Pontiac’s vibrant bar scene pulses with history—from the weathered brick facades of its industrial-era taverns to the sleek, neon-lit newcomers reinventing the craft cocktail. This guide celebrates both the timeless institutions pouring perfect pints and the innovative spots shaking up the Midwest mixology scene. Whether you’re planning a raucous birthday bash or seeking a quiet corner for a classic Manhattan, our 2025 list has your next destination.
Mr J’s Sports Bar & Grill
$$ | (248) 547-1892 | WEBSITE
Mr. J’s Sports Bar & Grill has been serving the Berkley neighborhood for years. These days, it’s that classic neighborhood spot where you can grab a legit burger with perfectly crispy fries, a basket of those highly recommended French fries, or something more straightforward like a cold beer from their old school ice boxes. Their food is consistently tasty and satisfying, and the chill, comfortable vibe is a very nice touch.
Order a burger served hot with crispy fries or a cold beer during a game, and enjoy your solid bar food at a cozy table or along the friendly bar.
Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room
$ | (248) 564-2134 | WEBSITE
Trivia Night: On Thursday evenings, from 7-10pm, Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room hosts in their cozy downtown Auburn Hills space with rotating wine flights, and a lively atmosphere for the Sipper Club members. The patio offers a relaxed setting to sample unusual Michigan varieties, making it perfect for date nights or trying something new. While the flights might run a bit higher than expected, the generous pours and ever-changing selection make it worth the visit.
The ambiance feels intimate yet social, with warm lighting and comfortable seating that invites you to linger over each glass.
Muldoon’s
$ | (248) 852-2707 | WEBSITE
This Pontiac bar restaurant is decked out with pool tables, dartboards, and karaoke gear year-round. By the time they add a fresh round of Botana platters in the evening, it’s basically a regular’s 7th circle of heaven. You’re not necessarily here for gourmet dining or craft cocktails—both are decent and affordable—but if you like a fun environment with friendly staff, it should be on your Michigan bucket list.
Given that it’s jam-packed with regulars during karaoke nights though, you should consider just saving Muldoon’s for a quiet Tuesday.
Ignite Tavern
$ | (248) 977-3795 | WEBSITE
Ignite Tavern: This Pontiac spot kicks off a welcoming neighborhood vibe with friendly service and plenty of TVs for game days. Check out their daily specials for details on reasonably priced drinks and food, including the famous bloody Mary’s and standout dishes like the Wedge, through a satisfying meal and enjoyable environment.
Green Tavern
$ | (248) 332-1765 | WEBSITE
Green Tavern: On any given Friday night, the regulars give off that welcoming “who you know” vibe, and it’s the go-to spot for bar-style food like their famous burgers and Ruben’s. The super nice staff keeps the draft beers flowing, making it a fun place to enjoy a cheeseburger with crinkle cut fries in that throwback semi-dive bar atmosphere.
Clarkston Tap
$ | (248) 625-0077 | WEBSITE
At Clarkston Tap in Pontiac you can watch a big game on one of the many TVs and maybe try your luck with Club Keno or pull tabs. But the food at this bar happens to be sneaky good, so don’t come here without eating some. At the very least, get the nachos. The Prime Rib sandwich is thick and hearty with a nice portion, the mac-n-cheese is creamy and exceptionally satisfying, and the chicken wings, served quickly, quietly outshine your average bar snack.
If your group is big enough, order the $65 Ultimate Game Day Platter, which comes with a giant plate of nachos, two dozen wings, a full order of spinach dip, and every dipping sauce imaginable.
O’Mara’s Restaurant
$$ | (248) 399-6750 | WEBSITE
While O’Mara’s Restaurant feels more like a traditional Irish pub than some of the other spots on this list, it still delivers all three essentials of a special-occasion destination: outstanding food like their 14oz prime rib with augratin potatoes, a unique atmosphere blending Irish pub and botanical elements, and of course, exceptional service that makes every visit memorable. It’s a perfect place for celebrations; during holiday seasons, the cozy booths near the greenery get pretty booked up.
North Bar and Grille
$ | (248) 234-4885 | WEBSITE
This sprawling bar and grille with big screen TVs on every wall feels like somewhere you might wander into if you were looking for a late-night bite after a long day. The liveliness is earned though: North Bar and Grille has been serving up daily specials and tequila flights with its fun bartenders every night of the week. Come with friends, split some innovative Alfredo fries, and leave with the taste of $3.99 wings on your mind.
Time Out Lounge
$ | (248) 683-8463 | WEBSITE
At Pontiac’s renovated lounge, a few things feel perfectly natural: the modernized bar gleaming under new lighting, the karaoke machine waiting for Wednesday nights, the ample parking lot welcoming weekend crowds, and the wheelchair ramp ensuring everyone can join. The top shelf Long Island drinks and reasonably priced Tex-Mex rolls are exactly what you’d expect.
But everything here steers you toward a good time, whether you’re grabbing chicken wings at the bar, or singing with friends in the casual atmosphere. The food is simple and satisfying, and there’s a solid selection of drinks to keep the evening flowing.
Pontiac Lake Inn
$ | (248) 666-1436 | WEBSITE
You might not expect to find a fantastic burger joint near the lake, but Pontiac Lake Inn is here to defy your expectations. It’s in a casual, relaxed setting, and once you walk inside, you’ll probably feel like you’re no longer in a hurry. The comfortable space is filled with mixed crowds and attentive waitresses, and it’s a good place to drink a beer and eat a handpattied burger like the PLI Big Boy after golf or a visit home.
The friendly service and reliable carry-out make it worth a return visit, even if it gets a bit slow at times.
Crescent Lake Inn J & L
$ | (248) 681-1468 | WEBSITE
Across from the Rolladium in Pontiac, there’s a welcoming bar and grill with a mellow vibe that draws in groups after a night of rollerskating. That’s Crescent Lake Inn J & L, and it feels just as relaxed on the inside. Cozy booths and tables are filled with friends and families enjoying bottomless sodas and drinks from the bar while live music plays in the background. They have a full menu, though we’d recommend something classic, like their must-try calzone or the tasty fried mushrooms.
The staff, including friendly servers like Amy and Jessica, make every visit special with their warmth and attentiveness, though service can be slow if you’re looking for something more upbeat. Overall, it’s a great spot to unwind with good food and company, though the Bloody Marys might not be for everyone.
Hazel’s
$$ | (248) 671-1714 | WEBSITE
Hazel’s is a lively little seafood spot in Pontiac that will become your go-to for oysters if you’re in the area. It’s not as formal or stuffy as some of the other places on this list—it’s more like a neighborhood restaurant that just happens to specialize in seafood. Inside, regulars chat with their servers about the daily catches, and there’s charming nautical and submarine-inspired decor that gives the place a fun, maritime vibe.
When you’re seated, the servers are attentive and kind, which makes for a relaxed dining experience. And if you’re hungry, there’s a lunch menu with reasonable prices—think around $15–$25 for dishes like soft shell crabs or crab cakes. Try the oysters, which are fresh and briny when you slurp them down, or save room for the Wrecking Ball dessert, a standout sweet treat.
Brewhaus Bar & Grill
$ | (248) 682-6740 | WEBSITE
Brewhaus Bar & Grill in Keego is a local favorite with super cheap prices. The burger exceeds expectations, and the staff is friendly. Live music is a hit, though some seating areas could be improved. The place offers a pool table, jukebox, and karaoke nights. The Firerolls with spicy ranch are highly recommended. Customers describe it as an all-around wonderful place with great people, a nice spot for lunch and drinks, and a fun atmosphere for karaoke nights.
The bartenders are efficient and handle crowds with ease, and the waitstaff is friendly. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the food, such as the southwest egg rolls, is flavorful. Despite the confined space when crowded, the cozy atmosphere adds to the overall experience. Brewhaus Bar & Grill is a cool spot with attentive servers and a great atmosphere for those looking for a fun night out.
The Hideout
$ | (248) 435-2494 | WEBSITE
A Pontiac mainstay for years, The Hideout serves satisfaction in hearty portions, with friendly faces behind the counter. (Please bring your appetite accordingly.) The welcoming atmosphere without the old alcohol and cigarette smell is now in place, and the elevated bar food remains the star of the menu: crispy, generous deep-fried options, or the Reuben sandwich that’s a must-try when the owner steps in as chef.
Their signature gyro is strikingly substantial—packed with flavor and size, like a hidden gem—and totally delicious. It’s savory and heavy on taste, with quick service as its foundation.
West End Kitchen & Bar
$$ | (248) 977-5086 | WEBSITE
West End Kitchen & Bar in Pontiac might get a little loud sometimes, and it might draw a lot of families, couples, and brunch-goers—but we don’t hate it. If you ever need to eat with a big group in the evening, it’s a good spot to know about. Inside, you’ll find a lot of comfortable booths where you can hang out with a fabulous cocktail, and if anyone gets hungry, they serve things like wagyu beef hash, cream pasta, and other creative dishes.
They also host a lot of live music, so keep an eye on their schedule.
Bad Brads BBQ
$$ | (248) 977-5910 | WEBSITE
When Bad Brads BBQ opened its doors, they had smoked rattlesnake on the menu. You won’t find that now, but it’s not a big loss. This Pontiac spot is more about comfort-eating and comfort-drinking. The indoor tables fill up with dates, families, and friends digging into plates of amazing mac and cheese or not-to-be-missed ribs and pulled pork.
Lively blues and rock tunes have everyone talking a little louder than usual, and if things get really lively, someone might order a full rack with all the sauces. Get the $68 BBQ Combo Platter, and upgrade the incredible brisket for an extra $4.
Redcoat Tavern
$$ | (248) 549-0300 | WEBSITE
Back in the 1970s, Pontiac was a different place, and Redcoat Tavern opened its doors to capture that era. Today, the restaurant still stands, with its signature dark lighting and vintage furniture that transports you to another time. Most of the time, however, they serve generous burgers and onion rings to people who want a hearty meal in a cozy setting.
Grab a booth in the dimly lit dining area that feels like it belongs in a classic American tavern, and enjoy a corned beef sandwich or their famous Redcoat Special burger. The desserts are particularly noteworthy, and the host is accommodating if you need adjustments. While the lighting has gotten brighter recently and some find the booth seating low, the food remains delicious with phenomenal onion rings and tasty steak bites.
Service can be inconsistent—on a recent visit, drinks got mixed up and refills took time—but other customers report good service and a solid beer list. Prices have gone up, but the portions are generous, making it a must-visit for burger lovers seeking a memorable experience.
24 Seconds
$ | (248) 336-0024 | WEBSITE
This Pontiac sports bar is a lively place to watch any number of games, with plenty of TV screens, an energetic atmosphere, and a great outside deck perfect for summer evenings. Friendly bartenders like Nat make drinks flow readily, and if you need something to go with your cold beer, order the phenomenal wings or the half-pound burger—mostly for the excuse to eat the wonderfully crispy waffle fries that come alongside them.
The garlic cheese bread with lots of cheese and garlic is another standout, and while prices may be high, the food is consistently delicious, making it a popular spot for pregame or any sports outing with friends.