Checker Bar Detroit image

Checker Bar Detroit

Restaurant Bar Bar and grill Video arcade

Beer, cocktails, classic burgers & bar food in a laid-back space with vintage arcade games. People often mention arcade, spot, staff, good, great, burger, time, drinks, games, pizza,


Address

124 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI 48226

Website

www.checkerbar.com

Contact

(313) 961-9249

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (2.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 11 AM to 1 AM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 1 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: arcade (14) spot (13) staff (11) good (11) great (11) burger (10) time (10) drinks (10) games (9) pizza (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Alecia W. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice low key spot.. I read that they had a arcade and gold food so I wanted to try it. My son and I went around 3:00 pm on a Monday and it wasn’t many people in there. I didn’t know the arcade was closed on Monday’s so that was a bummer. Overall we enjoyed ourselves. We’ll be back.. when the arcade is open!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gavin G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great spot; cool retro games, excellent tunes, nice staff, and pretty decent food.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Theodore H. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a Detroit staple! Absolutely a must visit. It is the Cheers bar you would expect in a city... It's definitely improved over the years (I remember visiting it a few years ago and being disappointed by their burger which had flavor but was held back by the lackluster buns. ) They have definitely made themselves more competitive. They do need to work on speed of apps as my mozzarella sticks and burger came out at the same time.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Krystal L. 10 months ago on Google
    This place is so awesome! There are two floors that you can go back and forth. Bars are on both floors. The top floor has TONS of vintage arcade games and tables to eat at as well. There are even little tables set up throughout the floor, so you have a place to set your food and drink while you play! This place probably has every game you can think of! The staff were friendly, attentive, and kind. The food was 10/10. Ordered pizza, chicken parm sandwich, and the garlic knots. Will most definitely be back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric G. 2 years ago on Google
    Fun dive bar with surprisingly good food! I got the burger and cheese sticks, but the pizza looked incredible (as the waitress kept serving them to other patrons). At night, the upstairs appears to be for a younger crowd and louder and the downstairs was more for a family crowd.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Samantha S. 5 months ago on Google
    A friend and I came in for the Rotten Route Event. Upon arrival, it was unique in its decor. Upstairs has an arcade. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to try these burgers, I've heard so much about them. We only came in for a drink before leaving on the bus. Service was fast, prices were fair, and drinks were just right! I will be back to try a burger for sure!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 IKON L. 1 year ago on Google
    Checker Bar used to be a great dive bar, but they are currently transforming into a bar that's not so "divey". Still a great atmosphere. Great location. And the staff is friendly. Depending on which bartender you get they also have a detailed knowledge of the drinks available. Still a great place to grab a pizza or go upstairs to grab some slices and have some fun.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 mrs.happy 8. 2 years ago on Google
    Love all the Vintage arcade and pinball machines it was awesome upstairs on the second floor drinks were awesome prices had a blast I might have my husband's anniversary we will be back
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandi B. 11 months ago on Google
    I went for lunch. I ordered a personal (small) BBQ chicken pizza. It was SO good! It was thin crust, extra cheesy, and the bread was sweet. It was big enough for two people. It's a little spot, but it's super cute inside. The lunch rush came in right around 1230pm. There's a full bar. It's definitely worth stopping in!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Val M. 11 months ago on Google
    The arcade bar is located upstairs. Lots of old machines to choose from. Let's of local canned bars available. Went on a Tuesday night, so not many people, which was great for us. Not too many places to put your drink down. Good location downtown.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick B. 2 years ago on Google
    Always amazing can't beat the $2 beers. Now let's get those games opened back up...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 AAron W. 5 months ago on Google
    This place looks amazing online. But pure disappointment from start to finish. Only positive was are server was amazing. Floors and games are sticky like a movie theater. Bar area was clean downstairs. The second you went up stairs smelled like stale popcorn and rotten eggs. Me and the other person I went with got really sick from our food. Either food poisoning or someone in the kitchen is a dirty person. Will never be back or recommend this place in good conscience. Spend the little extra money and hit up 1up or Dave and busters.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brad D. 8 months ago on Google
    Great spot downtown to get great food and cold beer. Place has been around a long time so that tells you people enjoy going there. Inside is perfect with nice bar and laid back sitting. Staff is very polite and take the time to talk about the place and some of the history behind it and that's just plan cool. Atmosphere just plan fun. Well done !
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan R. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the BEST hidden gems in the city. The burgers are very good and priced very reasonably. The fries though are the best part IMO. Service is always friendly and great. If I had one complaint, it does take a good amount of time for the food to come out but it is worth the wait. Others in my party (first visit for them) were getting very anxious for the food but once the food arrived, they agreed about the fries and burgers.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Manouchka A. 1 year ago on Google
    Checker is the real deal,they open till 2Am found it on TikTok while I was visiting Detroit and I enjoyed it,everybody was so friendly and welcoming…I had loaded fries and some chicken wings…The chicken was well seasoned and juicy and my drinks was good also.

  • 4/5 Brendon T. 1 year ago on Google
    Really cool place! Loved all the pinball and arcade machines upstairs. Only marked it short of give stars because I prefer stouts, but if you're an IPA fan, they have you covered.

  • 4/5 Eric B. 1 year ago on Google
    Pretty cool little joint. Food was not overly expensive, and, pretty good for the price. The atmosphere is very much that of a bar, but, in a good way. Nice dim light, and loud music. The real draw is the second floor arcade with a second bar. There is a decent selection of pinball machines, and, classic arcade games. Some of the machines need servicing, and I am pretty sure Mrs. Pacman is set to turbo settings. Highscores of the machines I played were factory default, suggesting they cut the power recently.

  • 5/5 Zyra G. 1 year ago on Google
    Best food and drinks for the buck!!! Arcade was a trip down memory lane. It was comforting to see the manager and staff so involved and quick with service. Thursday night Karaoke is my new location 😁. More fun the a lil bit for ALLL. My children and I loves this place!

  • 4/5 Brad C. 1 year ago on Google
    First time here. Had the fish sandwich. Came out fresh and hot. The cheese fries were ok. I think if they were plain it would have been better. The staff was friendly. It was lunch time so low key regarding the atmosphere

  • 5/5 Jessica N. 1 year ago on Google
    Wandered in late night and the music was banging, the crowd was lively, drinks were flowing, and the kitchen was still open. We ordered a pizza and it was HUGE and delicious, and the burger and fries hit the spot. I highly recommend for a good time and nonstop people watching and visual stimulation.

  • 5/5 Chris “Wolf” C. 1 year ago on Google
    Checkers in Detroit, Michigan is a unique bar that offers a fun and exciting atmosphere for patrons. Upon entering, you'll be immediately drawn to the old arcade upstairs, complete with classic games and a retro feel. Although I didn't get a chance to try the food, I heard that it's top-notch and provides a perfect complement to the drinks on offer. The bar staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and they take pride in their craft, ensuring that each drink is expertly prepared. The overall atmosphere is lively and upbeat, with a mix of people from all walks of life, making for a great social environment. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Checkers is definitely worth checking out for a fun night out.

  • 4/5 OdysseyFan D. 6 months ago on Google
    Burgers are not selectable temp well done is only option. Eggs are also only done over hard. Tables needed cleaned. Menus are just paper but splattered with stains. Fries are great well cooked and flavored. Tried the mozzarella sticks but they are just frozen and we're kinda soggy. Friend tried the red ale on tap (Rochester Red) from Brew Detroit and said it was watery not strong at all. Burgers made it over the top of other concerns, bacon as well. Get past the looks and enjoy the food. Not busy on Monday, but the arcade is closed Mondays.

  • 4/5 Stefiny R. 6 months ago on Google
    Overall, it was a great spot for a drink, bar food, and vibes. The wait staff were friendly but not very present. It was past 9 pm, so most of the people there just sat at the bar. It makes sense why the wait staff didn't really check on folks. The music was spot on, though. Really great space to visit. The area is a nice walking area also. Not too far from Greektown.

  • 5/5 J 1 year ago on Google
    The epitome of a dive bar but with a revamped style. The graffiti style murals are impressive and the little hidden jewels make it even better. My wife and I are here to visit friends and honestly wouldn't mind coming back to this spot. Highly recommend this spot for their food, drinks and overall great vibes. ✌️💚🤘

  • 5/5 Regina T. 2 years ago on Google
    My daughter and best friend had been here before and they really liked it. So we all went together and I truly loved the whole vibe there. The food was good. I ordered buffalo wings and loaded fries...and I was happy that the wings were cooked perfectly.."I hate soggy wings with all that fat on it🤮. And the drinks😲😲was BOMB I ordered top shelf long Island...2 to be exact and trust me when I tell you I felt it immediately. NO WATERED DOWN DRINKS HERE. I definitely will go back. It was a variety of music...it's a vibe there and I really liked it.

  • 4/5 Scott R. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place. Good burgers. Gave my group a nice deal for a large group dinner with high school kids.

  • 5/5 Ovidio A. 2 years ago on Google
    Kind staff. Cool games. Great food.

  • 3/5 Khari S. 2 years ago on Google
    It used to be my favorite place to go before the pandemic but now it's a bit different. I'm not sure of what changed in terms of management or ownership but the atmosphere is just different all together. Not a bad place though, just not my go to spot anymore either

  • 4/5 Allison D. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a fun place to go. My kids like the music upstairs and there is a video game for everyone. It takes a minute to get a drink BUT there were 2 bartenders for the entire upper level so I don't think they could move any faster!

  • 5/5 Heather 2 years ago on Google
    I visited Checkers for the first time recently and am super excited about going back again! Checkers has super delicious beer and vegan pizza, one of the best vegan pizzas I have ever had in my life. The bartender, Justin, played awesome music and was upbeat and personable. He poured me the most delicious beer ever, New Holland Poet's beer or something like that, made in Michigan. The beer tasted almost with hints of chocolate. Chocolate and Pizza? Count me in. I think about that pizza and beer at least once per day every day. :-)

  • 5/5 Brad L. 2 years ago on Google
    Tons of old school video games and a decent selection of pinball. Food was on point, nothing too fancy (burgers and pizza). The bar set up was cool, enjoyed a few pints and had a good conversation with the bartender.

  • 5/5 B 2 years ago on Google
    Very cool place. Great place to have a few drinks with some friends. The pizza was way better than any of us were expecting. It was very busy and they only had one bartender on staff and he absolutely crushed it. We can't wait to come back.

  • 3/5 Y O. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice burger / bar spot. We went 2 hours after it was open. It was us and another family. We sat far apart so we could eat in peace without our masks. The waiter was so nice. He accommodated us well especially with my gluten allergy. He was very attentive and polite. They ran out of gluten free buns, so I had a naked burger, everything with no bun. It was tasty. We went during the day, but at night they have karaoke and they have arcade located upstairs. It's a Chucky cheese for adults! I gave them a three star because the bathrooms could use more care. They were not clean at all.

  • 4/5 Tiffani H. 2 years ago on Google
    It a little dive bar with a chill atmosphere. I enjoyed it! The food selection is very minimal but not bad. You feel a little security knowing the police are always in and out of there grabbing something to eat. I will definitely go back.

  • 5/5 Sarita B. 2 years ago on Google
    Burgers - fantastic (veggie one too) Atmosphere -vibing Staff -Great Fries - frankly, they are bland. Stick to the chips And Try the pretel bites!

  • 4/5 James C. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a cool spot to hang with friends, for sure. Enjoyed the games upstairs, too.

  • 5/5 Brad S. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent "burger and beer" bar with an old school arcade, what more could one want?

  • 3/5 AJ 2 years ago on Google
    This is a better burger than the green shake place around the corner. The patty is always hot and the cheddar cheese is always melted. My lettuce is crisp and so are the few onions that they lay on there. Paired with their shoe string fries that are fixed drizzled with parm seasoning and an icy Coke is the perfect meal! Don't let the dark interior fool you! Walk up to the center of the bar and then order from there. For dine in, they give you a number. For carryout, have a seat anywhere you can. Miraculously, they quickly find you to give you your order. Wait staff is casual and ready going. If there are teens in your party, you need to visit before 9pm. This is a regular spot for me and 80% of the time my burger is cooked medium, the rest of the time it's over cooked but still edible. My stats at the green shake place are 50/50 so I just always go to Checker Bar instead.


Call (313) 961-9249 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Happy hour food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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