Sugar House

Mix a Whiskey Sour, EFK and The Last Word cocktail with Sugar House in Detroit, Michigan.

Check out Whiskey Sour on Cut Out + Keep Check out The Last Word on Cut Out + Keep Check out Efk on Cut Out + Keep

How did you get started?

Dave Kwiatkowski opened the Sugar House in 2011 because there were no dedicated craft cocktail bars in Detroit at the time. As Detroit progressed in its recovery, more people were being drawn to the city and there was a desire for well made, hand crafted cocktails.

Every bartender at the Sugar House gets started by being a barback and working their way up. They must pass a Spirits Professional Master Accreditation exam administered by the United States Bartender Guild before working behind the bar.

Where are you located?

We are located in Corktown, Detroit's oldest neighborhood. The stretch of Michigan Avenue where the bar is located is one of the most popular places in the city.

What are your specialities?

The Sugar House features a list of 101 classic cocktails, as well as a rotating seasonal menu of original craft cocktails designed by the staff. We also have an extensive back bar filled with a lengthy list of gins, bourbons, scotches, rums, tequilas, and more. Our specialty is more than just the cocktails, it's the experience.

What's your personal favorite thing on the menu?

My personal favorite thing is actually that the menu is so extensive it allows us to really tailor the experience to each individual guest. There are top selling drinks of course, but between the 130 or so drinks on the menu and the additional couple hundred drinks we regularly make, we can really offer a unique experience to each guest based on their tastes and preferences.

What's on the stereo?

Varies depending on the day. Rock, motown, electro funk, 80's afrobeat. It's an eclectic mix.

Where else should we visit in your area?

Wright and Company is a great restaurant downtown featuring sophisticated small plates, well crafted cocktails, and a deep beer and wine menu. Sunday brunch is best taken at Cafe 78, which can be found inside the Museum of Contemporary Art in Midtown. If you want to put something on the jukebox and play a game of pool check out Honest John's or the Bronx bar, both in Midtown.

Do you host any special events?

There are special events throughout the year. Currently we have our 4th anniversary party planned for October 7th, featuring a Bill Murray theme. We celebrate Prohibition Repeal Day every December 5th with a special party. Every couple of months we offer a Mixology 101 class where guests can come spend an afternoon taking a crash course in spirits knowledge and make their own craft cocktails under the tutelage of our head bartender.