Plenty has been written about Cafe d'Mongo's Speakeasy. It's a genuine Detroit success story. I heard about it from friends, and read the review in the Detroit News. Terry Perris Jr's article in Model D, along with Marvin's pictures there, convinced me it was worth seeking out, despite only being open Friday nights. I suggested to a friend that we go there; a half dozen other friends of ours had the same idea and we all sat together.
The place has charm in spades, and a genuine broken-in feel despite only being open since June of 2007. Try the house drink- Vernors, whiskey and bitters.
There were only a dozen people or so when we arrived at nine, but the dining room and most of the bar was full by eleven. Like many of the interesting cultural happenings in the city, the population was diverse; young and old of all races looking for a place to be. There was piano music early, but folk singer Jennie Knaggs really tied the room together later in the evening. Her style echoed other acts I've been seeing around Detroit for the last few years.
Downtown Synagogue next door is known for it's iconic multi-colored windows, and for being the only Synagogue left in the City of Detroit.
Outside of the orthodox temple, a movie was being filmed, one of three within as many blocks.
We could hear an explosion during dinner, assumed to be from the film set a block down the road. The Penobscot Building can be seen in the background.
This cafe was open as Urban Bean at some point, but has been closed now for some time; now it just taunts java-seekers. A good cup of coffee is hard to come by in Detroit.
Detroit is uneven, but full of experiences for those that seek them out.
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