The 5 Best Bars in Royal Oak, MI

Last updated September 18, 2026 · ranked from 3,955 Google reviews · How we rank

Unjustified.

1. 1

   Smoky’s Cigar Bar & Bistro

   4.6(236)· Google4.6 out of 5 from 236 reviews (Google rating)

   Bar · $$

   Open now · closes 12:00 AM

   Cocktails, indoor cigar smoking and a full dine-in offering give Smoky’s Cigar Bar & Bistro its first-place appeal in Royal Oak, MI. At 303 S Main St, the bar serves beer, wine, small plates, dinner and dessert in a casual, cozy setting. Its 4.6 Google rating across 236 reviews supports the pick, while one reviewer specifically praised the service and ventilation. Table service and midnight closing on Fridays and Saturdays make it an option for an evening that includes both drinks and food.

   • Cocktails and cigars
   • Dinner and dessert
   • Weekend midnight closing

   “I am new to the area, so still meeting all the lounges in town. This was my first visit and I will be coming here a lot. Service was honestly exceptional, the ventilation system actually kept the air clean, smallish humidor, but you ca…”

2. 2

   Royal Oak Brewery

   4.3(882)· Google4.3 out of 5 from 882 reviews (Google rating)

   Brewpub · $$

   Open now · closes 11:00 PM

   A heated beer garden and beer on tap give Royal Oak Brewery a clear draw at 215 E 4th St in Royal Oak, MI. Its No. 2 ranking rests on that combination, a from-scratch American menu available at the bar, and a drinks selection that also includes cocktails, liquor and wine. The casual brewpub holds a 4.3 Google rating from 878 reviews, with supplied reviewers praising attentive service and food. Friday and Saturday hours extend to 11 p.m.

   • Heated beer garden
   • Food at bar
   • Beer on tap

   “Still an amazing place, I was part of the opening crew back 1995. It has not lost it charm. I highly recommend.”

3. 3

   HopCat

   4.2(1,317)· Google4.2 out of 5 from 1317 reviews (Google rating)

   Bar · $$

   Open now · closes 1:00 AM

   An extensive beer list anchors HopCat’s third-place showing, backed by happy-hour drinks, late-night food and a 4.2 Google rating across 1,317 reviews. The woodwork-filled brew pub at 430 S Main St in Royal Oak, MI offers cocktails and wine alongside beer, with small plates, comfort food, and vegetarian and vegan options. Outdoor seating adds another reason to visit; one reviewer specifically praised the patio. Friday and Saturday hours run until 1 a.m., making it an option for a later stop.

   • Extensive beer list
   • Outdoor seating
   • Late-night food

   “Not a good experience. Food was over done and it took server a vary long time to make it right”

4. 4

   Goodnite Gracie

   4.2(144)· Google4.2 out of 5 from 144 reviews (Google rating)

   Bar · $

   Open now · closes 1:00 AM

   Cocktails and a compact, retro-inspired setting earn Goodnite Gracie the No. 4 spot among bars in Royal Oak, MI. At 224 Sherman Dr, this martini bar adjoins a restaurant and offers food at the bar, happy-hour drinks, beer and wine. Reviewers praise the cocktails, atmosphere and bartenders, while its Google rating stands at 4.2 from 144 reviews. Friday and Saturday hours run until 1 a.m., making it an option for drinks later in the evening.

   • Retro-inspired setting
   • Happy-hour drinks
   • Food at bar

   “I’ve been going to this spot for years - cocktails and atmosphere is always divine - just miss the record playing & DJs here, that was a VIBE!!!! Plz bring back life music. Shoutout to Hayley (?) our server she was so sweet 🥰 ty!”

5. 5

   Fifth Avenue

   3.5(1,376)· Google3.5 out of 5 from 1376 reviews (Google rating)

   Bar · $$

   Open now · closes 2:00 AM

   Weekend live music and a long beer list help Fifth Avenue earn the No. 5 spot. This bi-level sports bar at 215 W Fifth St in Royal Oak, MI combines sports viewing with arcade games, trivia, karaoke and dancing. A sidewalk patio adds outdoor seating, while pub fare and happy-hour food and drinks round out the offerings. Friday and Saturday hours extend to 2 a.m., and groups can make reservations. One five-star reviewer praised the drinks and atmosphere.

   • Weekend live music
   • Sidewalk patio
   • Sports and games

   “5th Ave cool spot to go to. Grest vibes drinks and ambiance.”