Bookies Bar & Grille – Detroit, MI

I figure that many of you may be unfamiliar with afterparty venues, especially since the number of events forces non-traditional spots to be used.. so here's the start of my list:
St Andrews Hall 431 E Congress, Detroit.
Huge venue walking distance from the fest. Generally serves as a small concert venue, but has hosted regular club-type nights in the past. One of the cleaner and safer afterparty spots in town (relatively speaking), expect tight security and a usually invasive pat-down upon entry.
TV Lounge 2548 Grand River, Detroit.
One of the regular spots in Detroit, TV Bar is home to some of the best EDM events in town all year long. Two rooms with a bar connecting the two, and a decent sized patio area. TV generally hosts some of the crazier Movement afterparties, and this year seems to be no exception. Security is pretty lax about say burning a joint on the patio, and I don't think I've ever been searched on entry. Short cab-ride from the fest.
The Works 1846 Michigan Ave, Detroit
Another of the regular spots year-round, The Works is one of the longest running after-hours bars in town. It's dirty, it's grimey, and it's dark. Two rooms + a patio area, one bar (although they usually put a temp. bar out on the patio for the fest) The Works has the best liquor license in the city, and is the only venue that can LEGALLY go until 7-8am or later. They've done patdowns in the past but it's been awhile... security here are generally hot-headed pricks.
Bleu 1540 Woodward Ave, Detroit.
Ugh. Shiny shirts, buckets of bad cologne, and ditzy staff with fake tits all over the place. If you're a douchebag asshole, this is your spot. Otherwise... just don't.
Northern Lights Lounge 660 W. Baltimore, Detroit.
I really like this bar. Only one room, no patio to speak of, and ample seating (although there's still a decent-sized dancefloor); it truly is a 'lounge'. Although not really in the regular rotation, I've been to plenty of damn-good parties at Northern Lights. Sound can be an issue here, as they don't have much to speak of for a house system (every afterparty will be bringing extra sound to their respective venue, but there's usually a house system to compliment, not so here). Just a few minutes by cab from Hart Plaza, and the nicest bathrooms you will see at any venue over the weekend (especially true for you ladies).
City Club 400 Bagley St., Detroit. Under the Leland Hotel.
Big, cavernous one-room club that spends most of its days catering to the local goth/industrial scene. It has held many a memorable techno party there, and was a favorite of the Plus 8 crew for a bit. The building sucks, the staff sucks, the security sucks, but it's pretty rare to have a bad time there. Walkable from the fest but it's a hike and I'd probably take a cab because I'm lazy. Events here usually run pretty late without a problem.
Foran's Grand Trunk 612 Woodward, Detroit.
Get to know Foran's. It will be your friend over the course of the weekend. The closest bar to the fest, Foran's is my go-to for sitting down and taking a break from the madness and the shit beer at Hart Plaza. The building itself is pretty cool (it's an old Grand Trunk rail ticketing office I believe..); long and narrow with vaulted ceilings...and a smoking area/patio out front along Woodward. They've got a second room that just serves as a dining area (their food is decent... another nice respite from the festival fare), and it does tend to get fucking packed in there as it's one of the smaller spots in town. Majority of the staff here is fucking awesome.
1515 Broadway 1515 Broadway, Detroit.
Smaller venue in the back of a cafe, very intimate setting. They do not serve alcohol there so bring a flask or a backpack of beers if you want to drink. They did not check bags and didnt give anyone a hard time for drinking even when the staff saw beers out. The air flow kind of sucks there and last year it was ridiculously hot. Luckily the music was amazing so I didnt mind the heat. They also have tables and chairs out front so if you get too hot you can duck out for some fresh air.(courtesy of udafx)
The Old Miami 3930 Cass Ave, Detroit.
This divey biker bar has become a favorite over the years for all day/night dance parties. The bar itself is dirty, dark, and divey as all hell.... and god help you if you need to use the restroom. But that back yard. They've got a huge outdoor area out back that makes for a fantastic place to party. Day parties at the Old Miami are the stuff of legend..mostly due to the back yard and an understanding and patient staff.
The Fillmore 2115 Woodward Ave, Detroit
The largest venue you will encounter all weekend (save for Hart Plaza, obviously), The Fillmore (formerly the State Theater) usually serves as a concert venue, but has hosted EDM events from time to time. One huge main room and a spacious lobby with a large bar area between the two. Bring earplugs.. sound will likely be booming. Fillmore protip: if the bar lines are a bitch, the State Bar connects to the lobby and you can usually duck in there to grab a drink and get back to the party with relative quickness.
Bookies Bar and Grille 2208 Cass Ave, Detroit
Huge, 3 floor bar a quick cab ride from the fest (I suppose you could walk it, but fuck that). First floor is spacious and open with a large bar area and a good number of tables, still with decent room to get down though. Second floor is much smaller and more intimate, a mezzanine level of sorts with a loungey feel and its own small bar area (generally limited stock at this particular bar). Third floor works as two rooms, one inside and one outside. Inside is fairly cramped with a large bar running the length of the room and stools/chairs taking up a good bit of space. The outside area rocks. Rooftop action with a temporary bar (limited stock here again) and a few seats along the edge, with plenty of room for raging. Who doesn't love a good rooftop venue..?
(to be continued)
General Notes for all venues
Detroit is a 2am city. Alcohol sales stop at 2 (but can start again at 7am for you hardcore partiers), and this is when most bars generally close down (The Works and City Club regularly stay open until 4am or later). During festival weekend the city is pretty lax and allows many venues to run late (4am seems to be the norm), primarily those hosting "Official" after parties. If you're at an 'Unofficial' party, don't be shocked if it gets shut down shortly after 2, either by the bar itself or the boys in blue.
Cheers!