the 3 of us to get in later on a Friday night... and it was worth it. read more

Bad Luck Bar - The best drink on the menu. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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What an amazing experience. In my 18 years of bartending / running bars, have I never had such well prepared and balanced drinks. From walking down a shitty alley, to finding a random door with their logo on it, to the dark atmosphere...... this establishment has given me a memory with my wife, on our anniversary, that I will never forget. And for those looking at their drink menu and thinking it's pricy: it's definitely not. Yes it's not a $3 draft bud light or a $10 vodka cranberry. But for those who appreciate what master mixologists can do when they are given unlimited resources, this is the place for you. Truly humbling experience for me. No only do I have almost 2 decades of bartending in my resume, but I'm also from Vegas. I really thought I was A+ at what I do. You guys definitely showed me that there is another whole level to achieve in this industry. Thank you all for this experience. We will be back here every time we are in Detroit. *side note. If any of the bartenders / staff are on insta: I'm Michael_behind_the_bar (I would love to keep in contact) cheers read more

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Atmosphere is rocking awesome. True speakeasy vibe...having to go down an alley and knock on the door!! Eric was awesome, friendly, and so nice!! Cocktails were amazing with studly presentation! Pricey but worth every penny!! read more

Excellent drinks, great service. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for. Definitely the best bar I've been to in Detroit thus far. read more

Bad Luck Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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First time at this incredible speakeasy and LOVED every moment. From entering through the alley, to the dim lighting and posh seating - and the service from Eric and others -- FABULOUS! The craft cocktails are creative and precise and delicious! The presentation of each is over-the-top. What a Detroit delight! read more

Really nice place and very hidden. Entrance is in the back of an alley. Nice ambiance. Service is top notch. Small place which makes it nice to have a conversation, a cocktail, and getaway. Might need a reservation because of limited tables. Very cool drink menu with very cool drinks and different kinds of recipes. Very rare types of bourbon, rum, vodkas that you can't find at many places. Drinks are not cheap but worth every penny because you really are getting something out of the ordinary. read more

Bad Luck Bar - Decadence and Envy Cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Love the new menu!! I tried the Envy and the Downward Facing Man with a friend, and had a fantastic time as usual. Always good service, always good cocktails. I'm a regular here and would return. Ask for Scott or Yani, who can make you a white Negroni or whatever flavor profile you ask for. Great if you want a night out but you feel indecisive about drinks. read more

I rarely say this... where's my 6 star option? Loved it all. Hidden entrance, greeted right inside door in dark entry way, escorted to bar. Ambience warm and cozy and classy. Jay took great care of us! These drinks are expensive but you are purchasing a drink and watching the preparation and the gorgeous presentation. Did I forget to mention the hot toddie amuse bouche when we sat down? As has been said in other reviews, this is not a place for groups. I recommend heading over early to get a spot at the bar. Great for couples. Not as great for having a huge hours long fight digging into the years-long grudges of your relationships but that's what the couple next to us did anyway. Jay didn't blink an eye and continued to present them with gorgeous and tasty cocktails. Good luck, young lovers! There is no bad luck here. Just unique energy and style. Enjoy! read more

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We love semi-hidden out-of-the-way bars and this one fits the bill. Great atmosphere, great cocktails, albeit a tad pricey, but the pours are appropriately generous for the price. Will be back. read more

A must stop. Creepy alley but once you walk in it is much worth all the wait. Great bartenders. Very attentive. Super friendly. Made my evening. Thank you to my awesome bartenders! read more

Bad Luck Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Bad Luck is the best bar in the state, by far. Yani and the team are absolute pros and come up with extremely creative add innovative cocktails. This is our second time here and we can't wait to come back. Beautiful space, perfect service, and premium drinks. A gem in the city read more

Bad Luck Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Was here with friends. We were pleasantly surprised by the upscale vibe of this place. Knowledgable and friendly staff. We all ordered something different. The Hunter was a great drink a friend tried. Would definitely recommend to others. read more

Bad Luck Bar - I ordered a vodka drink that came with a side of Pop Rocks! What's NOT to love?! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Tucked away, speak easy style bar with decadent craft cocktails. Bad Luck bar is taking craft cocktails to a new level. Each of their drinks features many well planned elements, and will be like nothing you have had before. I don't want to give too much away because I think that a big part of the experience is how surprising it is, but I would recommend either of the two drinks we ordered: the Seer and the Eclipse. Due to the small size of the bar the servers were incredibly attentive and helpful. Quick notes: -There are only 32 seats and no standing room, so expect there to be a wait. You can call ahead (as early as 5pm) and put in a name for a same day reservation. We actually just stopped in before we went to dinner, put our name in, and then they called us right when we were finishing up at dinner. read more

I've come multiple times and have always enjoyed myself. I wouldn't recommend a group larger than 4 as seating is tight, but its a great date spot or somewhere to just kick back and have a well crafted cocktail. I recently went and ordered "the east" and thoroughly enjoyed it. Its boozier than most of their other drinks, but well balanced. We also tried "the downward facing man" and "the alchemist" and were not disappointed with any of them. The bartender Matt is also very knowledgable and fun to chat with. If you haven't already, also check out his bartending classes at sugar house. Will definitely be back! read more

Finally swung in here on a recent Saturday night. Luckily, we came early enough that calling ahead or waiting in line wasn't necessary. Sat right at the bar and imbibed on the complimentary rum toddy, which the wife loved. While there's only 13 original cocktails listed on the menu, their bottle list is extensive and you can get any of the classics made up, or just sample a pouring of one of the many excellent whiskeys. Wife had the Tower, while I had the Mysticism. Tower was an interesting play on an Old Fashioned, where the longer it sits, the more tea favor is infused. Mysticism was awesome. Spirit forward, but real depth of flavor. The hickory smoke was a nice touch, not just for show. One of the best smoke infused cocktails I've had. Followed that up with a pour of Kentucky Owl 11yr Rye, in what appears to be a stemmed Glencairn glass. Glassware here is fantastic. Certainly not a cheap place to grab a cocktail with prices ranging from 18-90 dollars/per, but you're not just paying for the locale, and presentation, spirits used are certainly an uptick from similar cocktails on the standard menu at Sugar House, etc. It's namesake came to fruition as we got a flat tire on the way home. Still didn't dissuade me from wanting to make a repeat visit. A fun place to drink. read more

Notoriously the most expensive and exclusive cocktail lounge in Detroit. Drinks start at $22 and go up from there. Peaking at the $200 rum drink from a limited supply aged barrel that probably has some historical importance. But their ingredient quality, speakeasy atmosphere, and mixology talent at the bar is what you pay for. Overall: 4.6/5 New York prices for Detroit cocktails. Not your every day or every week spot. But if you're coming to impress a client or a date, this will get the job done. Their #14 Old Fashioned is the drink of choice. Cheers! read more

Such a great hidden Detroit Gem! Excellent drinks and atmosphere and great service. The ambiance is very trendy but relaxed. Great for dates or out w friends! Definitely a must stop by if in the D! Bad Luck Toddy and the Dream is what we had tonight! Definitely should do a reservation but we got "lucky" and got two seats at the bar! read more

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Oh how I loved this bar. What great attention to detail! The recipes, ambiance and service were all top notch. Had a great experience there with my husband and our friend. read more

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This place is awesome. Far and away the coolest bar/drinking experience my girlfriend and I have experienced. The staff is super helpful and kind and the owner, Yani, is a pro who is passionate and knowledgeable about this art. Totally worth it and highly recommended. I tried some flavor combos that were completely new and really good. read more

Meh. I wanted to love this place. WANTED to be a regular where they knew who I was nodded their heads in my direction and served me a cocktail I would like with no word exchange. HOWEVER- dissapointment and no plans to go back. Space is super small but looks amazing. Instantly you do not feel like you are downtown Detroit. However when you want me to pay $25 a cocktail and want to seat me in a hightop chair near the exit with no table space. WE GOT PROBLEMS. What a slap in the face. Will not be back. Expand your area or dont even offer that rail seating in the back....seriously. read more

The drinks were boring and the whole bar feels contrived. Don't go UNLESS you don't care about the cocktails and just want to consume hard to pronounce craft ingredients thoughtlessly mixed together in a beautiful space. The drinks are derivative and uninspired. The menu is classic cocktails with substitutes that leave you wishing for the original. The entrance through the alley is fun. It creates an uncertainty and the contrast between the gross, dinghy alley makes the already spectacular aesthetic of the bar seem truly awe inspiring. The space is beautiful and the light is curated. I asked about one of the ingredients in their riff on the Manhattan (I cant remember which tarot card they named it after. It was annoyingly pretentious) expecting to hear why they choose it and how it compliments the other ingredients. Instead, I was told it takes the place of vermouth. Displeased with the description, I ordered their version of the old fashion. It was a scotch drink with a tea bag under the ice cube that would "transform the drink over time." It just diluted the richness of the scotch while still being overpowered. Disappointing. My friend ordered the milk drink. The drink was too boring to describe but was garnished with this amazing powdered campari sugar. It should be on everything. Oh. The presentation was above average, but so was the price. read more

It was pretty tricky to find this bar, the only indicator is a snake on a door of an alley off of Griswold. Once we found it we had to make a reservation and wait about an hour. We walked to queens bar and got a drink there and left once they texted us that our table was ready. This bar has a very trendy and intimate atmosphere. It's pretty small which explains the wait. The drinks are awesome but extremely pricy. The cheapest drink on the menu was $18. If you order a classic drink off the menu it's a bit cheaper. I think my friend got a vodka tonic for about $13. Our drinks had lavender pop rocks and pistachios along the rim. Definitely a cool spot to try but expect to spend around $20 on each cocktail read more

Bad Luck Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Loved the unique vibe of this speakeasy in downtown Detroit I could've stayed there all night long. We were welcomed with a delicious black tea cinnamon cocktail which was amazing - I should've just ordered that as my drink. I so badly want to give this speakeasy a 5 star review but no cocktail should be over $25... read more

I love this place! You definitely aren't sure you're in the right place when you're walking down an alley. Even my daughter from Chicago was going on and on about how we must have made a mistake. But there it was! It's intimate and daring - service is amazing and the drinks are very unusual and cool. Great place to go on a date or take someone from out of town that doesn't think the D is cool! read more

What a great experience!!! My husband had the Hammer and I had the Alchemist. Great presentation, awesome ambiance. Cannot wait to come back with friends! read more

Beautiful beautiful atmosphere but the drink are over priced!!!! Drinks range from 18-100 bucks and the drink was nasty tasted like vinegar with lavender (clothes detergent) pop rocks.. service was awesome I wouldn't return but the decor is superb but that's it read more

Bad Luck Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Nice little speak easy style bar. Very limited seating, very small bar and overall space. But very clean and upscale. Prices aren't cheap but what else would you expect? Hand crafted cocktails with quality ingredients . Definitely worth checking out if you get the chance. I would imagine a Friday or Saturday night might be tough but we went on a Wednesday and walked right up and sat at the bar. The signature drinks on the menu are well thought out, and watching the bartender prepare them in such an intimate setting is pretty cool. read more

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Can't say enough about this place. The speakeasy feeling is amazing. Love bringing people from out of town. Especially the ones who are terrified of Detroit. Nothing like hearing their heartbeat as you head down the alley to a non descriptive door. But then to see the expression as you walk past the heavy drape. Very small, beautiful, very knowledgeable wait staff and bartenders. Drinks are amazing. Many specialty drinks. Prices are on the high side but well worth it. A definite must see while downtown. read more

I called several times to get a reservation. I was told I was on a waitlist at first. I called back a few hours later and was given a time to be there. When the time came my friends and I showed up for our reserved time slot. The guy on the phone argued with me that I didn't have a reservation and I was still on a waitlist. I know that's not what I was told. He kept putting me on hold and then hung up on me before I could say anything, told me he would call me back. He never called me back and was not answering the phone when I tried to call. They have called id and he was censoring my call. We just decided to give up. How disappointing, my friends and I will never go there. We will spread the word about the ridiculous experience we encountered on attempting to get a reservation all night long and how my calls were then blocked. It most definitely sticks to its name as being a "bad luck bar"-that's all we experienced!! read more

So, this place is AMAZING! Fantastic craft cocktails all based on tarot cards. Beautiful bar and great staff! Definitely recommend this bar for a one of a kind experience. read more

Bad Luck Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I'm going to be honest, tonight we didn't even get inside the bar. We were waiting behind a couple for ten minutes before the hostess said she will try to get us in if we were willing to wait - didn't even give us an estimate of how long or inform us of the "exclusive" process. Meanwhile another couple walked in the door to show they had been contacted via phone call from the hostess that their table was available/they were off the waitlist. The hostess then told the couple because they didn't immediately call back their spot was given up. This direction was clearly omitted when she originally had told them they would be contacted via call or text when their table was ready. The bar meanwhile inside looks empty. My boyfriend and I were immediately put off by this service and did not want to spend our money here so we left. I understand the idea to make the bar feel exclusive, but this hostess lacked the hospitality and kindness that should go along with the job. Won't be returning especially for drinks at that price level. read more

What the hell are they thinking with this place? I expected something like the aviary in Chicago with prices like this. The cocktails are way overpriced for what they are. I can only imagine what that pretentious $80 cocktail tastes like. The Oakland and sugar house are way better bets and you'll get more bang for your buck instead of waiting in line for drinks that have a price tag that doesn't match the hype. Can't remember the one cocktail that came in a milk bottle, but it tasted like an overly sweet version of milk that was soaked in cinnamon toast crunch cereal. Couldn't even taste the whiskey or even know there was whiskey in it. Don't bother coming here, you'll be better off elsewhere. What you save in money, you can put in my PayPal account for all the money you saved and for my great too and review of this place. read more

A message for the owner: Beautiful bar. Entertaining drinks. Interesting secret spot. But I have to say that being a barkeeper, or a business man in general, you should make sure your management/employees treat everyone that walks through the door like they've already reserved a seat. My experience was the host didn't even acknowledge my walking into the lounge or waiting in front of him while he was on his phone. Seats were open and he gave us the overflow area which sits facing a wall. I understand almost no one is going to read this post because of it's length, maybe not even the owner, but I'm sorry, if you're looking for a nice jazzy joint, go to Cliff Bell's. What a shame.. read more

This place has a killer vibe. The drinks deserve 10 stars for presentation and creativity. A flaming skull filled with booze....that's just an amazing thing. But a little too sweet for my taste. read more

Bad Luck Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

An awesome new addition to downtown. Looking at previous reviews , uh, Should probably make a call ahead if you have an issue waiting for a table- it's a small space, what do you expect? Absolutely love the ambiance and the intimate setting. Drinks are fabulous with an even more impressive presentation. Definitely a new favorite spot and a place everyone should try out. Again, if you're sensitive to the point you can't handle waiting for five tables to get up, maybe not your spot. 100p worth it. Love this place. read more

This place was a surprise encounter, and a very happy surprise . Extremely friendly and knowledgeable mixologists and great conversationalists.. Amazing cocktails read more

Coolest bar I've been to in a very long time. Hard to find. But well worth the effort

Finding this bar is an adventure in itself in an alleyway. This place is definitely worth a try with their creative and quirky drinks. Each of their drink is exotic and can be very unique made with 24k gold etc. Their complimentary drink was also quite great. read more

very swanky cocktail bar hidden in an alley way behind woodward ave. the cocktails are inventive, ambience is unmatched and staff are top notch. definitely a higher price point but worth a visit. street parking can be tricky in this area, so would recommend a parking lot or parking further away and walking. read more