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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Detroit

Historical nightlife

Made for those who want their late-night social life anchored in the architecture of the past.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Aretha's Jazz Cafe image 1
Aretha's Jazz Cafe image 2
Aretha's Jazz Cafe image 3

Intimate jazz club with classy decor and historical ambiance honoring Detroit's jazz and soul legacy. Atmosphere stays relaxed and supportive, featuring excellent live jazz and a high-quality sound system. Space feels cozy and sometimes crowded, creating a close-up music experience.

Cool jazz club atmosphere with top-notch service from bartenders and staff. The lounge sits right in the heart of downtown and offers a beautiful setting for jazz and entertainment.

The space feels very intimate and historic with a lot of history in its walls. The cafe inside the Arts building serves as a beautiful historic venue for jazz and other events.

People are saying

"You'll find awesome live jazz music and fun jam sessions here."

"The jazz club vibe here is top shelf and really chill."

"It's a great historical venue, intimate and quaint."

Good to know

1

Jazz jam sessions occur every Sunday night, featuring various artists.

2

Food and drinks are reasonably priced, enhancing the overall experience.

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills.

02
Raven Lounge & Restaurant image 1

Historic blues lounge offers live blues, Motown, and soul music with soulful bands and a dance floor. Atmosphere feels like a warm, welcoming southern entertainment house with a laidback, friendly vibe. Venue has a charming, lived-in character reflecting deep blues tradition.

A live blues band plays with great singers and players in a laidback friendly atmosphere. The place feels truly welcoming and captures an authentic blues music vibe.

A palpable living history fills the venue, creating a strong sense of the past. The space carries a historic blues atmosphere that shapes its unique character.

People are saying

"The bar's atmosphere feels like a warm, welcoming sanctuary."

"The nightlife here makes you feel like family."

"The historical sites here make you feel like family."

Good to know

1

There is no cover charge on Thursday because it is Jam session night.

2

I paid a $10 cover charge to get into Raven Lounge & Restaurant.

3

There was a two drink minimum that was not communicated to me before I paid the cover charge.

03
Cliff Bell's image 1
Jazz club

Historic jazz club with an Art Deco motif and wooden walls and ceilings creates a classy, elegant atmosphere that transports guests to the 1930s. Live jazz music fills the space with fantastic performances that define the vibe. The venue combines charm and rich history with a focus on music and ambiance.

Nostalgic jazz supper club vibe with 1930s interior design and spacious seating. Classic setting combines dinner and live music for a beautiful night out.

A beautifully redone historic venue preserves all the charm of its original building. The place feels like stepping into a movie, full of rich history and showcasing the greatness of Detroit.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good."

"The food and craft cocktails here are delicious and expertly prepared."

"The nightlife here has a romantic, classic art deco jazz club vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the venue fills up quickly.

2

Expect a $75 cover charge for events, which may be added to your tab.

3

The jazz performances typically last about an hour.

04
The Detroit Club image 1

Historical building offers an intimate ambiance with classic decor and eclectic vibe. Amenities include a spa suite and a saltwater hot tub, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere. Live music and bar areas bring lively energy, especially on upper floors.

An evening here offers a casual dress code where jeans fit right in. The Library Bar serves fun cocktails, and the Cigar Lounge adds a relaxed vibe for a memorable night out.

An upscale historical building offers a unique setting with historic decor and an eclectic vibe. The third floor showcases some of the site's rich history alongside dining options.

People are saying

"It's a gorgeous historical building, beautiful inside and out."

"It felt elegant, historic, and charmingly cozy."

"The nightlife here is amazing, with such welcoming and helpful staff."

Good to know

1

The bar is closed on Sundays after a Lions game.

2

The bar is also closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so no food or drinks are available those days.

3

Happy hour specials are available in the library with old school Detroit vibes.

05
Kamper's Rooftop Bar image 1

Rooftop bar offers phenomenal city views and a cozy, ambient vibe with a lively music scene that can get loud. The patio space provides a warm, breezy atmosphere protected by high glass walls. Reservations are often necessary due to popularity and special events.

Stunning rooftop views and a Barcelona-inspired tapas menu set a classy vibe on the 14th floor. Warm, comfortable styling with fire pits creates a cozy outdoor lounge atmosphere.

Historic building features art deco architecture and a well-preserved interior. A mini historical museum showcases the building's rich past, all visible from a rooftop bar with incredible views.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful, panoramic views of the city."

"The nightlife offers stunning ambiance and panoramic views of downtown."

"The historical sites here showcase the building's original excellence and art deco architecture."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot, especially on weekends.

2

The outdoor patio operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

3

Expect a two-hour time limit for seating at the bar.

06
Baker's Keyboard Lounge image 1

Old jazz venue with intimate live music and historic atmosphere. Performances bring loud, energetic sound featuring talented jazz and blues musicians. Seating is cramped and uncomfortable, reflecting the building's age and original design.

Live jazz music fills the air in a venue known as the oldest jazz club in the country. The atmosphere feels historic and inviting, perfect for dinner, drinks, and a night out with good company.

Rich jazz and blues history fills the air in this historic spot. The place stands as a landmark with a palpable sense of history and a chill, mature vibe.

People are saying

"The catfish dinner here is delicious, served with rice and greens."

"The live Jazz band was outstanding."

"The ambiance here is lively and encourages good conversation."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Wednesday with a $20 cover charge starting at 8pm.

2

Parking costs $10, and limited street parking is available nearby.

3

Expect a packed venue, so arrive early to secure a good spot.

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Detroit, Michigan

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