Red Wings Hot Spots
Cheer the team at these stops around the Joe
By Sanjana Malviya
Special to MetromixJune 2, 2008
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Hockeytown Cafe
2301 Woodward - Detroit313-965-9500
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.
Cheli's Chili Bar & Restaurant
47 E. Adams - Detroit313- 961-1700
Although Cheli's is worth stopping at anytime, it's always best to go after a Tigers game. It is then that Cheli's, owned by Red Wing star Chris Chelios, really comes alive. The first floor is usually packed, so much so that sometimes it's better to not even attempt it. Also because it is so packed (and such a wild party) it is on the first floor that drinks are most likely to be spilt. The second floor is like a whole other world. It's much more calm and people are sitting at tables and ordering off the large menu. Huddled around the bar are smokers, drinkers and those just interested in a quick appetizer. This is also where people wait to go up to the rooftop, which is where the ideal party scene is (weather permitting). The rooftop is usually more relaxed then the first floor and has beautiful views of Comerica Park. --Sara Kandel
The Detroit Beer Co.
1529 Broadway - Detroit313-962-1529
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
Nemo's Bar and Grill
1384 Michigan Ave. - Detroit313-965-3180
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...
Motor City Pit Stop Cafe
2 John R - Detroit313-965-0269
Automotive-themed bars and restaurants will always bring a splash of pride (or perhaps nostalgia) to metro Detroit. With drink specials like all-you-can drink for $10 or $20, depending on the day; $5 Long Island iced teas, and burgers, hot dogs and wings, the Pit Stop is a great place to stop before or after a game. --Brett Callwood
Sweet Water Tavern
400 E. Congress - Detroit313-962-2210
Although Sweetwater Tavern does not have a dress code, you're likely to find a crowd of professionals dressed in business casual attire at any given time. The restaurant and bar caters to the area's sports fans, offering free shuttle service to and from baseball, hockey and football games. Known for its great catfish, killer wings and barbecue ribs, people from all over metro Detroit congregate at Sweetwater before and after big games. The bar staff claims that some of the area's biggest sports stars grab dinner there occasionally. Sweetwater also has a chaotic lunch rush. --Sara Kandel
Bookies Bar & Grille
2208 Cass Avenue -
Detroit
313-962-0319
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
Detroit Pub
1326 Brush - Detroit313-963-3500
One of Detroit's newest sports bars, Detroit Pub comes correct with 17 plasma widescreen TVs, 12 beers on tap and a multitude of entertainment options to keep the night hopping.
Beaubien Street Saloon
641 Beaubien - Detroit313-961-5766
It's strictly drinks at the Beaubien Street Saloon, a bar that claims to be one of the oldest in Detroit. Here, patrons can sit back and relax while watching sports without interference from loud music or dancing. There isn't a lot going on inside, but the dull interior doesn't at all reflect on the crowd or staff. It's all about the game, the drinks and time spent playing pool. The Beaubien Street Saloon is neither a hole in the wall nor a popular party spot. It falls somewhere in between. --Sara Kandel
Pappy's Sports Bar and Grill
517 Monroe - Detroit313-983-4000
In the heart of Greektown, surrounded by Greek cuisine, Greek gifts shops and facing the Greektown casino, Pappy's sports bar appears to be out of place. But with a jolly crowd and all the tasty bar food you could want, Pappy's does just fine. The seven 50-inch plasma screens attract the sports crowd, and the early happy hour (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.) attracts the after-work socializers. --Sara Kandel
