A pride flag

A pride flag by Sand Crain – Unsplash

The Best Gay Clubs & Bars in Detroit


 

After a long work week or day, we all need some unwinding or let me put it this way, we all need a space to blow off the steam that we’ve accumulated over the entire week. And what better way to do it than with the company of friends, connecting and catching up over drinks in a nightclub, enjoying some good music, and dancing the week away while ushering in the weekend. Detroit’s gay scene is vibrant, diverse, and inclusive. 

The gay community in Detroit has shifted from convening in mostly underground spaces to out-and-proud ones welcoming all genders and sexual orientations. So if you are around the Detroit area and are looking for the best gay clubs and Bars to let loose and have a good time, we have the right recommendations for you in this article. Here are the best gay clubs and bars in Detroit.  

1. Adam’s Apple Bar

Adam’s Apple is well known as a welcoming space for the gay community. However, all are welcome at this old-fashioned, neighborhood bar. The bar gives a mellow, local vibe with great drinks, better company, and an even better music atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike love this bar as it is a judgment-free environment with friendly staff

Adam’s Apple is known for karaoke nights on Thursdays, so get ready to sing your night away. It’s also more of a chatty bar where you can hold a nice conversation with your friends or even stranger. Adam’s Apple is both owned and operated by trans women.

Practical Information
Address: 18931 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48228, United States
Call: +1 313-240-8482
Open: MON-SUN 12 PM – 2 AM
Reservations: NO

2. Necto

Guys at a club  club during sunset

Guys at a club club during sunset by Aaron Thomas – Unsplash

Necto is the place to go when you want to dance. Necto throws an amazing dance party on a weekly basis. The place is packed on Fridays, and for good reason, everyone is dancing. The crowd has so much fun on the dance floor that it’s easy to lose track of time while dancing the night away. 

Necto hosts a variety of themed events, but it’s unanimous that Pride Fridays are the place to be for unbeatable music and excitement. There is always a DJ spinning and dancing which makes for a great time.

Here are additional techno clubs in Detroit that you ought to look at.

Practical Information
Address: 516 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
Call: +1 734-994-5436
Open: MON, FRI, SAT 9 PM – 2 AM TUE, WED, THUR, SUN – CLOSED
Reservations: NECTO.COM 

3. Temple Bar 

Temple Bar is an old-school tavern providing cocktails and brews, plus a pool table in a low-lit, laid-back atmosphere. This gem of a spot is located next to the notorious Masonic Temple. Step into this special bar and be prepared to have an experience like no other.

Everything that happens at Temple Bar is something to write home about, from being buzzed through the door to the cat and dog in attendance. With its overly friendly owner and the jukebox loaded with great music and karaoke, everyone has a grand time at the Temple.

Practical Information
Address:  2906 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Call:  +1 313-832-2822
Open: MON – SUN  1PM – 2AM  
Reservations: NO

4. Soho

A club

A club by Tori Wise – Unsplash

Open in 2004, Soho continues to be Detroit’s most premier gay bar, catering to the LGBT community. It features a diverse and easy-going environment where all are welcome. Embrace the stylish, yet casual lounge, located in the epicenter of Ferndale’s Downtown Entertainment District. 

Soho offers specialty cocktails and martinis, a lot of space for dancing, a pool table, and cool atmospheric lighting and decorations. The staff is friendly and the patrons are always there to have a great night. It’s perfect as your mainstay for the evening or as a nightcap. Look out for trivia nights and special events during the week as well.

Practical Information
Address: 205 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220, United States
Call:  +1 248-542-7646
Open: MON – FRI 4 PM – 2 AM SAT-SUN 2 PM – 2 AM
Reservations: NO

5. Pronto!

Pronto! is a downtown Royal Oak bar that has been serving the gay community for decades. Open for lunch, the restaurant and bar offer patio seating and delicious, stacked deli sandwiches. At night the bar and back patio become lively and filled with sociable night-goers. 

At Pronto, the dance floor comes alive on weekends, with LED lights cascading over the floor and the most iconic music videos playing all night long. From playing classics to dance-heavy tracks,  this place won’t shy away from letting you have your moment on the floor. There is ample seating and some billiards tables near the dance floor as well for the more reserved patrons.

Practical Information
Address:  608 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
Call:   +1 248-544-7900
Open: TUE – FRI 11 AM – 2 AM SAT-SUN 9 AM – 12 AM MONDAY – CLOSED
Reservations: PRONTOLOUNGE.COM

6. Gigi’s

A  glass of bubbly

A glass of bubbly by Kevin Kelly – Unsplash

Gigi’s is a lively gay nightclub and bar with a bustling dance floor hosting karaoke and open mike nights. The crowd here is a good mix of males and females. The atmosphere is very chill and everyone is seen to be interacting with each other, and just having a good time.

The back entrance and patio are inviting, inclusive and safe. There are a few gems left for the gay community and this is one to support. A good place to go for dancing and a good show.  Drinks are strong and affordable. Friday night is usually very crowded with good entertainment. The parking lot in the back is a little tight but large. On Fridays, it’s recommended to try to arrive before it fills up. It is a fun spot to go on a Saturday night if you’re looking to enjoy good times and dance your heart out. This friendly welcoming club is the place to be.

Practical Information
Address:  16920 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48228, United States
Call: +1 313-584-6525
Open: MON, WED, FRI, SAT 7 PM – 2 AM THUR, SUN 7 PM – 12 AM 
TUESDAY – CLOSED
Reservations:  NO

7. Inuendo

Inuendo is located at Savannah street, Detroit, United States. It’s a locals’ favorite venue, with beautiful dancers, dance nights, themed parties, shirtless events, and drag shows. It’s a renowned and great gay nightclub in Detroit. 

Inuendo Nightclub is a highly recommended great place to hang out. The club has everything from the best DJs, awesome music, Hip-Hop and RnB, every night live shows, friendly and knowledgeable staff, drink specials, amazing entertainers, good bottle service, reasonably priced drinks, and nice and comfortable seating areas. Inuendo nightclub is the place to be on weekends to catch fantastic vibes. 

Practical Information
Address: 744 E Savannah St, Detroit, MI 48203, United States
Call: +1 313-891-5798
Open: WED, SUN 10 PM – 2 AM THUR – SAT 10 PM – 2:30 AM MON -TUE – CLOSED
Reservations: NO

8. Menjo’s

A bar

A Bar by em&theo – Unsplash

Menjo’s is a unique Detroit gay nightclub in the Highland Park area, near the city’s main gay scene. Menjo’s attracts men of various types and ages. This long-running venue features drinks, live DJs, and a state-of-the-art sound system pumping out good music all hours long.

Menjo’s hosts regular themed events including karaoke, fetish nights, underwear contests, and tea dances. They serve up happy hour daily from 2 pm to 8 pm. Enjoy their enclosed patio as you hang out with friends in a blissful afternoon or evening with great company.

Read more about the best Hip hop nightclubs in Detroit that you should consider visiting. 

Practical Information
Address: 950 W McNichols Rd #928, Detroit, MI 48203, United States
Call: +1 313-863-3934
Open: MON – SUN 2 PM – 2 AM 
Reservations: MENJOSCOMPLEXDETROIT.COM

9. Woodward Bar & Grill

The Woodward Bar & Grill is a local bar catering to the Detroit LGBT community. The bar opened in 1951 and is considered Detroit’s oldest LGBT bar. 

The Woodward Bar & Grill is a great place for a Happy Hour conversation in one of the big booths in the backroom. They host Detroit Black Gay Pride parties at The Woodward, including opening parties, closing parties, and many in-betweens. 

Practical Information
Address: New Center One Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Call: +1 313-872-0166
Open: MON – SUN 5 PM – 2 AM 

10. Spot Lite

If you want to immerse yourself in the Detroit scene, you must visit Spot Lite. They have a large lineup of DJs spinning beats until 2 am. There are people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying music and dancing.

Spot Lite is a great spot offering great drinks, lots of space to dance, cool art, and awesome DJs. It gets packed later into the night but is also a great place to relax, listen to music, and have drinks a little earlier in the evening. 

They have several non-alcoholic options including hibiscus tea and many other mocktails options. Spot Lite is reminiscent of the underground parties in the ’90s, hence why the DJs love it so much. The sound system thumps and there are couches to relax in between heavy dance sessions.

Practical Information
Address: 2905 Beaufait St #4, Detroit, MI 48207, United States
Contact: [email protected]
Open: WED – THUR 10 AM – 1 AM  FRI – SAT 10 AM – 2AM
Reservations: SPOTLITEDETROIT.COM