Detroit’s Temple Bar is back—and better than ever
It’s official: Detroit’s historic Temple Bar is back open!
If you know, you know: This isn’t just any bar. It’s iconic. Nestled in the old Cass Corridor (now Midtown), the nearly century-old Temple Bar had been shuttered since May 24 after part of the building literally collapsed. Yeah, collapsed.
Fast forward to now, and it’s game on.
Owner George Boukas and his team pulled off what can only be described as a labor of love. The final state inspection? Passed. The liquor license? Freed from escrow. The structure? Rebuilt to historic perfection.
But let’s rewind for a second.
Rebuilding History, Stone by Stone
Temple Bar isn’t just some random spot on the map. It’s part of the Cass Park Historic District, which means Boukas had to rebuild with the same limestone material as the original construction. No shortcuts here.
To fund the massive project, Boukas turned to the Detroit community, launching a GoFundMe campaign. The result? Over $23,000 was raised. That’s right—Detroit showed up, loud and proud, to help save one of its cultural landmarks.
And let’s not forget, the collapse wasn’t a simple mystery. Boukas shared with the Detroit Metro Times that a structural engineer’s unofficial take pinned the blame on vibrations from heavy construction in the area. All those trucks rumbling through the corridor? They may have triggered the separation.
A Family Legacy Preserved
For the Boukas family, this bar isn’t just property—it’s personal. They’ve owned Temple Bar since 1927, making it a cornerstone of the city’s cultural fabric.
Artists. Musicians. Creatives of all stripes. For nearly 100 years, they’ve called this place home. A place where Detroit’s heart and soul come alive.
It’s no wonder Temple Bar has even made its way onto the small screen, featured in the comedy series “Detroiters”.
A Love Letter to the Community
When the collapse happened, Boukas admitted his heart was “trembling.” But the outpouring of love and support from Detroiters blew him away.
“The love that was given not only to myself but to my staff has been totally amazing,” Boukas told Metrotimes in an interview..
And now, thanks to that love—and a whole lot of grit—Temple Bar is back, ready to do what it does best: bring people together.
So, if you haven’t already, get yourself to Temple Bar. Whether you’re there for the vibes, the history, or just a stiff drink, you’re stepping into a space that represents everything Detroit stands for: resilience, creativity, and community.
Welcome back, Temple Bar. You’ve been missed.
Cheers to new memories in a legendary spot!
