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Are you visiting Detroit for the 2024 NFL Draft, or are you planning to celebrate locally? The Let’s Detroit team curated a list of some of our favorite spots to hang out and participate in Draft activities, whether you plan to be Downtown or elsewhere in Southeast Michigan. If you check out any of our recommendations, let us know what you think by tagging us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok (@letsdet).  As a reminder, don’t forget to register for free with the NFL’s OnePass to have access to the activities Downtown.

Celebrating the Draft in Downtown Detroit

For those who are visiting from out-of-town or live locally, who plan to convene Downtown for the NFL Draft and are looking for meal breaks between Draft picks at Center Stage or plan to hit a happy hour at a local eatery, we’ve got just the right places for you to choose from. 

1. Sweetwater Tavern — Located in Detroit’s historic district, this iconic restaurant is in one of the city’s first buildings. It is within walking distance of all the Draft action. You can catch the activities from one of the many TVs surrounding its bar. Be sure to order their famous wings!  
2. Lafayette Coney Island – In the heart of Campus Martius and near the Draft stage, this diner serves the classic staples and, of course, the iconic Detroit coney dog. Don’t pass up the opportunity to try this Detroiter staple.  
3. The Brakeman — Perfect for groups, visit The Breakman to enjoy tap tables for up to eight guests. This bar serves craft beer and cocktails and is a great spot for a chill hang with big-screen TVs, table shuffleboard, beer pong, and more.  
4. Second Best—With a more casual vibe, Second Best has a large bar selection and is a chill neighborhood hangout spot.  
5. Anchor Bar – Enjoy the no-frills atmosphere and pub grub of local dive bar Anchor Bar. Featuring a plethora of sports memorabilia, fantastic Happy Hour specials, and TVs, you’ll feel right at home during the NFL festivities. 

Celebrating the Draft Outside of Downtown Detroit

For the locals or those looking for a lowkey Draft experience, there are plenty of spaces to accommodate your needs – whether you’re looking for a family-friendly space or somewhere to throw back some brews with friends, we’ve got you covered. 

1. Basement Burger Bar – Customize your NFL Draft experience to your liking with build-your-own menus for burgers and salads. Kid-friendly with TVs, trivia nights, and a slew of food and drink specials, you will have a dinner everyone will love. Enjoy milkshakes, a full bar, and the obligatory Faygo! Stop by one of their locations in Canton, Farmington Hills, or Detroit. 
2. Miller’s Bar – A Staple of Dearborn for over 80 years and lauded by Click On Detroit, Hour Magazine, Eater Detroit, and MLive to have the best burger, this bar won’t disappoint. Enjoy other standard bar fare such as onion rings, fries, and ice-cold beer. 
3. DraftKings Sports & Social – Located in Troy, enjoy the ultimate sports fan experience with a menu of scratch-made game day favorites, craft cocktails, and a beer selection featuring local gems like Blake’s Hard Cider Co. and Griffin Claw Brewing. With a 10,400-square-foot venue boasts a dog-friendly patio, arcade games, and a 32-foot media wall, you catch all the action comfortably. For the NFL Draft, guests can enjoy 15% off the entire food bill. 
4. The Hideout – Dubbed as the next best thing to a gameday stadium is the Hideout, located in Clawson. Catch any number of sports games or highlights from any corner of the bar on one of the many big-screen TVs, shoot a game of pool, or play your favorite songs on the jukebox. They offer many game-related specials, so visit their website to explore them. 
5. HopCat – With a commitment to local brews and scratch-made craft food, HopCat offers a unique experience where beer enthusiasts can indulge in a curated selection of local beers and enjoy comfort food with TVs to catch the NFL Draft. They have multiple locations across Southeast Michigan, including Royal Oak and Livonia. We highly recommend ordering Cosmik fries! 

To discover additional restaurants, bars, and businesses offering Draft-related activities and discounts, Visit Detroit has an online directory of offers and unforgettable experiences just for football fans in the Detroit Region.