The Brakeman
4.2 ★ · 755 reviews on Google · $$
Closed now · 22 John R St, Detroit, MI 48226
The Brakeman is a bar at 22 John R St in Detroit, MI, with a sizable space, a casual, hip atmosphere, and fried chicken and sides alongside craft beer. The drinks selection also includes cocktails, wine, and liquor, with happy-hour drinks available. Foosball tables, other bar games, and TVs are part of the setup, and the venue is suited to watching sports. Karaoke nights and live performances add to its entertainment offerings. The bar accommodates groups, is popular with tourists, and is also listed as suitable for solo dining. Dinner and late-night food are available, with indoor seating, outdoor seating, and takeout options. It does not offer table service or delivery, and reservations are not accepted. The entrance, seating, and restroom are wheelchair accessible. Paid street and garage parking are available, and the bar accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. Its Google rating is 4.2 out of 5 from 755 reviews.
Know before you go
- Fried chicken and sides
- Craft beer and cocktails
- Foosball, bar games, and sports viewing
- Karaoke nights and live performances
- Late-night food and outdoor seating
- Reviewers often praise the service (1 mentions)
- Some reviewers mention food (1)
- Some reviewers mention atmosphere (1)
- Some reviewers mention service (1)
Reviews
No Noemic member reviews yet.
Excerpts from public reviews
Place smelled horrible. Music was way too loud. I looked at my card history and they charged $80 for 5 shots that didn’t taste good. Could’ve spent a whole night at another bar for the five minute…
— Google, 1★, August 22, 2026Didn’t get the drink I ordered, bartender wasn’t helpful or kind.
— Google, 2★, August 20, 2026Visited Detroit and came here last night when I could hear the DJ from a block away 😭. Kim was AMAZING. Incredibly friendly and made the best drinks for my friends and I. More vegan options would…
— Google, 5★, August 8, 2026
Questions and answers
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