AA Bar Scene for 40ish Folks?

Submitted by SchembechlerDisciple on October 18th, 2018 at 8:26 PM

I am hosting a night out in AA tomorrow with some guys because our wives are all going to  a retreat.  It’s been almost 20 years since I lived in AA, so my now foggy memories of bars on Main Street that I couldn’t afford drinking at in undergrad aren’t doing me much good.  Also, I checked the “useful things” post on eating and drinking in Ann Arbor, and didn’t find it super helpful for this particular type of evening out.

Any suggestions?  I am looking for places that would be more on the quiet side with good cocktails and a decent beer selection.

Thanks in advance for any help.

mgoblue78

October 18th, 2018 at 10:20 PM ^

40's? You're a kid.

The bars at any of the two zillion Main Street Ventures restaurants, esp La Dolce Vita downstairs from The Chop House and Gratzi; other options: Gandy Dancer, Mani, Bar Louis, Ruth Chris, The Earle, The Grange - upstairs, Vinology etc.... If you want something for a higher-end dinner, Logan and West End Grill.

If you're really convinced that you're just an old fart and want someplace that you remember from 20 years ago, or 60 years ago, Webbers.    

2Blue4You

October 19th, 2018 at 6:52 AM ^

Jolly pumpkin! Excellent location if you want to try someplace else, great food, craft beers (some sours if you’re into that), they distill their own spirits too. 

skurnie

October 19th, 2018 at 9:15 AM ^

Alley Bar would be a decent stop for a drink or two if you're wandering around downtown.

If you're bundled up (or already hammered), Bill's Beer Garden is doing half off all of what's left to get rid of everything this weekend. Beer Grotto is a good stop for beer as well. 

lapis9

October 19th, 2018 at 9:58 AM ^

The Last Word is probably best cocktail bar from a mixology standpoint but the bar at the Earle and also Raven's Club are great places for cocktails. Vinology has a new-ish bartender and he makes great cocktails and their wine list is really solid. The beers they have are great. Aventura is pricy but they make great drinks too, although it's so l oud in there it's hard to think. The Red Hawk is still a good place, but better for drinks than for food. 

BlueFish

October 19th, 2018 at 11:52 AM ^

Surprised not to see anyone speak up for Nightcap yet. Relatively new, with artisan cocktails.  Cocktail menu not as expansive as The Last Word, but decent.  I've had good experience there.