Inside: Pulse in Detroit

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Status: Flashing lights and heart-pounding beats won’t beckon you into this 1,400 square-foot bar on Monroe.

Not designed for those seeking out an epic all-nighter at a flashy super club, Pulse’s unique, multi-colored wooden façade (designed by an Albert Kahn architect), crimson walls and friendly bar staff present a unique atmosphere and chill vibe that transcends the best of all nightlife worlds without ever coming on too strong.

Open since August 2005, Pulse has established itself as a downtown retreat where it’s cool just to hang.

“It’s a nice little joint,” Tony Piraino says, simply, exemplifying the Pulse attitude. “The vibe -- I think it really lends itself to having a conversation.”

Piraino, who’s a regular face at the bar, owns Pulse with Owen Burke and Joe Ross. 

Gear: The sea of jeans and cotton shirts fit in perfectly with this comfortable spot, but when there’s an event downtown, expect the outfits to fit the occasion -- dressier when there’s a show at the Opera House, sportier when there’s a Tigers game, etc.

Mood: “It’s simple but sophisticated,” Piraino says. “It’s somewhere where you can let your hair down.”

If the boisterous club scene isn’t for you but the excitement of downtown nightlife pulls you to the heart of Detroit, then head over to Pulse for a positive and relaxed take on the city.

Detroit-inspired art work line the red walls and the multi-colored wood façade is echoed on the bar front. While not very large, Pulse, a long, narrow venue, offers seating areas on either side of the bar. Low-slung, black leather couches and cream cubes compliment the gray/green marble bar top and concrete and wood floors.

“It’s a great atmosphere,” says 36-year-old Tony Majka of Detroit who enjoys the networking opportunities Pulse’s downtown location provides.

“Since we’ve opened the doors, I can’t even tell you how many business deals have been made here,” Piraino explains about the three segments of guests who typically frequent the venue: Happy hour business professionals, people who need a place to hang before or after a Detroit event and “the weekend suburban warrior” who's looking to experience Detroit in a laidback fashion.

Pick me up: There's a full bar with everything from bottled and draft beer to martinis and mixed drinks. Drinks average $7, but daily specials include 1/2 off everything Mondays, $3 well and domestic beer Tuesdays, bartender’s choice Wednesdays, $5 mojitos and fresh sangria Thursdays, $5 Three Olives martinis Fridays and Ketel and (free!) Red Bull Saturdays. Stroh’s are $3 every day.

Entertainment: DJ Sirreal holds it down with house, hip-hop and funk in between Pulse events like the Tiki Party and the upcoming Halloween bash on the 31^st (details to come).

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