Gusoline Alley — Restaurant in Royal Oak

Gusoline is the quintessential embodiment of what a Dive Bar should be. Perhaps by using such descriptors, I've already disqualified my opinion, but I've got to pause for a minute to rave about this great spot in Royal Oak.

After living in Michigan for the better part of 5 years, I've spent countless nights in Royal Oak, but didn't get to experience Gusoline until last summer and I'm a little bummed I've missed out for all this time! Gusoline is nestled away in a location where it'd be easy to stumble by if you're not particularly looking for it, but I think that adds to the charm!

If you take the time to step into the establishment, you'll be greeted by a vast bar with everything from whiskey to white claw, plenty of seating around the bar, and a handful of non-bar seating options around the room as well.

I'm not going to wax poetic about a Dive Bar, but I'd say this one is definitely worth your time. The drinks are reasonably priced, the atmosphere is chill, and it's quiet enough that you can have a good conversation with a friend, without being pindrop silent and awkwardness-inducing. Check it out! (or don't and let the rest of us enjoy this hidden gem...

New to Royal Oak today. Afternoon was great. Met lovely people and talked with bartender Chris. I was interested in learning best eats, places to visit in area. He was helpful until a young black student entered the bar seeking support for a cheerleading camp in California. He abruptly asked her to leave stating “No Solicitation inside the bar, where’s your parents?” I let her know I’d support her, and to please find her guardian as I stepped outside. After meeting this wonderful family of five, I gave a donation. As I reentered the bar, Chris the bartender asked another patron who was outside and contributed to the same young girl, “why did you give her money?”, “I’m curious?” The individual responded by saying, “why did you stop me to ask that question?” Chris the bartender repeated himself, “I’m curious”. I stepped in and stated, “Chris, its a little outside your bounds to criticize”. “More importantly, it feels a little racist?”. I was asked to leave, and don’t come back. Huh? Discord, difference, acceptance or love? Your choice. Not found at Gusoline...

Went here last night with some co-workers. Slightly dingy but with cute, hand-drawn chalkboard detailing the special beer offerings. It was loud and busy and I didn't know what any of the offerings were like, so I tried to be an easy customer and just ordered whichever of the new beers had the highest alcohol content.

Instead of a beer, I was nastily BERATED by Eric, the gruff, bearded bartender, about how if I didn't even know what I wanted I should get liquor instead. I left feeling extremely offended, and all for trying not to pester him with a bunch of questions. I'm in the service industry myself and it is NEVER acceptable to treat a polite, paying customer so abusively. It was probably my third and definitely my last time at this place, which I would surely have recommended otherwise. (And no, I'm not just some malcontent.)

Gusoline Alley: be very careful about who you choose to represent your...