Father Forgive Me was named #83 on North America's 50 Best Bars list. It's located in a 110-year-old church garage, and there's a beautiful courtyard outside for guests to either sit on the grass or their picnic tables. Just an overall beautiful space. The inside restaurant area is also beautiful. We wanted to sit inside at the bar, so we waited for some seats to open up. If you want to sit outside, all you have to do is order at the bar and they'll serve your drinks in plastic cups for you to take outside. The rhubarb pie punch was so delicious I had to order it twice! Probably one of my favorite cocktails I've ever had. I also ordered the maurixio cattelan, which tasted like ginger ale. For a snack before dinner, we chose to get the burrata and it was so refreshing. The service was great and our bartender was super friendly! The logo with the little lamb is adorable. I bought one of their wine glasses with their logo on it too for just $10. read more

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Father Forgive Me was high on my Detroit list after hearing so much hype about it, both online and from friends. Nate and I stopped in on our most recent visit to Detroit and had a lovely experience. The space is tucked away but had a surprising amount of outdoor space--we were there in January but I'd love to come back in the summer. We were greeted right away and given a spot near the bar. The menu includes cocktails, lots of wine, and several tasty food options. It was quite busy inside, so it took a bit of time for our server to come over to us, but we weren't in a rush. They had ten cocktails on their list and I tried the bullet proof soul and Nate got the negroni alla perra. The ingredients list for some of the cocktails include things I've never heard of, but at a place like this, I just know it's going to be good. Our drinks were perfectly balanced and very tasty. We also ordered the mortadella sandwich to split--this was delicious. It was pretty messy, but worth it. It was perfectly toasted and full of mortadella. Everything on the menu sounded delicious and I would love to try more of the food options. Can't wait to visit again! read more

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This place is a whole vibe! I loved every minute of it! Love the wine selections. Didn't get a chance to try the food because it was a special event going on where they had 2 food trucks. The bartender was cool though. And the music selection was top notch! It really set the tone. I will definitely be back all summer long! read more

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Came to Father Forgive Me for a quick drink and the vibes of this place are unmatched! If you haven't made your way out to the Shepard, it's a must. There's a gallery, skatepark, sculpture garden, and well this new restaurant. The drinks are fun and even their take on a dirty martini was absolutely divine. It was extra briny and savory, with great olives. Worth checking out and even spending a couple hours hanging read more

Father Forgive Me - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Fast service in a beautiful location with plenty of seats. I ordered a kombucha and it was phenomenal. I got a few orders of the dates pictured below and they were amazing! They were so good I'd consider making some at home! I also got a one of the ham sandwiches and that was delicious. It was sweet and filling! I forgot to grab a picture of it. The only small complaint I had was I sat on the corner right by the window and the speakers were a bit loud. Otherwise, it was a joyful experience! Definitely will be coming back. It also is right next to an art gallery inside a church which makes it the perfect spot to go on dates! read more

Father Forgive Me - Dates - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Very cute out door space. Love the art installations. The wine cart was a plus to not have to stand in the long bar line.

Service outstanding! Beautiful ground! Interesting, delious cocktail menu. Saturday afternoon, packed, but intimate quiet! Great tunes, company! Life is good! read more

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Stopped in for a quick birthday drink and snack after seeing a few drool-worthy posts! We started with drinks and ordered the roasted beets, scallop carpaccio, and mortadella. We loved the beets, but found the black radish to be overpowering. We loved the carpaccio but found it lacking in acid / brightness to offset the sodium. That was surprising given the pomegranate, apple and chimichurri-type drizzle. We both liked the mortadella but it too was super heavy with sodium from the meat and could have used something to balance it a bit. The service was amazing, we wanted for nothing and everyone was friendly. The ambiance was gorgeous, seating comfortable, lighting romantic, this is a great date spot. My only complaint was a scent, maybe air freshener, or some sort of scent stick, possibly even something someone was wearing that seemed very amber, patchouli, sandalwood heavy. It was overpowering for the space. I think we will probably wait until summer so we can sit outside before we try again, but we will be back! read more

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I came specifically for drinks, what caught my attention walking in is the art! There are beautiful sculptures outside and beautiful lighting since it is night time. Our server greeted us immediately and gave us the option between multiple seating arrangements. I ordered a FFM old fashioned 10/10, there is a nice snack menu but I declined since I've already ate. I plan to return soon, and can't wait for summer to use the outdoor seating. read more

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Great food and drinks. Good service. Amazing atmosphere, unique architecture design, comfortable seating, cozy, clean read more

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Father Forgive Me is the end of the summer vibe you have been looking for! It's an amazing addition to Detroit's cocktail bar scene. The vibes hit you from the moment you walk up with the Shepards views, sculptures, gravel pathways, patio tables, and open air interior. The drink menu is a bit small but solid. The cocktails and wine I sampled were tasty! I especially favored the orange wines on the menu! The food menu was definitely only appetizers. I would not come here expecting a full meal. I tried the marcona almonds, burratta, and mortadella sandwich. Each of these were delicious with such unique flavors! I'm still dreaming of the sandwich..!! RUN don't walk to Father Forgive Me before the summer ends! read more

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Wow! An amazing place for being outside or having a drink at the bar with an open patio!! Parking is street parking which was free. It's not obvious where the entrance is- we initially parked on Parkview Street but the entrance is off of Agnes Street (we had to walk around the church and down a bit). We were a bit lost but soon found the patio, bar and were amazed at the area. It's a pretty setting, relaxing and tranquil. We decided to sit at the bar for a break from the hot sun and enjoyed a cocktail from the bartenders who immediately got us some waters. We enjoyed our drinks and felt like we were at some resort (just missing the beach!) It's a great place to check out and the fact that Warda Patisserie is right behind them is a bonus! read more

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Really nice vibe. Good food. The staff was great . Great place to talk. I love the open concept.

This is a perfect place to spend a summer evening with friends. The cocktails range from $12 to $16 so similarly priced to other cocktail bars I have been to and each and every one was delicious! We also tried their house made cucumber seltzer and it was really yummy and refreshing! If you are looking for a meal this is probably not the right place. The food menu is more for snacks and it is olive heavy. So if you are not an olive fan about half of the dishes had olives in them. We did try the Bolivian cheese bread and burratta (hoping the cherries in the tapanade would overpower the olives). They were both pretty good. The dipping sauce with the bread was really yummy and the burratta was good except for the unexpected cilantro flowers on top. My friend and I both really dislike cilantro and it was not on the menu because the chef just chooses something from his garden each day to use. I would definitely recommend checking out this new spot. There is a small parking lot and then free street parking surrounding the property. Get a cocktail, walk the grounds, and soaked up the end of summer! read more

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One of the best new additions to the Detroit food, wine, and cocktail scene! First of all, the ambiance is super inviting -- lots of tables outdoors, with a classic interior that still has a lot of open air (not sure how this will work during winter, but I guess we'll find out!). The cocktails are some of the best in the city. I've been here twice and have tried most of the cocktail list -- everything is good to great, but my favorites so far have been the Maurizzio Cattelan and Rhubarb Pie Punch. I need to try more of their food, as I've only tasted the burrata and the mortadella sandwich. Both were good, though I wouldn't say spectacular. The wine list is small but solid, focusing on low intervention Old World wines. Pricing seems fair relative to other places selling similar wine in metro Detroit. Service has been good both times. Once, I sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly and engaging. The second time, we had a table and our server was prompt and helpful. Definitely a must try, especially while the weather is nice. read more

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This place is so neat. Sort of remote as it's within a lesser known neighborhood or Detroit, but still lots of parking and a safe property. Came here last Saturday less than a month after they opened and the place is constantly busy with people coming and going. The drink orders machine is constantly printing tickets but the staff stay on top of keeping people satisfied. Lots of room to walk the property and explore and you can choose to make a reservation at an indoor space or just show up and sit at the bar or roam the outdoor spaces. Good for a small drinks with friends or a casual date night. read more

Father Forgive Me - Bar space - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Tucked away on the sprawling, award-winning campus of The Shepherd--a magnificent cultural hub transformed from a century-old church--Father Forgive Me is more than just a bar; it's a destination. As a cornerstone of the celebrated Little Village, this spot offers a truly unique experience that marries sophisticated libations with an atmosphere of serene, artistic tranquility. What immediately sets Father Forgive Me apart is its breathtaking location. Situated in the former church garage, the bar feels like a hidden gem behind the main church building. The property's design is a masterclass in blending old-world architecture with modern elegance. The open-air space is a triumph, featuring an abundance of outdoor seating that invites you to relax under the sky. The partially covered patio, in particular, provides a perfect retreat, offering shelter from the elements while still allowing you to feel connected to the vibrant grounds. As you wander toward the back of the property, the experience deepens with the discovery of a sculpture garden--the Charles McGee Legacy Park. This thoughtful addition, honoring the late Detroit artist, provides a peaceful and inspiring backdrop, elevating a simple evening drink into a cultural outing. The sculptures, along with the meticulously landscaped grounds, create a sense of calm that is hard to find in a bustling city. The entire campus, from the beautiful bed and breakfast ALEO to the public skatepark, feels like a cohesive, artistic village that's both a gathering spot for friends and a sanctuary for reflection. The menu at Father Forgive Me is a testament to the bar's commitment to quality and local connection. This isn't a place with a mile-long list of overwhelming options; rather, it's a curated selection designed to spark conversation and delight the senses. Cocktails with a Story: The cocktail program is a creative marvel. Each drink seems to have its own narrative, often incorporating Michigan's seasonal bounty. Take, for example, the "Magnolia Martini," a clever twist on a classic infused with pickled magnolia blossoms. This kind of delightful experimentation showcases the talent behind the bar. Another standout is the Rhubarb Milk Punch, a silky, refreshing drink that champions locally-sourced ingredients. The team here champions hyper-local makers and growers, and the passion for their craft is evident in every sip--from a riff on an Old Fashioned using Michigan-made bourbon to playful touches like a tiny lamb graphic "printed" on an ice cube. A Wine List for the Curious: The wine selection is equally impressive. It's a thoughtfully curated list that encourages exploration, moving beyond the usual suspects to feature intriguing labels from lesser-known wine regions. Whether you're in the mood for a crisp Croatian white, a robust Tuscan red, or an earthy orange wine from Slovenia, the knowledgeable staff is eager to share the story behind each bottle and offer a perfect pairing suggestion. Perfect Bites: While not a full dinner spot, the snack menu is designed to complement the drinks perfectly. Guests can enjoy "perfect little bites for a leisurely evening," such as a twisty French sacristan pastry or a mortadella sandwich on crispy focaccia. These small plates are not an afterthought; they are delicious, well-executed complements that ensure the experience is satisfying from start to finish. Father Forgive Me is, without a doubt, an amazing experience and a great gathering spot for friends. It's a place where every detail, from the art on the walls to the ice in your glass, has been considered. It's the perfect spot for a sophisticated date night, a relaxed catch-up with friends, or a tranquil moment of escape. The combination of its stunning physical location, impeccable service, and a menu that celebrates local creativity makes it a must-visit destination in Detroit's vibrant East Village. This bar doesn't just serve drinks; it serves an experience--one that will have you coming back for absolution, time and time again. read more

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Great ambiance, great service and outstanding drinks. An unexpected treasure in Detroit.

Not really a food selection but the drinks are awesome and the atmosphere is everything. Service was phenomenal, although crowded bartenders were attentive. Great place to meet and vibe. read more

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I had been meaning to try this newish Detroit hot spot for a while and I'm glad finally made it in. It's initially seemed a little pricey for the portions, but well worth it. There's a lot of thought that goes into these dishes and they are beautifully plated. Our server was Lauren and she was the perfect amount of attentiveness without being overbearing. We tried several of the specials including the mushroom skewer and wedge salad. I loved that they brought the pancetta on the side without me asking (I'm a pescatarian, my date is not.) I adored the pao de querjo, I will definitely be craving the little cheese popover-type biscuits. We loved the historic vibe and it wasn't too noisy for conversation, always a plus! read more

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I like it. But I want to love it! I went 2x this week - after work on Thursday and Saturday at 1pm. Ambiance 10/10: it's a beautiful spot with art, a garden, and good vibes Service 8.5/10: Both times we were seated promptly and the servers were gracious. We would have ordered another round of drinks both visits, but the place had gotten pretty busy, so by the time the wait staff came back around we just got the bill. Food 7.5/10: we had marcona almonds, a Brie/ham sandwich, burrata, and lemon cookies. I could take or leave everything but the cookies were amazing! Fresh out of the oven, and sooo good. Second visit my husband and I celebrated our anniversary and shared caviar served with a bag of better made potato chips, a bit of crème fraiche, and a bit of cured egg yolk shavings $85. Tip- be careful not to let the caviar tin fall in the melted ice water - it will ruin it! It was a nice splurge nonetheless. We considered tinned fish but for the $20 price tag we opted to crack open a can when we got home. Drinks: 6.5/10. Both times I ordered Rhubarb pie punch which was unique and tasty, BUT fell short on the pour. My first visit I switched to a rose flight and the second visit, I gave it another chance but after getting my drink, I pulled the giant ice cube from the glass, and the beverage only came up halfway to the line. If you look at pictures of the beverages, they do not remotely give you a good pour. $15 for 4 swallows makes me feel taken advantage of. I'm giving 4 stars for ambiance and lovely servers. read more

Perhaps one of the most beautiful bars in Detroit. I may need to say a few hail Marys after a few drinks. The inside is not major wow factor, but the view of the outdoors, nice patio, and nature is the draw. I feel like I am in commune with nature. This is a full service bar: cocktails, wine (bottles), beer, and non alcoholic for quitters and snacks from bites sized salty snacks to more substantial options like sandwiches. Some places I want to go once and not sure about coming back. I want to come back to this place. And the kicker some nice indie tunes being streamed. Have fun and debauchery and ask for forgiveness later... read more

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Amazing vibes to this place! Small cozy vibes inside with amazing outdoor seating available! The food was sooo good and some good choices to chose from! The drinks and deserts were amazing as well! Paired with the friendly and super helpful server this place is a must go! read more

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Great stop for some small apps and cocktails. We went during the fall months so we were seating inside- but I can tell the outside area is an absolute vibe in the summer. We will be back! Great service, and loved the concept that it's an old church! read more

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I experienced Father Forgive Me with a group of ten folks on a early Friday evening. first of all the renovation of what appears to have been a old church garage was amazing. The grounds around it are inviting even on a crisp all day, with an outdoor fire pit. We stayed indoors. There were several non-alcoholic options. I enjoyed a rose and hibiscus soda. The sound volume was just right for conversation yet the place felt lively. What stood out was the service. This is basically a bar, but the staff were very attentive. Making sure glasses of water were constantly filled. Drinks were replenished. Even for us non-alcohol drinkers . Then I found out that it was on the grounds of the old annunciation church. I'm glad it found new life bringing people together in the community. read more

Father Forgive Me - stained glass panel of the nativity in the old annunciation church now converted to an art center - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

This is such a cute spot. Unfortunately it was raining when we went so we didn't get to sit outside, but the inside was really nice. Our bartender explained the drinks to us and he was really nice. The drinks were in point. I would definitely recommend this as one of my top spots to get cocktails. read more

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The vibe is perfect for summer. Head in for brunch or just a nice place to chill and have a beverage. I highly recommend it and will come again! read more

Very cute place. I don't think I would call it a restaurant, but they do have some pretty good "snacks". My wife and I sat at the bar and had some good conversations with Nick, the bartender. (Thanks, Nick!) The drinks were very good and the snacks we good as well. I didn't feel that anything really blew us away, but it was a solid showing and the drinks were very good. I'd go back as it is a pretty interesting place. There seems to be a grassy hill off to the side where people can sit with their dogs and have a drink as well. read more

Father Forgive Me - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Quiet gardens surround this church that on the back side is a little bar with both indoor and outdoor seating. Elevate cocktail menu and light snacks. Drinks are hand crafted and unusual ingredients. Great romantic spot. Will return! read more

Father Forgive Me - Cocktails! With flowers... and very cool shaped ice - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Vibes are immaculate!! Definitely worth checking out. The grounds are gorgeous & theres lots of seating! I just got one glass of wine at the bar to check it out but will for sure be back. Pretty busy for a Sunday night but no issue finding parking read more

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What a cool place. I went here for cocktails after dinner. The vibe was wonderful. The music playlist was the best. The service was top tier and very attentive. Just make sure you bring a full wallet lol! read more

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Another great new destination spot on Detroit's east side. It's more then a bar with outdoor seating. There's artwork, a skatepark, renovated houses, gardens and a church that is now an art gallery. We stopped in to check it out and sat at the bar for a cocktail and snack. The waitstaff were super helpful in explaining everything and we finally picked 2 apps and got drinks. Both were amazing. There were friendly patrons all around and we chatted with other bar admirers. We checked out the coffee shop, Warda, but didn't purchase anything then, but have had several of their desserts since then and they did not disappoint. The atmosphere is wonderful, indoor/outdoor bar, great outside seating - not sure how this will work in the winter? They also have very pretty stone paths with multicolor stones mixed in for a very peaceful beautiful look. It inspired me to add some multicolored stones to my garden! I can't wait to return. read more

Very cool location tucked away with a welcoming outdoor space. Bartenders accommodating. They offer a variety of appetizers. Tried the burrata, was okay-not spectacular...The location is mainly outside and there are plenty of bees. Definitely worth exploring at least once. read more

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Great cocktails, excellent service, delicious snacks on beautiful grounds. Definitely worth a visit. Love the vibe read more

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Love everything about this place. Lots of seating options for small and large groups in many locations (bar, picnic tables in/out of bar, many outdoor tables throughout the space). All of the drinks and snacks are unique - I ordered an ostuni sunrise which I would highly recommend and the ham and Brie baguette. Would def recommend when the weather is nice if you can as the entire property makes up a big part of the ambiance. Great for a girls night or date before dinner read more

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Visited this hidden gem after being recommended on Yelp for my birthday. I was raised very religious, so I enjoyed the themed menu, use of old church space, and the ambiance. I was impressed by the creativeness of the drinks. And the cute little lamb stamped inside the menu. There is a lot of walkable space surrounding the restaurant, and a garage that lifts to expose the dining area, to the open patio -- with additional seating @ umbrella'd tables on gravel. We got a nice seat @ a 4-top that gave us views of the sky. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I got a drink that was subtly sweet with pie crumbs sprinkled in. I am a grazer and a talker, so the menu peaked my interest. However, someone coming for a full fledged meal would not be pleased by their selection. In any case, I had the tinned fish and sandwich with pistachios on top. Shared both with a friend. Also tried the cheesecake that was topped with a very delicious fruity gel like layer. I would come here again, as the evening was perfect and all seemed to be enjoying themselves. Pricey, but worth it as an experience for the books! I do think there could be a larger bathroom for patrons, as there is only 1 unisex stall (the other being a little bit of a walk besides the Art Gallery) . Otherwise, time and $ well-spent. read more

Such a fun place for cocktails! Great venue, service and bar! We dropped in for cocktails before dinner. They have a bar cart to grab quick drinks from in case there is no room at the bar. We all loved our cocktails and the pleasant space to enjoy them! 4 thumbs up! read more

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Awesome date spot. Cool drinks and cooler vibes. It can get pretty busy but the team is attentive. read more

This place is such a cool vibe and took me to a neighborhood in Detroit that I have not spent a lot of time in (although that will certainly be changing). There is tons of outdoor space and gardens to explore while sipping on their delicious cocktails. It was also a pleasant surprise to see their prices were more reasonable than a typical Detroit spot. We didn't try their food this time but will certainly try it in visits to come. Probably one of my new top recommendations to share with people and I cannot wait to return. Special shoutout to the Basilica cocktail which my husband claimed is one of the best drinks he has had ever! read more

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Beautiful, well curated, low lighting, bar! Nice decor, floor to ceiling windows, heating lamps for when it's cold...a full vibe! Bartenders here are great! Super friendly, and they let you sample cocktails since they are made in batches. I had the cucumber juniper seltzer which was super light, highly carbonated (expect to burp), refreshing with a lingering cucumber taste. It really tastes like a seltzer water really, so lower alcohol content, I'm sure. There's plenty of street parking, small parking lot and a cool skate park and sculpture garden by a local, Black Detroiter! LOVE IT HERE. read more