Status
The party never stops at this downtown Detroit hot spot on the corner of Michigan and Shelby. Since opening a year-and-a-half ago, Esko has been reeling in the trendy white-collar crowds with fly beats, great drinks and an energetic vibe.
“It’s a place to come on a Saturday night and have a good time,” says Manager Sam Montaleo. “Come with friends or make new ones.”
Gear
The ladies look fly in sexy tank tops, dresses, jeans and black pants while the guys rock the button-ups and Polos.
“We just want a stylish dress code – clean cut, stylish,” Montaleo says.
No gym shoes, hats or jerseys.
Mood
You really can’t go wrong at Esko with its multiple levels and hidden alcoves. Grab a seat at the wooden rectangular bar, chill in the VIP area on cream leather sofas or head upstairs to take in the crowd, multi-colored lights and the second bar. Soft brown-leather couches and dark-wood floors on the landing hint at the den-like atmosphere.
Want to be alone (or with that special someone)? Head to the room on the second level with dark red walls, well-worn burgundy carpeting, velour chaise and a flat-screen TV. It’s like your grandparent’s basement – but with bottle service.
Shake it on the dance floor with other high-energy 20-somethings pulsating to the latest hip-hop hits or take a load off on a cream sofa near the dance floor where you can peep the latest dance moves without straying too far from the action.
Pick-me-up
Take your pick. With a full bar and more mixed drinks than you could hope to guzzle in a lifetime, Esko touts the Esko punch, a secret mixture featuring vodka.
There’s no kitchen -- therefore no food -- but caterers come to the rescue for big blow-outs.
Entertainment
The DJs keep things consistent with dance tunes, and bi-monthly themed nights (black and white parties, Fash Bash, Heaven and Hell) keep things from getting dull.
“We play a kind of music called mash-up – a mix of hip-hop and dance,” Montaleo says. “There’s a lot mixed into it to keep the crowd moving.”
Live bands hit the scene two to three times a year.
Ese Esan is on the night-life beat. Send her news and notes to eesan@metromix.com.
