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A wonderful, intimate bar with cocktails and mocktails that take you on a multisensory experience! During the day Castalia is known as Sfumato, a locally based fragrance maker, after hours they become a craft cocktail bar where each beverage is meticulously developed to be presented with one of their scents. Take a good whiff/waft of the foundational scent, then take a sip of your beverage and prepare for a fantastic pairing. What I also love is that each spirited beverage also has a NA option, so you whether you're not a drinker at all, a designated driver, just abstaining for the evening, or you're on steroids because you have laryngitis (me my last visit!) you can still enjoy and share the experience with others. There isn't a ton of seating here so during more peak "going out" times I would recommend making a reservation, but if you're in the area go ahead and stop in and you may find yourself lucky enough to got a spot for an impromptu visit.
Quirky fun place with artfully crafted cocktails. The bartender and wait staff understood their craft and it showed. The scents were a cute flourish. I'd definitely come back if I had guests visiting and wanted to show them a quintessential 313 hipster experience. Did you hear the one about the hipster who got burned by a slice of pizza? They ate it before it was cool.
I've only been here twice, but each time was a highlight of the night! Their menu is very interesting, always something new to try - and of course the scent component really makes it a unique experience. The bartenders really know their stuff, so if there are seats at the bar available, those are the best in the house! Very cozy atmosphere and just a fun way to start or end a night out.
I absolutely love this place! Small, quaint, and intimate, it offers a truly unique experience. During my last visit, I tried the cocktail tasting, which was fantastic. The mixologist, who also happens to be the owner, shared fascinating stories about the building's history and introduced the innovative concept of pairing cocktails with fragrances. Did you know there's no other craft cocktail bar like this in the country? And it's right here in the Motor City! Detroit truly has its share of hidden gems--this is definitely one of them!
A very unique spot in mid-town Detroit. They pair cocktails with fragrances and it works. This is one of the most unique cocktail bars we've ever been to. You taste, you sniff and back and forth. Nice folks and cool basement vibes here!
NEW FAVORITE SPOT ALERT!!! A cocktail and fragrance establishment, mixed into one??? Where they base the cocktails off of their signature scents?? It's a WHOLE experience. Let me start by saying the service, IMMACULATE. Literally from the second you walk in the door to the minute you leave, you are taken care of professionally and kindly. Hidden away in the basement of an older home, possibly a wine cellar, is this place!! Very small and intimate, probably only seats maybe 10 people? Come early on a weekday/weekend and you'll be great! You first pick a drink, you are served, you will smell the drink and what your take on it will be, then you taste and comment on the notes of the drink...to see if what you smelled and tasted were comparable or different. So neat, really changes your perspective of a craft cocktail and what goes into making it. You learn to appreciate a drink while spending time here, also you will hopefully leave more knowledgeable if your experience was anything like mine! Can't wait to come back and visit!
Have been to Castalia many times but have neglected to write a review, so sorry! Castalia is a intimate space that is absolutely worth the wait if you have to. The employees are always cheerful and willing to help you choose a drink if you're new. The fragrances paired with the drinks make for an extremely unique experience that I throughly enjoy. They also have NA drinks that are similar to their alcoholic menu so nobody feels left out. I got the Waxing and Waning which was great but the highest praise goes to the Wizards & Roses that my friend ordered, I will be getting that next time. 5 star experience truly.
This place is a perfumery during the day! Kind of unassuming as you walk down some stairs into the tiny bar that it turns into at night. Outside, it looks like a house with a patio. Felt kinda like a cave in there. A handful of tables inside, and a bathroom just up the stairs to the left. We had booked a reservation...but for the wrong day by accident. It happens! And thankfully, the staff was able to accommodate us. They were nice and super friendly! Amazing customer service! We sat inside before any folks who booked reservations came in. But a table opened up outside, so we sat out there and enjoyed the fantastic weather. They pair the drinks with perfume! We all tried different ones of the menu, and it all tasted amazing! Most drinks came with a paper strip to smell before tasting. Some came with a piece of fruit, flower, etc to pair. Really unique concept!
Such a small intimate experience. We did a bar seating of the eight drink cocktail tasting. Absolutely amazing. The detail and ingredients put into each cocktail was so impressive and pairing it with a fragrance was a new way to test my senses. Can't wait for the next menu to go back again.
Truly a one of kind experience! By day, fragrance shop. By night, cocktail experience bar. Reservation needed! The cocktail experience is a 2 hour reservation. Cocktails are paired with fragrances, smell and taste are identical! The presentation is rewarding and fun! You'll never really find anything else like this, so if you are on the fence, take a chance! Are you ready for a spirited evening?
My husband and I had the opportunity to try the solstice moon drink along side a sfumato fragrance to enhance different flavors. The paired aroma is intended to create a harmony between the flavor and fragrance. This location is currently closed and will be reopening next week. However, they are doing cocktails to go in these cute little bottles. They also have cocktail cubes which my husband is excited to try soon. They do offer classes about mixing cocktails and spirits. On their website, they offer mocktails as well for people like me who do not drink. I think this is super awesome because I would love to stop in with my husband and drink along side him without having alcohol. It allows you to have that opprtunity to experience these beautiful drinks and aromas together. If you would like to try the to go bottles before they reopen, you can order on their website for pickup.
This was a very interesting place. What an amazing concept! He has been here before and knew the owner which made the experience more fulfilling. This was my first time and the owner was very quick to explain the concept. I will first say that this is a small space. It is located in an old mansion in Detroit. Only a few blocks from Woodward. They have a small bar that seats about 4 people and then outdoor seating. We were here fairly early on a weeknight so we were able to get in and sit at the bar. This is a perfume shop by day and a signature cocktail shop by evening. They pair each cocktail with a fragrance. It's a great concept. I ordered "Dawn Of the New Age", which was a fruity drink. They also have a non alcoholic selection of everything. He ordered, "To be Loved by Aphrodite" which was more of a smokey warm rum flavor. They offer cocktail tastings which I said I definitely want to come back and enjoy! I love these unique concepts! The personal touches and great friendly service. We will definitely be back to do a tasting! It was a great way to start off an amazing day!!
10 months ago
Don't miss your chance to visit this intimate cocktail bar by night perfumery by day. They've made the decision to close end of the month. Located in the basement level of an1880's Victorian mansion. Vibe is cozy, cool, eclectic. Drinks are crafted to complement the scent notes of their perfumes. Menu changes seasonally. Ellie was bartending this evening (and she's excellent). Two fav drinks were Land of Origin and Dust & Clay. Small bites like nuts (specially made for them by the Detroit Nut Co.) and charcuterie boards are available. Take home items like perfumes, candles, spirits, and apparel are available. Parking is easy and mostly free on the street. Special little place in a great neighborhood. Make reservations for the tastings or walk in. It's small, but they're super kind here and will make room for you if they can. read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thank you for the lovely review, Jennifer! We couldn't have said it…
Castalia is a gem in the Wayne State area. Each cocktail includes a paired scent curated to elevate your drink experience. It's beautiful designed and a small craft space. They have scents for sale, one of the co-owners wrote a book that I highly recommend if you have an interest in science behind spirits. You can make a reservation online that includes your drinks and gratuity. Or take a chance to walk in for a seat at the bar. They've had curated educational experiences that dive tried including the science behind gin, sole gin, and even bartending. I've not tried the scent making but hope to before 2026 changes. I found Castalia during lockdown and bought cubes that helped me make cocktails at home. Been hooked ever since. Worth a visit nonetheless! read more
If you are looking for a next level cocktail bar - this is the place! By day it's a perfume store and by night it turns into a bar that has cocktails paired with their in-house perfume. This was such an amazing concept. Each cocktail I had was good and then when I smelled the perfume it really changed the taste of the cocktail. read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thank you, Lexi! We're so glad you enjoyed your visit!
2 years ago
A wonderful, intimate bar with cocktails and mocktails that take you on a multisensory experience! During the day Castalia is known as Sfumato, a locally based fragrance maker, after hours they become a craft cocktail bar where each beverage is meticulously developed to be presented with one of their scents. Take a good whiff/waft of the foundational scent, then take a sip of your beverage and prepare for a fantastic pairing. What I also love is that each spirited beverage also has a NA option, so you whether you're not a drinker at all, a designated driver, just abstaining for the evening, or you're on steroids because you have laryngitis (me my last visit!) you can still enjoy and share the experience with others. There isn't a ton of seating here so during more peak "going out" times I would recommend making a reservation, but if you're in the area go ahead and stop in and you may find yourself lucky enough to got a spot for an impromptu visit. read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thank you for the lovely review, Annette! Perfect summary.
1 year ago
Quirky fun place with artfully crafted cocktails. The bartender and wait staff understood their craft and it showed. The scents were a cute flourish. I'd definitely come back if I had guests visiting and wanted to show them a quintessential 313 hipster experience. Did you hear the one about the hipster who got burned by a slice of pizza? They ate it before it was cool. read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thanks for checking us out, Kevin! We prefer to explore tributaries,…
I've only been here twice, but each time was a highlight of the night! Their menu is very interesting, always something new to try - and of course the scent component really makes it a unique experience. The bartenders really know their stuff, so if there are seats at the bar available, those are the best in the house! Very cozy atmosphere and just a fun way to start or end a night out. read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thank you for the review, Lisa! And we're very honored to hear we've…
I absolutely love this place! Small, quaint, and intimate, it offers a truly unique experience. During my last visit, I tried the cocktail tasting, which was fantastic. The mixologist, who also happens to be the owner, shared fascinating stories about the building's history and introduced the innovative concept of pairing cocktails with fragrances. Did you know there's no other craft cocktail bar like this in the country? And it's right here in the Motor City! Detroit truly has its share of hidden gems--this is definitely one of them! read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thank you, Sara! We love our hidden gem status!
A very unique spot in mid-town Detroit. They pair cocktails with fragrances and it works. This is one of the most unique cocktail bars we've ever been to. You taste, you sniff and back and forth. Nice folks and cool basement vibes here! read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
We're glad you had a great visit! Hope to see you again soon!
NEW FAVORITE SPOT ALERT!!! A cocktail and fragrance establishment, mixed into one??? Where they base the cocktails off of their signature scents?? It's a WHOLE experience. Let me start by saying the service, IMMACULATE. Literally from the second you walk in the door to the minute you leave, you are taken care of professionally and kindly. Hidden away in the basement of an older home, possibly a wine cellar, is this place!! Very small and intimate, probably only seats maybe 10 people? Come early on a weekday/weekend and you'll be great! You first pick a drink, you are served, you will smell the drink and what your take on it will be, then you taste and comment on the notes of the drink...to see if what you smelled and tasted were comparable or different. So neat, really changes your perspective of a craft cocktail and what goes into making it. You learn to appreciate a drink while spending time here, also you will hopefully leave more knowledgeable if your experience was anything like mine! Can't wait to come back and visit! read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Hi Jordan, thank you for the lovely review, and we're overjoyed to…
11 months ago
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Hello Eve, thank you for the lovely review, and we will be sharing…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thank you, Suzanne! Being able to create moments like this is why we…
2 years ago
Have been to Castalia many times but have neglected to write a review, so sorry! Castalia is a intimate space that is absolutely worth the wait if you have to. The employees are always cheerful and willing to help you choose a drink if you're new. The fragrances paired with the drinks make for an extremely unique experience that I throughly enjoy. They also have NA drinks that are similar to their alcoholic menu so nobody feels left out. I got the Waxing and Waning which was great but the highest praise goes to the Wizards & Roses that my friend ordered, I will be getting that next time. 5 star experience truly. read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thank you, Ciondra! I'm glad you enjoyed your drinks, but even more…
1 year ago
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thank you!
1 year ago
Such a cool experience. Definitely a must on your stop midtown Detroit! I haven't had an experience quite like this. read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thanks for checking us out, Kelly!
4 years ago
This place is a perfumery during the day! Kind of unassuming as you walk down some stairs into the tiny bar that it turns into at night. Outside, it looks like a house with a patio. Felt kinda like a cave in there. A handful of tables inside, and a bathroom just up the stairs to the left. We had booked a reservation...but for the wrong day by accident. It happens! And thankfully, the staff was able to accommodate us. They were nice and super friendly! Amazing customer service! We sat inside before any folks who booked reservations came in. But a table opened up outside, so we sat out there and enjoyed the fantastic weather. They pair the drinks with perfume! We all tried different ones of the menu, and it all tasted amazing! Most drinks came with a paper strip to smell before tasting. Some came with a piece of fruit, flower, etc to pair. Really unique concept! read more
Such a small intimate experience. We did a bar seating of the eight drink cocktail tasting. Absolutely amazing. The detail and ingredients put into each cocktail was so impressive and pairing it with a fragrance was a new way to test my senses. Can't wait for the next menu to go back again. read more
Truly a one of kind experience! By day, fragrance shop. By night, cocktail experience bar. Reservation needed! The cocktail experience is a 2 hour reservation. Cocktails are paired with fragrances, smell and taste are identical! The presentation is rewarding and fun! You'll never really find anything else like this, so if you are on the fence, take a chance! Are you ready for a spirited evening? read more
My husband and I had the opportunity to try the solstice moon drink along side a sfumato fragrance to enhance different flavors. The paired aroma is intended to create a harmony between the flavor and fragrance. This location is currently closed and will be reopening next week. However, they are doing cocktails to go in these cute little bottles. They also have cocktail cubes which my husband is excited to try soon. They do offer classes about mixing cocktails and spirits. On their website, they offer mocktails as well for people like me who do not drink. I think this is super awesome because I would love to stop in with my husband and drink along side him without having alcohol. It allows you to have that opprtunity to experience these beautiful drinks and aromas together. If you would like to try the to go bottles before they reopen, you can order on their website for pickup. read more
This was a very interesting place. What an amazing concept! He has been here before and knew the owner which made the experience more fulfilling. This was my first time and the owner was very quick to explain the concept. I will first say that this is a small space. It is located in an old mansion in Detroit. Only a few blocks from Woodward. They have a small bar that seats about 4 people and then outdoor seating. We were here fairly early on a weeknight so we were able to get in and sit at the bar. This is a perfume shop by day and a signature cocktail shop by evening. They pair each cocktail with a fragrance. It's a great concept. I ordered "Dawn Of the New Age", which was a fruity drink. They also have a non alcoholic selection of everything. He ordered, "To be Loved by Aphrodite" which was more of a smokey warm rum flavor. They offer cocktail tastings which I said I definitely want to come back and enjoy! I love these unique concepts! The personal touches and great friendly service. We will definitely be back to do a tasting! It was a great way to start off an amazing day!! read more
By day, this space is Sfumato, a fragrance shop, and by night it turns into Castalia, a cocktail bar. A short 3 minute walk from Cass Corridor, Castalia is this quaint little below-ground space that speaks to my soul. They are located in this little Victorian-era house & also have a patio area filled with seating as well during the nice weather months. The inside space is tiny, just enough room for the bar, a few cocktail standing tables, with a selection of books & fragrances lining the walls. I went on my birthday & the bartender was so friendly & created a little cocktail beverage based on my preferences, which was so unnecessary, but very delightful & much appreciated. Perhaps my favorite thing about Castalia is their to-go menu. They have many DIY kits available for purchase where they pre-mix signature drinks for you. My personal favorite are their cocktail cubes, where they put all the mixings for a cocktail and freeze it into a cube - all you need to do is melt the ice cube in your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage, which allows everyone to customize it to their liking. If you ever find yourself in Midtown on an evening where you're looking for a moody vibe, Castalia is the place to be! read more
2 years ago
Business owner information
Kevin P.
We love to hear that Shelby, and happy anniversary!
4 years ago
Easily one of the best sensory experiences I never thought I needed. Castilian is a bar that pairs their in-house fragrances with a drink, either cocktail or mocktail. I just walked in and had to wait 30 min to get seated, but they do offer reservations for their flights (taste all 8 pairings) online for a set price. I felt really great after 1 drink, and smelling and drinking or drinking and smelling in all orders was really interesting and exciting to feel my senses blend together. Some of the drinks weren't my favorite with very creative combinations, so just a slight caution. The staff is very friendly and know their pairings really well so they gave me the best recommendation for my taste. It can be a little overwhelming to go through all the drinks but definitely a different outing, great for a date night or celebration. read more
2 years ago
This was one of the most unique bar experience that I have ever had. The vibes are enchanting and the staff equally so. The drinks were on another level, combining the smell and taste of the drinks by pairing them with fragrances and oils. You are asked to first sip the drink and then smell the fragrance that is on a card and then experiment with smelling and tasting simultaneously. This gives you a chance to pull different flavors and notes from the drink as well as the fragrance. What an elegant evening! My drink was called Wizards and Roses. Definitely tasted like magic. read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thank you, Talon! We're glad you gave us a try and enjoyed yourself!…
6 years ago
One of the coolest concepts and Top 3 bar in Detroit. Castalia is a fragrance shop that transforms into a bar after-hours. It a small place seating fewer than 18 people. The service was excellent and the drink sneaky strong. I forgot the exact amount, but they include more ABV in each cocktail than normal. Each drink is paired with a fragrance tester strip to amplify the flavor notes. They have a full bar too, so don't be afraid to order off menu. Perfect spot for a date. I wouldn't necessarily recommend for a guys night out. Worth a special trip if you're in the Detroit area. Don't let my mediocre review fool you. .. this place is awesome. read more
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thank you, Christopher, glad you enjoyed your visit! We create our…
Great precautions here and curbside service is available . On a recent visit I tried several cocktails to go! Great service also with someone bringing them curbside. Favorites of this batch were their twist on the Manhattan and the Mrs. Claus. It's so simple! Buy, refrigerate, pour, drink! Totally enhanced with custom oil scents to keep :) Definitely going to pick up more and can't wait to sit and be served! read more
4 years ago
I've been wanting to try Castalia for awhile, great concept of pairing signature fragrances with custom Craft cocktails. Tried their tasting menu and was so impressed with all of it. The bartenders Erika and Kyle were very friendly, informative and great to chat with. Highly recommend for foodies/fragrance lovers and anyone looking for a great experience! read more
4 years ago
5 stars because this is just a pretty unique experience. As you'll see from the site and other reviews they pair you with a fragrance stick and your cocktail. Very intimate which is ideal for a date and the location is the garden unit of a Detroit Victorian mansion. I ordered the old fashioned and it came with a tobacco fragrance. You sniff, drink, sniff I think? It was a great pairing. My friend got a mezcal but I don't recall the fragrance. She loved hers too. read more
This place is so cool! The service was excellent! My partner and I chose drinks for each other. I picked the To be loved by Aphrodite for him and he picked the Third times a charm for me. Both were great! They also have non alcoholic drinks so I will be bringing my granny here! read more
I have literally passed Castalia 100's of times and never know of the diamond in the rough hiding in plain sight! I'm so thankful that I know about it now. Who would've known that smelling a scent could change the entire taste of a cocktail???? They did! I absolutely loved it. Solstice Moon was delightful and pleasantly potent! Perfect for enjoying at home or at the venue when outside opens back up! I'm returning, you stop by and/or return as well! read more
I am so happy we got carryout cocktails from Castalia! I enjoyed visiting the store and doing a little shopping for Christmas. The fragrances are amazing! We got the New Years cocktail (The bartender made it special for me since they were not available yet, which was super sweet of him!). It was delicious - we dropped some off for all our friends to taste and had a zoom cocktail tasting - which was super fun. I also highly recommend their frozen cocktail cubes. You get 5 in each set and then just shake them up with the liquor of your choice. I plan on stocking up on these as they make a very easy craft cocktail right in your home. Highly recommend visiting for cocktails and shopping for gifts. Great place to visit! read more
2 years ago
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Hello Pamela, it was great having you and your husband in last week.…
I had the pleasure of purchasing the Yelp drink cubes. 7 for $15 was a great deal. I initially thought I would need more than one per drink & boy was I wrong. The measurement of the mixed ingredients to liquor ratio was perfect! I'm looking forward to seeing what other options they have. Check out my photo for the ingredients. read more
We called ahead and they were gracious enough to hold a table for us. The staff is warm, friendly, and helpful in this tiny, welcoming retail fragrance store by day/cocktail lounge by night. They're trying to carve out their own niche in the cocktail lounge Detroit night life realm by pairing a fragrance to all of their specialty cocktails. I was not a fan of the scent accompanying my first drink, but rather thought it detracted from the cocktail. The second drink had a wonderful scent, like something straight from deep pine woods. I enjoyed the scent more than the drink itself. My husband and our friends thoroughly enjoyed their drinks while I soaked in the atmosphere. It was an enjoyable hour and a half of good conversation, with good vibes all around--from other patrons to the staff and perhaps the walls themselves. read more
3 years ago
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Hi Rock, thank you for the lovely review! James is the best and we're…
3 years ago
Business owner information
Kevin P.
Thank you Alyssa, we appreciate you spending time with us!
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More info about Castalia
3980 2nd Ave
Garden Level
Detroit, MI 48201
Midtown, Cass Corridor
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(313) 305-1442
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http://www.castaliacocktails.com
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