Your guide to downtown Detroit sports bars near LCA, Comerica Park and Ford Field

Sports bars are part of the fabric of America, and Detroit has no shortage of them. They're loud, fun and casual, and sometimes that's just what you're in the mood for.

Even if it's not to catch a big game but to view a niche sport that you might not get on your home television, a lot of sports bars have good service and fun menus with things like fried pickles, huge Bloody Marys, sliders, loaded tater tots and cold, crisp beer.

Here's a guide good for locals and visitors alike on where to find the top sports bars in the downtown Detroit area near the action at Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field and Comerica Park.

Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill: A historic building that is somehow both off the beaten path and in the middle of everything, Tommy’s serves fresh burgers and other food, offers shuttle service to games and some big concerts and stays open late. 624 Third. (313) 965-2296. tommysdetroit.com.

Anchor Bar: Historic, but recently updated, Anchor is known as a hockey bar, but it also has ties to the local media industry because of its proximity to Channel 4’s studios and the offices of The Detroit News and Free Press. 450 W. Fort. (313) 964-9127. anchorbardetroit.com.

Checker Bar: A classic and historic joint with great, no-nonsense bartenders. Open almost all the time. 124 Cadillac Square. (313) 961-9249. Checkerbar.com.

Detroiter Bar: In the Greektown/Bricktown area, this established hangout is also open daily for lunch, dinner and late-night. 655 Beaubien. (313) 963-3355.

Sweetwater Tavern: Open daily and late at night, this casual bar and restaurant in a very old building is known for its chicken wings. 400 E. Congress. (313) 962-2210.

Legends: Adult entertainment club with three bars, a full steakhouse menu and a 30-foot screen to watch the games. 415 E. Congress, Detroit. (313) 961-5005. legendsindetroit.com.

The Well: Casual dive bar that has stood the test of time. Open until 2 a.m. nightly. 1228 Randolph. thewellbars.com.

Great Lakes Burger & Pizza Bar: A gourmet approach to pub grub, this newer, two-level restaurant is a good place to catch the game at the bar or seated at a table. 1224 Randolph. (313) 800-5169. greatlakesburgerbars.com

Buffalo Wild Wings: No charm, but lots of wings and lots of TVs. 1218 Randolph. (313) 961-9453. buffalowildwings.com.

Old Shillelagh: Obviously an Irish bar, but also a go-to for sporting events and other party holidays like the Detroit Tigers’ home opener and St. Patrick’s Day. The family-owned bar has lots of room and a full food menu. 349 Monroe. (313) 964-0007. Oldshillelagh.com.

Firebird Tavern: A lot of these places can be described as having no-frills, but 10-year-old Firebird has a bit of frill. Not too much, though, just more of a worldly chef’s touch to the food menu than your average sports bar, and a nice selection of cocktails and craft beers. 419 Monroe. (313) 782-4189. Firebirdtavern.com.

The Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino at Greektown: A place to have a drink and place your bet inside the casino. They take reservations. Must be 21 to enter at all times. 555 E. Lafayette. (313) 223-2999. hollywoodgreektown.com/casino/sportsbook.

Elwood Bar & Grill: One of the more attractive and longstanding sports bars in the area, the Elwood is wedged between two stadiums with a classic menu, full bar and a nice art deco look. Hours vary based on what’s going on. 300 E. Adams, Detroit. (313) 962-2337. elwoodgrill.com.

Gilly’s Clubhouse and Rooftop: A brand-new, polished sports bar that is making its debut on the day of the Tigers home opener, Gilly’s is the brainchild of Dan Gilbert’s late son Nick. It’s got a 120-square-foot TV, full menu including healthy options and a full bar. 1550 Woodward. gillysdetroit.com.

Detroit Beer Company: A good choice for craft beer, decent food and lots of space with two levels, DBC celebrated its 20th anniversary in September. 1529 Broadway, Detroit. (313) 962-1529. detroitbeerco.com.

Basement Burger Bar: More of a burger bar than a sports bar, but it’s a popular spot on game days. 1326 Brush. (313) 818-3708. basementburgerbar.com.

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Tin Roof: A national chain known for live music, this sports bar and restaurant is where Cheli’s Chili Bar was located for many years. 47 E. Adams. (313) 262-6114. Tinroofdetroit.com.

Brass Rail Pizza Bar: Pizza? Beer? Televisions? Check. Check. Check. A good choice for large groups or if you want to make reservations. 18 W. Adams. (313) 964-0782. brassraildetroit.com.

Hockeytown Cafe: Opened in 1999, Hockeytown is a shrine to the Detroit Red Wings, has rooftop seating and was once considered one of the top sports bars in the country. 2301 Woodward. (313) 471-3400. Hockeytowncafe.com.

Harry’s Detroit Bar & Grill: This two-level, well-run bar and restaurant is party central during most big game days, but especially on opening day. 2482 Clifford. (313) 964-1575. Harrysdetroit.com.

PointsBet Sports Bar and Mike's Pizza Bar: These two are connected to Little Caesars Arena, with entrances from the street and the venue. They don't keep regular sports bar hours, and are only likely to be open when there's an event at LCA. 2645 Woodward.

Bookie's Bar & Grille: Classic sports-watching bar with three levels, pub grub, private event spaces and shuttle service. 2208 Cass. (313) 962-0319. Bookiesbar.com.

Tap at MGM Grand Detroit: Moving away from the direct footprint of the stadiums, you've got a solid choice in this casino restaurant, which has a television in just about any direction you look. 1777 Third. (877) 888-2121. mgmgranddetroit.com.

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Nemo's: Historic and reliable, Nemo's is a Detroit sports mainstay in Corktown has shuttle service and a great bar burger. Local journalists like it, too, and the walls are adorned with their handiwork. 1384 Michigan. (313) 965-3180. nemosdetroit.com.

McShane's Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar: There are a lot of pluses here, like spacious seating that is good for groups and a large menu that can please everyone. They also do brunch. 1460 Michigan. (313) 961-1960. mcshanespub.com.

Thomas MaGee's Sporting House: American football, yes, but the other kind of football is also popular here as well as fights and other sports. Thomas Magee’s also has a great booze selection and good beer prices. 1408 E. Fisher Service Drive. (313) 263-4342. thomasmagees.com.

Boulder's Bistro & Brew: The sport at this sports bar is rock climbing. Boulder's is a casual spot with 21 self-serve beer taps and a full menu of pub grub. It's next to Dyno Climbing Gym. 3500 Orleans. (313) 221-8100. bouldersbistrobrew.com.

Detroit City Clubhouse: A bit out of the direct vicinity of the three major stadiums, this sports bar is a soccer hangout, where fans of Detroit City Football Club cheer on their team when they’re not at Hamtramck’s Keyworth stadium. 3401 E. Lafayette. (313) 656-2480. detroitcityclubhouse.com.

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

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