Downtown bars to watch the Detroit Tigers

Fox Sports Detroit will broadcast its pre-game show for the roof and CBS radio will be in the house. Hockeytown is a sure goal for any game day. An event at the neighboring Fox Theatre will keep the multilevel place from opening until 6 p.m. But with three 42-inch and 23 63-inch HDTVs displaying all the action, every chair in the house will be like a front-row seat. Beer and liquor specials will be teamed with discounted pizzas.

There will be a free shuttle to all three games.Drunken Irish fun all year round. On any given night, you can wait in line to climb the narrow wooden staircase to the top floor where the energy from popular Irish drinking songs has people singing along, clapping their hands and, when the music calls for it, stomping their feet. The bar is wood from floor to ceiling, including the long, cafeteria-style tables and benches, where friends and strangers sit together. Everything about the decor and the patrons here gives the bar the atmosphere of an old-style Irish pub. Despite its antique look, Old Shillelagh is filled with a mix of college students, young professionals and older regulars.

The Town Pump Tavern is just steps away from Detroit's entertainment and theater district. It offers an extensive beer list with more than 18 beers on tap, a full kitchen and free WiFi. With its wood-paneled walls and rock-and-roll jukebox style, the Town Pump Tavern holds true to the classic pub atmosphere. Food is served until 11 p.m., but the drinks go all night long. --Megan Whalen

There's a vast audience for any place that would make 'beer' part of its name, but with a menu that features far more variety than the typical burger-and-beer spot, plus award-winning house brews and primo outdoor seating, this is the kind of restaurant-bar hybrid that pleases many tastes. The vibe is relaxed and easy. Inside, exposed brick, high ceilings and dark wood paneling reinforce its casual personality, and on home-game days and nights, sports fans can easily fill its two floors of tables. In summer, show up for games several hours early if you want one of the 30 sidewalk seats. The people-watching is great, and there's a pleasing view of Broadway. Peruse the tabletop beverage cards and you'll see a long list of martinis, but at a place called Detroit Beer Co., there's no doubt what to drink. Prices are family-friendly, especially given the generous portions. Most appetizers are $6-$8, and most entrees and sandwiches are less than $10. --Sylvia Rector

A lively bar with an even livelier clientele, the Park's round bar creates a social vibe that's in tune with the friendly serving staff. The music is usually good, and with the stadiums just around the corner, the Park Bar is conveniently located for a pre- or post-game drink (or three). --Brett Callwood

There will be shuttles available starting at 6 p.m. for each of the games for $5 a person.This legendary 1965 Corktown spot was named the number three sports bar by Sports Illustrated the year Detroit hosted the Super Bowl, and it didn't miss a beat when Tiger Stadium closed. Stalwart Tigers and Red Wings fans still flock there for burgers and beer before games then hop the complimentary shuttle to Comerica Park or the Joe. The shuttle also goes to Lions games. A wider menu of sandwiches and soups is served for lunch. The walls are adorned with old photos and memorabilia, and the clientele feels like family. Cash only. Closed Sundays except for Tigers game days.

Located conveniently close to Joe Louis Arena, the Anchor Bar is a haven for those in need of a post-game beverage. It's not a sports bar, but the hockey fans perched on the bar stools give the place a lively vibe, and the talk usually centers on the Red Wings' last performance. --Brett Callwood

With black and white pictures of Detroit's illustrious decorating the walls, there's a real homely feel about the State Bar and Grill. Located in the same building as the Fillmore Detroit (formerly the State Theater), this place is ideal for a pre-show meal or drink. Burgers and pizzas make up most of the menu, but the vibe is fun and the choice of beers exceptional. --Brett Callwood

The real stars at Detroit's Hard Rock Cafe aren't on the menu; check out the dozens of pieces of musical memorabilia displayed throughout. See Jimi Hendrix's pen-sketched self-portrait titled "Jimi by Jimi" and the white dress hometown girl Madonna wore in the "Vogue" video in 1990. Raising the bar for bar food, Detroit's Hard Rock features a floor-to-ceiling stained glass mural, which provides a modern feel to the room. The multicolored theme continues with the lighting behind the bar.

True to its name, Big City Bar & Grill has pictures of urban Detroit decorating the walls. Those not interested in architectural art can watch one of the five plasma TVs that can be viewed from anywhere around the U-shaped marble bar. High-top tables and booths seat the famished as they dine on a wide selection of soups, sandwiches and burgers. --Brett Callwood

Bookies Bar & Grille has everything that's loved about sports bars - big-screen TVs, a large bar, a patio where hot dogs are grilled - in a setting so posh, even the girliest of girls could enjoy it. But this is no wussie sports bar. Nothing can be heard over the roar of fans when the home team scores. This place gets so packed during games that plowing a path to the bar is a feat, but one well rewarded by a cold beer or bracing shot. --Sara Kandel

Formerly Proof Martini Bar then Hardluck Detroit.

There will be a tailgate party all weekend with bands and DJs. 94.7 WCSX will broadcast live. The Elwood Bar & Grill was built in 1936 by noted local architect Charles Noble, which adds a quaint bit of history to the place. The sandwiches nearly reach the decorative roof (OK, I'm exaggerating, but only slightly), and the hot dogs are heaven.

Once a ticket office for the impressive Grand Trunk Railway, Foran's capitalizes on that historic atmosphere. This old but beautiful two-story building with vaulted ceilings and a brick wall interior was built in 1879. Foran's uses the second level as a stage for live techno, electronic and Irish music. The first floor houses a long bar. Foran's serves many locally produced food and beverages like Motor City Brewing Works beer, Avalon Bakery bread and meats and produce from Eastern Market. --Sara Kandel

Owned by former Detroit Red Wings Defenseman Chris Chelios, Cheli's Chili is the place for the ultimate sports fan. Watch the game on any of its 36 flat-screen TVs and enjoy delicious eats and drinks. Tickets to the hockey game? Cheli's offers shuttle service to Joe Louis Arena.

Honest John's celebrates the spirit of community by delivering a cozy, neighborhood bar feel and plenty of opportunities to feel good about visiting. The menu offers the standard bar fare, but also boasts vegetarian-friendly selections, like hearty veggie chili and a variety of homemade soups. Drink prices are low, so plug your extra cash into its nationally-recognized jukebox or donate to Honest John's Shakedown Society, a group organized to help the less fortunate in the area. Needless to say, Honest John's is a far cry from your typical bar. In fact, owner John Thompson's Shakedown Society is known for recruiting patrons to participate in wildly eccentric charity events. The adventurous can jump into the Detroit River in January to buy turkeys for charity or they can "Grin and Bare It" in July by mooning to earn donations to support children's programs at local churches. --Andrea K. Farmer

One of the joys of a big-city bar scene is discovering the hidden gems that lie off the beaten path. Just a few blocks behind the Fox Theatre and across I-75, or a long fly ball from Comerica Park, you'll find one of these gems in Harry's Detroit. The bar is less than a decade old, but already has a strong following with a regular local lunch crowd, as well as a student crowd, theatre regulars and a big sports crowd. It's one of those places that you might not find unless someone tells you about it -- but once you find it, you'll come back. Locally-owned and -operated, you're quite likely to actually meet Harry or his sister, Denise, on any given day. The menu features sandwiches and entrees with locally-themed names augmented by daily and weekly food specials. Harry's often offers holiday specials, too. Harry's is a popular pre- and post-game stop for Wings, Tigers and Lions fans, as well as many concert and theatre-goers. It's a safe bet that if there's a big game happening, it's on one of the many big screen TVs. When the game's not on, there's usually a good mix of modern tunes -- with a digital jukebox available for your own programming. Patrons hope to double their Harry's fun with the rooftop deck bar opening in spring 2008. --Steve Dorsey

Small's bar in Hamtramck is known for its changing lineup of live rock, punk and metal bands. Gothic touches inside, like the stained glass windows and chandeliers dangling from high ceilings, make this place the high church of hard rock. Arrive early to snag one of the cozy private leather booths along on the sides of the venue. Body piercings, tattoos and black T-shirts recommended. --Ashley Woods

Formerly Hoot's on the Avenue located directly across from old Tiger Stadium, this Corktown Irish bar can hold 177 people in the split-level space and 100 people outside on the patio. Inside, a well-worn tile floor under a dropped ceiling in the front-room whiskey bar reflect the amount the traffic that passed through the space over the years. The upper level has plenty of seating, a second bar and a wall of windows overlooking Michigan Avenue.

There will be a free shuttle to the games. Opening in 1984, the World Series-winning year for the Tigers, must have been good luck for firefighter Eddie Powers because almost 25 years later Casey's Pub is still a local legend. Casey's is a friendly, safe place to grab a burger and a brew. Be sure to bring cash, this Corktown staple doesn't accept credit cards. No need to bring a lot of dough, the prices are very inexpensive and the portions can feed two. If you find yourself lost on the way, just look for the giant, neon sign casting a faint green glow. You can't miss it