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    Checkmate

    3.4 (60 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

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    CHECKMATE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Dogs allowed

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    Reviews With Photos

    Pinot noir
    Ree T.

    I had a really great time. It's a lively vibe with great R&B and hip-hop. The service is cool too. Super friendly. I had wine and no food. I don't know if the St. Patrick's Day holiday influenced the vibe, however, I had to leave to have my meeting. It was too loud for us to be able to converse. I am definitely going back again and try the food.

    Loletha D.

    Cute little spot! Service super friendly! Jerk wings were soooo delicious, great flavor, season to perfection as well as the lamb chops! and lobster rice was good, my husband loved it. This is a restaurant that you'd enjoy if you like good food. It seems everything is served à la carte. I'd have to verify that.

    Mango martini
    Soleil K.

    Super cute restaurant! I love the chess theme and decor. The inside is taken care of very well; still looks brand new. It definitely wasn't as crowded as I expected. We parked right in the front. There's also two parking lots on each side of the building. The menu is viewed online via QR code. The atmosphere is dimly lit and very intimate. The R&B music is a perfect touch. I even saw a table with hookah but I couldn't smell it at all. We all ordered drinks to start and let me tell you, that mango martini is great! Ended up ordering multiple. We then got appetizers to share: jerk wings, cauliflower, and shrimp. When I see cauliflower listed on menus, I've always wondered how they tasted. Both flavors of the cauliflower were fantastic! We all were impressed! I highly recommend those! We ended up venturing upstairs and seeing the cute chess set up for pics. It's a nice spot up there for a celebration and/or small gathering. The security told us to come in Thursdays for ladies night, so we just might do that in the near future.

    Raw cauliflower - A roasted cauliflower head topped with greens is presented on a black plate, with a light dusting of seasoning around it. The dish is placed on a dark wooden table, accompanied by drinks including a glass of water, a cocktail, and a yellow straw in a yellow container. The background includes additional tableware and glasses, indicating a dining environment.
    Tiffany Z.

    Overall, the restaurant left us all with a lot to be desired. With a name like Checkmate- I expect a lot of Chess related decode beside the building inside and out being painted back, 4 or 5 pictures of chess pieces hanging and along the back wall, smaller chess pieces lining the booths. The name could have been anything with this kind of décor. In the bathroom there're was one wall mural of a chess piece but again, I expected something way different and I was disappointed. There was only a few tables occupied when we came in yet the service for drinks was slow and we had empty glasses for a while before our server came back. We ordered the fries (they are a copy or exactly like Cosmic fries from HopCat), cauliflower thing - it was half the head, still raw and one side quickly caramelized. The sweet and raw cauliflower was not a good combo. I assumed it was steamed or roasted first before caramelization so when I cut into it to divide it for our group, my knife had to chop hard through it. Three of us had the rib-eye and it was cooked as requested. The seasoning on top was extremely heavy handed- which would have been really good if it wasn't so salty. The mustard concoction that came with it was good on its own, on the salty side but the combo was just too much. The flavors were not complimentary and the salt was overloaded. The winner dish was the lobster fried rice - again on the salty side but a bit more tolerable. The next day I was massively retaining water from all the salt. Every dish and drink was so expensive, more so than so many other big winners in the D. The prices did not deliver on flavor, service or decor. With a bill of almost $500 (gratuity auto included) for 4 people we almost fell off our chair. Go to BARDA, Besa, The Statler, Downtown Loui's for similar price range and killer food, drinks, atmosphere, service.....

    Jillian H.

    Plenty of parking nearby, exterior and interior thoughtfully designed with a consistent theme. Since it was Happy Hour we ordered two shrimp skewers and the feta cauliflower dish. Shrimp arrived lukewarm, dry, rubbery and burnt in some areas. I feel like it had been heated more than once. The cauliflower was a slab of the raw vegetable, which was seared on one side, on top of a white sauce. You could tell the sauce had been in the microwave. The dish was inedible- we sent it back. We were told then that they were out of cauliflower, so we ordered the fantastic looking potatoes. No, they were out of potatoes also. The entree - Lobster and rice - was good, however it is similar to other fried rice anywhere else. They need to make it their own. Drinks were well crafted and service was very good. When the bill arrived, surprised to see a 20% gratuity included automatically.

    Front entrance - The image shows the exterior of Checkmate in Detroit, with a black brick facade. The storefront features illuminated signage with a chess piece logo in the center, surrounded by the words "CHECKMATE" and "DETROIT" in bright lights. The lower part of the building has large windows, through which parked cars and interior lighting are visible. The photo appears to be taken at night.
    Tiffany F.

    My bestie booked reservations here to celebrate 3 birthdays at once and this place is definitely a place to be able to do that! Very upscale feel, good music, food and drinks! We got the Checkmate Burger for $25, worth the money, as the burger was double patty, well seasoned and the fries were garlic with REAL Parmesan cheese slices on top. The lobster Fried rice was really good, almost like a teriyaki glaze in it- it was the most expensive item on the menu but very tasty. We had a great time here and the bartender was pumping out the drinks that were heavy pours... this is my first time in Detroit so I would definitely come back when I come back to visit!!

    Really liked the ambiance of this intimate, moody venue. Yummy food and drinks. Fun option for date night.

    My fiancé decided to take me here for my bday dinner. I was excited to hear it was black owned! When arriving we were greeted by a waitress who was not very friendly/inviting. The service was not great by any means, when asking for my ID after ordering a glass of wine she didn't acknowledge that today was my birthday even though she "checked" my ID. Going on to the food my fiancé ordered the jerk wings, the sauce was mid and grainy. I ordered the udon noodles with chicken, the chicken was dry and they drenched the noodles with ginger paste. In between getting helped I watched my server sit on her phone while my fiancé needed more napkins and his water refilled. Unfortunately the gratuity was already added and we weren't able to tip a deserving amount. I expect excellent food when we go out to eat however the food mixed with the bad service made me give such a low rating.

    Upstairs eating area!
    Potts P.

    Amazing new spot ... the Lobster fried rice was delicious!!! We also had them general Tso cauliflower and the Garlic Udon noodles... chef's kiss.. The staff was very nice. Fati was beautiful and accommodating!!! Thank you for a very nice outing!!!

    99 problems (gin based cocktail) - A tall, clear glass holds a gin-based cocktail with ice cubes, topped with a sprig of fresh mint leaves as garnish. The drink is placed on a bar counter, with a black straw inserted. The background features bar equipment and bottles, with a dim, blue-toned lighting environment.
    Dany B.

    I love the theme of the restaurant!the light it's perfect,design on point ,there was a DJ playing great music ,a whole vibe! the day I went there they had a free drink for ladies which was a lemon drop. We had the chicken wings,fries -both were good and well seasoned. cauliflower- it was burnt... and the dessert flight - very small but delicious. The drinks were great!Servers were friendly but it did take them time to serve it a little slow...Like we waited for water 30min.. Anyway I will be back for sure!

    Tyaira B.

    Everything at checkmate was AMAZING! The ambiance was great and they have a Dj on Thursdays. My food was delicious, their jerk chicken wings are some of the best wings around. The only thing that was better than the drinks and the food was my service. Dreisha was personable, attentive, knowledgeable, and fun. She really made our girls night out great. I will definitely be requesting her as my server the next time I go. If you're in the area looking for somewhere fun with great food stop here and see Dreisha.

    Lemon pepper chicken wings

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    Taylor! Taylor! Taylor! The service was great, very attentive and the drinks were strong and tasty!

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    2 years ago

    Drinks were good, hostess not great at all. Pointed to our table and walked away. Food not great. Overseasoned, too much salt. Not a vibe.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Checkmate

    Review Highlights - Checkmate

    The lobster Fried rice was really good, almost like a teriyaki glaze in it- it was the most expensive item on the menu but very tasty.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    The Skip - Fun drink mugs and glasses

    The Skip

    (241 reviews)

    $$

    Downtown Detroit

    If you're looking for pure vibes in downtown Detroit, The Skip is the move…read more This spot is such a fun escape -- colorful, open-air, and full of energy. The music hits, the crowd is always lively, and it just feels like summer no matter what time of year it is. Whether you're stopping by before hitting another spot or making it your main destination for the night, The Skip always delivers. Now let's talk drinks -- because they do not play around. The Long Islands are ON POINT. Strong, smooth, and perfectly balanced. Not watered down, not overly sweet -- just right. You definitely feel like you're getting your money's worth, and they're dangerously easy to sip. I love the overall vibe here. It's social, upbeat, and perfect for hanging with friends. If you want good music, great drinks, and a guaranteed good time, The Skip should absolutely be on your list. This is one of those places you go once... and then it becomes part of your regular rotation.

    I love the Skip for its extraordinary efforts in decorating for every season. From tiki to…read moreHalloween, they do it right. Currently, it's the Black Lagoon through Halloween. We made reservations in a weekend but it wasn't necessary at 5. What I didn't know what this theme is a pop up much like Miracle Bar around Christmas. The mugs are not really made for The Skip and can be found online for less. Most importantly is the drinks are not good. They're not spirit forward, they're full of mixers. Such a bummer because they do make good cocktails occasionally. We were one and done this evening due to the bad drinks and loads of people who brought their kids to this bar. The decor is great. Service is attentive and friendly. Not in a rush to return.

    Standby - Big Eye Tuna

    Standby

    (711 reviews)

    $$

    Downtown Detroit

    If you're looking for a spot that truly elevates the downtown Detroit experience, Standby…read moreabsolutely lives up to the hype. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere pulls you in. It's sleek, intimate, and effortlessly cool without feeling pretentious. The lighting, the music, the overall aesthetic -- everything feels intentional. It's the kind of place that works just as well for date night as it does for a night out with friends. Now let's talk about the drinks -- because that's where Standby really shines. The cocktails are creative, beautifully presented, and perfectly balanced. You can tell there's serious thought behind every ingredient. Whether you're into something bold and spirit-forward or smooth and refreshing, they nail it. The food matches the energy of the bar. Every dish feels curated, flavorful, and plated with care. It's not just "bar food" -- it's thoughtfully crafted and pairs perfectly with whatever you're sipping. Service has always been attentive and knowledgeable. The staff knows the menu inside and out and makes great recommendations without making you feel rushed. Standby is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem even though everyone knows about it. If you want craft cocktails, elevated bites, and a true downtown Detroit vibe, this is your spot. I'll definitely be back.

    I hadn't been home in three years, and I probably hadn't been to The Standby in five or six years…read more. and let me tell you, it's still just as amazing as I remember. Downtown Detroit definitely feels different now, and the crowd has shifted a bit, but none of that took away from what The Standby is. That alleyway magic is still there. Walking in honestly felt like a little blast from the past, and it made me really happy. It ended up being a highlight of my trip home. The food was phenomenal. The crab was so buttery, the waffle situation was amazing, and the overall execution across the menu was impressive. We ordered a lot, basically half the menu and everything hit. * Short rib plate: delicious, rich, and comforting * Chicken schnitzel with curry mustard: WOW. Juicy, crunchy, fresh, perfectly seasoned. The curry mustard was everything, and that little pepper on top? 10/10. This was hands down my favorite dish. * Drinks: They had brand ambassadors for Wild Turkey, giving out free Old Fashioneds, which was honestly the perfect touch. We also had a small ounce pour of a mezcal that was beautifully smoked, super aromatic and smoky in the best way. Service was great too, we had two different servers, and both were attentive and kind. The only miss for me personally was the pastrami salmon toast. I wanted to love it so badly because I love salmon and I love smoked fish, but it just wasn't for me. I actually sent it back (which I felt bad about). I think the slight sweetness, (possibly from the tomato jam)threw it off for my palate. I was craving something fully savory with a bit of acidity. I think a thicker, crunchier toast and a more umami-forward, citrusy or pickled element might have taken it where it needed to go. That said, I know pastrami-style salmon is a thing right now, it just didn't work for me. Everything else? Truly amazing. The Standby will forever be a place I come back to when I'm home. I'm excited to return, see what's new on the menu, and relive that magic again. Highly recommend. 10 out of 10. Will absolutely be back.

    The Trolley Room

    The Trolley Room

    (17 reviews)

    Downtown Detroit

    Breakfasts with servers Eric and Danai were delightful. On early week days only one of them is…read morescheduled to do it all. Serve, bus, deliver food to the table, manage the cocktail bar. The management team needs to add an assistant to help them out on those days! The chef and cooks provided us with delicious meals each morning. Prices were reasonable for the times. $50 for two prior to gratuity. I would have given a 5 star rating if the number if the servers had a helper.

    Dinner menu looked good, but the kitchen was long closed when we arrived after the Tigers game…read more(11:30). Came here for breakfast and there was only one person working the tables( serving/ cleaning, etc.). Subsequently, our breakfast took a lot longer than we had hoped for. My husband ordered the sourdough French toast which had fresh fruit and was delicious ($15). I ordered the Trolley Express: 2 eggs with home fries (yum), my choice of turkey sausage and delicious sourdough toast )$25). No regular milk was available and I didn't want soy, almond and whatever the third one was, so I got green tea. It was fabulous, a blend of jasmine and green tea leaves. We ordered it online after, can't wait. Several prints ( blown up postcards) of the trolleys of Detroit; very cool and hence the name. Our stay included 2 complimentary breakfasts ($15 pp) and two drinks; not sure if this is standard. Hoping whomever most likely called out comes in to help this overworked employee.

    Bad Luck Bar - Back bar.

    Bad Luck Bar

    (229 reviews)

    $$$

    Downtown Detroit

    Hannah was such a sweet girl. So knowledgeable of the menu and also on bourbons in general. Let her…read moremake you a drink of her choice! We had 3 drinks from the menu. All were really good. It's a very small space. Back alley entrance! lol, you are going the right way down the freaky alley!

    I have been here several times over the last, almost, decade since they opened and have always had…read morea good time. The cocktails can be quite pricey, but are always very good. Sometimes with unique ingredients. I always tend to gravitate to a more zippy fruit cocktail and those have often come with pop rocks, which is super fun. My significant other, during our last visit, got a smoked cocktail which was a fun experience and my sister received a miniature plate of cheese, pickles with hers. There was only a single pickle and a teeny bit of cheese, but it was kind of funny. (For the price, you would think you would get more or they would offer it as an option) The ambiance in there is always moody and romantic in a way. It can be a smidge hard to see the menus depending on where you sit. The place is quite small, we have sat along the back and at the bar, both are nice locations with different vibes. The service is always good, sometimes you have a very talkative bartender and other times they don't say a word, but I'm sure they are all very knowledgeable. It's a bit of a hidden gem, some people that I talk to still don't know it's secretly waiting for them in a mildly sketchy downtown city alley. Part of its appeal!

    The Motor Bar - Bar area

    The Motor Bar

    (25 reviews)

    $$

    Downtown Detroit

    I am staying at the Marriott Westin Book Cadillac for a volleyball tournament this weekend. No…read morecomplaints on the hotel. All was excellent! I just left the Motor Bar where I ordered an Old Fashion. Price on menu is $15.00. I had 2 cocktails 2x$15=&30. When I asked for the check I noticed I was charged $34.00 . I brought it to the bartenders attention who said the LARGE ice cube is extra. I told her a proper old-fashioned is served with a large ice cube. A woman who appeared to be a manager behind the bar piped in overhearing the conversation. She said when you get a large ice cube, we give you extra bourbon and that's why it's more money. I found this to be pure BS but did not want to challenge her as there were a lot of people waiting for drinks. When my bartender returned to me, she said the drinks went up to $17 but " they they did not want to spend money to change the price on the menu." This is just wrong!!!!

    Probably the worst chicken sandwich I've ever had. It was battered with corn meal and fried to the…read morepoint that there was ZERO moisture remaining. There was no lettuce/tomato. I had two slices of pickle - about what you'd get at a fast food joint - which was ironic since I was given small packets of ketchup from a fast food joint to put on my sandwich/fries - several of them split open and leaking. It was served with a small side of fries. Get real. Put a real bottle of ketchup out. Hire a cook or get a thermometer so you can avoid overcooking. Salt and Pepper should be available. Stop with the COVID excuses. Service was lacking for any restaurant, it was pathetic for a Westin.

    Checkmate - bars - Updated May 2026

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