Mash offers a pretty solid bar-going experience in Ann Arbor. A group of us stopped by recently after a night downtown, looking to find somewhere we could grab a drink and catch up. Mash fit the bill (pun intended hah) and did the job just fine. The drink menu is pretty expansive, both as far as liquor selection and cocktails as well. I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that they have a few standard mocktails that they're known for! I tried the raspberry mock mule, and I'm happy to report that it's a hit. Great flavor and super refreshing, plus it offers a fun drink even if you're not drinking. The bartender was super nice and helped break down all the options as well. The crowd at mash is more collegiate than I was expecting -- I thought a whiskey inspired bar would driver an older crowd, but the bar was packed with early 20-somethings on a Saturday night. If you show up past 9pm on the weekend, there's a good chance you won't find a seat and will have to wait 20 minutes to get through the line at the bar, but Mash serves as a great place to meet up with the crew. As we were leaving around 11, we spotted a huge line out the door trying to get in too; it seems like the collegiate clientele have really designated Mqsh as the place to be on a weekend night! Overall, I'd recommend Mash -- I'm looking forward to going back and trying out more of their menu! read more

Mash - Smoke & Oak - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

See all

I hav3 been to the location I Ypsilanti more often than here. I decided to check itbout since I was in the area. You enter by going down the stairs. There is a bar and seating in the from and back. The place is rustic and very cool for an evening out. During certain hours there is a band. This time was a rock/ pop band. They do not serve food after 8. I grabbed a drink and a table. The music was great and the drink was good. I will come back to visit in the future. read more

Mash - Bar area - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I love mash, but this past year they've had a door-lady who consistently ruins the experience. I am 25 (and look older) and she routinely grills my friends and I as if we're using fakes. One time I made a joke along the lines of "you can ask me anything on there, I memorized it all." And she threatened to confiscate my ID and give it to the police. Not because she suspected it was fake, but because she was offended or something? Another time I asked to step outside to smoke and she said if I did I'd have to get back in line (I only asked because she, for some reason, keeps the door of the bar locked from the inside). She also dresses in a militarized costume, as if she it gives her more authority or something. How annoying she makes the experience of going to mash is well known amongst everyone I know who goes. This woman epitomizes abuse of power -- so thank god she has close to none. read more

The blonde bouncer truly was an indicator of the service we would receive and set our night off on a terrible note. Such a disappointing lapse in such a vibrant town. read more

This was a great spot! He used to hang out here back in the day so he brought me to check it out. It was during the day and not very busy as you can see from the pics haha. This is a basement type area that was dark but warm and fun. I can imagine it gets crazy busy in the evenings. We just stopped in for a drink so I could checked it out. I love reliving his youth with him. I lived a rather sheltered young adulthood. Too broke to really do very much. Fighting my way through community college while living in my car for a while. I didn't get the "normal" college experience. So I love living vicariously through him! I want more and more!! read more

See all

Not great. Dark stinky and smelly. Love blue tractor but this was a miss for us. Not a bad whiskey selection

Tons of fun and I'll be happy to come back. The best part was the band. They had a great string/drum trio with occasional help from Mr Sax. They played like a jam band and had the whole crowd dancing (from 21-81, not kidding). Great selection of bourbon and a varied drink menu. Be careful on the pricing of off-menu pours as they can be shocking (ETL - $25). Otherwise, the drinks were great, the rotating shot specials were interesting, and they were appropriately staffed. The music section has a "dive bar" feel (lower ceilings, chalk-writing on the walls, 10% surly local kids with attitude, and 90% people you hope to drink and dance with tomorrow night), but was definitely much nicer. And if you didn't want to be that close to the band (shame on you), they had plenty of other space to enjoy a drink. Thanks for a solid night! (Frequent traveler from out of town). read more

Mash - Killer band! - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

See all

First things first, this place is a VIBE! I've only been once, my first impression of this place is phenomenal. So my friends and I have been going through the gauntlet for internship interviews + classes this week and what better way to unwind by enjoying great music with drinks! We came to Mash following a quick bite to eat upstairs at the Blue Tractor! IYKYK theres a entrance from the restaurant to the downstairs bar (Pro-Tip to avoid lines outside if you're eating upstairs #supporlocalbusinesses) All in all, this place is a great place with friends! The whiskey sour I had hit just right and the vibe tribes were rocking last night! I highly recommend this place if you're ever in AA and just want to have a good night with friends. read more

Used to love the place but recently the music isn't great and the bar gets overcrowded and impossible to get a drink. The drinks are also not great or even worth the wait. Bartender also called people a "waste of space" which is incredible rude to a paying customer. read more

'Tis a cold night in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The February breeze charges down Main Street, takes a sharp right up Washington, and smashes into your cheek as you exit ABC. You wonder to yourself, as the fierce wind devours your now-frigid face, "if not for those few drinks of mother's medicine, would I be able to even hear my own thoughts right now?" Thankfully, you don't need to test this thought for much longer, as you are whisked across the street over to MASH to continue to the night of debauchery. As you descend down into the depths of this establishment they call MASH, you are met with an unmistakable odor -- basement musk and stale beer. Fantastic. Your face then drops as you shift your gaze to the bar and notice that it is packed with your peers on a similar mission tonight. It's going to take some maneuvering to get to that bartender. Before long, you do manage to get to the bar, only to find that drinks are all a couple bucks more than you'd like to spend. But, it is too late; your money is theirs for the taking. Nevertheless, the drink is good, seating comfortability is no more than acceptable, and the atmosphere only a tad too loud. MASH satiates your dark desires for now. read more

Mash is a hidden away spot for a drink in Ann Arbor. Part speakeasy (sneaking down into the basement to get there) and part dive bar, they have good drinks, loud music, and not enough places to sit! I visited recently while in Ann Arbor, and Mash is alright. It's popular enough that the bouncer has to keep track of who's coming in so that it doesn't get too crowded. Once we got downstairs, we sidled on up to grab a drink at the bar in a short line that went quickly. Drinks were tasty and not too strong, not too weak. The part of the restaurant near the bar has limited seating, and it can even be tough to find a place to stand. The room next to it has live music and more tables/booths, but it was pretty loud and crowded there. I remember thinking to myself, "Man, this place is crowded!" right as one of my friends from Ann Arbor said, "This place isn't too busy tonight!" I had to ask them to repeat, and they said that it's typically elbow-to-elbow. It's a fun spot to visit and has good drinks, and great to stick around -- if you can find space to. Still, I like a little more elbow room when I go out, so probably not my favorite joint to frequent! read more

What a fun bar!! My cousin and her fiancé brought me by after dinner next door, and we had a great time. The drinks were delicious, and the band was in full swing. The energy of the place was that perfect amount of chill vibe mixed with excitement and fun, that makes visitors want to keep the drinks flowing but not to get black-out, college night wasted. We had a great time jamming with the band, and enjoying each other's company. I loved the collection of chalk writing all over the walls, and even added a taste of Wisconsin! What a great stop on my short trip! I'd definitely stop in again! read more

Mash - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

See all

Decent bar good local music. I over heard the manger lady talking to the bouncer about squirting and I thought it was in regard to the soda machine but then quickly realized it was a sexual innuendo she kept saying she was into and he was going to be a part of it. Very strange rhetoric for a customer to overhear especially with my 21 year old daughter who just got her MBA. Don't think this is for me but I guess it's for some. read more

The bartender has a bad manner. Bad service. pre-mixed sugary margaritas. Will never go back. read more

Soooo this place is amazing. I highly recommend you put you Drewsky special on the menu. It is frustrating that I can only order it when Drew is working as bartender! Love this place, I highly recommend coming here if you you like cocktails, live music, and a rad atmosphere. read more

Mash - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

See all

This is really a 5 star bar going by the quality of music, service and whiskey cocktails, but looses points due to the overcrowding on the weekends. Still remains my favorite bar in Ann Arbor and where you'll find me most Thursdays. Conveniently located below Blue Tractor BBQ for your post BBQ food coma, just wander downstairs to claim a cozy corner booth or dance it off to the tune of a most likely phenomenal band. Don't forget to find some empty wall space to leave your mark on the place with one of the pieces of chalk rolling around. read more

Mash - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

See all

I would give zero stars if I could. This is a bad environment for anyone who has experienced domestic or sexual assault. One of the bouncers or crowd control people was yelling for people to get away from the end of the bar. The problem is, the end of the bar is the only place to get water. Young drunk people, need water. On 4/22/23 a man working at around 12:00 PM yelled at the crowd to get away from the end of the bar. (Again this is the only place to get a glass of water). Our group decided to leave. On our way out I told the bar tender that the way the man had asked the crowd to move away from the bar was triggering for some people in the crowd.I spoke with an older woman wearing a bun. She responded by yelling at me, telling me to leave. "You think I haven't been assaulted!? Get over it!" I responded, "I have too, I'm just saying the way he talked to the crowd was harmful" she responded "then get the f*ck out" I told her, "I hope you feel really badly about the way you handled this" And then I left the bar. To operate in a college town, where rape and assault is common, where we expect, or at least hope to have an understanding staff, this was a big disappointment. I will tell everyone and anyone to avoid MASH. I will add, I worked at a bar in downtown Ann Arbor, at a much younger age than this employee. To have this low level of understanding or people skills is appalling. read more

A nicer "dive" bar which is literally underground. They focus on mash related products (whiskeys, bourbons, cocktails.) with a very limited beer menu. (6 on tap - with have an amazing beer 5 oz pour of each tasting flight for 8 dollars ) The band was lively and fun (started at 9 or 10 PM) on a Friday night and the crowd was eclectic. They have trivia night ( geeks who drink ) options as well. read more

I've had some fun nights at Mash. Their cocktails are very whiskey/bourbon-heavy, which isn't my cup of tea, but I recognize that it's a whiskey bar so I guess that's what I have to expect. However, the atmosphere is so much fun! There is live music almost every night and it's always a great time. Last time we went there was a band covering 80s/90s music and we danced our hearts out. Super fun atmosphere and a good mix of college students/young professionals/townies. Get here early-ish on the weekends because the line can get a little long! Never waited more than 20 minutes though. read more

Mash - Barracuda and an amaretto sour - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Just went to Mash for after dinner drinks. I thought my husband would like the atmosphere and the bourbon. Turns out he was in a beer mood so got a flight of beer, but didn't like 3 of the 5 beers. I got a wine cocktail which was a little odd but fairly tasty. I don't usually mix my wine with other alcohols but it tasted good and sweet, just the way I like it. The walls were cool, all wood with little pieces of chalk lying around so you can write on them. There was a guy there also playing live music (country/classic rock etc). read more

Mash - Wall full of chalkings - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Went here for trivia on a Tuesday night with a group of five. It's a nice hidden spot, tucked away in the basement of Blue Tracktor barbecue. They have plenty of cheap and tasty eats to much on during trivia and cheap drinks too. The nachos are very saucy, as opposed to crispy, but tasted good. The sliders were really yuThe place gets pretty packed even for a weeknight, probably 20-30 people in there and it's not a huge space. It feels pretty lively as a result. Trivia itself was fun, with a mix of pop culture, general knowledge and music questions. I'll probably go back! read more

Cool place to duck into on a rainy Halloween night. Good cider, good food. Going back :) read more

My friends and I went here last night as part of a birthday bar crawl. This was the third place we went to after the host of Blue Tractor told us he didn't have room for our party at the time. First Impression: Pretty cool little scenery. Walking down into the basement and around the corners...it makes you feel like you're in a cave. As we were having our ID's checked we could see a small band playing. Live music is always cool. My largest complaint was the smell. I am hoping it was a one time mishap for someone who had a rough night. But it smelled like vomit throughout the entire bar. It was quite busy, no open tables, so we claimed a spot in the corner. One of the female bartenders was quite rude, but she seemed stressed from the customers. one of the females we were with was waiting to be served and the bartender asked us if "We were going to order, or what?" When we replied that we were and she brought us our order she was not willing to divvy up the tab and let us pay separately because she was "too busy to do multiple cards". Which whatever, we are smart enough that we can catch each others drinks.....elsewhere because after that we weren't really willing to stay. Due to the sass we got from the bartender, the over sugary mixed drink, and the smell we rated this place on the lower end. However, i have only heard good things of this place before and we might be back for a second try eventually. read more

SUMMARY: What do I even come here for? The appeal of Mash now eludes me. The cocktails are extremely subpar for the price you pay. The nice part about Mash is the live music -- which is a very awesome treat! -- and the fact that you can chalk up the place, giving it a "trendy" vibe, but that's it. I really only come here if my friends are here, and never willingly on my own accord. I'm giving this 2 stars based on the live music and the space, but that's it. VERDICT: I will only come here if my friends are here. I do not willingly choose to come here. Also, skip the drinks. Get whiskey, beer, or even a pickleback shot (although to be honest, Alley Bar has the best pickle juice for picklebacks...) ITEM ORDERED: Ginger Mash -- okay, where do I start with this? The ingredients are whiskey, orange-strawberry mash, and ginger beer. Kudos for using fresh strawberries and oranges in the mash. But somehow this drink does not work. The orange is incredibly overpowering and the ginger beer is nowhere to be found. I don't think they use actual ginger beer, maybe a ginger ale? No idea. It's like drinking a tequila sunrise that was diluted? I really forced myself to drink half of it, and then just left it. Good bye $8. There's nothing wrong with the service or people of this place, which makes this review so hard to write. The bartenders are attentive and work quickly. But the truth is, I really do not like any of the drinks here. Even something as basic as a whiskey sour is so watered down. At a bar on the South U portion of town, I would expect this. But a bar near Main St? I'm conflicted but I do like the fact they have live music here. The vibe is "chiller" than other places I suppose. And I suppose if you want to present the argument that this is a whiskey bar, they do house a large selection of scotches and bourbons. But again, the cocktails are not pleasant here. Also, the Last Word has a comparable whiskey selection, and their cocktails are phenomenal. read more

Tucked away underneath Blue Tractor, Mash is a cool lounge that specializes in Whiskeys and Bourbons. Done in dark woods and plenty of exposed brick, there is plenty of intimate seating for couples and areas for larger groups. Put your own stamp on the place by taking some chalk to the black board ceiling. Some of the 'hand crafted' Bourbon cocktails use large round ice balls infused with smoke. For me, the only negative was the beer selection that is limited to Blue Tractor's own brews. read more

Mash - Chalk board ceiling - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Under renovation so it's not fair to really review. They had a limited menu and we ordered the pretzel bites--not good--dense dough balls. That said ambiance is great, singer was awesome and no TVs which we liked. read more

Went here last night before it started getting crowded. The late-night crowd eventually trickled in, and it looked like it was just the bartender taking care of things. He did a great job and was very attentive! Also lots of fun to talk to. :) There were small buckets of chalk lying around, so it wasn't hard to find any to write on the ceilings. The thyme & cheddar biscuits with whipped chive butter were to die for (and for only $0.50 a pop or $2.50 for a basket of 6!!!). I was also very happy with the selection of food and cocktails. The Wild Mash Buck was tasty and a great start to the night. I didn't really like the Mint Julep, but that's just a personal preference. Other members of my group tasted it and thought it was good. Can't wait to come back! read more

5 stars for the vibes, 4 stars for the music and drinks, 3 stars for the service, and negative brownie points for the ridiculous line to get in. I love the live music (usually cover bands), the chalk writing on the walls and rafters (BYO chalk), and the reasonably priced drinks. I find myself at Mash at least once a month. Despite the line to get in, Mash is never actually packed, which is annoying when you're standing out in the cold, but enjoyable when you're inside and always have enough space to move around. Tips: arrive before 9pm, be aggressive at the bar to place your order, more of a group spot than a date spot. read more

Cute speak easy type of bar. It got pretty packed when I was there visiting a friend on a Friday night. Short ceiling with chalk handwriting everywhere. Lots of different whiskeys. Bartenders were not the friendliest of the bunch. Most people were standing around and chatting so we were able to grab a seat. Overall, it was ok. Nothing too special about the place. read more

Mash - Pickle backs - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I really enjoyed my night at Mash! I came in with a group of 5 for trivia on Tuesday night. The place was packed, but that's because the room in the back was booked for a private event. Without this group, the place would have been about, well, half full. The bar is in a basement which is pretty neat, but it does mean it's pretty dim. There are a good amount of tables -- a few standing ones that hold maybe 3, a few larger ones that hold maybe 5, and larger booths that can hold even more. Basically, it looks like you just order everything at the bar; you wait for your drink, and take a number for them to bring food out to you. I guess Mash is a whiskey bar, so they have a few good whiskeys to sip on, as well as some beers and wines. We ordered a "boilermaker", which, for $10, is a pint of beer with a "pickleback," which is a shot of whiskey with a shot of pickle juice as a chaser. Definitely something interesting! The whiskey was good but the pickle juice was weird -- that's definitely just a personal opinion. The beer we got was the Smokehouse Amber Ale. I'm not a beer snob, so I'm not even going to try to give a comprehensible review of the beer. But, basically, it was good -- not too bitter and yeah. I don't usually drink a lot of beer but I enjoyed it!. The trivia was well run and it was easy to hear all of the questions. Without the trivia, I could definitely imagine this place being a nice place to just hangout and catch up with friends. Most of the tables have comfy seats. The drinks are good and not terribly expensive. I'm sure the live music that they have here is also good, so I can imagine any night at Mash would be enjoyable! read more

If I could give zero stars I would. If you are an assault, rape or domestic abuse survivor do not come here. In the past going to the bar MASH has been an enjoyable experience. Until tonight. At the end of my stay a bouncer or crowd control person screamed at the crowd to move away from the end of the bar. While I understand the frustration of the crowd control person, having worked at a bar in downtown Ann Arbor, the choice to handle the crowd in such a way was unacceptable. The area he was yelling at was the only place to receive water. There were two water jugs at the end of the bar. If you ask for a glass of water while ordering, you are directed to the end of the bar, instead of being given a glass of water. Many people were just trying to get a glass of water. After witnessing the yelling at around 11:50 PM 4/21/23 the group I was with decided to leave. I told a bartender on the way out that as a victim of assault the yelling of the bouncer/crowd control person was triggering. An older woman wearing a bun behind the bar responded by yelling at me to get over it and leave. She yelled "So what? I've been assaulted too!" I told her that I hope she feels poorly about how she responded to me. I was in tears and yet she continued to yell at me. The actions of this employee (and the man handling crowd flow) was completely unacceptable. I say this as a person who has worked in customer service since the age of 14. MASH operates in a college town. Unfortunately rape and assault are all too common. To yell at a group of customers to stop congregating around the only point of water is abhorrent. Trying to move a crowd of people to another location is understandable, to cuss at a patron who is expressing distress is unacceptable. Take your money elsewhere, to a place you can feel safe and relaxed. read more

Stopped here on a Saturday night during a recent trip to Ann Arbor and really enjoyed the soul band that was playing that night. They had some cocktails that looked very interesting on paper, but the actual taste was OK! But we really enjoyed the music and ended up staying for a couple hours. So, I would recommend that Mash is the place to go to once you've filled up your stomach already with food & drink and you are looking to fill your ears with great music!! read more

Mash - Great music - Lounges Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

As you enter a nondescript door you're asked for your id. You then head down stairs and voila: Mash, the whiskey and bourbon bar appears. The mixed bourbon and whiskey drinks list? Extensive. The real secret to Mash is the happy hour from 10pm-1am every night, and the live bands on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. $2.50 pints of good beer ain't nothing to scoff at. Come for the happy hour, and stay for the mint julips and other mixed drinks. read more

I feel somewhat spoiled at the fact that my first trip to Ann Arbor started out with a Holiday Party at Mash. The experience, drinks, and service really set the bar high for the other spots nearby. Truth be told we visited another establishment immediately after leaving Mash and it just wasn't the same! This place knows their bourbon and whiskey. I can safely say the only other craft cocktail bar I have frequented in recent years that did such impressive feats with this alcohol type was The Velvet Tango Room in Cleveland, OH and they charge $18 dollars for a single drink. That's right folks.. the $6-$9 price tag you will find on Mash's perfected drinks are quite the steal in comparison. Flavors range from sweet to sour, strong bourbon/whiskey presence to hidden depending on the drink. I had a few instant favorites with the Sour Stiletto (it is sour, just the way I like it!) and Red Raider (stronger sense of bourbon). I was also a fan of the Ginger Mash and the Wild Mash Buck both which contained fresh muddled strawberries. For those looking for the sweeter side of things the Southern Peach may hit the spot. Food compromises of some small plate bar basics with a twist. I would go to bat for the smoked cheddar dipping sauce that comes with the soft pretzels, as well as the sesame BBQ wings which are mild and flavorful. The thyme and cheddar buttermilk biscuits were not my favorite but still very edible and made others a fan. They have an interesting beer selection made right there in the cellar that I did not dive into, a well as craft beer cocktails -- some of which I would like to try on a future visit. All around a great spot I'm sure many will appreciate! read more

Underground Whiskey bar !! soooo dopee , all of the walls are chalk board style, they didn't have any chalk when i was there - so i gotta go back in a few weeks or bring my own chalk to leave my mark on the spot ! delicious craft cocktails - when they are less busy like on a wednesday night u can really get a feel for their crafty drinks i went back that next friday - and it was PACKD and they ran out of the whiskey cubes for the drinks - so i was happy that i had been the night before lol KENTUCKY BLIZZARD Maker's Mark bourbon, hand pressed cranberry, fresh limes, sugar, Fee Brothers American Beauty and a whiskey cube 9 i had that !! it was great !! read more

Here's what I love about Mash - you can catch up with friends without getting super shout-y in their faces. We were there last weekend to celebrate a friend's birthday,and even though they had live music playing in one of the rooms, it was still possible to hear the person next to you. It also has a pretty cool vibe. I like that it's kind of dark, and is full of random places to sit and talk. They make good cocktails and have a pretty decent beer selection. The only thing is all the chalk writings on the wall, whilst really cool, can get on your clothes if you lean against the wall. you have been warned. read more

There's something about this place that just doesn't really mesh. I can't think of anything obvious - average drinks, dimly lit, noisy but good crowd, pretty good music. As a lover of bourbon, I thought I would love this place. But the feng shui is a little off, the service is always slow. Wouldn't mind coming here with friends, but wouldn't suggest it when choosing a place to go. read more

What can I say.... Mash is an awesome place. Not only is it in the basement the Blue Tractor (which has some good barbecue and inventive sides) it also seems to be one of the best places to see music in the Ann Arbor area. Music at Mash tends to lean towards blues and roots music and the renovated basement with the old brick walls and wood timbers exposed is a great setting. It always best to go to the bar and get drinks since the waitresses that serve the music room seemed to be overwhelmed at times. The bar is and bartenders are a treat to watch anyway. They know how to throw together a nice bourbon beverage. Happy hour gets you 1/2 price on some of their great beers and prices after happy hour are competitive. One more thing..... they have THE BEST fried pickle chips in the area... 'nuff said read more

For large event planning, I'd rather go anywhere else in the city. The management is difficult to work with. As another reviewer mentioned, pricing is unclear. I had a very difficult time getting my questions answered, and was refused an itemized price list or explanation of my reservation and food costs. I asked for revision to the language in my event contract, and was told that "no one has had a problem with the language of the contract" and to "please find another spot for your party". I review event contracts all the time, and have never been asked to go elsewhere for requesting a revision to a clause that made me or my procurement team uncomfortable. The entire time I was setting up my event, I felt like a burden; I felt belittled and undervalued as a client. Not recommended for private parties. Actually I strongly encourage you to find another venue. read more

This place is great. They have live music on the weekends. I'm a big fan of their draft beers, and their happy hours are 10p-1a, which is awesome because I don't know many other places in Ann Arbor that has a happy hour at prime time every day. They also have fantastic bartenders who make phenomenal whiskey/bourbon mixed drinks. Sometimes it's hard to find, but there is usually chalk lying around to use to write on the walls which are covered in chalk writing. It makes for a pretty unique atmosphere. read more