Strolling the streets of downtown Ann Arbor, you’d never know how much is going on below the surface. Beneath the glow of streetlights and the hum of campus life, Ann Arbor’s underground scene pulses. Down a narrow stairwell or behind an unmarked door, you’ll find speakeasies, lounge sanctuaries, and subterranean dance dens. Here are 9 underground spots to visit next time you’re in town. 

1. Lo-Fi

Lo-Fi, located under Nightcap is a neon filled space with moody vibes. Grab a stool at the bar and order up a classic cocktail or hard seltzer.

Lo-Fi

  • 220 S Main St

Bar, live music venue, and event space located beneath Nightcap Bar.

Lo-Fi

2. Babs Underground

Bab’s Underground Lounge is cleverly hidden and a local hang out. Offering a full bar with pool tables, TVs, and arcade games, this is a great place to kick it with pals.

Babs' Underground

  • 213 S Ashley St

High-end, underground lounge offering martinis and single-malts. Pool tables and HDTVs are available for leisure.

Babs' Underground

3. Rabbit Hole

Rabbit Hole is Ann Arbor’s underground speakeasy turned night-time playground. Nestled beneath The Circ Bar in century-old vaults, this dimly lit lair hums with live DJs, glowing cocktail art, and hidden nooks.

Rabbit Hole

  • 210 S. 1st St.

Show your true colors and embrace being weird. Located in the former space of industrial-chic speakeasy bar Root, Rabbit Hole creates an over-the-top atmosphere with eccentric drinks, neon music, and live music all within a centuries old cavernous venue. Step into a world where…

Rabbit Hole

4. The Earle

The Earle, a staple of the Ann Arbor food scene, boasts a menu inspired by French and Italian cuisine. Relax in this romantically lit restaurant. Enjoy flavorful dishes including mussels, duck breast, and Beef Bourguignon.

The Earle

  • 121 W Washington St

The Earle offers a romantic setting with regional French and Italian cuisine and over a thousand wines. Piano bar during the week, with jazz on the weekends. The Earle is only open for happy hour and dinner.

The Earle

6. Azalea

Tucked just below street level on South Main, Azalea feels like one of downtown Ann Arbor’s best-kept secrets. Step downstairs into a sleek, modern space where inventive sushi, bold small plates, and creative cocktails.

Azalea

  • 312 S Main St

Situated in the bustling Main Street corridor in the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor, AZALEA is a contemporary Asian restaurant serving modern renditions of traditionally-inspired small plates and sushi. The menu features bold flavors and unique interpretations through shareable…

Azalea

7. The Last Word

Slip through the unmarked door and descend “below the street” to The Last Word — Ann Arbor’s underground cocktail sanctuary. With its dim lighting, leather seats, and warm wood bar, this speakeasy hides in plain sight.

The Last Word

  • 301 W Huron St

Speakeasy-themed bar located in Downtown Ann Arbor serving a wide variety of crafted cocktails, beers, wines, and rare specialty whiskeys, plus a food menu including charcuterie boards and sliders.

The Last Word

8. Mash

Mash is Ann Arbor’s go-to basement bar where whiskey lovers, craft beer fans, and live music seekers find common ground.

Mash

  • 211 E Washington St

Bar featuring beers brewed in their cellar. Selection of craft beer cocktails, assortment of beer and bourbon drinks. Snacks and sliders available. Live music playing regularly.

Mash

9. La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita (inside Chop House) is a great spot for an after-dinner experience. Serving gourmet desserts and pastries alongside dessert wine, cocktails, and top shelf cognacs, bourbon, and scotch.

La Dolce Vita

  • 322 S Main St

Introducing La Dolce Vita Ann Arbor, a delightful dessert lounge located at 322 S Main St, where sweet dreams come true. This hidden gem, accessed through The Chop House, features an exquisite selection of desserts guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. The menu delivers…

La Dolce Vita

Ann Arbor’s underground bars aren’t just places to grab a drink, they’re experiences. Each has its own personality: refined, playful, energetic, or otherworldly. So next time you’re downtown, don’t just look around — look down! Your next great night out in Ann Arbor may just be waiting beneath your feet.