Inside: Centaur Bar in Detroit

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Status:  Named after a legendary part-human, part-horse creature, Centaur Bar is anything but fiction.

Starting with the exterior sign of a centaur coming out from the building, the mythological theme is carried throughout the bar by murals, paired with modern furniture and unique fixtures.

Owner Sean Harrington created this sophisticated art-deco lounge near the Fox Theatre from what was once the Iodent toothpaste factory. He stripped the entire three-story building down to its 1920’s frame. From there, he constructed his own modern designs inspired by the 1930s.

Approaching its third year in business, Centaur still caters to downtown business types and event crowds that are just not ready to go home.

“It’s a place for everyone and anyone,” says bar manager PJ. “My clientele is black, white, straight, gay and everything in between.  Everyone here comes to unwind and have fun. That’s what this bar is all about.”

Gear: Anything goes. You'll find men in everthing from suits to athletic wear, but a sharp button down shirt and jeans is most common, though not conditional. Ladies look sexy in feminine dresses or club wear or casual in a tee and jeans. Feel free to treat your feet since sneakers are allowed.

Mood: Each of the three levels of Centaur offer a cohesive, yet different atmosphere. A gigantic, white-frosted, rangy glass chandelier hangs from the third floor, through the mezzanine, to the first floor bar and is a focal point for each. Wooden tables, leather sofas, modern fixtures and dim lighting set the mood for a relaxed time with friends.

The first floor provides a full bar that spans from wall to wall and suggests mingling. A few wooden high tables and plush red leather chairs line the opposite wall and invite conversation.

The mezzanine enhances intimacy with romantic lighting, more swanky sofas, and curvy cocktail tables that can accommodate tapas as well. And the third floor houses a lounge area, DJ booth that is heard throughout the bar, pool tables, VIP area and a bar of its very own. A wall-length mural of a centaur scene acts as a backdrop to the pool tables and creates a dramatic atomosphere.

There is no dance floor. However, many tipplers create their own, swaying along to the jazzy beats either on sofas or while standing.

Pick me up: Both first floor and third floor bars offer a full martini, wine, beer, and champagne menus. Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m. tempting patrons with $5 martinis and $1 off drafts.

Dirty or neat, it doesn't matter how you like your martini as long as you like it with vodka. Only one of Centaur’s 13-menu martinis is made with gin. 

The kitchen means business with delicious tapas-styled dishes that are served until 2 a.m. -- talk about a yummy midnight snack.  

Entertainment: Flat-screen TVs playing sports or AMC movies accent the walls around the bars daily. Tuesday is movie night.  Centaur bartenders pick unique flicks for projection screen viewing, popcorn is served…of course.

Thursdays start the weekend off right with DJ Todd spinning house. DJs Clark and Mike continue the party throughout the weekend.

PJ reinforces tune expectations, “We play retro and house here. Never top 40, never hip-hop.”

Volume levels are moderate and enjoyable, which still provide opportunities for conversating.

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