The Buhl Bar

I absolutely love the Buhl Bar. Service was great and the drinks delicious. But the best part was the ambiance. This is where I feel at home. You need to come and check out the Buhl Bar.

Tried this place on friend’s recommendation and absolutely loved the ambience and Service. George makes the best drinks. Hands down the best Paper plane i’ve tried. My friend and I tried a couple of Bourbon and Gin Cocktails and enjoyed them all. If you don’t know what you want to get tell him your alcohol preferences and have him do what he does best. You won’t be disappointed. The place is quite small and Intimate. This is a nice spot for some after dinner drinks. Do hop in if you’re in the area for a drink. The price is lit bit on the expensive side.

I recently visited Buhi Bar in Detroit and had a fantastic experience. From the moment we walked in, the bartender greeted us with a friendly welcome that set the tone for the night. I decided to go with the dealer's choice for my first two drinks, and I was impressed—he nailed both of them! My wife ordered a Martini and couldn't stop raving about how much she loved it. The combination of great drinks and a welcoming atmosphere made for a memorable evening. We'll definitely be back!

Wonderful bar located in Central downtown Detroit, Excellent location close to everything, Very friendly professional staff, And fantastic cocktails. Highly recommended.

I apologize for the inconvenience of showing up to your establishment to have a drink. We clearly frustrated the bartender by our presence until the bill came and he wanted a tip. He broke out the apologizes and free shots. The vibe was already ruined by the bad energy he created. Thankfully all the other bars in the area were friendly and welcoming to our group.

Scrumptious drinks, cozy environment and such a kind and welcoming bartender! I will definitely be coming back here! Highly recommend stopping in. The whiskey sour was one of my favorites!

went here on a Wednesday night, and it was awesome! the music really amplified the already amazing/fancy vibe. the bartender was nice, and the prices were very reasonable. try the assorted nuts they have---the nuts were free when we visited!

Buhl Bar offers a perfect night out with George’s expertly crafted cocktails and friendly service. Their classic drink menu makes it ideal for both a quick pre-drink or a memorable date night. It’s a must-visit spot that I’ll be recommending to everyone.

Great cocktails. Small bar so easy to converse and meet people. Bartender very friendly.

Fabulous experience!! Thank you to Derek for making amazing drinks and creating a fun atmosphere. Such a fun vibe and gorgeous bar. It's a place where you can stay a while, relax and enjoy. Derek created a tiki inspired rum drink for me and it was delicious. Then I tried a mocktail called "Heck yeah", which had matcha in it and was very refreshing. My friend really enjoyed her espresso martini. Excellent selection of spirits. Fabulous ambiance. Dark and moody. I enjoyed the lighting and decor. I really love this place and plan on being a regular. I highly recommend!

really cute bar! i have the penicillin and some other drink and both were delicious! i really enjoyed it

Cool little bar, with a small menu composed of "the classics." I didn't stay long, but I tried the Campari and the Hot Toddy and both were good, but not amazing. Service was quick, but it was right after work and they weren't super busy, so I have no idea how they'd be on a busy weekend evening. Solid spot to have a drink or two to start or end an evening, but not sure that the menu has enough variety to make it THE destination for the night.

This is my favorite hidden gem downtown. Excellent drinks with a great atmosphere. Bartenders nail it every time.

Wanted to check this place out after our dinner at LCH....... If I could give less than 1 star I would. Lol. What a joke of an establishment. Why are you even open if you don't want to serve people. The bartender tonight 7/25 clearly didn't want to be there or make any money. Please save yourself from a sorry excuse of a place and go to one of the 100 other cocktail bars that are better in Detroit. Yikes. Editing to include: think his name was Derek based on all the google reviews that were added following my bad review

Drinks were fantastic....and Maxwell was amazing and knowledgeable of his craft! We had a great experience and he had a lot great drinks receipe! The setting was perfect! Must try....THE GOLF CLUB!!

Great little bar I finally came to. My group came after dinner and the drinks did not disappoint. The bartender made cocktails not on the menu and everyone was impressed with their drinks. The bartender really an impressive job making drinks for everyone's taste profile.

What a great place to grab a drink! If you're looking for something low-key and quiet then this is the spot for you. Came here with a few friends after dinner. The menu is very short and sweet with your basic cocktails. The bartender was very friendly and let us know if there was something that we wanted not on the menu that he could accommodate us. Not sure how busy this place gets as there was only 1 bartender when we went and maybe 8 people including our group of 4. If you're looking for a quiet bar with speakeasy vibes then this is your place!

Assuming, dark bar in downtown Detroit, and a bar it is. Dark, low lighting, quiet, has a bit of a stepped back in time feel. We went after dinner, which is good, as they do not have a food menu. The cocktail menu is a list of the classics, no fancy cocktails here with ingredients you have to google. They just do the classics well. The server recommended their whisky sour, and she was right, it was the best I'd ever had.

Love this place. Very dim lit with a wonderful cozy vibe. Drinks are super delicious with so many variations! Love the staff

Let me get right to it. We just left Bad Luck Bar and my friend wanted to try this spot out. We arrive at an empty establishment. Just the bar tender and a poser at the end of the bar wearing thrift store mink coat who looked like he hasn't showered for a couple of days. The three of us sat at the bar in the middle. Dude at the corner who seemed to be friends with the female bar tender kept chiming in insulting sarcastic remarks. Bar tender seemed to not be enthused that we were there. Served us our drinks and we became an afterthought. Asked for water and more insults came from the bar tender and her buddy at the end of the bar. Who is now torrid tongue pounding a girl's mouth with breast grabbing. Totally inappropriate considering how people say how classy this bar is. We ask where the bathroom is since THERE IS NO SIGN anywhere indicating where my husband can go. Big eye roll from the bar tender, her buddy again chimes in, "No bathrooms for you!" I was infuriated by the lack of class and demeanor of whoever was working and her thrift store fur coat fitting buddy. They both kept disappearing to the back for some odd reason, not even bothering to check if we need anything else. This spot is a faux bougie bar. A pretentious joint disguised as a classy spot. Seems as if they would prefer only "CERTAIN TYPES" of people in the bar if you catch watever I'm throwing at you. I'm sorry but I would never be back and prolly wouldn't recommend it to anyone I know. Three less people they gotta deal with I guess, right? Sort of reminds me of Centaur except with a more aggravating staff with a lot less class. Btw, word of advice,,, buy real tea candles. We all know those came from a dollar store. Thank you so much for reading my review. I hope this helps with your decision making experience. Enjoy your awesome yelptastic day!!!

Best old fashioned I've ever had. Emily is super knowledgeable and provided fantastic service. The dim lighting is perfect. Whole spot is dope.

Good drinks, friendly bartender male, nice clean classy bar, I suggest to get some better snacks that doesn't have cereal cheerios in it and a little more of salty flavors Try to get real candles or a air infuser to freshen the air and impress customers, My experience as first walked in that bar, first thing I noticed was the smell, it smelled like men's restroom or sewer which was gross.

Very classy speakeasy type place for a quick drink made with style. It is small with only a few seats and only one bartender but she did an amazing job!

It was good. Bartender was very nice and the drinks were great. Just not over the top spectacular! Don't go hungry. There's no real food, just snacks (I.e. peanuts, chips, etc.).

When you are told this spot may be worth checking out after work! Well as you reckon, did just that weeks ago.... Quaint and Relaxed little spot!! Special cocktail-centric. A very chilled, Ole Fashioned made by Chuck with a wee bit of citrus. Witnessed, impressive signature sips. From short to talls! The shaken pours seemed to be the favourites 'high-top' side. I heard they serve board cheeses and meats at times, during happy hour. Based on dah prices I think that goes til around about 11p...just sayin. Thinking, 'what i am thinking?!'...check it out. Oh and music vibe. Perfect!

I LOVE this bar. And that's what it is: a bar. With drinks. No menu, no food, (other than tasty bar snacks - meats and cheeses on Fridays) no frills. Just expertly crafted cocktails in a velvety darkness. Beautiful glassware and good company. I've ordered martinis - one vodka and one gin, both excellent. They have a great selection of local craft liquors. I watched the bartender make several very interesting drinks - one involving an ice cube that was imprinted with a hot metal stamp, leaving an emblem. Cool! Insta-worthy drinks. A little expensive but even just one drink will soothe at the end of a long day. Oh. And NOT over-crowded with Quicken bros or hipster dudes. A nice mix of folks. I'll be a regular, for sure. Cheers!

Party of 9 wanted to patronage this bar located right around the corner of the hotel we were staying at after walking by it a few times on the nights prior. Arrived at 10:30 on a Saturday which has a posted closing time of 12:00 wanting a nicer drink before going out outside of downtown. Bartender rolled his eyes and said they were closing early. Guess y'all don't like making money. Wouldn't recommend.

Visited after dinner for drinks and was not disappointed. The vibe was chill and the music wasn't overbearing. George was amazing and the reason we will be frequent patrons! He prepared the best drink I've ever tasted (raspberry lemon drop with tequila) and made it an overall great experience.

Such a cool vibe at the Buhl Bar, you'll think you're in NYC! Old school place, no TVs, no loud music...just classic cocktails and bar snacks in a dimly lit, sophisticated setting. Chuck and Nolan are great bartenders. They validate parking at the garage next to the Buhl Building on Griswold. Perfect spot to begin or end a night out on the town. Close to several great restaurants as well.

Again, I'm not really into bars, but decided to go THIS time. And it was very good, a bit dirty, just a bit. And employees were nice. Thanks for reading my review, have a great day!

Very disappointed. I read good things about this bar and several bartenders from NYC recommended. We got there, asked at the bar where we should order. We were told to sit, we waited for fifteen minutes. Other people received their drinks. The bar tender was fairly preoccupied entertaining two other bartenders that were off for the night. I went back up to the bar and asked if I should wait or place an order, I placed an order. Again I watched the bar tender entertaining her colleagues. I waited with the rest of my friends for another fifteen minutes. I walked back to the bar, and was asked what can I get for you? I said we had already and we waited for over half an hour and she just shrugged and gave me a condescending look. We left. Zero interest in the customer. Instead we went to Bad Luck Bar and spent $800.

This is in my top three BEST EVER bar experiences. Walk in to a perfectly lit and very comfortable bar and you are greeted with authenticity and charm from the best bartender in Detroit n beyond. No lie, this is the bee knees my friends. Be sure to order the old fashion.

This is an unexpected jewel, in the heart of the city. This bar is incredibly intimate, maybe only fifteen or twenty seats, with a soft, romantic feel to it. There is something reminiscently nostalgic about the place too, that I really appreciate. This is a perfect place to take a date for a slick first impression. The bar staff are dressed up, adding an elegant feel to an already refined spot. And they have a wide selection of spirits to cater to any taste. Our waiter was quite friendly and helpful, but not in that overzealous way, that makes for a pestered evening. He knew just when to appear, and just when to make himself scarce. Really the perfect waiter. He asked me what type of thing I typically drink and had the bartender make something a little further afield, along those parameters. The only sour point of the evening were a couple wasted sports fans that wandered in, yelling and carrying on towards the midnight hour. But through no fault of the Buhl Bar or the staff. Even so, it was an overall pleasant and moody experience. The drinks, the atmosphere, the staff all hit the right notes for me.

This is a beautiful bar in the heart of Detroit. It is a wonderful place that is the epitome of what a classy bar should be. It is not just the great interior, but the service and drinks are top notch. They do not have a menu (or at least one that I saw). Instead, you ask the bartender for whatever you want and they make it with top end liquor and expert knowledge. I knew this was a good place before ordering because when I saw another drink being ordered and he etched a logo into an ice cube--great attention to detail. I ordered an Old Fashioned. It was probably the best I ever had, just perfectly balanced.

A true jewel in downtown Detroit. By far the best old fashioned and Manhattan in the city. The owner Joe is amazing. The bartender was magic. The atmosphere was classy and cozy.

This was our second visit to Buhl Bar and I couldn't wait to cozy up to the bar. What makes this place unique is the decor and classic,upscale bar. What i find most impressive is the attention to detail and skill of the bartenders. I requested a French Martini; they were out of pineapple juice....but my bartender didn't skip a beat mixing up a delicious cocktail. The Buhl Bar is warm and inviting. If you're in the area, i would highly recommend an opportunity to cozy up to this bar.

I wanted to go in there because it looked so cool. We finally went in the other night; it was pretty empty and we wanted to keep our eye on our car because our two dogs were in there. Told we couldn't sit anywhere but the end of the bar- where we could not see our car. I've dealt with lots of rude bartenders having lived in New York and LA and if this is the "coolest bar in Detroit" - well, I've been thrown IN better places. My over all feeling was "Who the hell do you think you are?"

We came during a happy hour time. Didn't notice any happy hour specials but there was a complimentary charcuterie set up but we didn't help ourselves to any. Most of the guests were in business attire but we were casual in jeans. We felt a bit underdressed but that's what's so great about Detroit... come as you are! We asked the bartender for a gin and rum drink. They don't have a menu. He made a corpse reviver #2 and an unnamed rum drink which was phenomenal. I wish it had a name so I could order it again. All was made with top shelf liquors. It was fun to watch them mix drinks and I look forward to another visit.

The short guy was incredibly rude. Never been so disappointed in service. There are 10 better cocktails bars in the city. Do not waste your time

No TV's. Fantastic craft cocktails. Old school classic bar vibe without the pretentious hoopla. Absolutely love this place. I think it's an "after work unwind" place for people who work in the city, as it closes a bit early. Feels like a bit of a well kept secret, making me hesitant to recommend it......

This place is amazing! It is the type of bar where adults go to have adult drinks. No load music and sweaty bodies crowded in together. This is a classy place with classy drinks and the type of old school bar tending that is becoming a lost art. Highly, highly recommend.

I would give this place a 0 star is possible. Worst service ever received. Bar tender was insulting and rude. We ended up leaving after getting ignored for to long. The place wasn't even busy. It was clear they only want a certain type of person in there establishment

I love this place! If you're looking for a nice vibe, an AMAZING signature cocktail, or just a great convo after work go visit Joe at the Buhl! Serene scene! 10/10 would recommend !!!

This place delivers in terms of quality cocktails and atmosphere! My husband and I stumbled upon the Buhl Bar while wandering Detroit early one Saturday evening. It looked classy and we decided to stop in for a drink. No drink menu, no loud obnoxious music, no 'fusion light bites' menu. We started by ordering some basic cocktails - Manhattan & The Last Word and after talking with the bartenders the second round they put something together based on what we liked. I was super impressed with the quality. Craft cocktails are a dime a dozen and it seems that everyone has them on the menu, but most fall a little short. No food, so this is a perfect place to grab a quiet cocktail before or after a meal elsewhere. Check it out, you'll be happy you did!

The bald bartender was HIGHLY RUDE. I cannot give his name because he did not disclose this when we first walked in. His overall demeanor was very unsatisfactory. He seemed to not like his job because I should not imagine why he would have this attitude. He threw the coasters down at the table and made my sister pass my mother her drink. We did not drink the drinks we ordered because of how he was toward us when we first appeared. We don't know if it was a racial thing, but it was definitely very upsetting they way he treated us. I would not recommend this place if he is working.

Arrived with 4 of us on a Friday night the bar was not busy and the drinks were slow. When flagging down the waitress she treated us so poorly we asked for our check from what it looked like from the manager and left a $2 tip. Thank you for the poor experience we will ensure to never visit again and to share our experience to all of our friends that spend a lot of night life downtown Detroit! Very poor customer service, but enough to come out here and share with others!

Located right across from the Guardian Building, the Buhl Bar is a perfect place for political movers and shakers to congregate after a hard day's work. It's nicely appointed, with an old-school, clubby feel to it; the perfect backdrop for the lawyers and executives this place is clearly here to serve. Don't come to the Buhl Bar expecting dinner. Open from 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monday through Friday, this bar is strictly for drinks, which are well made and generously poured. The only food you'll see are meat and cheese nibbles along with the requisite peanuts and bar mix. As it's only steps from my office, I see myself becoming a regular. See you there!

Out. Standing. Reminds me of a bar one might find on E. 46 Street in midtown Manhattan - where you might bump into Don Draper in 1962. The iconic Buhl Bldg is a Detroit treasure & this bar features really great craft cocktails - especially the bourbon cocktails. One of the finest Old Fashions I've ever experienced. Really cool ambience, great mixologists - not your corner bar keepers, although there is a place for that honored talent, as well. My wife especially loves the "branded" large one-cube ice cube. You must ask, but it's pretty cool with the dual "dragons" or "sea serpents" that depict the bar's logo. We debated but did not inquire of the bartender what they represented. The two original Buhl Bros, perhaps? Regardless, one of our favorite spots for cocktails. They also have a variety of serve-yourself salty snacks, if the younger groups don't raid the supply before you get a chance to grab a plate. Kids, these days, lol! Definitely a hidden treasure on Griswold near the equally iconic Penobscot and Guardian Buildings. Go!

Old school happy hour (4:30-7:30 on weekdays?) cocktail bar tucked into the Buhl Building. Simple, strong drinks, good spirits collection, intimate lighting, and a charmingly curmudgeonly bartender make this feel like it's from another era (it is, in fact: the bar used to serve the lawyers who worked in upstairs firms decades ago). Great place for a casual business meeting or quiet post-work, pre-dinner drink.

$38 for two last words?!? $12 for the gin and $8.50 for a "half and half" wtf is that? I will never go back to a place that charges $38 for two drinks... shame on you

The Buhl Bar is only open for happy hour unless you schedule your own event separately. It is, in a word, awesome. Bill is one of the best bartenders and once you get to know him he treats you very well. The ambience is lovely and it has an old-time bar feel that many others downtown lack. I really enjoy the whiskey selection as well as the free finger food each night. Bill can also provide many details about anything you want to drink as long as it's a whiskey, bourbon or scotch. He makes a mean Manhattan too. Check it out sometime but remember it's only open until 7:30 week nights.

This bar is serving up top notch drinks! Have you ever had a drink so good, so smooth, and so perfect you had to stop yourself after the third one!? Well this is the place! The service was excellent. The atmosphere is chill, perfect for drinks and conversation. Highly recommend for those of us who have grown up taste.

Intimate after-work cocktail spot. Rich wood tones, library feel. Great happy hour with crackers, cheese nuts and such. You somehow feel that people are meeting here to discuss their plans to take over the world...

Stopped in on a Saturday night around 10 pm and there was just one other group besides us. It's definitely a cool atmosphere but definitely not a busy spot. Had a whiskey sour, looked nice but lacking in taste.

The cocktail as an artist would make it. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff and a perfect drink. The Sazerac was sublime, and the Whiskey Sour (w egg white) was perfect.

Super old-school cocktail bar that doesn't use a menu for their drinks. That's right - you have to either know what you want or have a conversation with one of their knowledgeable bartenders on what you're in the mood for. Either way, you're in a for a treat cause their drinks are fantastic. Plus, free charcuterie! A fun place to stop by for happy hour if you're in the mood for a Mad Men vibe.

Post-work cocktail bar Feels like something from Mad Men Open 3 to 8