Temple Bar

Absolute perfection. I came here because of Detroiters, and it didn’t fail me. The vibe is absolutely great. It’s the perfect neighborhood bar.

It’s a small bar, not very busy the couple times I been there in the afternoon. I never been there at night. There is no food though. The parking lot is absolutely destroyed with huge holes, your car will bottom-out. The service was great, but I was the only customer.

Slugged down a couple Downriver Ales while waiting for the best ad men in Detroit, but they must have been busy.

We stopped in for a drink after a show at the Masonic. A cool historicl dive bar with a fun relaxed vibe. I hear that the dance floor can be hopping on the weekends.

Good place to have a few drinks before event at Masonic Temple. Bar staff were friendly and quick, even when the place got busier before the concert.

Temple bar has been around for 100 years damn near. It's sexual preference mutual and friendly. Don't be surprised by the same sex couples. Drinks are strong and the prices are fair. Has a juke box so if you like to dance, bring your $$ bills. Never had a problem here and have been going here with friends and my lady for years! Nothing fancy at all. No real top shelf.

The place was great, a little disappointed that they didn’t have boiling hot beer, or even ask if I wanted my beer hot or cold. No doggie bag was offered for my beer either.

I love this bar! I have for years.. the owner is still here George and remembered me. He is still awesome! Great atmosphere at the bar still. Glad they are back open.

I rolled into Detroit for the first time ever and an unassuming bar stood out and called to me immediately. It was the Temple Bar. I walked up not sure if it was even open but a haggard looking woman carrying a bunch of shit popped out and carried on down the road. I knew it was open. When I walked in I was greeted by a friendly bartender with glasses and a handlebar mustache. There were maybe 3 or 4 other people at the bar I could see. A couple more in the back patio. This is a real great bar. They have a pool table, full bar, and great beer selection. Not a huge selection but a good one. Plus it was a gay bar and I couldn't even tell. Great place welcoming everyone. Support local! Cheers!

I first learned of this bar from watching the Tim Robinson show "Detroiters" (fantastic, funny show if you haven't seen it). It's a chill dive bar in downtown Detroit. It's within walking distance if you're going to an event at Little Caesar's Arena or the Masonic Temple. Drink prices are a little higher than I expected. The bartenders and patrons are friendly and talkative. They have DJs on certain days of the week. Be sure to check out the mural in the back.

Total dive bar that looks sketchy as hell when you see it from outside, but a hell of an atmosphere when you get inside! Okay, it's still divey, but I like the no-frills approach and service is quick, they have cold beer, it's easy to navigate inside, and it got busy before the Wings game! Me and my friends sat down and immediately had a group of fellow Canadians join us which was a blast! My friends are from Michigan so they got a bit more Canadian content for those drinks! If you're heading to Little Caesar's Arena after, stop by here first for a cold one!

I stopped here in the middle of a snowstorm. It was a Monday, about 10:45 pm, 3/13/23. It was the worst experience I've ever had. There were two people at the bar. I said I'm a Lyft driver. I just dropped off, and I need to use the restroom. The man behind the bar said the restroom was for customers only. I said sir, I just went to four places that were not open. Please, I'm about to piss myself off. HE RAN AT ME! Like he was about to come into MySpace physically. I had picked up and dropped off more than dozens of times over the last 7.3 years. I did mention that. Why would you bite someone trying to help you? It's like telling Grey Goose F- off. What are you going to use water instead? Dumb dumb! I said are you fucking kidding me. Sir, I need to use the restroom. Everything is closed. I am working. He goes you have to buy something. Well, I am not drinking, and I don't drink pop. I was not ordering something I didn't need. I saw a chips. How much are the chips? $1.25; luckily, I had cash and change. I am sure he would have stolen my change. I see why no one was there. It was not friendly or inviting. It was hostile and depressing. I wonder why companies employ people that cannot fill the building. Being a bartender is not just about making drinks. You are in the public's eye, and it's about making the public feel welcome. That's why people keep coming back, or in this case, what is repelling people from coming in or keeping them from staying? He's angry because he's not making any money. Well, listen up, toots, it's about reading the room. Finally, I used the restroom. I said three things before I left: - you shouldn't serve alcohol because people won't have a safe ride home. - it's free to be nice. The two guys sitting at the bar started laughing. I guess they are not used to someone that is nice.. - I see why no one is here. If you weren't so angry and bitter, the place would be full. - if you weren't so rude, I would have tipped you because I tip. I've literally just given a tip to someone because they deserved it. There were people out everywhere, even on a Monday night. A few concerts had just let out about 30 minutes prior. I don't think he should work with the public. How long can the owners afford to pay and keep the doors open? Adulting 101 YourKatNipperscom

The Temple bar has been a staple in this area of Detroit. The area needs some work but the Masonic Temple still brings in the business. This is a typical dive bar. We have been coming here for years. Although he says it was a bit different in the glory days. We came here prior to heading to a concert. We were the first customers to arrive in the quiet empty bar. The bartender was quick to greet us. She was so friendly! She explained that she had just left her job to come and work with her friend of 32 years (the long time owner). He was showing her the ropes. She was a real people person. You could tell she enjoyed her new job. She was fast and friendly and her pours were generous! The place started filling in with regulars when we were about ready to move on to the next spot. We enjoy this place and will be. Coming back for years and years. Cheers!

Came here after a Lizzo concert at Little Caesar's Arena. Fun crowd. Good service. Danceable playlist.

Just everything you could want in a dive bar. Great pours on the mixed drinks. Better Made chips. Interesting characters. Loads of fun. Barman DGAF. Excellent.

I love the bartenders, the divey atmosphere, the gay-friendly vibe and the dance parties. You'll find a huge unpaved, free parking lot behind the bar. It is not secured, FYI. Sometimes they charge cover for dance nights; check their Facebook page before visiting so you know what you're in for. The space is dark with just enough kitsch to keep it fun (peep the neon genital signs in the DJ booth.) There's a pool table, a TouchTunes jukebox and a few TVs playing things like Drag Race or Judge Judy. The bathrooms aren't very private with their saloon doors. Prices are higher than what you'd expect for the atmosphere, with bottled domestics running $4-5, and mixed drinks going for $8+. A couple friends ordered two Long Islands and their total was $24. Granted, it was a lot of alcohol, but it was all well/no name stuff. Eeek! You'll have fun here on a Friday or Saturday night, though my recommendation is to stay away from mixed drinks and stick to bottled or draft stuff.

Great dive bar! $1 jello shots, that were uber strong. Only downfall is the music. They have a DJ, but the DJ only has records, and not a plethora of them either. Fun time - great eclectic crowd.

I have been curious about this place forever, I remember going to the Masonic temple and seeing the temple bar on the way in saying I'd like to stop in there sometime and have a drink. Of course my friends, would always tell me, you need to be careful where you go lol. Well now it's become a hot spot for many people. I should have followed my instinct back then and went in. The decor is charming and very true to the period of the bar still. It gives you a feeling of the dive you want to have a drink at. I posted a picture of the bathroom because I feel that the art in the bathroom was pretty outstanding. So if you go, grab a drink and check out the bathroom. It sounds a little weird but I think you'll be impressed by the art also.

TEMPLE BAR!!!!!!!!! Wow!!! We have been here a few times over the years and were excited to bring our friends. Trust me, the outside of Temple is kind of scary looking, but once you get inside, it's super cool. Most recently, they have put in a lot of work on the inside with renovations. We've been here for a few Dj events and this is my first time back since Covid shutdown. Trust me, we could have stayed here all night long. The bartender was great and had such an awesome personality. As we know, Detroit doesn't wake up until 10PM and people were beginning to filter through the doors. We had a few round of drinks and then.....guess what? It was time to hit the dance floor. The Dj started spinning his beats and people were having a blast. The Red Wings game had just ended so it was getting pretty packed. It was hard for us to leave because we were having so much fun, even the guys decided to shake a tailfeather! haha We sadly said our goodbyes, until the next time and then it was on to the next one......

Went there tonight, Wednesday. Really fun! Great crowd, had a draft beer. Great music. Easy vibe. Highly recommend! Will return!!!!

A great Detroit dive bar I preferred it prior to 20 something hipsters moved in, yelling and talking too loudly, constant need for attention Otherwise GOOD TIMES!

It's so strange to see the change in the clientele of Temple Bar. This was always one of my favorite hangouts growing up to pre-concert at. Always cheap beers, everyone was down to earth and it was a relaxed spot filled with concert goers. Now it's still a great spot, but it is about craft beers, prices have creeped up and yes, there are still plenty of concert goers but there's a lot of people my age suddenly. I guess that's progress. Come for the beers and it's a good time, just the people are more to themselves now.

Last place I expected to end up after Andrea Bocelli concert, but we lost our driver. The bartender, Larry, ended up being the bomb-diggity. It was super chill for a Sunday night. Couldn't have ended up lost at better digs. Great music and embraced by fun, friendly folks. Kudos, this place is done right!

You either love Temple Bar, or you hate it. There is rarely an in-between opinion. If you like disco and dancing and chill crowds, and you want to go somewhere queer-friendly, the dance nights are consistently high quality. If you are into quiet places and craft cocktails and you are wary of a little dirt..... maybe this isn't for you. They have a surprisingly good beer selection, as well - I had a Vander Mill Cider last time I was out dancing and it made my night.

I love dive bars! So when my husband said he had never been here, I said why not. We walked in and literally there were 3 other people in their including the bartender. For about an hour my husband and I talked to the 3 people as we converted and got to know people. We had a great time as we drank and laughed the night away. As the night progressed more people came in. They place has a jukebox and a pool table. Everyone is super chill. I actually like places were it is a small amount of people and I am not fighting for attention from the bartender for a drink.

We only stopped by for a quick storefront selfie. RIP Detroiters, you will be missed :(

Came to the Temple Bar with a date after a company party and had a blast. The regulars were very friendly and welcoming. Derrick, who was behind the counter, made an upside down salted cherry margarita. Yumm

Went to Temple Bar after the Pistons WON their game tonight and had such a fabulous time. We played pool for so long and the vibes were great. The music that was playing was fabulous, the juke box was bumping tunes, and the disco ball was turning. The people working there were very funny and welcoming and there was a CAT! on the loose which was a fabulous added touch. Overall, loved my experience, and would highly recommend this bar to anyone.

Classic dive bar so do not expect anything more. This place is small and quaint. Friendly staff and cheap drinks. If you're looking for a local dive I advise you to stop in and check this place out!

First time here, which is surprising since it's round the corner from the Masonic. Laena is an angelic bartender. Comfy decor, no kitchen but you can bring/order food in. Pool table works and they have DJs Friday,Saturday. Just need a little karaoke on Thursday and this will be my watering hole.

This is one of my absolute favorite places in Detroit! It can't be explained in words as to why. The dance floor/people and vibes in here are pure perfection!

Decent little dive bar. Went in on a Saturday- only a few ppl at the bar & a DJ. Aside from that, we were the only other ppl in there. This May not be a pro for you, but I really enjoy being able to shoot a game of pool & not be bumped into all night long. I have heard it gets busier, but I quite enjoyed the small, intimate crowd. Ladies room was clean. Staff was polite. I would give it a second try. Update to come.

Enjoying Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken take out at the Temple Bar on Cass Ave with Dan. Along with a pitcher of Pandemonium! Nothing could make this sunny Sunday aftetnoon better!!

Fun place! Great music, and my husband loved the fact that there was a small dance floor. Drinks weren't too expensive. Both bar tenders that were there when I went were awesome, the one was multitasking like a pro! Fun stop on a pub crawl, gem of a dive bar. Protip: TWIST the door handle to get in, don't just push. Some of us that had had a few before we got there were struggling with this ;)

I love Larry and I love George . This is a great spot all around and don't forget to try a Detroit Brown! Ow! Seriously though, I've been coming to Temple bar for a little over 5 years and I just love the atmosphere I always meet new people and it's a great place to dance your frustrations away!

We were looking for something to do on a Sunday night while we were in town and this place comes highly recommended!! I'll have to agree! If you just want a drink and want to soak up some locals on a night off, come here!! Everybody's friendly and having a good time. The bartender's cute as a button (Jacob) and makes a great drink plus friendly as hell! We watched as he took care of a fellow patron (regular?) that was having a challenging evening. We could appreciate this since we were both bartenders in a previous life. Thanks Jacob!!

Such a fun dive bar, right across from Masonic temple. Gets packed before the show. +great bartenders (George is awesome) +great location for shows +great history of bar + internet jukebox so you can play basically anything -disgusting bathrooms -no food

Seriously one of the best hidden bars in Detroit. The drinks are strong, the cover on fri/sat nights is cheap, and the music is usually great. Friendly, and inclusive atmosphere. Check out DJ Jordache for the best dancing in metro Detroit the first Saturday of every month!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My absolute favorite neighborhood bar. A great staff and owner that really respect their patrons. Considering all our choices now, The Temple really creates a neighborhood feel and not a corporate bar atmosphere. I've been going there for 20+ years and always found it to be a place where everyone is welcome. It's not one of those trendy, preppy "craft cocktail" (gag) places, that are an excuse to have crazy ass prices. One of the few places that has Always been in Class Corridor long before it became Midtown. Great staff, great prices.

I'm sure everyone just drives by this place without a second look but you would definitely be missing out. Don't be startled by the Jameson, he lives there!

If you're walking to or from Motor City Casino you should keep your wits about you but once you're here you're good to go. It's a shabby place but it's really chill and laid back...as you'd expect for the locale. Service was friendly and fast, the DJ spun some tunes we liked and they had a couple dogs and a cat that are clearly part of the staff. I'm not sure the owners loved me getting the dogs all riled up while playing fetch in the bar up but it made for a fun last call.

Oh yes... There's the spot! This place looks pretty sketch from from the front and even sketchier from the back but, go inside and it's the people that make this place great. Here's the skinny: In a rough lookin' neighborhood. Treated like a regular, even if you're NOT! You can order in food from local take-out places. George!!! I love George!!! He runs a great little place. There was a cat and a dog there... no really, there was. Here's the fat: I was lost as hell, and found this place on Yelp's "Nearby Everything" feature... I just wanted directions outta here. Temple Bar is located in a rough looking neighborhood, abandoned buildings, burnt out buildings, etc. I parked in the back, place was pretty empty and I'll admit that I was way nervous going in... George told me to park the car in the little fenced/gated area... I did. I backed right in (easier to book it the hell out, just in case). I went in through the back door... George was friendly as hell. I got a drink and my bearings too. Next thing I know, the few people that were there(was around 1 or 2 PM) just started engaging me in conversation. Wait??? Whaaa??? Yup, no awkward silence, George was pouring drinks for us, we just started B.S.ing about whatever's clever. Hell I felt like I've been coming here for YEARS! Loved it! So eventually (2 hours later) we all got kinda hungry, George ordered us some food, ON HIM! Really? I walked into this bar for the first time 2 hours prior and you're buying me food (and a couple rounds)... I can dig it. BTW he orderd us all some "Grape Leaves" and they were awesomeness, that's all I remember... there were cookies too... very special cookies. I love George, he's really quite awesome! Super friendly, talkative, and from the short time I met him he seems like a GENUINE kind of person. Call me slow but, it took me a while to realize he was gay, oh did the people laugh when it dawned on me... I was like huh? God... this place is great... everyone gets along, no-one is "offended" by peoples sexual orientation... gay, straight, bisexual hell TRYsexual... everybody just let's that stuff be. Ya there were little jabs at me about being straight but, that's all it was... good times, no malice. If I am ever back in Detroit, I've gotta pay this place a visit. OK, last little point... I saw a black cat and a dog there, are they still there now? I don't know but, it was pretty cool that they just kinda meandered throughout the bar. Don't know if this place is "Animal Friendly" but, it sure seemed like it. Hurray for Temple Bar! SYOY

I dropped in both before and after the Dead & Co. show at Little Caesars. The crowd was very friendly and the bartenders were attentive. It was a lot of fun watching people work it out on the dance floor. I enjoyed the music the DJ was playing. I wish there was a bar like this here in Columbus!

One of the hidden gems of the city. I have been twice and had a great time each time. First night was a dj playing some music I had not heard in years, everyone at the bar was friendly and welcoming and the drink prices... you just won't find that anywhere else. This is not the place for top shelf liquor, but for a fun evening, you can't beat it. The second time I went was karaoke night... it was offbeat, fun and slightly odd, like I had stepped into the bar scene of Blue Velvet or Twin Peaks, memorable...? Definitely!!

We always have a great time at this divey dance bar. The old school DJ booth is awesome, and everyone gets trashed. It gets crowded as hell, so be prepared for that, and don't be a douche if someone spills their drink on you. Have a good time, because everyone else is! The parking lot is a grass lot, but it's well-lit, and your out-of-town friends will feel so cool for going here. Very "Detroit". ;)

I'll admit, occasionally I'm slow with this kind of stuff, and it took me about 20 minutes to realize I was in a gay bar, as opposed to a bar that happened to have some gay people in attendance. George the owner, and Evan the bartender are great guys, with George making a couple cracks about me being a "virgin" to the Temple, but as I told him - I may be straight as an arrow, but I still love the place, and plan to return quite often. As George told me, his intention for the place is somewhere where everyone, gay, straight, bi, whatever can just come and have a good time, and that's exactly what it was. My preference has always been for more of the country-western style dive bars, but honestly, I can't remember the last time I had that good of a time at a bar as I did last night at the Temple. I even ended up doing a round of karaoke, which I _never_ do. So yeah, if you're looking for the typical rowdy bar scene, this probably won't be your place. But if you're looking for the time of your life, come on down :)

I first stepped in to the place 5 years ago. First thing I noticed was that I had to get buzzed in through the front door, the second was that I was only charged $0.75 for a glass of beer. This place had character, I knew I was coming back. Since then they have raised the price, Sun-Thur it's $0.85 now and Fri & Sat they're $1.25 to make up for cover charge. Friday night is Karaoke night, Saturday is DJ night.

Temple Bar was the first libation station after my initial Amtrak stop in Detroit. I'd been reading about this bar in anticipation since I decided I was coming to the Motor City, so I decided it had a lot to live up to. It delivered! There was a chatty kathy hipster bartender named Evan who was a great barkeep, kept the MGD's flowing and provided enough banter to not be annoying but be helpful. George, the owner, eventually came down and serenaded the friend who I was with. We were then treated to a bounty of shots (one of which included using only your mouth to consume...no hands; i'll leave it at that) and conversation about the city, which was my main goal; to chat with locals! Set up here is dive but comfortable; pool table and internet juke with a tiny dance floor. there were literally 3 other people in the bar when I came in, and we were the only 2 at close. You have to get buzzed in from the bar, too. Kind of fun, for me anyway. There's also a rather large abandoned hotel literally across the street, so that provided for some fun smoking views. Temple is a great bar, I enjoyed it breaking my Detroit cherry. while it is indeed a "gay bar," i dont think you'll ever seen a little Menjo-twink here. Its crowd is very hipster and alternative, so hit it up if that's your style. I'll be back when I get back to the D! Also, smoking ban rarely applies here? lol

Say Hey to George the Owner/Bartender when you hit the door because the only time you'll see him again is if you order at the bar. no waitresses but plenty queens and kings. Yes Lala this is a gay bar but honey this is the one to come to for a GREAT TIME; even if you're not gay. (wink*wink) Nobody cares who you are and everyone is just here for a Great Time. The well drinks are cheap; the bar is top quality; the beer is cold; and imho the service is good. the dancefloor stays packed and the music is bumpin the windows out. there are no problems with the clientel or the neighbors because everyone calls this spot "The Temple" and that it is baby, that it is.

If you are looking for fancy this is not the bar for you. I enjoyed myself, good conversation staff was very polite and I Met a few interesting people my experience was good.

Being out-of-towners, we hit the Temple both before after an epic Rodriguez show at the Masonic, and it was the perfect place to prep for the show and keep the party rolling after the concert. The pitbull mascot is a friendly pup and the staff is attentive and friendly. The juke box was rocking, and the dance floor proved to be entertaining for all, dancers and gawkers alike. And this was a Tuesday night! We'll be back on our next trip to Motor City.

When you're looking to go somewhere without the scene and with all the fun, Temple Bar is the spot. I've had a good time here every night I go. It's a casual, come as you are type of bar with a younger eclectic crowd typically. The music I've typically heard while there is some new age disco and Detroit techno - always been good to cut a rug to. You can find the owner behind the bar on just about any evening and is always friendly and looking out to ensure everyone is enjoying their night.

Great dive bar! They usually have a DJ and dancing, and always have cheap beer. Area around it has been rough, but is getting better with the new arena coming, and shows at the Masonic. They occasionally have a cover, but it was $2 last time I went. No joke. Definitely worth a visit!

The soul of the city....The Temple. I go there whenever I'm in town just to see George, Larry and Jameson. George always has his latest mixed drink creation. My son, the late Gothic rock musician, author and poet Abe Sulfaro, introduced me to The Temple. It was one of his favorite places and now I know why. Its spirit lives in the walls and the floor, left there by all who have frequented it over the years. Thanks for being there, George. You are loved. Sally Sulfaro

Not only is that a place a dive but they charge like the Whitney. A Jack and coke in a 8 ounce plastic cup is $10. Don't go there for cheap drinks or ambiance. I left there feeling ripped off. It's obvious the owners are milking the place and over charging unsuspecting patrons. When you walk in a place and it has that musty dive bar smell you know the smell it's like smell of a frat house after the home coming game. Now that you got the smells bringing back memories of your head bouncing off the toilet seat blowing chunks of stuff you never realized you ate, the bar stools and table are the 1950's vintage with wobbly chairs and tables.

Every time I've gone here (against my own wishes), the same generic house/EDM-adjacent music is playing. The DJs refuse all requests with an attitude that should be reserved for actual musicians. The drinks seem to be watered down since no matter how big the tab is, you always come away feeling like you never had a drop. The staff is hit or miss, you might speak to someone with common courtesy or you might get a dismissive attitude depending on the moment. A documentary on a pretty depressing subject was playing on the TVs last time I was there; I tried to ask for it to be turned off so it wouldn't be playing in the background of a night of dancing and I was cut off mid-sentence and waved away. Better service, music, drinks, and crowd can be found elsewhere.

I must say this has to be one of the best, or if not the best bar in. Midtown I been recommended to everybody. The great ownership wonderful bartenders comfortable surrounding affordable drinks

This was this last stop for a drink Friday night. Found this bar doing a yelp search and thought it sounded interesting. The bar wasn't packed like no expected. They charge a small cover ($5) not bad but surprising for how not busy I looked. DJ was spinning good music and there were a decent amount of people on the dance floor. Not the kind of place to go grab a beer and chat since the music was pretty loud but it's still a cool place and drink prices are reasonable.