If you only remember one thing from this guide, make it this: Ashley’s, HOMES Brewery, and Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti are the must-try bar trivia spots in the Ann Arbor area. They’re the ones locals recommend again and again for great questions, serious competition, and excellent beer. But they’re far from the only options—Ann Arbor and Ypsi offer a full week of quiz nights for casual players and hardcore trivia nerds alike.
Table of Contents
- Why Ann Arbor Is a Trivia Lover’s Playground
- Ashley’s – Classic Campus Pub Quiz
- HOMES Brewery – Craft Beer & Competitive Questions
- Corner Brewery (Arbor Brewing Microbrewery) – Ypsi Favorite
- More Great Trivia Spots Around Town
- Planning Your Perfect Trivia Night
- FAQ: Bar Trivia in Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti
Why Ann Arbor Is a Trivia Lover’s Playground
Ann Arbor’s mix of University of Michigan students, longtime locals, and visiting professionals creates the perfect audience for smart, lively bar trivia nights. Most quiz events here are powered by well-known companies like Sporcle or other professional hosts, which means polished formats, reliable schedules, and well-written questions.
Across the city (and just down the road in Ypsilanti), you’ll find:
- Classic pub quizzes with general knowledge rounds
- Music and themed trivia nights, from pop culture to movies
- Opinion-based games where you try to guess the most popular answers
- Gift card prizes that usually cover at least part of your tab
Most events run on weeknights, making trivia a go-to option when you want to get out without committing to a late-night weekend scene.
Ashley’s – Classic Campus Pub Quiz
When locals list their favorite trivia spots, Ashley’s almost always comes up first. This long-running pub on South State Street has been an Ann Arbor institution since the 1980s, known for its massive beer list, cozy wood-paneled interior, and reliable, well-run trivia nights.
Trivia at Ashley’s is typically hosted by Sporcle Pub Quiz, which means:
- Two back-to-back games in an evening (often around 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
- General knowledge questions covering history, science, pop culture, sports, and more
- Gift card prizes for top teams that you can use on food and drinks
The atmosphere is a sweet spot between competitive and relaxed. You’ll find serious trivia teams who show up weekly, but newcomers are welcomed, and the host usually keeps things light and funny. Because of the central campus location, expect a mix of students, grad students, and townies, especially during the school year.
Pro tip: Trivia here is popular. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early if you want a full table for your team, especially during the fall and winter semesters.
HOMES Brewery – Craft Beer & Competitive Questions
HOMES Brewery has quickly become one of Ann Arbor’s favorite hangouts, and its trivia nights are a major draw. Known for hoppy IPAs, sours, and creative small plates, HOMES pairs great beer with a trivia scene that’s both social and seriously competitive.
Trivia here is usually run by Sporcle as well, with two games back-to-back on a weeknight evening (commonly Tuesdays). Typical details include:
- Time: Early evening, often around 7 and 8 p.m.
- Prizes: Gift cards (frequently around $20 for first place and $10 for second)
- Format: Classic pub quiz with written answers and a variety of categories
Because HOMES is already a destination for its beer and food, trivia nights can fill up fast. The crowd tends to skew young-professional and grad-student, but it’s still laid-back enough for a casual night out.
Why locals love it: Top-tier beer, a fun outdoor area in warmer months, and questions that reward broad knowledge without feeling impossible.
Corner Brewery (Arbor Brewing Microbrewery) – Ypsi Favorite
Hop over to neighboring Ypsilanti and you’ll find one of the region’s most beloved trivia experiences at the former Corner Brewery, now part of Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. This spacious taproom, complete with a beer garden, is a go-to for east-side residents and Ann Arbor folks willing to make the short drive.
Trivia nights here are known for being lively and competitive. Highlights include:
- Sporcle Pub Quiz on a weeknight (often Wednesdays around 7 p.m.)
- Occasional music- or theme-based quizzes on other nights
- Tiered gift card prizes (commonly first, second, and sometimes third place)
The large, open space makes this a great choice for bigger teams who want room to spread out. It’s also one of the most consistently recommended trivia spots in local forums, especially for players who like a more serious challenge.
Good to know: Seating can go quickly on trivia nights. If you’re rolling in with a squad of six or more, plan to arrive well before the first question.
More Great Trivia Spots Around Town
Once you’ve hit Ashley’s, HOMES, and Corner Brewery, there are plenty of other venues to keep your quiz calendar full. Here are some notable options within Ann Arbor and nearby:
Pretzel Bell
A historic Ann Arbor name, Pretzel Bell offers a polished pub atmosphere with hearty food and multiple trivia time slots on a typical weeknight. You’ll often find two back-to-back Sporcle games, making it easy to join late or stay for a double-header.
The Brown Jug & The Blue Leprechaun
These classic campus bars both offer lively trivia nights that lean into the student crowd. Expect louder rooms, lots of energy, and questions that often skew toward pop culture and sports.
Conor O’Neill’s & Good Time Charley’s
Conor O’Neill’s brings the Irish pub feel to trivia night, with hearty dishes and a community vibe. Good Time Charley’s tends to run later-evening trivia, ideal for night owls and students looking for something to do after 9 p.m.
Planning Your Perfect Trivia Night
To get the most out of Ann Arbor and Ypsi’s trivia scene, a little planning goes a long way.
1. Pick Your Vibe
- Serious trivia, serious beer: HOMES, Corner Brewery
- Classic campus pub feel: Ashley’s, Brown Jug, Blue Leprechaun
- Relaxed neighborhood hangout: Conor O’Neill’s
2. Check Current Schedules
Schedules can shift with seasons or special events, so always confirm on the venue’s website or social media before you go. Many quizzes are listed on platforms like Sporcle’s event finder or local event calendars.
3. Build a Balanced Team
The best trivia teams mix different strengths:
- Someone who knows sports and geography
- A music and pop culture buff
- A history and literature fan
- At least one person who’s weirdly good at random facts
4. Arrive Early & Fuel Up
Especially at Ashley’s, HOMES, and Corner Brewery, arriving early is the difference between a great table and standing room. Use that time to order food, sample a beer flight, and settle in before the first round begins.
FAQ: Bar Trivia in Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti
The three standouts most often recommended by locals are Ashley’s, HOMES Brewery, and Corner Brewery (Arbor Brewing Microbrewery) in Ypsilanti. They combine strong hosting, great beer, and consistently good questions.
Most venues operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some will take reservations for larger groups, especially early in the evening. For popular spots like HOMES and Corner Brewery, it’s smart to arrive 30–60 minutes before the first game or call ahead to ask about options.
Team size limits vary by host, but most Ann Arbor-area events allow up to 6–8 players per team. Check with the host or venue at the start of the night; they’ll usually announce any limits before the first round.
Most pub quizzes in Ann Arbor and Ypsi are free to play, with venues making their money from food and drink sales. Some specialty or themed events may have a small entry fee, but that’s the exception rather than the rule.
Prizes are typically gift cards to the hosting bar or brewery, often around $20 for first place and $10 for second, with some venues adding a smaller third-place prize. A few spots offer larger prize pools or specials for repeat winners.
Policies differ by venue. Many bars and breweries in the area are all-ages or 18+ until a certain hour, then switch to 21+ later in the night. If you have under-21 players on your team, call ahead to confirm they’ll be allowed to stay for the full quiz.
In the Ann Arbor–Ypsilanti area, Monday through Thursday are packed with trivia choices. Mondays and Tuesdays are especially strong for campus and brewery spots, while Wednesdays and Thursdays add more neighborhood pubs and late-night options.
Whether you’re building a dedicated team or just looking for a fun weeknight out, the Ann Arbor and Ypsi trivia circuit offers something for every kind of player—starting with Ashley’s, HOMES, and Corner Brewery at the top of your list.
