El Trombone! Bars & Clubs in Detroit – GayOut Guide
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El Trombone!

Google (15) 4.8
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What reviewers say

Visitors praise El Trombone for its great vibe, delicious cocktails, and friendly service, noting it's a welcome addition to the gay bar scene. Some mention it's not the cheapest option and can have tight spacing due to its size.

96
/ 100
GayOut Score
G4.8
✅ Link copied!
Address
4654 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
📞
Phone
+1 313-804-7969
🌐
Website
eltrombone.com

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About this place El Trombone!

El Trombone is a gay bar on West Vernor Highway in Southwest Detroit, run by the Detroit Optimist Society hospitality group (Sugar House, Bad Luck Bar). It took over the former Mutiny Tiki space. According to Metro Times, the idea came from one of the group's bartenders, who wanted a proper neighbourhood gay bar. The drinks range from classic cocktails to canned beer and seltzers. The calendar mixes DJ nights, drag shows and karaoke. It is new and has only a handful of reviews, mostly about the bartenders and cocktails. Check eltrombone.com or Instagram for the week's programme.

Features

Gay-friendly (straight venue) Karaoke Mixed LGBTQ+ Local favorite DJ sets Cocktail bar Evening venue Late night (after midnight) Drag shows

Insider Tips

Community Reviews

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Google Reviews

Verified by Google
4.8
★★★★★
15 reviews

Based on 15 Google reviews.

Adrian Laurenzi
Adrian Laurenzi May 2026
★★★★★
Derek Gutierrez
Derek Gutierrez May 2026
★★★★★

This place was awesome. We sorta just stumbled upon it and found out they had just opened. Josh was an amazing bartender—so friendly, and the cocktails were delicious. Great vibe. I’ll definitely come back next time I’m in Detroit!

Justin McLaughlin
Justin McLaughlin May 2026
★★★★★
Kori Murphy
Kori Murphy May 2026
★★★★★
Yani Frye
Yani Frye May 2026
★★★★★
Karsyn Backus
Karsyn Backus May 2026
★★★★★

I’ve watched Luka work so hard for years and it’s amazing to finally see him achieve his dreams! He’s been passionate about bartending, the history of all types of alcohol, and the art of making cocktails for so long that a bar was the most obvious next step. He also has been very vocal about how important it has been for him to make a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. I do not drink often, and I’m pretty picky when it comes to cocktails but I seriously haven’t been able to stop raving about how good the cocktails were!! I had the Daddy’s Good Boy and Miso Horny and they were so good, plus a ball buster shot which was really fun. I was able to try sips of the other drinks too and they were amazing! It was great vibes when I went, and can’t wait to see how it grows! I know some events will be coming eventually, which Luka is great at so stay tuned!!

M. REDFORD
M. REDFORD May 2026
★★☆☆☆

You wanna do a gay Detroit gay bar. Hire the ones that used to do it.

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15 reviews so far — add yours

Last updated on 14 October 2026

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