Babs' Underground

Was once a good place, but the bartender was incredibly rude, being condescending and decided to ignore me and walk away while i was asking a question about how pool worked. Many superior options with competent and nice bartenders in the area. Would recommend those instead! 8ball, circ bar and bill's are great. If you want to feel respected and feel like a decent human being try those instead.

went there with friends for their birthday last weekend and Deshawn was such a great bartender. he got us drinks quick even though he was busy with other things. we saw him tonight while he was off and he still was a great person. that man deserves a raise

Used to really enjoy coming here, but our recent experience was horrible. We sat down at a table that had some trash and used cups, which we understood considering it was a busy night. After about half an hour, the blonde bartender with the tattoos rudely accused of bringing in a bottle of Jack Daniels that was clearly left behind by previous customers. Despite politely explaining the misunderstanding and even requesting that staff carefully review their security footage from BEFORE our arrival, they still insisted we were responsible. They rudely told us to leave, even threatening to involve the police. The WORST part about all of this is that my friend left a bad review about this, and we were sure that everything would be cleared up once they double-checked the footage in the following days, and realized our group of five never touched that bottle. Instead, management doubled down on their accusation without actually verifying their mistake. We were certain they'd realize their error upon checking the footage closely, but it seems like they have no real intention of reconsidering or correcting their accusations. When the server checked the footage in front of us at the bar, she was fixated on the fact that we'd said "we just got here," pointing out we'd actually arrived about 30 minutes earlier, completely missing the actual issue. Being kicked out for something we would never even consider doing is extremely angering. It's unfortunate since we used to love this place.

Used to be a great place but our experience last night was unacceptable. Our group sat down at a table that had used cups and trash all over it. It was a busy night so we didn’t mind and we sat there. We were then accused of bringing our own drinks inside because of some being left on the table, which we absolutely did not do. The blonde server with tattoos on their arms immediately accosted and humiliated us and told us they’re kicking us out. We told the server to replay the security footage and they obliged. A few minutes later they returned with footage of us sitting at the table 30 minutes ago as “proof” that we brought drinks inside and told us to get out or they’ll call the police. I attempted to once again explain that yes, we were sitting there, but that is absolutely not proof of us bringing drinks inside. Playing footage from before we came in would easily identify the drinks being left there by another party. Instead we were told over and over that they’re calling the police. I understand a busy night serving drunk college kids is stressful, but berating customers with false accusations is unacceptable. I will absolutely not be returning here again despite celebrating many momentous occasions here in the past. Baffled at why we were treated that way, and whether the motivation was racial or not, completely out of line. EDIT: if there’s confirmed footage of someone putting a bottle on the table, cross reference it with our party coming inside and you’ll see it was no one from our party. lines can get blurry with who’s in what party but y’all took it out on the incorrect people. thanks for the response.

Our group sat at a table that was already covered in trash and cups. It was a packed night, so we just cleaned it off and didn’t think much of it. About an hour later, we were accused of bringing in our own bottle, something we absolutely did not do. The blonde server with tattoos aggressively confronted us and said we were being kicked out. When we asked to see security footage, they came back only showing a clip from 30 minutes ago, as if that somehow proved anything. We had already been there for about an hour at that point. We asked to see earlier footage to actually verify what happened, but the server refused. If the staff at Babs were actually trying to be fair, they would check multiple angles and earlier timestamps to confirm the bottle was already there from another group. Instead, they jumped to conclusions and threatened to call the police. It is unacceptable to treat customers like this, especially with weak evidence and a refusal to investigate properly. Whether the motivation was racial or not, the behavior was completely out of line. I used to come here for celebrations, but I will not be returning. You are better off at literally any other spot on Main Street.

Workers are ableist and rude. The blonde bartender with tattoos on their arms needs a reminder on respecting the disabled community. The bartender yelled at my friend (who is legally deaf) repeatedly about patience, and how busy the night was, while my friend was trying to read the menu. Imagine yelling at a disabled person and getting more mad at them when they don’t respond because they can’t hear you. Thats a great way to lose a tip for a $80 order of drinks. The staff needs to be educated in ableism and courtesy—why would you be nasty to someone who is going to tip you, when they never even said anything to you since they’re deaf?

This is a regular spot of mine for a cozy pub which is not too loud. Huge shoutout to the bartender, Jess, extremely helpful and makes the best drinks. Love the ambience and it has got 2 pool tables too.

As a restaurateur/bar owner and manager that just moved to Ann Arbor, both Jess and Paris are elite human beings and bartenders and I’m so glad to have met them and learned great things from the both of them. If you are in Ann Arbor and are looking for a great experience, seek out these two. You will have a great time, learn about the area, and will be wanting to come back for more. Thank you for everything.

I've been here twice and both times my drinks have been good. Of course, I had wine so it's hard to mess that up. My husband did not like his Old Fashioned that he had. Way too much bitters. Even I could tell that it was off just by the color of it. The ambiance of the bar is fantastic though. I love the underground vibe there.

I don't normally do this but when I went tonight I got treated poorly by the bartending staff. Typically I can brush most things off but when it's the staff being rude and seeking some sort of conflict I can't let it slide. Maybe it was just a bad day for the bartenders but I can't recommend bad service and paying seven dollars for a beer. The ambiance is alright and smelled a little funky. Almost like puke. If I went in the earlier hours of the day perhaps I would've had a better experience. However, rude service, expensive drinks, and funky smells do not suit my night life experience go somewhere else to spend your money at. There's too many options in the area to be treated poorly by staff.

Babs has that cool speakeasy vibe with young college atmosphere. The group I went with called it a speakeasy but for those of us who have been to an actual speakeasy, it's not. It's labeled! Anywho, pretty decent drink menu and I think they had some munchies. Pretty chill place that I can see someone coming to who is down to go out on the town but doesn't want to hit up the club. Great people watching also.

I've been coming to this place because I really enjoy the music and the atmosphere. However the service from the bartenders is terrible. I was told that the bartenders "don't work for free" and refused service over a tipping dispute for a $10 bill. The bartenders then continued to discriminate against me even after I told them I would just give them the tip they felt they deserved and had me thrown out of the bar by security guards forcefully even though I was prepared to leave calmly.

Wow!!! On our way to Toledo, we stopped to do a little sight seeing in Anne Arbor, MI to check out the University of Michigan and came across this gem. I have to say Bab's is a pretty amazing speakeasy bar. The ambience was definitely gorgeous but the best part of the EXPERIENCE was the customer service. Megan was phenomenal and is a true mixologist. You can tell she loves her craft and takes a lot of pride in her creations. I would highly recommend visiting Bab's to have the same experience we had. Definitely try their Banana Coconut Espresso Martini, The Angry Bird, and their Raspberry Rain Martini.

I heard about this place and was curious about it. I recently on a whim decided to go with my coworkers and lowkey when I saw the entrance door it kinda looked like a therapist office. Inside there are pool tables and has a nice bar and big space for people to chit chat. The bartender Anthony is super nice and showed us the different drinks. I have to say I enjoyed the la anciana the best strong but sweet. They own different establishments as well so overall good vibes. If you want to play pool you can get the balls at the bar. It closes at like 2 but nearby is the fleetwood diner so that is always a plussss

cool bar with great drinks and enjoyable music. Megan is fantastic and free pool on Tuesdays.

Amazing service and great music. Megan makes the best cocktails in town. By far best bar in town.

I love that the place is actually underground. Swanky! Good cocktails and they have pool tables. A nice date night spot.

After our lesson than stellar dinner, we came here for nostalgic reasons. Ann Arbor was my stomping grounds around 30 years ago, then, in the mid-90's, a friend and I were called in off Liberty Street to check out a new place just opening call Bab's Liberty Street Piano Bar. And Babs was the one who hauled us in. It was a great place. Though it didn't last very long, then I heard of this place. Turns out it was the same Babs, though she sold it several years ago. But it remains a great place! We had a couple cocktails and enjoyed the covid stricken atmosphere which they've done well to adapt. And the barten. . .wait. . .he was a real mixologist if you ask me. Great info and accessories on their version of a Toronto. She opted for margaritas. Great work guys!!

We wanted to try this place and finally got to it. I has a really nice vibe. We enjoy playing pool -- even though we're terrible at it -- and were surprised to find a dearth of places that had pool tables; perhaps Ann Arbor is the River City from Music Man. Anyway, the tables here are nice and well-maintained. They aren't coin-fed, so you have to get access from the server. All that is perfectly fine. Here is the issue: a lot of people come here to play pool. There are only two tables, so if you don't arrive early enough, you have to wait until the folks using them are done. We arrived early enough to use the tables. A crowd accumulated to wait for the tables. To encourage us to finish early, some of them began making snotty comments about our skill level. After a while, we tired of the comments and surrendered the table. I am gratified to report that the folks making the comments were no better at pool than we were. In any event, this is a nice spot. They have a full bar and the staff is very friendly. I think the prices are a bit inflated, but that is typical for a speakeasy.

This is my 'go-to' spot in downtown Ann Arbor when I'm out and about on the town. The drinks here are very reasonably priced, extremely tasty, and all of the staff are awesome. Couple that with pool and shuffleboard tables, and you're in for a great time. I have been coming here off and on for over six years now, and you can definitely tell that the place is becoming more and more popular. I remember when it didn't use to be as busy on the weekends, but the place is awesome and I'm happy to see the crowd growing and the business to be doing well. I will definitely be back, and if you haven't been, you should definitely stop in for a peek.

Haven't been here in a year and a half but I figured it was good time to go back for a date night! My date and I both got the Wonder Years and the Crystal Gazer cocktails. My favorite was the Wonder Years except for the fact that they filled our cups almost full with ice :( I would recommend asking if the drink has ice or not so you can ask for light ice so you get your money's worth! We learned that they made the prices of the cocktails all the same, even though some may have more expensive ingredients than others, so it makes it easier to make a choice and try them all if you want to! Our other cocktail was also small, but the blend of ingredients and ambiance of the bar are totally worth it! We were here on a Friday night and it was pretty quiet at 7:30/8 and then got busy around 9 so it's a great time to get a post-dinner cocktail and beat the crowds.

This is a great place for groups to gather. There's plenty of room to spread out at multiple bars, high tops, low tops, banquettes. Service was quick at the bar, music in the background was not overpowering. Lively crowd, but nothing rowdy. A mix of ages, genders, couples, singles. The sign out front is pretty small and up high so be on the lookout, but everything here happens downstairs. You'll be ID-ed at the door-be prepared to flash your pic. Once inside you can have some more pictures made at the photo booth in the corner.

I didn't know what to expect from Babs, but I was pleasantly surprised. As others have described, it is definitely a speakeasy-type place, as you sneak in through another building before proceeding to the bar itself in the basement. It would be easy to overlook, especially in the day, when the interior of the first building just resembles a nondescript office. Once downstairs, though, the space is open, and filled with pool tables, booths, and with a spacious and grand old bar in one corner. My friends and I camped out in front of the bar and were able to easily visit. The space was full but not too crowded, probably due to the fact that the school year was over and most of the younger and louder people were gone for the summer! The most memorable part of the visit for me, though, was ordering my drink, and then watching one of the bartenders mix it up. Tall and lanky with a crisp button-down shirt and a bow tie, he elegantly spun from one part of the bar to another, filling a pint glass here, pulling out a sprig of rosemary there. Equal parts whirling dervish and ballet dancer, I was amazed at how he simultaneously took orders, mixed drinks, and delivered beverages, all with a smile and without breaking a sweat. So, head to Babs for a fun time on your next night out in Ann Arbor. Like me, I hope you'll find that it may be one of your new favorites places!

Babs is a classic Ann Arbor stop! It can get pretty crowded at night but if you are there early enough you can get a good seat. The drinks are absolutely delicious. Everyone who works here is great! The vibe is awesome! They have some pool tables, if you are into that. A great spot overall.

I just can't get behind this place. First off, I've been here three times and every single time, literally every time, the bouncer has been a total jerk. I have never entered here without him being SO rude. Sometimes, he goes out of his way to be rude. Last night, I went with a group and when we got downstairs someone in the group whom I had just met said, "Dude, he's always a d**k, I just got used to it." No! I shouldn't walk into a place expecting to be mistreated. A dock off their rating for every time he's been rude to me. The ambiance is dark and the music isn't for dancing. It's more of a place to go with friends and just chat about life. There is a good mix of people, not too young not just oldies. The pool tables are cool, and so are the pinball machines. Sorry, Babs, but there strikes and you're out.

Great environment, service, and cocktails. I'll definitely plan on returning with friends or even by myself.

Beautiful space, and reasonable priced drinks - I am sold! Bab's underground is on Ashley. The door is a little hard to find, as it is not marked, but look for the address number, go inside the door and head towards the down stairs. You will most likely meet a friendly doorman checking IDs. Very dark, almost uncomfortably dark, however the ambiance created is fantastic. Great TV screens in the lower bar, lounge area and pool table in the upper lounge. It is almost a swanky cigar-bar feel. High backed chairs and rich dark leather in the intimate seating areas make casual convo seem like shade deals going on. How fun! The bar is fully stocked, topped off with friendly bartenders. I forgot how much I liked Bab's. I did notice a small selection of munchies on the menu, reasonably priced as well. Great for groups of friends, bar hopping.

Does it get a little crowded on weekends? Of course. But Babs' ample space, great music selection, and affordable cocktails more than make up for it. Being in a basement, Babs' has a modern speakeasy feel to it. I thoroughly enjoyed my rye cocktail, and was impressed by the tasteful presentation, especially for a place that can get pretty bro-ey some weekends. Oh, and I forgot to mention, they also have pool tables and some other bar games to keep you entertained. If for the size alone I'll definitely considering having my next birthday here.

I feel like this place could do a little bit more to make it pop and bring it to its full potential. I love the hidden speakeasy entrance and the dark underground feel but it seemed like it was missing something. There is a bar area down a few steps and a game area. The game area had a few pool tables (with no instructions on how to get the balls) and a few ping-pong tables which were fun to play. To me, it felt like this place was thrown together without any real direction to attract the young college crowd.

Great drinks but the reason I am giving this one star is because I had a server say some pretty discriminatory racist things to me because of the form of ID I presented. The form of ID I presented is an acceptable form of ID in the United States even though he told me it wasn't and proceeded to be very very rude and condescending. This place is in a good area with good drinks but I cannot return after feeling discriminated.

Babs almost succeeds at being a hip underground speakeasy, without the pretension of most speakeasies. It's easy to miss, and walking through the front door really does feel like you're crossing a threshold into a secret but somehow inclusive club. The crowd is mixed--some undergrads, some grad students, some young professionals, some middle-ages couple, groups of coworkers, etc. There's lots of dark wood, a few pool tables, cushy bar stools, well-dressed bar tenders, and edgy art on the walls. Cocktails are made with care. Some are very strong (my date was tipsy before she finished her Manhattan), some less so (my Tom Collins was tasty, but weak). Edison bulbs are suspended from the ceiling, giving off a warm light that's not too bright. So far so good, Babs. But then there is a giant flatscreen tv right next to the bar, which kills the vibe. The sports, the bright blue light, the bros there to watch sportball--none of it fits in. There is also a light gray stone wall and several flashing arcade games by the pool tables. It feels more suburban rich kid basement than speakeasy.

I had never been here before, and went with a group of friends on Friday night. THE GOOD: -It almost feels like an office setting, until you take the stairs down and get into the bar area. I wonder if originally it was an industrial space? -The drinks - I had the Strawberry Fields martini ($8) and it was delicious - it had strained strawberries in it. I may have drank it a bit fast because of that, lol. I know that Black Pearl is normally $10-11 for martinis so $8 is not too bad. THE OKAY: -I liked that it was a big space, but it didn't entirely feel like a bar because of that. I'll probably come back to Babs at some point when I am back in the area.

I used to frequent this place multiple times a week. My favorite bouncer is the guy with the bald head and the beard who is always smoking a cigar. He's awesome. I was such a lush that he wouldn't card me, but would card my friends because I came way more often than anybody. My favorite staff has left so I only attend on occasion, but I hear that there is a DJ still playing some music on Wednesdays. They have clean restrooms with a huge one in the women's bathroom -- so big it has two doors. They also have pool tables and a photobooth. Their art showings are usually really good local artists. My friend Sarah had her alter-ego series on display a year ago, and it was my favorite because it featured Ann Arbor's favorite young locals, including me as a gangster. Ha! They have a two drink minimum on credit cards, which is really annoying, but something to keep in mind if you have no cash on you.

I like this place. Kristen (sp?) is the most amazing server ever and her memory is impeccable! Wish they served food, but I'm guessing there's no kitchen. They have some interesting martinis ($8 when not on special), which I tend to stick to. If you like chugging bottles of Dimetapp, try the Grape Vine martini. What? Don't look at me like that. I can't have been the only one to do this as a kid.

Hostest was not accommodating and did not treat us with respect. Did not appreciate the service.

Zero stars. Our party of nine for a bachelorette party tried to get two tables, as parties of over six are not allowed under the mdhhs orders of insane death of a party of nine. They said they don't seat parties that seem to be together above the number of six. Can't separate us into two parties and tables. Our mistake was walking in together. I do not condone any business going above and beyond the ridiculous emergency orders. I emailed the management before posting this review with no response. Disgusting people that don't care about their employees getting work and tips. The hostess had the gaul to snidely say, "Have a nice evening."

I was taken here by some friends. Like other reviewers have mentioned, this bar is certainly not the easiest to find if you don't know it is there. It is in the same complex as the law firm Smith Haughey Rice Roegge. The joint was hopping when we got there, but we managed to snag a table right after coming in. It appeared that they offered wait service, but no one ever came by. The crowd seemed to be a bit older, but this bar definitely caters to a younger crowd. They even advertise special shots. In the end, we got tired of waiting for service and left. Looks to be a nice bar, but if you are over 30, you may want to go elsewhere.

Good bar, fair prices drinks, good atmosphere for drinks, the people were a nice blend I would come back

Looks like an awesome place, but we walked in to found the floor full of students... no seats.. we walked out. We're only 23 and 22! Do not go on Saturday

I love the atmosphere here. Great place to come wit a few friends for some casual drinks or for a date night. They have great ambience in their lounge area, with table service or ordering at the bar. The drinks are great and pretty strong. They have some snacks to nibble on but that's not their main goal here so that's not a highlight. They also have a pool table and a pinball machine, along with some video game machines. You can even get coins from a change machine to play. Definitely a cool, laid back spot for some drinks any night out.

I loveee coming to this place when I am visiting Ann arbor. Its always a blast. Their lavender hill drink is to die for. I love Ann arbor and Babs!!

Okay, I went to Babs' Underground Lounge for the first time last night, and I had such a great time! I will admit that I came from the Old German--where I drank a liter of their Porter Beer--so my opinion might be slightly skewed. Regardless, the presence of the staff is what really made this a great night. As soon as we came up to the bar, one of the bartenders gave us a menu and asked if we needed anything right away. We wanted to look at the menu, and then we were ready, another bartender got our drinks. Friendliest bartender ever--Josh made delicious drinks efficiently while I pestered him about Bar Rescue. I had two Lavender Hills, which tasted like melted popsicles. Long story short, Josh is the best and made our night!

This was hard to find! But once we did, we really enjoyed the atmosphere and the drinks. Lovely staff and extensive selection of wine, beer and specialty drinks. We were in on a Thursday and there was a moderate crowd. I personally enjoyed the Texas mule.

Babs' is truly underground in more ways than one. It is, quite literally, underground - in the basement of a seemingly normal looking office building. Also, it's not easy to find the entrance unless you know where you're looking. Babs' caters more to the graduate and local scene, which I'm good with. There's a lower section with tables and some lounging and dancing areas and the bar. There's also an upper area (only by 3 or so steps) with pool tables and a long counter with high chairs. Waitresses tend to you in the upper area but some people prefer to go to the bar themselves. Overall they make good drinks and service is relatively quick. Good times.

This was a great little find in Ann Arbor. It was also the only place after the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game that wasn't totally packed. As a person who didn't go to Michigan or live in Ann Arbor, I probably wouldn't have even noticed this place since the door is pretty unmarked and you have to walk downstairs to get in (hence the name Underground Lounge). The drink prices were reasonable, good beer in bottles and on tap (around $5 per pint) and they had a decent cocktail menu. I can see how other reviewers pointed out that this place could possibly be labeled 'swanky' - there's a lot of couch/chaise lounge seating and low tables. I like swank dive since it wasn't the classiest place around, but I don't mind. There's pool tables in the back (not near the front at the bar, which is nice) and a photobooth. Bathrooms are in the back and you think you're going the wrong way to get them but you're not, trust me. I'd come back again as long as the douchey crowd stays out. This place got super busy around midnight just as we were leaving, which was nice.

Babs has a speakeasy-type feel. For the uninitiated, it is very hard to find (it is in the basement of an office building with only one plain sign outside). But, once you enter the building, go down the steps and through the door you feel like you've been transported back to the roaring twenties. For the cigar smokers out there, this place is heaven. Not only do they sell cigars, but they aren't overpriced!

Hey, it's just not my type of bar. The atmosphere is a 180 from their previous location, going from a dark and somewhat exciting environment to a wide open sports bar kind of place. The crowd has also dramatically shifted and it seems like I don't really see anyone I know here anymore, which would be fine except I'm pretty sure the Scorekeepers crowd has moved in judging by the loud rap music and the giant screen TVs showing baseball every time I go in. There's also never a place to sit, which is like the old Babs, except the area outside the tables is bare and wide open so your party will be standing in full view of the rest of the bar with no place to set down drinks or hang up your coat, again reminding me of a sports bar. I think the service is fine and I have no issues with the drinks or prices, but the atmosphere is piss poor compared to the old location.

Decent vibe, drinks aren't terribly expensive, but really crappy service. I was a Babs' for a party last weekend; the organizer had reserved the back room for us. When I got there it took at least 10 minutes to locate a server, and then another 5 to explain that we were there for the party, and then another 10 at least for her to take orders, forget a couple, come back with some, make another trip to the bar... rinse and repeat. We had to keep the door to the back room open even though it was so loud in the pool area that we couldn't hear the game we had on. THEN it turns out that although the organize had called several times to confirm the reservation, the bar went over capacity and half our party was left waiting outside, even though Babs had promised our whole group would be allowed in. We ended up leaving pretty quickly. Maybe it was just a mis-communication, but the way the whole situation was handled ensures that I won't be returning.

A cool vibe, good art, and definitely a comfortable place. People always love this place when they first find it, because it is so hidden, and its easy to miss with even the best directions. However, the service is usually pretty bad, and last time I went I saw them break a fifth in the ice bin. Anyone who has ever worked at a restaurant knows you need to dump the ice when this happens because its impossible to pick up all the pieces of small glass, but it was busy, and they did their best to pick the pieces out, but they never emptied the ice. HUGE health-code violation, and incredibly dangerous.

I WANT TO GIVE 4 AND A HALF STARS!!! Bab's is my favorite bar in Ann Arbor. Mind you, I do my best to stay away Friday and Saturday nights because the crowd begins to look too much like Rush Street. I may be somewhat biased as I first learned how to play pool here, but it still remains to be one of the only places in town that is large enough to accommodate a lot of people, but still laid-back enough where you can have a conversation with a large group (rather than just the person you are sitting next to). Lack of the Charley's/Rick's/Skeeps crowd is a major plus. Fleetwood across the street? Plus, part deux.

John Carlo makes wicked martinis (says my company). Stop on by for good drinks and a good atmosphere. It picks up after 9:30. Expect a mixed crowd with casual dress. This isnt your most upscale lounge, but its not a hole-in-the-wall sports bar either. They are a cigar bar/lounge with a lot of space, pool tables, and a great atmosphere. The entrance does not look like anything special. It looks like you are going down into the entrance of a hotel gym if you get there early enough and they dont have the coat guy already there. Dont hesitate to head down and pick out a spot because it will fill up. Cheers!

I like the concept... swanky-ish bar with no real sign, tucked away in a building basement in downtown Ann Arbor... shh... it's a secret. Yet, I'm always somehow disappointed every time we end up here. I think maybe if I went on a random night like Tuesday when they have $4. forties and play movies I might enjoy myself more. Babs gets too crowded on the weekends; you will struggle to find a place to sit and standing can make you feel like you're in the way. The main problem is that they seem to have as many servers on the floor on a packed Saturday (I usually count two, for the WHOLE place) as they do on a slow Tuesday. Getting service (or anything to drink) can be a challenge, no doubt. Be prepared to wait an extended period for a drink and even longer for the bill at the end of the night. Bring exact change or you'll be there until next week. BOTTOM LINE: A decent spot for a random week night, too much work for a weekend.

I was in Babs' briefly and can report that I would never know it existed. My friend Nick O. likened it to Ann Arbor's Black Finn. I wouldn't necessarily think that a good thing but I think it paints an accurate picture of the clientele--cougars, business men, townies, undergrads who are tired of their peers, etc. And there was a line! A long line to actually get into the bar. I think what I found most unappealing was that it was weirdly hidden, almost unmarked, in the basement of a business. I don't understand why this would be where anyone would want to spend their evenings, but to each their own? If I were choosing a bar in Ann Arbor to grab a cocktail at, I would want more ambiance. . . and windows. There was pool and it actually was spacious. . . kind of a like a basement rumpus room--maybe this was their intention?

Babs' reminds me of the basements you'd see in the homes of really rich high school friends-just add a large bar and lots of people sporting lumberjack shirts. I didn't notice the swankier paintings, but I suppose I'd be calling it an art deco basement then. This isn't bad at all, though. Sometimes after sweaty jostling at The Brown Jug and the contrived cool of PJ's, you need a reminder that bars need not be saunas filled with overpriced alcohol and trashed undergrads. The drinks are tasty, the bartenders are really nice and you've gotta love a crowd that cheers at the strains of the Star Wars theme set to a danceable beat. I'll be back.

Bab's is solid. It's much better than my usual Ann Arbor drinking establishments (i.e. Eightball or Circus), in that they actually "clean" things after people leave. Lots of seating, especially if you get there earlier, and because it seems like there's always a line later in the night... A decent amount of the clientele try really hard to be Ann Arbor hipsters, which just makes want to pat them on the head and giggle. I get beat up a lot in this town.

Super fun speakeasy type bar. You walk in a building and it looks like you're going to a business office but it's just another basement bar. The cocktails all sounded amazing and I went with the lavender one. Super tasty and did the job!

The typical townie hangout. Not nearly as classy as the original, but one of the only places in A2 where you can dodge the d-bags. Well, some of them anyway. A great spot to chill out with some friends, hang with Gian Carlo the fab bartender, and watch the old cokeheads who have (unfortunately) turned into crackheads... They could use an updated cocktail menu, though. From the looks of it, the menu hasn't been updated since 2003, with exception for a mediocre Pomegranate martini.