- Photos:
-
Status
The colorful, eclectic interior more than make up for Lot 1210’s minimal name.
Named after the date in which it opened – Dec. 10, 2006 (which also happened to be the birthday of one of the venue's five owners) -- Lot 1210 once delivered an exclusive, “more of an upscale, high class” atmosphere, says Manager Jeremy Manning.
The downtown restaurant and lounge provided people an elite place to meet, eat and dance the night away seven days a week, but “we weren’t getting enough business for that,” Manning says.
As Detroit's economy and market continues to change, Lot 1210 evolved; and the venue operators began to loosen its restrictive dress code and actively cater to a mostly urban nightlife crowd.
Gear
Currently there’s no true dress code, but unless you’ve got some money to burn we’d recommend leaving the tennis shoes at home – there’s a $10 fee for wearing kicks into the club.
“Friday and Saturday night, we prefer proper attire,” Manning says, but “it’s not required.”
Jeans, tanks and tees are ok, and ladies won’t be out of place in a cute dress or classic black pants. Pretty much anything goes for the guys, though on nights when promoters are hosting the party, Manning warns, the hosts can change up the house rules if they want.
Mood
Early in the evenings, Lot 1210 is your basic corner bar where you can catch the Lions, Tigers, Pistons or Red Wings on TV. Located downtown next to Evolution, the after-dark fun is more geared toward nightlife culture than a traditional restaurant setting.
The relaxed feel of Lot 1210's multi-colored light blue, orange, red and pink tile dancefloor reaffirms the casual club vibe. But there is a bit of an eccentric quality as that color scheme bleeds up one of the venue's walls while adjacent to that are leopard print walls and carpet in a VIP nook on the first level.
The second level houses the DJ booth and four curtained-off VIP sections which overlook the lower level. Each has its own distinct color (red, orange, blue and mustard yellow) and décor.
An outdoor-seating area allows for prime people watching during the warmer months of the year.
Pick me up
While the bar vibe is prevalent, Lot 1210 offers more than traditional bar food. Choose from seafood dishes like coconut shrimp, pastas, lasagna, New York strip steak and more. They also carry late-night favorites like pizza and burgers. Food ranges from $7 to $22.
Entertainment
WJLB DJs can often be found on the decks at Lot 1210, but “if a promoter picks the venue, they choose the DJ,” Manning says.
There’s no house DJ, so the music varies depending on who is on the decks.
