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Best of Metromix Detroit 2012New Bar/Club

Let's not become too dramatic: There are dozens upon dozens of incredible bars, clubs, pool halls and other great spots to head for a night out on the town in Detroit. These five at the top of the Metromix list opened in the last year. If you think we left out a deserving nominee, let us hear about it!

Sugar House

2130 Michigan Ave.

Detroit, MI 48026

Neighborhood: Corktown/Michigan Ave.

The past year saw a number of notable openings, including the Oakland and Valentine Vodka Distilling Co., both in Ferndale. But thirsty Detroiters gave top honors to the Sugar House for its classy vibe and inspired craft and classic cocktails.

Nominees

The Oakland

201 W. Nine Mile

Ferndale, MI 48220

At the site of the now defunct Nami restaurant, the Ferndale spot was fashioned with inspiration from the Purple Gang, a 1920s mob that supplied alcohol to Detroit during the prohibition era. The crew used phony businesses named the Oakland Sugarhouse and the Art Novelty Company to sell bootleg spirits.

Orchid

141 W. Nine Mile

Ferndale, MI 48220

This 5,600 square-foot dance club is definitely a place for people to boogie the night away. Orchid sports some eccentricities with its purple, silver and black walls and curtained stage.

Valentine Vodka Distilling Co.

161 Vester St.

Ferndale, MI 48220

A local vodka brand, Valentine Vodka is also a 5,000 square-foot bar and distillery, housed in what was once a pool table manufacturing factory.

526 Main

Royal Oak, MI 48067

There's not much lacking when it comes to metro Detroit's bar offerings, but one category in short supply are piano bars. 526 Main, housed in a a two-story, 9,000-square-foot space, helps alleviate that issue. The formerly vacant venue has a second-floor Mexican restaurant called Tequila Blue.