The Ultimate Guide to Detroit’s Playoff Season

Playoff season in Detroit is more than just a series of games, it’s a time to celebrate, gather, and show your team spirit in the most memorable ways. Whether you’re planning to catch the action live, cheer from your favorite bar, or host a game day watch party, a Dream Limousines Detroit party bus is the ultimate way to keep the energy alive. But there’s more to it than just transportation, let’s explore some of the best places and ideas for you to celebrate Detroit’s playoff season.

Game Day Excitement: Home and Away

Home Games: Tailgating and Stadium Style

Heading to a home game? Make your arrival unforgettable with a party bus rental. Packed with your crew, game-day snacks, and team spirit, it’s the perfect way to skip the traffic and parking headaches. Tailgate in comfort as you pull up to the stadium, ready to cheer on Detroit’s finest teams.

Away Games: Creative Fan Experiences

When the team’s on the road, the party doesn’t stop! Here’s how to keep the playoff excitement alive:

• Jersey Bar Crawl: Rent a Detroit party bus and hop between the city’s best bars. Wear your team’s colors and cheer at spots like The Old Shillelagh, Tin Roof, or Firebird Tavern, each offering a unique vibe.
• Backyard Stadium: Bring the stadium home with a projector, string lights, BBQ, and cozy seating. Add snacks and drinks for a festive at-home tailgate.
• Rivalry Bingo: Add some playful competition to your watch party with bingo cards featuring game phrases like “amazing touchdown” or “refs under review.”
• Party Bus Watch Party: Why stay in one place? Turn your party bus rental into a mobile fan fest with screens, snacks, and team pride. Check out all of Dream Limousines’ party buses here.
• Game Day Cook-Off: Host a cook-off with dishes inspired by one of the Detroit sport mascots or players. Award prizes for the most creative dishes and enjoy a feast while watching the game.

Where to Eat on Game Day

Sit-Down Dining

• Hockeytown Café: Located just minutes from Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena, Hockeytown Café immerses you in Detroit’s rich sports history with memorabilia covering every wall. It’s a three-story venue with rooftop seating and perfect views of the city skyline (weather permitting). When you’re here, stick to shareable appetizers like Hockeytown Smoked Wings or Motown Cheese Sticks, or treat yourself to a hearty Detroit-style pizza.
• Harry’s Detroit: Situated a short walk from the stadiums, Harry’s is an essential stop for Detroit sports fans. Known for its massive portions and American comfort food, it serves everything from loaded nachos to juicy burgers. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before the game or celebrate afterward with friends and family.
• The Mixing Board: Inside Little Caesars Arena, this trendy spot offers an energetic atmosphere with globally inspired dishes ranging from flatbreads and sliders to creative salads. Ideal for a pre-game meal or a post-game snack, it’s a lively and modern choice for fans who enjoy variety.
• Detroit Shipping Company: For those seeking variety, Detroit Shipping Company is a food hall like no other, built out of repurposed shipping containers. Located in Midtown, it features local vendors serving everything from Nepalese dumplings at Momo Cha and Thai street food at Bangkok 96 Street Food, to Motor Burger’s famous poutine and burgers. It’s a great option for groups with diverse tastes.

Takeout Favorites

Need something quick but delicious? These spots are perfect for grabbing food to fuel your game day plans:

• Cloverleaf Pizza: Famous for its Motor City square pizza and crispy crust, Cloverleaf Pizza is a local favorite. They offer deals on their social media and are perfect for quick, affordable takeout. You can also sit down and enjoy a cold drink at their bar if you prefer.
• Slows Bar BQ: Located in Corktown, Slows Bar BQ is a must-visit for any BBQ lover. Their catering menu makes it easy to grab a large order for your game day party. Choose from delicious BBQ meats like sliced brisket, ribs, or burgers, paired with one of their five unique BBQ sauces. It’s a must for anyone hosting a big game-day event.

Best Bars and Tailgating Spots

• Tin Roof: This three-story bar is always buzzing with energy on game day. With multiple DJs, different music genres, and live performances during some game days, Tin Roof is an exciting spot to watch the game. Enjoy food, drinks, and a fun atmosphere, whether you’re upstairs, downstairs, or on the outdoor patio.
• Eastern Market Tailgating: Celebrate game day while supporting local food initiatives at the Eastern Market Tailgating event. Known for its community feel, this spot offers a classic tailgating experience with games, food, and drinks. It’s a great way to connect with fellow fans and get hyped up before the big game.
• Thomas Magee’s: Located in Eastern Market, this whiskey-focused pub is an elevated sports bar with a cozy vibe. Watch all the major Detroit teams on large screens and enjoy a variety of cocktails and locally brewed beers. Whether you’re cheering for the Red Wings, Lions, or Pistons, this bar offers a great spot to show your team spirit.
• DraftKings Sports & Social: A top-tier sports bar and social venue, DraftKings Sports & Social combines game day with an amazing dining experience. Featuring everything from local brews to curated cocktails and delicious scratch-made food, this venue offers the ultimate atmosphere for watching the game with friends. It also features a dog-friendly outdoor patio and social games to keep the fun going.
• The Old Shillelagh: If you’re looking for a place with lots of space and live entertainment, The Old Shillelagh is your spot. Spread across three floors, this iconic Irish pub has everything from DJs to live music, as well as a full menu of delicious comfort food and drinks. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite and dance your way into the celebration after the game.
• Firebird Tavern: Firebird Tavern offers a vibrant atmosphere with approachable food and drinks, including bourbon, tequila, and craft beers. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch, happy hour, or a late-night bite, this cozy neighborhood joint is perfect for a casual celebration. With no reservations and seating on a first-come, first-serve basis, it’s the ideal spot for spontaneous fun.
• Second Best Detroit: A short walk from downtown venues and stadiums, Second Best Detroit offers a neighborhood bar experience with high-quality food and great service in a relaxed setting. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a fun, memorable time without any pretension, featuring a laid-back atmosphere and excellent service.

Tips for Playoff Season

• Plan Early: From reservations to game tickets, don’t wait until the last minute. Plan your transportation, meals, and event bookings well ahead of time. This ensures you won’t miss out on your favorite game-day spots.
• Consider Transportation: Downtown parking and traffic are a nightmare on game days. Skip the stress and opt for a party bus rental. Not only will you avoid the parking chaos, but you’ll also arrive in style.
• Family-Friendly Venues: Be sure to check ahead of time if your chosen spots are family-friendly, as some bars and restaurants may turn 21+ only during the tailgating hours or after the game begins.
• Beat the Traffic: Plan to leave the game a little early or stick around in the area after it ends to avoid the post-game traffic crush. The roads can be backed up for up to an hour or more depending on the game.
• Group Coordination: If you’re going with a big group, make sure everyone is on the same page regarding meeting times, locations, and transportation. Larger groups may also need reservations, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
• Stay Hydrated and Fed: Game days can get long, and it’s easy to forget about hydration and food while enjoying the excitement. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks on your party bus rental, and don’t skip meals, keep your energy high to enjoy the entire day!

The playoff season in Detroit is the perfect opportunity to bond with friends, enjoy great food and drinks, and show your team pride. Whether you’re attending home games, watching away games, or hosting your own game day event, the key is to plan ahead and make it fun. With a party bus rental from Dream Limousines, you’ll be able to keep the celebration going all day long.

Get your crew together, book your Detroit party bus rental, and let Dream Limousines take your playoff celebrations to the next level!