Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (17) great (12) music (12) drinks (10) atmosphere (10) drink (8) wings (7) order (7) nice (7) patio (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Noah P H. 5 years ago on Google
    Probably my favorite bar in Detroit. It's old Detroit that is not yet blown out by the new. Fantastic buffalo wings and nachos. Every Thursday has the best show in the city and with no cover. Very diverse based on race, age, and persuasion. Neighborhood bar vibe at happy hour. I'd give it six stars if I could.
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 2/5 Benjamin T. 3 months ago on Google New
    idk what happened to this place. beautiful space inside and an amazing patio. food wasn’t half bad either but the bartender didn’t even acknowledge me when i went in. same story next couple times with this particular dude. he seems to be blind that anyone has come into the bar or something. took my food order never put it in starving. all this to say the other bartender / manager? saved the day a bit but unless they ramp up service it’s tough sell to get me in there when i can barely even get a pbr sorry northern lights reviews out of love.
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Zach 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic! The Maple Wing's were the best wings I've ever had, hands down. Bartender was very friendly and super fast on drinks and food. Highly recommend.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Clara H. 4 months ago on Google
    The atmosphere seemed like a nice time so my friends and I decided to try this place out for the first time. Big mistake! We got harassed at the door by what we thought would be the bouncer to find out it was just a couple checking IDs as a joke, there was no bouncer. Then we walked up to the bar to get a drink. There was one bartender working. After 20 minutes another one came out of the back. He grabbed the people next to us who were first. After he finished he comes back down so I put my hand out with my card expecting to order next, especially having waited 30 minutes now. The bartender snapped his fingers in my face and held up one finger and immediately goes to help the couple who had just walked up. My friends and I immediately walked out and were so disappointed in the treatment and service. Definitely not worth your time to stop in
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Brooke M. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful patio, great music, tasty chicken wings and strong, reasonably priced drinks!
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Pinkerbelle 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place!! Great place to to grab a bite and relax. Nice atmosphere
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 2/5 Kimberly Hudson (Kimm H. 4 years ago on Google
    Been awhile since I've visited here, it was on a different scale today. Got a drink and a meal...my fries were crumbly and the taste of rewarmth😩 they made sure to check after I finished my entire meal, had the wings they were jus wings. They do hav a happy hour, atleast that's better than no happyhour....I would return but not for food or not alone if I want anything but a quick stopin...
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Darlene 4 years ago on Google
    Northern Lights has a swanky '70s decor feel to it. There is sometimes a cover but this Friday night there wasn't. Bonus! My party has four. The table we sat in at first we were NEVER greeted. Lame! We started to leave but four seats together at the bar opened so we sashayed right over and took them. The bartenders were great. I ordered the bloody Mary -- not good. Don't even bother with it. As for food we had the hummus and buffalo chicken wings. Can't vouch for the hummus; however, my son and his wife ate it all up with smiles. The buffalo wings were GREAT!! Sauce was very spicy and it's cool because you are able to choose all flats or drums, which was a huge bonus. All flats all the way. A cool side note is the ladies room. The stall is swanky and different. Mine had a bolt lock, chain lock and peephole to see out. Can't get much safer than that.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Shawna B. 5 years ago on Google
    Such a cute place with a very retro dive bar feel. We went for brunch on a Saturday morning and there was plenty of seating available. Mimosas are only 3 dollars which is a perk. I had the loaded hash and enjoyed the fresh veggies cooked in. It feels very homecooked and I like that.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mark H. 4 years ago on Google
    Northern lights is a special place. Calmer style bar with a jazz feel atmosphere. They have red comfort round booth seating which is a huge plus in my book. It's also one of the few places where you can get a ginger beer with alcohol (crabbie's) in it. The food here is also quite delightful. Their burger is both monstrous and mouth watering. Overall if you're looking for a chill night out, or looking for a live band on a weekday, or in the summer dance to a live DJ out in the patio - Northern lights is where you want to be. It's not a college bar and the crowd it attracts is the type you want to stay and inquire into the lives too.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 N.C. M. 1 year ago on Google
    I miss this place 😒 is it ever going to reopen again? What an amazing crowd of people that gathered here, music was always on point. Good vibes...miss it
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jennifer 3 years ago on Google
    Before the pandemic hit, my husband and I loved going to Northern Lounge on Thursday nights for jazz music and delicious food. The interior decor and outdoor patio are both really nice. We loved hanging out on the patio on summer nights. Loved the live jazz music, too!! I miss Northern Lounge so much! πŸ’œ
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 London S. 4 years ago on Google
    The place host some dope events, lots of house music underground type parties, and you can also find live music. Food wise they're known for their fish and chips, and they often sell out so get there and order early. The fish was good and came pretty quick. I'd recommend this place for parties & drinks more so than food.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 D B. 6 years ago on Google
    Cool staff and good drinks. This is Not your average bar food. Sure, you could eat chicken but you have to try the house made veggie burger, the steak or anyone of the specials. Chef is the truth!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jacquette S. 4 years ago on Google
    I was there last night and it really a nice place to chill and eat and have drink plus listen to music
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Alyce H. 4 years ago on Google
    Very cool spot, good food and drinks!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Eldredge L. 3 years ago on Google
    The burgers are delicious, moist, tender and spicy, the prices are pretty good considering that the portions are large!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Candi W. 4 years ago on Google
    To infinity and beyond 😍😍
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Leslie R. 4 years ago on Google
    There's always good seating, sometimes music but not in an obtrusive way, and good bar food
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Timothy D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great great food and spirits
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Michael W. 4 years ago on Google
    Shannon was awesome and the great was great as always.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 BigSteph 4 years ago on Google
    Cold beer good food
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Brenda D. 3 years ago on Google
    Love This Place! Who ever the Cook is they're FANTABULOUS!!!🀩
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Pearl F. 3 years ago on Google
    Chill and funky place, the food and drinks are tasty and the atmosphere is always friendly!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 James J. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool atmosphere, friendly service, relatively clean bathrooms. Nice space with average size dancefloor. Drinks were normal prices
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Darius W. 4 years ago on Google
    Great live music and wonderful time with friends. There are also game tables and machines... and a very nice outdoor living space.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Laila L. 3 years ago on Google
    I love it here. I look forward to going back again.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Natalie R. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice experience on a Friday night. The bar itself had a dive bar feel and a DJ was playing, however, we were not interested. After ordering, we took our beers outside and there we were kept cozy by the campfire. This was pivotal as the night was breezy and cool. There is a couch in the women's bathroom (bonus points)

  • 4/5 Rick L. 4 years ago on Google
    This place has a great brunch on the weekends. I typically order the steak and eggs which are amazing. Food is always well cooked and seasoned correctly. Great mimosas which are pretty reasonably priced. The atmosphere is pretty chill during the brunch hours. Cozy, relaxed feel. Service is pretty decent as well.

  • 4/5 Hotel C. 4 years ago on Google
    Above average but food is good, but a bit pricey and more variety would be a change.

  • 4/5 Dani H. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool place.. Music .... But no straws πŸ˜³πŸ€“

  • 5/5 Jesse S. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing decor, Sydney was a great server a d we came from windsor for our anniversary and we will definitely be back!!

  • 5/5 Dion C. 1 year ago on Google
    I used to work for the bar back in 2006 before I moved to Vegas. Tom, Mike and all the owners were cool...I heard Myra passed away and I'm hoping Benz is still alive and kicking. One of the best places I ever worked...

  • 1/5 Julie B. 9 months ago on Google
    We were seated at 6:10pm and no one took our drink order for over 40 minutes. Only half of our table got their food. We had to tell the waiter to cancel the other orders after another 20 minutes of waiting. One of the orders was the hummus plate and never got it. Never got to put in 2nd drink orders. Waited another 15 minutes for the bill. In summary, in 90 minutes 1 drink order and only half the orders delivered. A complete mess, they were not ready to reopen.

  • 2/5 Dabah H. 3 months ago on Google New
    Had a scheduled reserved event scheduled for 20 people. Arrived at 6pm, tables weren't ready. Tables were ready at 7pm, server arrived at 7:30. All of our food was not ordered together. Some people received food, others did not. 2 people had the wrong food ordered and the cook refused to remake the food. Those who ate thought the food was really good. Our server did his best to accommodate us although we were told that there was a problem in the kitchen between the server and the cook. Overall lounge had a great vibe, although I don't think it's a great place for a group as they cannot seem to accommodate that size.

  • 5/5 Katy S. 5 months ago on Google
    Went for drinks and dinner on a beautiful late September fall evening. The food was phenomenal. The patio was lovely. The service could’ve been a lot better, but I’m chalking it up to the waiter/waitress’s day. They were very nice, just kept forgetting about us and forgot one whole meal. We all have bad days. And the food was so good that we didn’t really mind.

  • 3/5 Chesney 3 months ago on Google New
    I wanna give this 5 stars soooo bad because the food is super solid and the atmosphere is fantastic. The only thing holding me back is that the bartender experience has been difficult every time i've come. Slow and complicated to order, even when it's empty - prepare to wait for your drinks, and just don't leave your tab open because it's going to take awhile to close out.

  • 2/5 mo s. 3 months ago on Google New
    They go back and forth about making reservations, but if you have a large group, then they will reserve and area. ( more money) mixed drinks are very watered down, and they now charge for things that used to be free ( sauce, dressing etc.)

  • 5/5 Tony T. 4 months ago on Google
    Very nice place to watch music. Food was very good. Dennis Coffey plays Tuesday nights. One of the greatest guitar players alive. Highly recommend.

  • 1/5 Linda B. 4 years ago on Google
    Terrible

  • 4/5 Wayne North, I. 5 years ago on Google
    The best lamb chops and sexy servers! Oh yeah and I learned to Detroit hustle and ballroom dance!

  • 3/5 Mark M. 4 years ago on Google
    Our waitress was great. The kitchen not so much. The French onion soup was good. The clam chowder was cold so she had to take it back for a hot bowl. The beer batter chicken strips were okay, a little greasy, but okay. The thing I can't figure out is how they can justify charging $12 for 3 chicken strips. We figured we could split a basket of chicken strips between 2 people as a snack, but it was more like a sampler.

  • 5/5 Kittee 3 years ago on Google
    I really enjoy this place. Mixed crowd, good food and great music. I love the decor and the good vibes.

  • 3/5 Tim P. 4 years ago on Google
    Doesn't matter how busy they are, you will always have to wait way too long for your food/drink. Usually tastes pretty good, though. πŸ€·β€β™‚οΈ

  • 2/5 Karen B. 4 years ago on Google
    It was ok. Not much of a choice. Potatoes were like rubber

  • 5/5 kanika s. 4 years ago on Google
    Very chilled

  • 4/5 moe j. 4 years ago on Google
    Went here but the kitchen was closed so I left looked cool though. Mixed crowd

  • 5/5 Laura S. 4 years ago on Google
    One of my Friends had A Birthday Party there it was nice

  • 5/5 Lisa S. 4 years ago on Google
    The band on Wednesday night's, The Mike Jellick trio is awesome.

  • 4/5 Theresa G. 4 years ago on Google
    Tasty nachos!

  • 4/5 donjoc m. 4 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere and good music

  • 3/5 richard 4 years ago on Google
    Good neighborhood bar. Lots of drink options

  • 5/5 Antonio W. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place to go for drinks and great food. Took someone special to me and she loved the food and the atmosphere

  • 5/5 Chimika H. 4 years ago on Google
    The food was delicious!!

  • 5/5 carly w. 4 years ago on Google
    Super fun brunch spot with the yum factor aswell.

  • 5/5 Samuel Louis S. 4 years ago on Google
    Shannon is the best hospitality professional ever ❀️

  • 5/5 damon g. 4 years ago on Google
    Brunch!

  • 3/5 Erich K. 4 years ago on Google
    Me hangin out with my cuzzo Tony Dennis bamg this space πŸ™ŒπŸΏπŸ™ŒπŸΏ

  • 5/5 Stephanie L. 4 years ago on Google
    Northern Lights has been a favorite brunch spot of mine for years. I don't make it here as often as I would like, but whenever I do I'm always satisfied with the food, the service and the atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Brent U. 4 years ago on Google
    Hard swerve for an extended night

  • 4/5 Jenny C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great space but the bar tender was meh, maybe an off day? Shrug

  • 5/5 Mark W. 4 years ago on Google
    Favorite spot


Call (313) 873-1739 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • βœ“οΈ Plenty of parking
    • βœ“οΈ Free street parking
    • βœ“οΈ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • βœ“οΈ Debit cards
    • βœ“οΈ Credit cards
    • βœ“οΈ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • βœ“οΈ Beer
    • βœ“οΈ Food
    • βœ“οΈ Wine
    • βœ“οΈ Alcohol
    • βœ“οΈ Dancing
    • βœ“οΈ Cocktails
    • βœ“οΈ Food at bar
    • βœ“οΈ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • βœ“οΈ Seating
  • Service options
    • βœ“οΈ Dine-in
    • βœ— Delivery
    • βœ“οΈ Outdoor seating

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