Gilly’s Clubhouse in Downtown Detroit to Debut on Opening Day

Gilly’s Clubhouse, a downtown Detroit-based upscale sports bar, has announced it will open on Friday, April 5, when the Detroit Tigers open their season at Comerica Park against the Oakland Athletics.
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Gilly's Clubhouse
Gilly’s Clubhouse in downtown Detroit will open on Friday, April 5, when the Detroit Tigers open their season at Comerica Park against the Oakland Athletics. // Rendering courtesy of Gilly’s Clubhouse

Gilly’s Clubhouse, a downtown Detroit-based upscale sports bar, will open on Friday, April 5, when the Detroit Tigers start their home season at Comerica Park against the Oakland Athletics.

The more than 10,000-square-foot sports bar is located at 1550 Woodward Ave., just south of the David Broderick Tower, and features a 120-square-foot television, unique Detroit memorabilia, and custom artwork from local artists.

A dual dining concept, the Clubhouse sports bar is on the main floor, while the Rooftop features a built-in food truck serving Mexican street fare (open year-round).

The Clubhouse menu offers classic American fare along with healthy options, including grass-fed beef smash burgers, chicken wings, homemade mac and cheese, fresh salads, grain bowls, turkey meatballs, and more.

The restaurant’s beverage program includes a coffee shop cafe offering classics and fresh-pressed juices. A wide collection of draft beers and specialty cocktails, inspired by Detroit, are available, as well.

Gilly’s is named after Dan and Jennifer Gilbert’s son, Nicolas (whose friends affectionately nicknamed him “Gilly”). Nick passed away at 26 years old in May 2023 from complications related to neurofibromatosis. Gilly’s was originally the vision of Nick himself who worked on the project for the last couple years of his life.

Nick’s brothers, Grant and AJ Gilbert, have taken an active role in the project. Grant’s creative agency, Supper, has led the branding efforts for the sports bar, while AJ’s company Jasper Promotions, created the venue’s merchandise and staff uniforms.

“We are excited to have this unique opportunity to introduce our unique concept to the city of Detroit in time for the Tiger’s home opener, and to the rest of the sports world during the NFL Draft,” says Josh Lang owner of 7OH2 Hospitality, the operating partner of the establishment. “Gilly’s Clubhouse will be the destination for every fan to show their spirit and pride. Sports, great food, creative cocktails, art and entertainment – Gilly’s will offer it all. As Nick Gilbert often said, ‘What’s Not to Like?’”

Gilly’s interior is designed by Coeval Studios, drawing inspiration from Detroit’s past and present with rich wood paneling, curated art, memorable interior details, and relaxed modern furnishings.

Among the designs are original works by locally based artists — Tyrell Winston has contributed multiple pieces, including an installation featuring Nick Gilbert’s signature, while Detroit artist Davariz Broaden created an original painting.

The Clubhouse opens on Friday, April 5, at 10 a.m. Regular hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Gilly’s Rooftop (offering Mexican street fare) is expected to open later in the spring.

Reservations for Opening Day and beyond can be made at Gilly’s website (starting on Friday, March 15).

Gilly’s Clubhouse’s opening comes amid two Detroit sporting events:

  • Detroit Tiger’s Home Opener – April 5, 2024
    • Tailgate Party Starting at 10 a.m.
    • Tigers Watch Party 1:15 p.m.
    • Post-Game Celebration with acclaimed DJ E-V
  • NFL Draft in Detroit – April 25-27, 2024
    • Live NFL Draft Watch Parties Daily

The Clubhouse is available for private parties during the draft. Reservations can be made online at gillysdetroit.com/inquiries.