You’re walking through the MGM Grand Detroit, past the rhythmic chime of slot machines and the focused silence of the poker tables, when the atmosphere suddenly shifts. The air gets a bit louder, the lighting goes industrial, and you find yourself in what looks like a 1920s warehouse that happens to have forty massive television screens. This is MGM Grand TAP Detroit. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in the city, you know that "sports bars" are a dime a dozen. Every corner in Corktown or Midtown claims to be the "ultimate" spot for a Lions game.
But TAP is kinda different. It’s not just a place to grab a lukewarm light beer while squinting at a tiny screen. It’s a 292-seat beast that feels more like a museum of Detroit’s grit than a casino amenity.
People usually assume casino food is either a five-star steakhouse or a sad, fluorescent-lit buffet. TAP exists in that middle ground—the sweet spot where you can actually get a decent craft beer and a burger that wasn't frozen an hour ago. Let's get into what actually makes this place tick, and why it’s survived over a decade in a city that is notoriously picky about its sports culture.
The Aesthetic: It's Not Your Typical Vegas Clone
Most people think MGM just copy-pastes their concepts from the Las Vegas Strip. While there are TAP locations in Vegas and National Harbor, the Detroit version feels incredibly local. The design is heavy on concrete, reclaimed wood, and steel—basically a love letter to the city's industrial roots.
Look up. Those weird, ornate cast-iron chandeliers? They’re custom. The tables? Reclaimed wine barrels. It’s got this "newest old sports pub" vibe that actually works.
The Memorabilia Collection
If you're a sports nerd, the walls are the main event. We aren't talking about generic jerseys bought off eBay. We’re talking about real-deal artifacts. You’ll find:
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- Photos of the Jake LaMotta vs. Sugar Ray Robinson "knockout" bout at the old Olympia.
- The famous, somber image of the Detroit Lions taking a moment of silence after JFK was assassinated.
- Historical nods to hydroplane racing and wrestling.
It’s basically a gallery that happens to serve beer. You could spend twenty minutes just walking around the perimeter before you even look at a menu.
What to Actually Order (And What to Skip)
The menu at MGM Grand TAP Detroit is curated by people who clearly understand the "Midwest appetite." It’s comfort food, but it’s done with a bit more intention than your average pub.
The Detroit House Nachos are the big conversation starter here. People have strong opinions on these. They use a smoked cheddar sauce—which is basically liquid gold—but be warned: some folks get salty about the lack of traditional salsa. It's a "love it or hate it" situation. If you’re a purist who needs chunky pico, you might be disappointed. If you love salt, crunch, and heavy cheese, you’re in heaven.
The Burger Situation
The TAP Classic Burger is the safe bet, and for good reason. They use a proprietary blend of beef, and it’s consistently juicy. If you’re feeling adventurous, look for the West Coast Burger—it’s got stout-braised mushrooms and avocado that actually tastes fresh.
Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the wings. They’re meaty, not those tiny "pigeon wings" you get at chain restaurants. The Pineapple Ghost Pepper sauce is the sleeper hit if you can handle the heat.
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The "Meal in a Glass"
You’ve got to talk about the Bloody Mary. It’s practically a three-course meal. They use Rochester Mills Milkshake Stout and pickle juice in the mix, then garnish the whole thing with a Dearborn sausage, a cheddar cube, and a house-made pickle. Honestly, if you’re nursing a hangover from a long night at the blackjack tables, this is the only way out.
The "Tap" in TAP: The Beer List
They take the name seriously. We’re talking over 50 draught and bottled selections. In a city like Detroit, you can’t get away with just serving Bud and Miller—people will riot.
The bar is the centerpiece of the room, a giant rectangle with gold taps that look like they belong in a palace. They rotate local favorites from Michigan heavyweights like:
- Founders (Dirty Bastard is a staple)
- Short’s Brewing
- Atwater
- Rochester Mills
The bartenders actually know their stuff, too. They’ll usually let you grab a small sample before you commit to a full pint. If you’re indecisive, they do beer flights for about $8 (though prices fluctuate based on the rarity of the pours).
The Logistics: Games, Crowds, and Reservations
If you’re planning to head to MGM Grand TAP Detroit for a major event—like a Lions playoff game or a big UFC fight—you need a game plan.
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- Capacity: The place holds nearly 300 people, including a private dining room that seats 100.
- TVs: There are over 40 HD flat-screens. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. Even if you’re tucked into a corner booth, you’ve got a clear line of sight to at least three games.
- Reservations: They do accept them, but don't count on getting a table via an app five minutes before kickoff. You need to call ahead.
- The Minors Rule: This is a big one. Since it’s inside a casino, minors aren’t allowed after 10:00 PM. Keep that in mind if you're bringing the family for a late-night bite.
Is it actually "Affordable"?
Look, it's a casino. You're going to pay a "convenience tax." A Coke might run you $3.50 or $4.00, which feels like a gut punch if you're used to free refills at a diner. But the food prices are actually pretty reasonable for the quality. Most entrees fall in that $15 to $25 range. You get what you pay for: a massive portion, a comfortable seat, and a 70-inch screen in your face.
The Reality Check: It’s Not All Perfect
Let's be real for a second. Service can be a gamble (pun intended). On a slow Tuesday afternoon? You’ll get your burger in ten minutes and the server will treat you like royalty. On a Friday night when the Tigers just finished a game and the casino is packed? Expect a wait.
Some regulars have noted that the "casino energy" can sometimes spill into the bar. You might have a rowdy group at the next table who just lost a parlay at the BetMGM Sports Lounge next door. If you want a quiet, intimate dinner, this isn't the spot. It’s loud. It’s energetic. It’s Detroit.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
If you want the "Expert" experience at MGM Grand TAP Detroit, here is how you do it:
- Skip the Peak: If you just want the food, go on a weekday for lunch. It’s quiet, the service is lighting fast, and you can actually hear yourself think.
- The "Pickle" Secret: TAP brines and bottles their own pickles in-house. You can actually buy a jar of their thick-sliced dills to take home. Most people don't know this, but they are significantly better than anything you'll find at a grocery store.
- Parking Hack: Don't pay for street parking. Use the MGM Grand parking garage. It's free, it’s covered, and it’s a short walk to the restaurant. Just remember where you parked—that garage is a labyrinth.
- Check the Schedule: TAP often hosts live DJs or special event viewing parties. Check the MGM Detroit website before you go so you don't accidentally walk into a high-volume event if you're just looking for a burger.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Visit
If you’re heading to Detroit or just looking for a new spot to catch the game, TAP is a solid contender.
- For the Foodie: Try the Sante Fe Salad if you want something "lighter," but let's be honest, you're here for the Piggy Smalls Sliders (bourbon-braised BBQ pork).
- For the Sports Fan: Aim for the booths along the perimeter; they offer the best "surround sound" view of the multiple games playing.
- For the Beer Lover: Ask the bartender what’s new on the "local rotators." Michigan’s craft scene moves fast, and TAP usually has the latest seasonal releases from Bell's or Perrin.
Don't treat this like a typical corporate restaurant. It's a place that reflects the city's stubbornness and its love for a good story. Whether you're winning or losing at the tables, the beer is cold and the history on the walls is free.
To ensure you get the best experience, call the MGM Grand Detroit main line at 1-888-646-3387 to verify current hours, as they can shift during major holidays or special casino events. Most days they open around 11:00 AM and stay open until at least midnight (later on weekends), but it’s always worth a quick check.