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    Checker Bar

    3.5 (223 reviews)
    ModerateBars, American, Burgers
    Closed Closed
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Checker Bar Photos

    CHECKER BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Divey
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Checker Bar

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    Lexi M.

    This spot is at a great location and the smell will bring you in. The pizza - WOW the pizza. We come here to play pinball and the pizza always looks and smells amazing. The restaurant part is downstairs and the arcade is on the second level. You can still order food in the arcade though so that's a plus. Great spot for drinks, family fun or just an out spot for lunch or dinner.

    Bar
    Gary C.

    This place is hidden in middle of city. My wife went with the egg burger that comes with Checker fries. While I went with the home checker burger (tastes like bowling alley burger) that comes with fries (not like checkers or rally's fries). But this place has different drinks for days if that what you're into. This is not a Military friendly location.

    Fries
    Katy C.

    We came to Checker Bar on a recommendation from the bartender at Jacoby's. Nate and I snagged the last two seats at the bar and ordered a couple N/A drinks from their decent list. I was happy to see that they were priced very reasonably, at $5-$6. We also split a basket of fries, which were hot and fresh and very similar to McDonald's. It was nice to take a bit of a break from bar hopping with a snack. We didn't check out the arcade but I'd like to come back. The bartenders were on top of things but it started to get super slammed as the Red Wings game was finishing up as everyone has to order at the bar so there was a line forming for drink and food orders. We waited a bit to close out our tab but it seems like a really fun spot that I'd visit again in the future!

    Greg B.

    Granted we went on NFL draft Friday, but we had burgers. They were really good but I can't say that they were the best that I've had I've had much better in Detroit. The buns are soft which is a bonus but that's about all that stands out about them. The atmosphere in that bar is awesome, you can't beat the location and the ambiance. The young lady that waited on us was sufficient I wouldn't say that she was totally outstanding but then again like I said we went on a very busy day. I would go back I would probably go during the week. But I'll let you make your own choice.

    Nachos and drink
    Donna O.

    Honestly I'd tried to go to another bar I'd only seen that turned out to be closed on Sundays. When we got there though, everything else was closing up, so checkers was recommended to to us. I texted the rest of the group to meet us there. They serve food till they close, which is normally 2, but Sunday it was midnight. We still had plenty of time to unwind and relax wth good food. My nachos were delicious and the screwdriver and cranberry vodka were also great!

    Pulled pork sandwich with fries
    De Saltino D.

    Food was mediocre. Wife had potatoes skins and they were burnt. I had pulled pork sandwich with fries which were decent. Daughter had side salad which was ok with nachos covered with beef, it was ok. Other daughter had cheeseburger with fries which was ok. Had to seat ourselves and pick up a menu and wait for someone to come and take our order. We saw quite a few flies which was also a turnoff. Don't recommend this place

    Pinball
    Kitty K.

    Cool little dive bar with an arcade attached! The Checker Bar is known for it's tasty burgers! It's super close to all the sports and downtown happenings. Very close to Greektown, Campus Martius, Ford Field, Comerica. Parents bring their kids here. There is an outside patio. Vintage games upstairs. Great date night or family outing.

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

    I don't know what to say, but man their burgers smelled real bad when I had them twice! Drinks are fine.

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    A Detroit staple. Good food good drinks dependable and nice atmosphere. Anyone who votes 4 or under doesn't get it

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Best burger I errr had. Waitress was fun too. Little pricey but ya get what ya pay for. And they have good liquor. Great call all around

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Cool place for a quick drink. The bartender was a rockstar.

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    10 years ago

    Angela is amazing!!! Cold beer great food wonderful atmosphere...it's a detroit gem!!

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    10 years ago

    Awesome spot! Great staff and good atmosphere. Stop by and have a brew! Great dessert as well, try the hummer! ;]

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    11 years ago

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    Page 6 of 6

    Ask the Community - Checker Bar

    Do they have their own parking lot? What are the parking options for this bar?

    Checker Bar does not have its own parking lot, although they are located next to a paid parking lot. There's a garage across the street that costs a flat $10, or you can look for street parking and pay by the hour. Parking on the street is free on… 

    When is happy hour I saw 4-7, 5-7 and 2-4 which is right?

    Monday-Friday 4P-7P Saturday and Sunday 12P-3P… 

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    Standby - Big Eye Tuna

    Standby

    4.4(726 reviews)
    0.2 miDowntown Detroit
    $$

    Wonderful the staff was very polite and professional. They atmosphere was like no other.read more

    Had such an amazing experience at Standby!! The food and especially the drinks were outstanding…read more The cocktail menu was organized into three parts: Opening, Principals, and Finish. The theme was "Yes, Chef: An exploration of culinary icons through a cocktail lens." Each drink was inspired by or dedicated to a famous culinary icon, and you can read about each one in the index. We each ordered one drink from each section. From the Opening, I chose the Diaspora Club, which was so refreshing and delicious. Then from the Principals, I chose the Chingona, which was a little bit spicy and savory but still so refreshing. To Finish, I chose the Chocolatier Cosmo, which came with a tiny house-made salted dark chocolate. I loved all three cocktails I ordered, especially the chocolatier cosmo because it was perfectly sweet and went so well with the small piece of chocolate. For food, we started off with the crispy pork belly milk bread. For my entree, I ordered the miso butter gnocchi. It was kind of on the salty side but I still really liked it. The apple sofrito added a bit of sweetness to it. For dessert, we had to get the rhubarb coffee cake, which came with strawberry ice cream. Omg one of the best desserts I've ever had!! I never thought of combining cinnamon coffee cake with rhubarb or strawberry but it's perfect, and I might have to make something like that soon. Service was great and we were seated right away at 8pm on a Saturday despite not having a reservation. Food and drinks came out promptly and timed perfectly. We spent about 1.5 hours here and we never felt rushed.

    Photos
    Standby - Seating area

    Seating area

    Standby - Smashed Cucumber Salad

    Smashed Cucumber Salad

    Standby - Coconut Shrimp

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    Lumen Detroit - Everything Bagel Wings

    Lumen Detroit

    4.0(585 reviews)
    0.6 miDowntown Detroit
    $$

    Lumen, my dear friend. It's been too long. In case you have not been introduced, Lumen is a sexy,…read morestylish friend that makes you feel relaxed and at the same time cooler. I wore a button up shirt and Oxford shoes with my jeans, and I felt overdressed. But really, what matters most is the food. Our server recommended the calamari as an appetizer, and it was incredible. Not a single bite of it was the least bit chewy. The fried exterior did not make it feel heavy at all. And, when I say that not a single bite was chewy, I know that because we finished every bit of it. My burger was a half pound of ground prime rib. This might be the best hamburger I've ever had in my life, and I have eaten a lot of excellent burgers. It was so good that my wife kept taking bites of it. This seemed fair, because I kept taking bites of her salmon. I was skeptical about the breading on the salmon, but this is a bit of a masterpiece. The Panko breadcrumbs are light, and the rice vinegar seasoning works beautifully with it. The edamame and other shredded vegetables were mostly for decoration. But, the rice was equally amazing. The service was friendly and efficient at the same time. I'm reminded again of how it's been too long since we were last here. It definitely won't be that long until our next visit.

    More like 3.5 but rounding up to 4. Our dinner experience at Lumen was saved by two things for…read moreme...the location and the fries! Oh heavens those hot, crispy fries (and magical dipping sauce). It is a small indoor dining space but they have a roof deck, two nice sized patios, and an outdoor bar area with a fire pit. They are located within Beacon Park, which is a cute little urban pocket park outside the DTE headquarters building. It was perfect to enjoy the summer concert series and dance to some 80s classics. Service was friendly, but slow. We decided to just get a few appetizers, as all of the entree options sounded too heavy for a hot summer night. They were all really tasty and the meatballs make a meal themselves. Loved the "gold coast" cocktail. I think this would be a repeat drinks and apps only stop in the future.

    Photos
    Lumen Detroit - Inside

    Inside

    Lumen Detroit - Delectable chicken wing appetizer

    Delectable chicken wing appetizer

    Lumen Detroit - Moscow mule

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    Moscow mule

    The Eagle

    The Eagle

    4.2(175 reviews)
    1.2 miMidtown
    $$

    I ordered through GH (8/27/26) and it came fast, I am pretty close by, so the food was still hot…read more The order was Fried Chicken, Cheese Grits, Collards, biscuit. The fried chicken was phenomenal, it came with hot honey, and that took it over the top. It was juicy and crispy and the hot honey was the best I have tasted. Chef's kiss! The grits were good and had a little spice to them that I appreciated and the biscuit was crumbly and buttery in a non-greasy way, yummy! However, the collards were the worst greens I have ever tasted in my life. I'm sorry y'all, I don't know what happened to the person who cooked those greens were bad. There was not a bit seasoning! I couldn't even re-do them at home, they were so bad, I COULDN'T EAT THEM. I was so shocked because everything else was so good! I will absolutely order food from them again, but I'm never ordering those greens again!

    We came here around 10pm on a Friday night after a very long day. It wasn't packed but there were…read morequite a few groups eating there. We sat at the bar to speed the food along because we were hungry. The bartender, Tristan, was nice and accommodating. I had the Fried Chicken BLT. Ya'll! This was an excellent sandwich. The tomato and lettuce was so fresh and the chicken was so well seasoned. It was absolutely delicious. The perfect sandwich. I'd go back for another one right now but will definitely be returning to this restaurant for that sandwich next time I'm in Detroit.

    Photos
    The Eagle
    The Eagle
    The Eagle

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    Union Assembly - Fried chicken sliders with the chicken tossed in triple pepper sauce.

    Union Assembly

    3.9(293 reviews)
    0.6 miDowntown Detroit
    $$

    Went here before a Tigers game and the wait for a table was not bad considering how busy it was for…read morea game got a table in less than 15 minutes, our server was very busy yet was always able to check on us and make sure we had refills and our food came out very fast! It was slightly loud in there due to the music but the decorations and seating options are very fun so it seemed to fit the vibes well, we ordered the detroit style traditional pepperoni pizza with a side of their ranch, the pizza was phenomenal, their ranch is seemingly homemade and has a strong dill flavor so be wary if you're not a fan of that, I love dill so I thought it was great, will definitely make a trip back here for the pizza again!

    I made a reservation for 6:15 on a Saturday night before a performance at the Fox Theater. They…read moresent me several reminder texts, probably because there were a lot of things going on in the area. We were seated at a nice booth in the back where it was a little quieter than in the front. Unfortunately, the table was very wide, so it was hard to reach the condiments and silverware that were in the basket at the edge of the table. Our server asked what we wanted to drink & we wanted iced tea, but they didn't have any. No iced tea? We were shocked. So, we just had water. The server brought 3 empty glasses and a carafe of water, and it was a little bit of a struggle to reach it. Two of us ordered the parmesan chicken and the other person ordered the whitefish. While the coating on the fish and chicken were good, neither the chicken nor the fish itself were seasoned, so the overall taste was kind of bland. The green beans were cooked nicely -- still had the nice snap, but not much flavor. On the other hand, the flavor of the mashed potatoes was very good, but they weren't particularly warm. When I made the reservation online, it asked if there was anything special that they should know. I mentioned that it was the birthday celebration for someone in our party. They didn't recognize it any way. Would I come back here? Maybe. But I would probably order a burger or pizza instead.

    Photos
    Union Assembly - Interior

    Interior

    Union Assembly - Chicken sliders & Fried and dip appetizer

    Chicken sliders & Fried and dip appetizer

    Union Assembly - Special cocktail

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    Special cocktail

    Selden Standard - Flat Bread with Sweet Potato Baba Ganoush

    Selden Standard

    4.3(1.6k reviews)
    1.6 miCass Corridor, Midtown
    $$

    What took me so long to get here? I've talked about coming here for what seems like a decade…read more Finally, I made it. We met another couple and were supposed to dine outside. Sadly, we got a message that they changed us to inside due to possible rain. I understand, but it didn't end up raining and the outside area looked incredible. I added a photo. Oh well. That was the only real bummer. The service was amazing - pacing out all of the small plate dishes in a sensible fashion. We ordered 7 different things, and one extra arrived that we didn't order. Every item was fresh and flavorful. We definitely will come back - though not all the time as that is cost prohibitive. While it definitely is on the pricey side, we are very happy to have dined here tonight.

    We went here before a show at the Masonic and it was great. We made a reservation which I…read moredefinitely recommend. I was worried about the communal seating , but it actually was okay. The waitress was great with suggestions and any questions we had. My friend didn't like any of the mocktail options, but the bartender was able to just create one that she loved. We started with the roasted mushrooms and the sweet corn agnolotti, both were delicious. I especially liked the mushrooms. Then we had the gnocchi and the seafood fideo. I loved the seafood fideo it was great. Overall it was a great experience that I do recommend.

    Photos
    Selden Standard - Main space

    Main space

    Selden Standard - Smoked Potato

    Smoked Potato

    Selden Standard - Cauliflower

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    Cauliflower

    Supergeil - Dessert trio: (closest to camera - strawberries and cream, brownie with cinnamon ice cream, burnt sugar tres leches

    Supergeil

    4.4(269 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Supergeil is an Eastern European and Mediterranean inspired restaurant nestled in the heart of…read moreCorktown. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance transported me to a beautiful Mediterranean garden, with its gorgeous tiled floors, lush greenery, and warm, inviting atmosphere. It felt like a refreshing escape right in the middle of Detroit's historic cobblestone streets. It was the perfect setting for a long-overdue reunion with my sorority sisters, and Supergeil was incredibly accommodating, hosting our group of 14 women in the middle of Grand Prix weekend without missing a beat. We kicked off the evening with a few appetizers to share, including the hummus, deviled eggs, and meatballs. Everything arrived quickly and was an instant hit around the table. The standout was definitely the hummus, served with fresh, homemade pita that was unbelievably soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor. The meatballs were also delicious, perfectly tender, juicy, and well seasoned. For my entrée, I ordered the popular lamb and beef döner, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The portion was generous and beautifully presented, overflowing with crisp vegetables, fresh lettuce, garlic sauce, hot sauce, and the most tender, savory lamb and beef. Around the table, others enjoyed the Turkish ravioli with spiced beef and pork, more döner, and a variety of salads. Everyone loved their meals, and we couldn't resist passing plates around to sample a little of everything. It's the kind of restaurant that's perfect for sharing and enjoying with a large group. And what would a girls' night be without cocktails? If you're a fan of Two James spirits like I am, you're in for a treat. The bartenders create incredibly inventive cocktails from a seasonally rotating menu. I stepped outside my comfort zone and ordered the Open Kettle, made with coffee infused Doctor Bird Rum, cola reduction, coconut cream, and Underberg. It was unlike anything I've ever had! It was rich, tropical, complex, and with just the right kick. It's an absolute must try. Another crowd favorite was the Purple Gang, featuring lavender vodka, lemon, and butterfly pea tea, which gave it the most stunning purple hue. To finish the night, we ordered all three desserts to share: the burnt sugar tres leches, strawberries and cream, and the hot brownie with cinnamon ice cream. My favorite was easily the tres leches. It was light, creamy, and perfectly balanced with the crunch of burnt caramel and the subtle sweetness of coconut, it was a creative twist on a classic dessert. The warm brownie with cinnamon ice cream was pure comfort and a chocolate lover's dream, while the strawberries and cream offered a lighter finish with sesame brittle and hibiscus, creating a unique combination that reminded me of an elevated granola paired with a glazed donut cream. From the beautiful atmosphere and attentive service to the creative cocktails and delicious food, Supergeil delivered an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're planning date night, catching up with friends, or celebrating with a large group, it's definitely a spot worth adding to your Detroit restaurant list.

    Supergeil translates to "Super cool", and this along with all the other super laxatives, is…read moreaccurate. The menu is Turkish and German fusion, which makes when you know how the doner kabob has become a German fast food staple. I've gone a few times now and had consistently great experiences. From the just the right level of eccentric inside, to the wide patio outside, the environment is comfortable and fun. Their food and cocktail menu changes often. There a few mainstays, including their doner options. Their lamb doner version is the only one I've found in the US I like (I have to remember to ask without peppers, not a traditional ingredient). Their cocktails are fresh, inventive, and interesting. I've tried a variety, and they do a consistently good cocktail. Supergeil is a reliable go to, good quality, reasonable prices, and great service. I'll be back for their patio season.

    Photos
    Supergeil - Interior felt like a lovely garden

    Interior felt like a lovely garden

    Supergeil - Hummus  w/Iranian garlic & flat bread

    Hummus w/Iranian garlic & flat bread

    Supergeil - Georgian soup dumplings.

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    Georgian soup dumplings.

    Checker Bar - bars - Updated September 2026

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