Bookie's Bar & Grille

Was at bookies for after the redwings game and the bartender Will was amazing. Let me reiterate that it was Will who really made the experience memorable. He is truly a gem and will make your experience one that you will never forget. His sarcasm and sassy witt was delightful.

Stopped in for a couple drinks & a quick app. Service was outstanding, sat upstairs on the 3rd floor. 20 plus years & counting for these guys, doesn’t feel like a coincidence. This has been my unofficial light house for the city for just as long. Park near by, close walking distance to nearby venues. Keep up the good work guys.

Place has reasonably priced drinks and the rooftop outdoor patio is heated (it’s also partially covered). The bartender Kyla had wonderful customer service and took care of all my friends with no problems!

We always have a great time here. The only Vegan options are fried pickles and French fries which they were out of pickles. The fries were ok. Our Bartender/Server was great...Good Times

My wife and I ordered the JUMBO WINGS and a burger before going to see Matt Rife at the Filmore. The burger was good, only American cheese as an option. The wings on the other hand NOT JUMBO. Asked the waiter about the JUMBO WINGS as described on the menu, his response was the same as mine but, offered to speak with the manager who gave us %20 off. I’ve had better food from Champions in Browntown. If you go to Bookies don’t expect JUMBO WINGS as stated on the menu. The service from Will was very good. The manager should’ve taken more responsibility. -5 for her.

2024 Update: here again because friends seme to like it, no idea why. Limited selection and poor service. Lackluster bar in downtown Detroit. Pretty busy the night we came but not packed. Really slow service and almost no personality from either bartender we got drinks from. The menu is limited but we saw other tables getting food and nothing looked good so we passed on eats. Servers were vaping while walking around and getting orders and food. I would avoid Bookies.

Had a good time, they had two servers running the place on a night with events going on downtown Detroit. So, we waited for some things unfortunately. Food was ok, the mac and cheese bites have noodles inside that was way too done so they were kind of just like cheese bites at that point. The chicken BLT sandwich was delicious though. Not sure where the grilled pretzel was though, was just a regular hamburger bun. French fries were awesome. Bathrooms were a bit nasty as you can see in the photo, probably because nobody is there to clean them I think three people were running the entire place. Might want to put a sign by the door that says seat yourself, instead of yelling at everybody that walks in to find a seat wherever.. Simple one page menu. Prices, well, like a lot of places lately they're up there. $35 for an app. drink and a sandwich. Put the tip in there and it's over $40. Probably won't be back, was just easy cuz our parking spot was right there.

Was on the rooftop for lunch and apparently this establishment allows it's drunk customers on the rooftop(dangerous on a rooftop being drunk in the first place) to degrade people walking down the street, spit on people, throw things off the roof at people, and when the city parking enforcement came by they threw a beer at their vehicle. I don't care how good your food is.....If your employees and patrons can't respect the city and its workers then I won't come back at all. They're littering off the rooftop and possibly injuring people or damaging others vehicles and property. Do better!!!!!!!!

This place was slappin for the lions game!!! Although it was super busy they still seemed soo on top of things! the vibes were great. It was loud and hot upstairs but the staff seemed to have it together! Food was also good and actually very filling! not sure how i got full so fast

great little bar to hang out at before an event or a game! Loved the "locals" feel! everyone including the people there were great! check it out before you head to your event!

Bookies was the perfect spot to hit during Movement weekend. Unfortunately the crowd vs the heat left us unable to hang out inside (or even on the patio) Friday evening. The windows weren't open and the hot stagnant air pushed out of the building making no space in the bar favorable. We could always count on this being one of stop offs but it was ended up being a quick in-and-out. What a bummer!

Came here for the Friday party of movement weekend, bang the book, and it was so much fun! I love how they have the different rooms and the outdoor patio. There's tons of space here and the drinks are cheap.

Came before the Green Day concert for a quick bite and the food was amazing for bar food, awesome service from the staff, and the atmosphere is very nice as well. Overall great experience!

THE best bar to go for food and drinks before a Red Wings game. We've been here a few times before the game (which is right across the street from LCA), to get some drinks, food and maybe a few shots on some occasions with friends or other bar patrons. It's a great place to get started before the game because like I said, it's right across the freeway from LCA which is walking distance and, the prices are pretty cheap too. Definitely a nice perk as you're about to walk across the street and spend a bunch of money on tickets and beer. The staff is always super friendly and sometimes there's live music inside as well.

First time being here and went for a tigers game Our waitress Patricia was so nice and helpful and it was only her second day! Food was phenomenal, drinks were great and the vibe was on point! Will definitly go again

Great corporate event! Service was on point! Drinks were so good! Great music! Good venue! Loved the outside games on patio option along with the inside where you could cool off!

The security was extremely disrespectful. Posing as officers, threatening, and aggressive. Seemed to be looking for a problem. Pushing and shoving women. There was no need to flash guns and threaten to knock a paying customer out. Management needs to really change something within their security department.

The cheese sticks, flatbreads and nachos were all good. Plenty of food for the price. However.. the steak sandwich... has to be the worst I've ever had. It literally tasted like I was licking a plate of salt. I only ate it because I was super hungry. I should have sent it back. So disappointing. The fries were okay.

Great bar, great service, great food. Pulled pork sandwich is worth a return trip. My new favorite bar to go to before a downtown event.

I could see going here before a game for a drink. Food was pretty standard bar food. I got the steak sandwich expecting steak. What I got was a small amount of shaved beef on a pretty small hoagie for $16. I bet there were about 2 ounces of meat on this and it was overly salty. French fries were well done, but I like it like that. Server was friendly. Ambiance was kind of dingy. Would not go out if my way to here , but would not be opposed to getting a beer.

We stopped here in the way to a Red Wings game. Get here early if you want a good seat; it's popular and I recommend it. It's clean, energetic and has character. We did have time but a quick drink and they served us quickly. The menu is short and sound variety; cheaper than the arena food! We'll definitely be back.

Terrible service and food that is mediocre. This is 3 strikes for this place and we will find another restaurant to patronize next time we go to a Tiger game. Our server spent more time on her phone than at our table. My quesadilla was cold and my son had exactly 11 fries on his plate. Server never checked on us. We flagged her down to let her know there was a hair in the ranch dressing and she acted like we were bothering her. Too bad because this place used to be good but it sucks now.

This was my first time stopping here for a bar crawl. I didn't get any food so I can't attest to it but from the looks of it they have classic bar food. Beer was good and reasonably priced. I'd like to try this place again in the near future.

This is a fun spot to meet up with friends before or after the game. It's always crowded on game days. You're lucky if you can get even a few inches for a seat. This is where my friends and I usually go after a Tigers game. Isn't that what everyone does? You can also get some great views of the city from the rooftop. Drinks are flowing and there's lots of mingling and catching up in this chilled bar.

So!! I've been trying to get on this roof top bar for so long. Definitely the best panoramic view of the city. Beer, food and friends! Yes!! Definitely a nice place to be. We shared a pitcher of beer and an order of quesadilla. Life is awesome! Service is great,, we were definitely well taken cared of. I would totally come drink here again. Thank you so much for reading my review. I hope this helps with your decision making experience. Enjoy your awesome yelptastic day!

A large open main space, with tables and the long bar. Limited, but wide ranging, craft beer on draft. The staff seemed great. However, we attended during the night when it was both a basketball game and college bowl game in town. All of the patrons that we encountered were dicks. Rude for no reason. In addition, although they advertise a deal of a pitcher and four shots for $15, that night they jacked the price up to 16 The main space is fairly loud because of its construction and design

So I always loved Bookies. I don't know if Matt is still the manager but I hope he is... Tonight we went in before the Red Wings game and everything was fine. This has been my spot before and after every Detroit game and concert. Tonight we went in after the game with a group. Some of us were staying downtown and some were ubering home or had sober rides. No one in our group was falling over or belligerent. Our server Revanna (another server told us her name bc she tried to tell us it was Janice) refused to serve us and said it was because we were all too drunk. We decided to leave to go to another bar and Ravenna literally chased us out with other staff members holding her back. No one was trying to fight her. I cannot understand why a restaurant would continue to employ someone who would threaten violence upon their customers. Please respond bc I've been coming here since Brandon and Bobby were the main show and I want answers.

Bookies is my new favorite game day spot! We met up with friends before the tigers game for dinner and it was awesome. We arrived about an hour and a half prior to game time and had no issues grabbing a table. Our servers were great and prompt. They have some really great drink specials which was a plus for us. We got a game day bucket of Corona for only $16 (5 bottles)! We also ordered dinner while we were there and we were not disappointed! Everyone in our group enjoyed their meals. I got the veggie stir fry wrap with added chicken and it was really delicious! Their fries were also amazing. I would recommend grabbing a spot on the third floor on a nice day. We had an absolutely gorgeous view of the city along with the sunset. Their third floor patio also has corn hole! Overall, great deals and great meals. With a quick walk to Comerica, Bookies is the perfect place for a pregame meet up! Update: Shout out to Steven, the best server ever! Got us our food and drinks fast, and made it a great night! Also, the nachos are incredible, 10/10 would recommend!

We their last night on the rooftop. Our first time their and certainly not disappointed. Ryan was our server; and did an outstanding job. We were there with a large group of 12 before a Tigers game. Ryan kept up with food and drink orders. The kitchen was a little slow; the place was packed, the view and service were top notch. Can't wait to go back again. I had a burger and fries; very good bar burger.

Place is a joke, don't stop if you're hungry.... $10 for a "all American burger". Absolutely laughable. Walked out

I wasn't very impressed with the food or drinks here. I will say, our waiter was great- friendly and attentive. But the food and beer selection was lacking. I got the twisted chicken sandwich, which sounded amazing. What I got was a small, thin piece of dry chicken. Definitely not worth a $12 price tag. The fries looked great but lacked flavor. A friend got chicken fingers which he said were dry and tasted like Tyson. Another got the spinach artichoke dip which she barely ate because it was so salty. And another friend got a burger, he wasn't impressed and the bbq sauce was extremely sweet and tasted like applesauce. Maybe this place is fun after a game, but we were looking for a nice place for a happy hour near work. There is no happy hour here either. With all the great places that are downtown now, I'll skip this one.

Bookies was one of the bars that was in Detroit before the city was considered "cool". I used to live next door the original location on Washington Blvd. The owner Jay has always been the kind of guy that will work hard to ensure everyone at the bar has a great time and feels welcomed. I've worked with him on planning several events and he is always AWESOME to work with. The food at Bookies is typical bar food it's good nothing to write home about but solid. The drinks and beer selection is extensive and service is always attentive and friendly. The roof top covered patio with spectacular views of downtown Detroit is the highlight of the place! Bookies doesn't charge for use of the space and they even let you play your own music! Bookies is a solid choice for large groups or if you just want to grab a drink and a quick bite!

We have been coming here for years. It's nothing special but it's an easy place to meet up. Everyone knows Bookies. It's centrally located too. Which is great. We came here after a wings game this time. Obviously this was before we all got locked down. *sighs* it's the perfect location. Parking is cheap, and you can walk to anywhere.

The nachos and burgers were awesome! However, the service was spotty. We were there for 2 hours to have 2 drinks and lunch.

I love love love bookies, I want to be sponsored by bookies. If you love to booze like my old Grandma likes to booze, bookies is the spot. Tigers, Red Wings, Lions...... I guess the pistons if anyone even goes, this is the spot to be. Bookies loves the boys in blue and supports the community. Their game day special is amazing.. 15$ for 4 shots and a pitcher of lager. Love it. The atmosphere is great the people are great, hell I just might sit here and not even go to the game. Will be back time and time again... you should too. If you've missed bookies, please do yourself a favor and come to a Detroit pastime. Bookies I'm in love. Until next time Michigan, JJ is out.

I came here before a wings game this past weekend with some family that was in from out of town. There were 8 of us total and we were able to find seating right away about 90 minutes before the game started. Only the first floor was open due to a private event being held upstairs. Atmosphere is your typical sports bar. Lots of TVs, a combination of high top tables and booths, pool table, a few video games, etc. Menu was also relatively typical for both drinks and actual food. I ordered the cheesesteak, which was excellent. It wasn't very big, but the bun was perfectly toasted and the balance of all of the ingredients in the sandwich were just right. The battered fries were also top notch. Service was okay. Nothing outside of what I would typically expect from a place like this. Prices were also reasonable. As far as I knew, there were no gameday specials. I think this is going to be a new go-to place for before the game, regardless of what team is playing. I would guess this place is generally pretty crowded before Tigers and Lions games. Perhaps those going to LCA don't yet realize just how close it is. Less than a 10 minute walk to the arena.

This place is a joke, my group of 10+ people had a table at 6 pm, ordered at 6:45 and got the food 7:35. They gave me my order wrong and I returned it. They said it'll be another long wait for my food so I said it's fine I don't want it anymore. I get the bill later for a diet coke. Very disrespectful, I mentioned it to the girl that was our waitress and she said her manager is helping the cook and she's just doing what she's told. I don't tolerate disrespect after waiting on a wrong order for 45 mins of just wings. Never again!

The worse experience I've ever had after Opening Day. Paid $60 for our party of 4 to get in here, only to get kicked out by some random security guard because he thought my fiancé was someone else! No one is drunk, no one was combative. This bar is bullshit and we will never step foot in this place again. Unreal! A terrible end to a great day. A shame because we loved this place. We'll never be back again.

Austin was great, but we think he needs help. He works really hard and deals with drunk people all the time. He needs a raise!

We started Detroit Rolling Pub ride here last night. Came back to our car window smashed and things stolen. When I went into the bar to get a manager there was nobody to speak with-bartenders who didn't care and "security" who claimed no cameras were on? While trying to get some help my purse was stolen inside the bar. Not safe and staff is awful.

Great way too any Sunday. Had the basil soup let's just say if ur a fan which I am won't disappoint. Avocado blt. Steven was on point from start to finish.

Our car was broken into, the car next to us was stolen, and the security and staff did nothing to help us. In fact we all felt very strongly that they were in on it . I will never ever step foot in this dump again. This is what will destroy the city, not the economy or the virus. I can only hope this bar closes.

This is the place to be before and after Tigers and Lions games, and soon Wings and Pistons! Great drink specials and very friendly staff, the food is very good and always comes out hot. I always park at MGM which is literally only a half mile walk to Bookies for pregame drinks and food and then you can either take their free shuttle to game or take the short walk, can't beat the location. They also have Michigan Peddler that starts out there and I can tell you that's an amazing time and they give you great drink specials after your trip. I've done it several times already. Don't forget to hang out on the roof top patio too, great view!

I haven't been here for at least 5 years. Just a place I don't really think about. We happened to be staying at MGM for the weekend and walked to Comerica for the Tigers game. Little exercise never hurts. As we were making our journey back, we got hungry. I gave options: Bookies, the new place at Park bar, or coney. Bookies is in view, so we head there. It was pretty nice out, so we make the trek up several flights of stairs to the patio. I'm guessing 1/2 full, music playing and a nice view. Not a bad way to spend a few hours. We ordered a burger, philly cheese, and a few coked. The server was on top of every table. He refilled our drinks a few times before they were empty and our food came out hot. Fries - really crispy and hot. The sandwiches - also hot and really good. Lots of toppings and the buns are grilled. Besides it being a bit windy out, it's just as I remember it.

Once again, me being a total douche canoe and bagging on a place everyone loves! (Random anal observation: you have an 8 ft newcastle mirror but no newcastle?) Wings flavor: "burnt to shit" My son's chicken fingers were not only burnt as well but straight out of a "sav a lot" frozen box. Tap beer was barely cold. Service was ok. My poor waitress looked like she was on day 3 of a meth bender. Tons of loud asshats on the deck. Food was pretty pricey considering. So many better places to go in the area.

Finally got to go on the rooftop patio. We have been trying to go there all summer but I guess they only open it up on the weekend. It is nice to be up there and enjoy the view with a couple of beers. Which is what we did. We started here for a night of bar hopping in downtown Detroit. Has good deals for tigers games. Also, has a free parking lot. Warnining though maybe full during games. The service was great with the waitress being friendly and nice. She came back chatting and making sure we were alright. The food is your regular bar food but is good. You cannot go wrong with this place.

Good drink prices and good events. Went down there for a movement Pre party Memorial Day weekend. Had a great time. They even gave me free water. That's a biggie coming from Las Vegas.

Place is honestly rude and unprofessional. I've been here a few times and it's always pretty rough. Between the consistent bad service, and honestly - pretty damn dirty environment - I have to give up on this place. Literally any other place in the area is better.

Their regular customers are rude & derogatory especially towards women. Food was okay but they forgot a lot. Am not going back.

one of the best sports bars in detroit! the staff are friendly, prices are affordable and food is good quality bar fare. parking is easy and this is conveniently located near the stadiums downtown. definitely one of my favorite local spots!

All I know is the Bloody Mary is the best in the city. The Bartender Tracey is super Awesome. Made us feel like regulars on our first visit. Highly recommend

Max was awesome. Made sure we had everything we needed. Bar was busy on a Sunday afternoon but we still got fast and friendly service!

Came up there before an afternoon tigers game. Sat upstairs on the rooftop that had covering from the sun Great service Fast and friendly. They told us about the tigers game day drink special. Pitcher of beer and 4 shots for $15. Or 5 Coronas for $16. Had the tavern burger and it was delicious! Cooked to what i specified and the fries came out Hott!!!!! Will definitely be back again!

My fiancé and I stopped in on a Sunday night for a drink. I like white wine, and the only choice I had was Muscato, which I don't like at all so I didn't get a drink. My fiancé just had a beer. The waitstaff seemed uninterested in us. We have never eaten there, but I don't think we'll be back.

What a great way to celebrate before the Tigers game! Great friends, good food, awesome wait staff ! Mmmmmmh ... Derek ... THE best! Cosmos - um ... mmmm ... yum. Great host to our party celebration of 25 years of fantasy baseball. Thanks so much !

I've been here a few times...it's nothing to write home about. the food is OK at best, but with so many better options, why bother with Bookie's? Also, about a year ago there was a 'secret' show for Griz on the rooftop. We were instructed to wait outside in a line, first 100 people get in. We waited for about 4 hours, and when the time came, they did not let the first 100 in line in, they let WHOEVER in. It resulted in a huge pile in and almost no one that was in line got in. INFURIATING. @#%@ Bookie's after that incident, you will never have my business again.

Was here recently for an event, at which we had private access to the third floor rooftop level. They had about people staffed at the bar which led for efficient service. There was a modest spread of food - fruit and veggie trays, a couple varieties of flatbread pizza, and three trays of various types of sliders. The food is never going to be awesome when it's sitting out in steam trays, so I am already taking that into consideration. The flatbread pizza was good, but the sliders were what I enjoyed the most, especially the buffalo chicken one. They were tasty enough to perhaps made me come back just to try some more off of their full menu (I know they have quiet a few varieties). The rooftop patio was a perfect setting, with a mix of high top tables, low tables with umbrellas to shield the sun, and a comfy intimate area of hip looking couches. It didn't hurt that the weather was gorgeous and I was there in excellent company. I found myself thinking, "if only Bookies was this nice everytime I come here"....yet the memories of my past visits with whack crowds and mediocre food/service remain in my mind and bring me back down to reality. But it was nice while it lasted. Hopefully I get invited to more events here soon. And maaaaybe I'll try coming back around another time or two on my own. :)