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    The Motor Bar

    3.3 (25 reviews)
    ModerateBars
    Open 3:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    The Motor Bar Photos

    THE MOTOR BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    The entrance to the Westin Book Cadillac
    Tiffany D.

    The Motor Bar is located on the second floor of the newly restored Westin Book Cadillac hotel. The space itself is beautiful and rich looking. It is decorated with dark woods and light neutrals with splashes of colors everywhere. There is a variety of seating available in the bar area, and I expect this place to rival The Corner bar in the Townsend in Birmingham. The drinks when I visited were well poured. My friend commented that they could've used a larger range of cocktails, but I imagine that is something that will probably happen as the place gets its legs. Right now it's the perfect spot to meet for a drink and realize that Detroit might just be in the middle of that big Renaissance we hear so much about.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Small selection of food, average flavor, nothing exceptional. Pretty pricey for drinks and food. Staff friendly but not attentive.

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    13 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    7 years ago

    What a great place for a pre dinner cocktail! Dominique was such a sweet and nice server! She made our experience wonderful!

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    15 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Take a step back in time. Great place for a late night snack or drink. Friendly staff too!

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    12 years ago

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    Ask the Community - The Motor Bar

    Review Highlights - The Motor Bar

    Absolutely adore sitting on the plush couches enjoying coffee and dessert or apps and cocktails.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    The Skip - Fun drink mugs and glasses

    The Skip

    4.2(240 reviews)
    0.2 miDowntown Detroit
    $$

    If you're looking for pure vibes in downtown Detroit, The Skip is the move…read more This spot is such a fun escape -- colorful, open-air, and full of energy. The music hits, the crowd is always lively, and it just feels like summer no matter what time of year it is. Whether you're stopping by before hitting another spot or making it your main destination for the night, The Skip always delivers. Now let's talk drinks -- because they do not play around. The Long Islands are ON POINT. Strong, smooth, and perfectly balanced. Not watered down, not overly sweet -- just right. You definitely feel like you're getting your money's worth, and they're dangerously easy to sip. I love the overall vibe here. It's social, upbeat, and perfect for hanging with friends. If you want good music, great drinks, and a guaranteed good time, The Skip should absolutely be on your list. This is one of those places you go once... and then it becomes part of your regular rotation.

    I love the Skip for its extraordinary efforts in decorating for every season. From tiki to…read moreHalloween, they do it right. Currently, it's the Black Lagoon through Halloween. We made reservations in a weekend but it wasn't necessary at 5. What I didn't know what this theme is a pop up much like Miracle Bar around Christmas. The mugs are not really made for The Skip and can be found online for less. Most importantly is the drinks are not good. They're not spirit forward, they're full of mixers. Such a bummer because they do make good cocktails occasionally. We were one and done this evening due to the bad drinks and loads of people who brought their kids to this bar. The decor is great. Service is attentive and friendly. Not in a rush to return.

    Photos
    The Skip - Black lagoon

    Black lagoon

    The Skip - Black lagoon

    Black lagoon

    The Skip - Atmosphere

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    Atmosphere

    Standby - Big Eye Tuna

    Standby

    4.4(713 reviews)
    0.3 miDowntown Detroit
    $$

    If you're looking for a spot that truly elevates the downtown Detroit experience, Standby…read moreabsolutely lives up to the hype. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere pulls you in. It's sleek, intimate, and effortlessly cool without feeling pretentious. The lighting, the music, the overall aesthetic -- everything feels intentional. It's the kind of place that works just as well for date night as it does for a night out with friends. Now let's talk about the drinks -- because that's where Standby really shines. The cocktails are creative, beautifully presented, and perfectly balanced. You can tell there's serious thought behind every ingredient. Whether you're into something bold and spirit-forward or smooth and refreshing, they nail it. The food matches the energy of the bar. Every dish feels curated, flavorful, and plated with care. It's not just "bar food" -- it's thoughtfully crafted and pairs perfectly with whatever you're sipping. Service has always been attentive and knowledgeable. The staff knows the menu inside and out and makes great recommendations without making you feel rushed. Standby is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem even though everyone knows about it. If you want craft cocktails, elevated bites, and a true downtown Detroit vibe, this is your spot. I'll definitely be back.

    I hadn't been home in three years, and I probably hadn't been to The Standby in five or six years…read more. and let me tell you, it's still just as amazing as I remember. Downtown Detroit definitely feels different now, and the crowd has shifted a bit, but none of that took away from what The Standby is. That alleyway magic is still there. Walking in honestly felt like a little blast from the past, and it made me really happy. It ended up being a highlight of my trip home. The food was phenomenal. The crab was so buttery, the waffle situation was amazing, and the overall execution across the menu was impressive. We ordered a lot, basically half the menu and everything hit. * Short rib plate: delicious, rich, and comforting * Chicken schnitzel with curry mustard: WOW. Juicy, crunchy, fresh, perfectly seasoned. The curry mustard was everything, and that little pepper on top? 10/10. This was hands down my favorite dish. * Drinks: They had brand ambassadors for Wild Turkey, giving out free Old Fashioneds, which was honestly the perfect touch. We also had a small ounce pour of a mezcal that was beautifully smoked, super aromatic and smoky in the best way. Service was great too, we had two different servers, and both were attentive and kind. The only miss for me personally was the pastrami salmon toast. I wanted to love it so badly because I love salmon and I love smoked fish, but it just wasn't for me. I actually sent it back (which I felt bad about). I think the slight sweetness, (possibly from the tomato jam)threw it off for my palate. I was craving something fully savory with a bit of acidity. I think a thicker, crunchier toast and a more umami-forward, citrusy or pickled element might have taken it where it needed to go. That said, I know pastrami-style salmon is a thing right now, it just didn't work for me. Everything else? Truly amazing. The Standby will forever be a place I come back to when I'm home. I'm excited to return, see what's new on the menu, and relive that magic again. Highly recommend. 10 out of 10. Will absolutely be back.

    Photos
    Standby - Seating area

    Seating area

    Standby - Smashed Cucumber Salad

    Smashed Cucumber Salad

    Standby - Coconut Shrimp

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    Coconut Shrimp

    Bad Luck Bar - Back bar.

    Bad Luck Bar

    4.2(230 reviews)
    0.1 miDowntown Detroit
    $$$

    Hannah was such a sweet girl. So knowledgeable of the menu and also on bourbons in general. Let her…read moremake you a drink of her choice! We had 3 drinks from the menu. All were really good. It's a very small space. Back alley entrance! lol, you are going the right way down the freaky alley!

    My bf and I really enjoyed our experience at this classy speakeasy while here for a weekend…read morevacation. We were definitely a little uncertain walking down a dumpster-filled alley, but once we stepped inside we were pleasantly surprised at how elegant, well-designed, and beautiful the interior was. We went around 6PM on a Thursday before a Red Wings game, and while there were 2-3 people seated at the bar, we were the only ones seated at a table. Service was attentive and quick. They served us a complimentary warm dark rum honey tea to start, and honestly I should have ordered a whole cup! It was delicious and unique, and I hope I can find something like it again. I would order it in a heartbeat. The drinks themselves were a little on the pricey end and since I wasn't in the mood for drinking a lot, I didn't end up ordering anything, but my boyfriend got The Hammer. Unfortunately he didn't realize it would be smoked and doesn't love the flavor of butane, but the presentation of the drink and the smoked spiced cashews that came with them were excellent! If it weren't for the butane flavor (which he believes not many others taste), my boyfriend would have really enjoyed his drink. I think it's definitely worth a visit for the ambiance and welcome drink alone, but be prepared to spend a little!

    Photos
    Bad Luck Bar
    Bad Luck Bar - The Alchemist

    The Alchemist

    Bad Luck Bar

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    Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge - Xiuxos

    Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge

    4.1(75 reviews)
    0.1 miDowntown Detroit

    I have had the pleasure of going to Kamper's a few times now, for cocktail hours for two weddings…read moreas well as just for fun! Definitely recommend getting a reservation. The bartenders are helpful with picking out drinks you may enjoy, and their drinks are fabulous! There is really something for everyone's palate on their menu. Kamper's is really all about the vibes. The views are incredible and the Book Tower is an iconic staple of Detroit architecture. Great views of the new Hudson building / GM HQ as well! On a sunny summer day, you really can't beat this rooftop.

    Leave or to my daughter to find the most off the beaten path restaurant to celebrate her birthday…read more She is obsessed with rooftop views hence how we ended up here. I took one look at the menu and cocktail list, and determed that we would be going somewhere else to eat afterwards, thinking, "this won't be a long visit at all." But oh was I pleasantly surprised. First round of cocktails set the tone and gave us the courage to go ahead and try some of the plates. We decided on the shrimp, pork belly and gorgonzola cheese ones. Absolutely delicious. So then we decided on round two of cocktails the plate of chips, avocado toast and another round of pork belly! Again, divine. Although I will admit, everything got dipped into the pork belly sauce. Was tempted to do a round three to try the highly recommended lobster rolls but decided to save something for the next visit because there will be one. They executed all the small plates exceptionally well. And the cocktails were top quality! Only complaint was the seats are very low to the ground. I'm short and my legs were aching. I can only imagine how uncomfortable those with normal legs feel after dining. BTW my daughter and her friends had a wonderful birthday celebration but ended up leaving us adults there because we were having such a good time!

    Photos
    Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge - First floor lobby bar at The Book Hotel is just gorgeous.

    First floor lobby bar at The Book Hotel is just gorgeous.

    Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge - Pan con tomate

    Pan con tomate

    Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge - The Encanto with mahon gin, coconut, celery bitters, indian tonic

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    The Encanto with mahon gin, coconut, celery bitters, indian tonic

    The Motor Bar - bars - Updated June 2026

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