The adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" can be applied to Baker's Keyboard Lounge, which looks like a hole in the wall establishment but is one of the oldest jazz clubs in the United States. So if you're a jazz fan, this is the club to visit when you want to watch jazz locals mix it up. Another fun feature here is the piano key painted bar, where locals spend many a night listening to their favorite tunes. If you are longing for a bite to eat while you enjoy the music, Baker's has a wide menu with some no-nonsense favorites sure to please.
There’s nothing quite like a night at Detroit’s own Cliff Bell’s: amazing cocktails, live jazz, and award-winning cuisine. The jazz and supper club is all vaulted ceilings, leather booths, and burnished Mahogany. It originally opened in the 1930s, and after it shut its doors in 1985, was reopened in 2005 after painstaking renovations. It’s once again part and parcel of Detroit’s remarkable Jazz scene, which predates and influenced the Motown explosion. Grab a Detroit Dirty Martini and settle down for a sultry evening of great music.
Old Miami boasts a cozy ambiance, lots of good music and an eclectic crowd. Short for "Missing In Action Michigan," this unique dive bar is frequented by students and bikers alike. Sip on a cool concoction while you enjoy the upbeat music. Take a breather from the action in the cozy lounge area as you indulge in people-watching. Their impressive array of live acts and music performances will take your breath away. Pool tables are scattered all around the place to keep you entertained through and through. The back patio delights with its intimate setting, perfect for summer gigs. Frequent parties, themed events and special acts are designed to tempt and tantalize the senses.
Bleu is an event venue and bar that is extremely popular with the trendy locals. Excellent lighting and sound systems make this chic and modern club the perfect place for concerts and private events. Catch DJs Dabura and Sherif spin their tunes, as well as the performers who get the party going. Lovers of electronic and techno music, hip-hop and urban melodies, you have found your calling!
Small's is a very popular bar lodged in the beautiful city of Hamtramck. It is considered as one of the best rock venues by a number of magazines and critics alike. Housed in what was formerly a bank, Small's front room is home to an Art Deco era mahogany bar stocked with an impressive selection of 53 variants of beer and top shelf liquor. You also get one of the best 'Jukeboxes' here which belts out some great tunes. Then there is the back room which has one of the best live rooms in town, where bands have gigs and keep audiences entertained. Besides this, the bar also boasts of a pool table and arcade games arena which adds to the overall fun quotient. You can also expect great acts at this place which is considered to have the best sound system around town. "Small" only in name, this bar promises the best in drinks and entertainment.
Ronin restaurant and a sushi bar is home to some mighty fine deishes. As with any popular restaurant, you will likely have to endure some time and wait to be seated. However, be rest assured that it will all be worth it. A wide selection of sushi rolls include vegetarian rolls among the fish specials. Great service by the wait-staff round out an exquisite experience.
From the remnants of a building that has seen the ups-and-downs of downtown Detroit during its various economic cycles, the owners of Downtown Louie's renovated and revived a decrepit structure into a hip bar/restaurant. On the menu, the Crab Louie made with blue crab or the charcuterie of Serrano Ham are excellent for the entire table to taste while the main plates, burgers and sandwiches follow American comfort food tradition. Mac n' Cheese, stuffed peppers, chicken breast and linguine are just a few examples. The bar menu features handmade cocktails with names that praise Detroit; try the 8 Mile or Corktown Sunset.
The bartenders at Sugar House are true mixologists who turn out sophisticated cocktails. Exposed brick walls and dim lighting give the place a Prohibition-era ambiance, which is topped by a number of hunting trophys adorning the walls. In addition to its extensive cocktail selection, Sugar House also offers light fare such as a cheese plate and charcuterie board, pickled vegetables.
Wright & Company is a trendy bar and gastropub housed in a 19th-century brownstone. The interiors are cozy and familiar feeling, but still with exciting modern touches like a tin tiled ceiling and large leather booths. Drinks are carefully and lovingly prepared, utilizing fresh seasonal ingredients. The food menu is a good selection of seasonal small plates designed to share.