Inside: Delux Lounge in Detroit

Photos:

Status: General Manager Jay Brown says it best. Delux -- “it’s where the drinkers drink during the week.”

For four years, Delux has provided a casual hang for people to do what bars were originally designed for – drink. This Greektown locale is ideal for the afterwork set to unwind and grab a cold one (or two or three) before heading to their respective parts of the Detroit metropolis. It's also a great spot to kick it for the evening.

“A lot of the people in the business, this is where they drink when they’re drinking," Brown says. “I take it as a compliment.”

Delux’s sister lounge Mixx is about half its age and caters to the Novi crowd.

Gear: Nothing too fancy or funky here in the ocean of jeans and well-worn t-shirts. Brown, like most, would prefer if guys refrained from sleeveless shirts, but there’s no set dress code at Delux.

Mood: A bachelorette party Saturday night kept things lively in the otherwise low-key spot. But don’t confuse low-key for boring – Delux can throw down with the best when it comes to packing the house.

A handful of booths in the middle of the venue allow for more private convos while three or four café tables near the dance floor give those who prefer to watch other people shake their groove things a place to rest their own.

Funky lamps hang above each table and the look is replicated with similar retro-looking lights at the wooden wall-to-wall bar.

People didn’t seem to mind that it was standing-room only as they carried on conversations over the low buzz of the televisions.

"Delux is still one of the greatest bars in Michigan," says 25-year-old Erin of Detroit, who was at Delux daily when she lived downtown. "The atmostphere is so chill. They have great decor. It's hidden and private. The bartenders are some of the most entertaining and talented that I've ever met, and they make fantastic cocktails. I've had some really awesome times at Delux."

Pick me up: While boasting a full bar, Delux offers new twists on old martinis. Try a Testarosa with passion fruit liqueur, vodka, pineapple and cranberry juice with lime, or the Currant Affair with Absolut currant, raspberry liqueur and cranberry juice with a twist. Most are under $9.

Entertainment: A few flat screens dot the bar and a dance floor and DJ allow you to shake away the cares of the week, though the size of the cozy dance floor almost guarantees that you’ll be getting pretty friendly with the dancer next to you.

Add a comment