Kiesling image

Kiesling

Bar

Set in an 1890 building, this gathering place with vintage-inspired decor serves seasonal cocktails. People often mention great, Kiesling, drinks, cocktails, Great, good, drink, night, atmosphere, love,


Address

449 E Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

Website

www.kieslingdetroit.com

Contact

(313) 638-2169

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (454 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday: 5 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 5 PM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Tuesday: 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday: 5 PM to 12 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (17) Kiesling (14) drinks (14) cocktails (12) Great (12) good (11) drink (10) night (10) atmosphere (9) love (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Keith Becker - Becker Home A. 1 year ago on Google
    We have been wanting to try Kiesling for years, and finally, we're able to get here. We went when they first opened their doors around 5, so it wasn't crowded yet. Having not been here before, we weren't 100% sure what our expectations were going in. All we knew is that it is a neighborhood bar, but is it a fancy bar? The answer is not really. It is nice but not over the top, which we found comforting, and it offers affordable drink choices like a shot and a beer for $5. They have a nice bar plus a couple of private sitting areas with couches and chairs. There is also an outdoor patio to enjoy your drinks. This is a great place to go for before or after dinner cocktails or to meet a group of friends.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Margie T. 2 years ago on Google
    Great cocktails. No food. Exposed brick wall, antique lighting, narrow pass-through doors, worn couches, jazzy music. Busy but not super crowded. Love this place. The bartender made me a special ginger tequila drink. Amazing!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katherine F. 2 years ago on Google
    A true historic treasure 🕋 Beautiful design both old and new. Who doesn’t love finding a picture of Patti Smith ? I absolutely love the bartenders and their amazing talents. Love love love 🍸
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Perry C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great, tasty craft cocktails! The Penicillin. You’re welcome. This spot always has the same dimly lit but well appointed low key vibe going. The patio is charming and intimate (some might say small). A block away from Freya and Oak&Reel.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fourteen F. 2 years ago on Google
    A vibe and atmosphere for a cold or rainy day. Warm and inviting, perfect for a date. Cocktails get better and better with each one you have 😁
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rue M. 2 years ago on Google
    Was here Saturday night and had a fantastic night. The placed was absolutely slammed. Bartenders were doing their best to keep up, remained smiling, serving, and keeping everyone entertained. Anyone who's ever worked in the service industry would be able to see that. It’s disappointing to see reviews about how overly entitled people with poor grammar would claim that to be rude, as this bar truly is what it is because of the staff (especially the one with long blonde hair). Last call was announced probably around 1:45 a.m.? This bar closes at 2 a.m., a few folks proceeded to get angry that the bar would not serve them after last call and closing. That’s on a liquor license… not satisfying a customer for another drink. Highly recommend this bar and the service here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victor P. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing atmosphere! Try “Ants Life” if available, one of the best cocktails i ever had..

  • 5/5 Paul K. 10 months ago on Google
    Very cool cocktail spot with a classic yet trendy vibe. Great old fashioned. Offers speciality grilled cheese sandwiches.

  • 5/5 Leonardo D. 1 year ago on Google
    I think we can now say this is a Detroit staple. You want a really good drink? You want a very chill atmosphere? You want a food pop up situation here and there? And brunch pop ups on Sunday as well? You come here! Not to mention all baristas are great and you get a regular treatment. Must check out when in town

  • 5/5 Steven C. 1 year ago on Google
    Kiesling feels like you've discovered an underground club when you walk in. An unassuming building with a very fancy inside. I'm more of a beer fan and their draft selection did not disappoint! Be ready to spend some big money for a good time.

  • 5/5 Shanika 3. 1 year ago on Google
    Great craft drinks being served up. Don’t park within 25 feet to the curb,you might get a ticket, LIKE ME. Cool vibes! Great people. Cozy atmosphere. Educated bartenders. Like the room off on the side! Smokers nook.

  • 5/5 Ayana G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great vibes and good drinks. They have a great shot and beer special, and I had their spin on a Negroni. Would definitely come back!

  • 5/5 Carrie K. 1 year ago on Google
    Cute little bar. Great atmosphere. Very dim lighting. They don't have food so we had Christmas cookies

  • 4/5 Michael T. 1 year ago on Google
    Good drinks. Safe neighborhood! Check out the private rooms…. Very cool!

  • 2/5 Thomas G. 1 year ago on Google
    Cool vibes menu looks cool but exceptionally slow service, at least 40min while sitting at the bar. Good luck hope it goes better for yall. Great door keeping.

  • 5/5 Pamela S. 6 months ago on Google
    I recently had the pleasure of visiting Kiesling Bar in Detroit, Michigan, and it was a truly exceptional experience. From the moment I walked in, I was immediately struck by the welcoming atmosphere and stylish decor. The vintage and modern elements blend seamlessly, creating a cozy yet trendy vibe perfect for a night out with friends or a date with that special someone. But what sets Kiesling apart is their talented bartender, Mickey. He's an expert mixologist and a fantastic conversationalist who knows how to engage his patrons. His impeccable service and ability to craft delicious cocktails make the experience unforgettable. And the fact that Kiesling uses fresh ingredients in every drink is just the icing on the cake. The music selection is also spot-on, providing the perfect backdrop for a night of relaxation or lively conversation. I enjoyed sipping my cocktail while chatting with my cousin and other patrons while soaking up the inviting ambiance. Overall, I can't recommend Kiesling Bar enough. It's a hidden gem in Detroit that deserves to be discovered. If you're looking for a fantastic night out, be sure to put Kiesling Bar on your list. You won't regret it!

  • 5/5 Sasha W. 11 months ago on Google
    My absolute favorite bar in Detroit! Friendly service, spectacular drinks, plenty of seating room, outdoor patio, and overall great vibes. Always a good time!

  • 5/5 Barbara B. 9 months ago on Google
    Excellent cocktail bar with some vintage vibes. Tasty cocktails mixed up by friendly and knowledgeable bartenders.

  • 5/5 Annie B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great ambiance/vibes and great drinks. My go to bar for dates. Their cocktails are always so unique and well made and I’ve always had good service. My only complaint is sometimes the music can be a little loud if you’re trying to have a normal conversation, but at least they always play good music.

  • 5/5 Seth K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great local spot for a drink. I think its starting to attract a lot more people as it was a mad house. In fact just after we arrived they were not letting anyone else in the door. The drinks are top notch. The line at the bar is long but worth it. The bartenders work hard and make great cocktails.

  • 5/5 Meggie C. 2 years ago on Google
    The aesthetic of this place is out of this world! A true gem in Detroit. I've become a regular to this bar because of the great banter and outstanding knowledge of Chanel, who's made me some of the best cocktails I've ever had. BIG CITY NIGHTS, a must have. If you're ever in the area- make sure you stop in and look for the so called "Bruting Blonde" - without a doubt she will make you laugh and make your night a whole lot better!

  • 3/5 Matt V. 2 years ago on Google
    Down to earth chill spot that offers incredible drinks in a comfortable setting for all. Update: Had a horrible experience with a bartender full of attitude. Felt like we were an inconvenience to her every time we ordered drinks and got plenty of attitude with any request. Wouldn't make anything unless it was on the menu and also made snarky comments after every interaction. If you come visit, please do yourself a favor and stay away from the blonde bartender if you want an enjoyable experience.

  • 5/5 Micki M. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible cocktails. I miss some of the OG options on the menu all the time, but luckily if you remember which ones you like, the bartenders will still make them for you. The speakeasy feel and old architecture makes for great atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Jesse R. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice unique space, dimly lit. It's bigger that it looks when you walk in, there are more rooms behind the bar. Has a very speakeasy feel to it. It's fair to note, this is an up and coming area, i wouldn't call it a walkable area. There is an upscale restaurant half a block away (oak & reel), but not much else in the area. Worth the stop, but plan accordingly. Drinks were solid, if not a little pretentious, and on the pricey side, I'd say an average of $12-$15 for a cocktail. You could grab a beer and a shot for $5 if you're going with a group, so don't let the price scare you off if you want to check this place out. The good: The atmosphere, the unique drinks, and the space itself. This would be a great first date opener, or a great close the night stop for a night cap. The menu was literally organized by ABV which is great if you're trying to pace yourself. The bad: Price, but like I mentioned, to be fair you don't have to buy the craft cocktails and you could still enjoy yourself just as much. The ugly: The area. It's coming up, but very industrial, and there's not much around it yet. None of which scared us off, but it's important to know, especially if you're not from the area. TL:DR Check it out. If money isn't an issue, go nuts, otherwise check the shot and beer special. This place is sort of out on its own with not much around, so plan accordingly.

  • 5/5 Kirsten H. 3 years ago on Google
    I went this past weekend for my first socially distanced outing. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming and seemed excited to be back after the hiatus - I was too! The drinks are amazing and rotate every so often. The patio was absolutely perfect and everyone was respectful to leave space between parties and wear masks when inside. I believe they reached capacity on the patio around 9pm, so plan to arrive a bit earlier than pre-COVID times (or maybe later? who knows!).

  • 5/5 Babs H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great twists on rotating classics with quality ingredients.

  • 5/5 Plum Health D. 4 years ago on Google
    We went on Friday night and it’s a great spot. The bartenders were attentive and the drinks were perfect. The Conflict of Interest and Comfortably Uncomfortable we’re both excellent. They had some interesting architectural features that made it a cool place to hang out - old mural of a deer 🦌, interesting woodwork in the ceiling, cool tiling on the main entrance. Bonus points for having a pheasant! There’s also a unique room at the back of the bar for private parties. It’s easy to find a parking space in this neighborhood and it’s only a few blocks east of Woodward if you use transit.

  • 5/5 Grace H. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely love love love Kiesling and the creativity of the bartenders! Came in and needed a pick me up and they made the loveliest coffee cocktail. Put me right together again! Come on over if you love a good time, great music, and a place that is not too crowded and perfect for a solid first date or date night!

  • 4/5 John C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. They were out of both Titos vodka and cranberry juice. They tried to pass it off with some homemade concoction that missed all the marks. And the well vodka was very grainy and a poor substitute for Titos. Their menu specialty drinks were much better but still one notch down from the more modern expensive drinks. They had a pizza pop up that was excellent.

  • 5/5 Brian A. 2 years ago on Google
    A delightful cocktail bar with knowledgeable staff, excellent house cocktails and the ability to craft any drink you request. Comfortable seating and interesting decor round out the experience

  • 4/5 Jeff D. 2 years ago on Google
    Kiesling is a great spot to grab a drink in Detroit! I've lived in Michigan for 5+ years and hadn't been to Kiesling until earlier this summer -- I've definitely been missing out. Kiesling is located on a quieter corner so there's a good amount of street parking and it's not a hassle (but be prepared for parallel parking only, there aren't any lots or garages nearby as far as I could tell). Inside, Kiesling has a great vibe, and there's seating at the bar as well as at a few tables. The lights are kept rather low but it just adds to the overall ambiance inside -- the bar has a great selection as well and the staff is really helpful in identifying what might be a good drink option (for even the pickiest drinker!). For me one of the big highlights of Kiesling was the outdoor patio -- there's a nice spot out back with a good number of tables (as well as a wood burning furnace), and it's just a fantastic spot to spend with a date and a drink! It's not super quiet but having the sounds of the city play as background music to your evening is a great vibe altogether. Overall, I'd definitely recommend Kiesling if you're looking for a bar in Detroit!


Call (313) 638-2169 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

Trends



Last updated:

Similar places



Similar Bars nearby

Last updated:
()