The Sugar House

Discovering places like this was exactly what I had in mind when I came up with the concept for Adventure Detroit. For nearly a year I have been hearing about The Sugar House. Whenever anyone would explain it they would say something like “It’s awesome and I don’t want to ruin it, just go.” A lot of people say that about a lot of different places, but the diversity of those talking about it really piqued my interest. Well on Saturday I finally decided to quit wondering and “just go”.

The Sugar House is located in Corktown (a few steps from Slow’s) and specializes in craft and classic cocktails. This is an old school pre-prohibition style bar that will “wow” you from the second you brush back the velvet curtain. The attention to detail is apparent throughout. The wood floors, exquisite bar, brick walls, chandeliers, and classic décor just scream Detroit. When I sat down the first thing that popped in my head was the beginning of the first Chrysler Super Bowl commercial. The spot where the narrator, Kevin Yon says, “I got a question for ya, what does this city know about luxury? Huh? What does a town that’s been to hell and back know about the finer things in life? Well I’ll tell ya, more than most.”

The detail doesn’t stop with the aesthetics. When you are seated you will be greeted by either a server or a bartender/mixologist. However, calling these guys bartenders devalues their skill level. That would be like saying Picasso was good at drawing. Plain and simple, these guys are artists. You can order anything from the 21 page menu or do what I did, just let the artists do what they do best, create. Using only high quality and fresh items, I was given the best drink of my life. Although, I spilled it halfway through (oops), I was able to enjoy two more. I think it had tequila, 100 year old bitters, ginger, and whatever else they tossed in there.

I honestly could write for hours about The Sugar House. Hell, I could spend hours at The Sugar House. I know I always say to check out the places that I write about but you seriously have to check this place out. Quit watching Mad Men and go live it!

Here is a quick feature that Cranes Detroit ran on The Sugar House...




Stephen Moore
Adventure Detroit
@advnturedetroit


Information on The Sugar House 

The Sugar House Detroit
2130 Michigan Ave Detroit, MI 48026
Phone: 313.962.0123
Website: www.sugarhousedetroit.com
Twitter: @SugarHouseBar
Email: Info@sugarhousedetroit.com

House Rules

Rule1: “We can only accommodate as many guests as there are seats. If you don’t have a place to sit, you can’t have a drink.”

Rule 2: “No Fighting, pretend fighting, or talking about fighting”

Rule 3: “Smoking on the patio is prohibited. Please step out front and make use of the designated receptacle for your butts”

Rule 4: “For the benefit of those around you, please step outside when making telephone calls.”

Rule 5: “No split checks for parties of three or more.”

Rule 6: “20% gratuity will be added for parties of six or more.”

Rule 7: “Imbibe responsibility: Compared to life, loss, and lock down a taxicab is free.”

Welcome to Miami

Tucked away in Midtown is arguably my favorite Detroit bar. The Old Miami opened in 1979 and pays homage to Vietnam veterans. Today, not a lot has changed. From the moment you walk inside you will quickly realize that this is not your typical bar. To the left of the door is a bar, decorated with military memorabilia. To the right is a lounge area with couches, chairs, and a television. It looks like the living room of a Wayne State frat house. Slightly adjacent to the “living room” is a pool table. As you proceed toward the back the first thing you will notice is a stage and floor area. Now you may be saying to yourself, “Where are the pictures, I want to see!” Well all you get is one. I would love nothing more than to ruin the experience for you but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I’m sorry. You have to go and just see this place for yourself. You will thank me later.

The Old Miami and PJ’s Lager House are two of the best places to see live and local bands. The Old Miami offers everything from punk to prog and everything in between. Don’t misunderstand, this is a rock bar, but we aren’t talking about death metal either. The sound is very good and the crowds are equally fun. The diverse mix includes students, hipsters, vets, business people, and a large number of musicians. It’s this diverse crowd that makes what I like to call “the back yard”, so much fun.

Yes, people you did read that correctly. The Old Miami could have easily installed a nice, gated parking lot. However, that would mean this review would be over and The Old Miami would be just like every other bar in the Cass Corridor. Instead the owners built a gated outdoor space. This isn’t a little area, but rather an extremely large grass area with lawn chairs, tables, and in the summer a full bar. The Old Miami even allows you to bring your own chairs (and hookah if you’re into that sort of thing)!  This feature makes this the best bar I’ve ever been to in the summer. It’s the perfect summer house party, all the time you have a full bar, cool people, live music, and you don’t have to clean up. In the winter and on cool evenings this area features a giant bon fire and chairs. 

The parking can be a little difficult and depending on the night, there may be a cover. Also keep in mind THEY DO NOT HAVE AN ATM. The bar will let you run a tab but if there is a cover you need cash or you will not be allowed inside. If this happens you will have to walk a few blocks to Honest John’s and the neighborhood is mildly sketchy. I know this because it has happened to me. Not a big deal but noteworthy.

Overall, The Old Miami is the type of bar that makes Detroit great. They have an excellent beer selection, fair prices, entertainment, etc. So I would really appreciate it if all of you would please do me a favor. Instead of going to some fist-pumping d-bag bar in Royal Oak, adventure to Detroit and see what a real bar is like.

The Old Miami
3930 Cass Ave
Detroit, MI 48201

Stephen Moore

@advnturedetroit

Adventure Detroit