Lex Appeal: The Unabridged Version…read more In Jack Finney's short story "Of Missing Persons" (bear with me here), a man stumbles into an unassuming travel agency and is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to emigrate to a mysterious, otherworldly paradise called Verna. It's beautiful, modest, and almost too good to be real. The Lexington is Detroit's Verna. It's the kind of place you hear about from someone who looks both thrilled and reluctant to even tell you, like they're giving away a secret they shouldn't. And when you finally step inside, you get it: the low glow of the lights, the soundtrack of animated, half-drunken conversations zig-zagging across the room, the melange of whiskey and possibility hanging in the air just so. You'll wonder how it's even allowed to exist. The Lexington isn't just a bar; it's a cast of characters you somehow already care about by the time the first drink sweats in your hand. Dave and Jen, the proprietors, are the Gen X power couple we all secretly hoped we'd grow up to be...or at least hoped would adopt us when our own parents fell short. Dave is the textbook definition of avuncular. His hugs cured my cancer. True story. Jen is understanding, astute, and has a memory sharp enough to make you feel seen, even if you don't quite remember who you are that night. She seems to genuinely look out for everyone, guests included, which feels rarer than it should. And then there's guest star bartender, J. Rho (aka Detroit's best friend). Just look at him. He's the type of guy you could bring with you to the ER waiting room, and somehow it ends up being the most fun you've ever had. J. Rho also hosts JRHO-KE Karaoke Night on the last Friday of every month. Many Lex participants were clearly trained at Interlochen or The Juilliard, or maybe just blessed by the gods of pitch and phrasing, because they're shockingly good. But don't worry; they still leave room for mere mortals on occasion. Then there's Open Mic Night, every other Tuesday. At most bars, "Open Mic" is your cue to grab your coat and bolt, like you just spotted an ugly, suburban bachelorette party coming your way, screeching in matching sashes and wigs. Not here. At The Lex, the talent isn't just polished, it's intimidating. Again: what is this place? Even the little details feel personal here. The bathroom is so well-stocked and spotless you might decide to camp out for a bit. I'm pretty sure I spotted a Fabergé egg toilet paper holder and what may or may not be a Chihuly glass sculpture. On live music nights, they'll even hand you complimentary earplugs if you ask nicely. The patio's been recently upgraded with cement pavers and, inexplicably, a wholesome little fleet of toy trucks waiting for the one-in-a-million toddler who might somehow make it into a 21+ establishment. Oh, and there's a pixelated lo-fi screen behind the bar quietly letting you know what song is playing on the Spotify playlist. (Spoiler: it will never be ska. Sorry, ska fans.) The Regulars' Section is its own ecosystem. If you unknowingly sit in one of their spots, no one will ask you to move. But they will talk to you for the next three hours, staring gently into your soul and asking, "Are you OK? No, but are you *really* OK?" True, they'll make a lot of weird inside jokes you won't understand at first (big hats seem to be a recurring theme?), but sooner or later someone will loop you in. You won't feel left out here, or like you have to survive some hazing ritual just to belong, unlike some other cities. These regulars might actually want to be your friend. More than once, I've considered moving across time zones just to be closer. Not that anyone needs to know just how far Verna's magic really goes, but I've heard it told that The Lex has even been known to save lives on occasion. That, however, is a story for another night.

This is the second time I've been to this bar, both times for live music being played there. The…read moreonly issue I see for it as a venue is that the stage is just as dark as the rest of the bar. They do have a nice selection of whiskey and tequila, the bathrooms are unisex and clean, and they have cute outdoor area out back, through the pea gravel isn't the best for standing.

They did a great job on the renovation of the hotel and the bar. The service was great. We sat at a…read moretable and the bartenders did a great job of making sure we were good. The drinks were great. They did a great job on the old fashioned. We tried the fries and they were delicious. Definitely worth a visit!

Waited for the Dearborn Inn to re-open, as we often enjoyed a casual dinner in the Ten Eyck Tavern…read more The newly renovated Four Vagabonds has better lighting and an upscale, art deco vibe. Service was odd. We settled at the bar, were greeted and then ignored. Ordered a drink, and waited. And waited. And waited. Flagged down the bartender and then ordered drinks and a few appetizers. Received our drinks, and then waited. Drinks done and food arrived. No offer for water or another drink. Food was unmemorable-smoked salmon dip was flavorless and charcuterie, well, I can do better at home. In fairness, the two tending bar were also responsible for serving those at tables as well as customers seated at the bar. It seemed there was tension between the two employees. Requested the bill and left before 10. This was a Dearborn institution for many years. Do better, Marriott.

The drinks are really good I tried a old fashioned made with wild turkey which was delicious. They…read morehave small bite options . The staff isn't the nicest but they are busy and it gets hectic so it's not a big deal.

I loved this place....took so many people here and wanted to have a final hooray with some of the…read morepeople who also appreciated this place. However, that night I recognize why stop coming. The employees. The place has the tiki vibe but the heart was ripped out when they hired a group of people who don't have that spirit of what tiki is about. To me it represents a way of life focused on kindness, unity, humility, patience, and mutual regard. It felt more exclusionary and lack of kindness almost an irritation to be in the service industry. I do hope great things for the owner in the future because he did have something special there. Wish his vision was seen by the employees.

Omg. I was a first timer yesterday but I promise it won't be my last. It's great for a date or…read morehanging out with friends. We ordered crab cakes and I hate crab cakes, but I had to make an exception for the birthday guest. They were delicious. Ribeye- Excellent-comes with garlic and zip sauce in the sides. Chilean Sea Bass- Delicious, Fresh, Not fishy tasting at all. Comes with mashed potatoes & spinach. Drinks - Blood orange martini- Very good I wanted some Baileys Irish Cream to go with my coffee but unfortunately they were out. Brown Butter cake for dessert- Very good- like a cross between a pound cake and a sugar cookie. We were sat upstairs which was a more relaxed atmosphere. Next time I'll request downstairs, for a livelier vibe.

The truffle mac and cheese is a must try here. The smell of the dish is very potent as soon as it…read morecame out on the table. Cheesy and so much flavor. The beef tenderloin tips didn't have any flavor. Steak was overcooked. Bread that came with it was stale and cold. Mashed potatoes were amazing. Smooth texture with lots of flavor with a good portion for the price.

A very hole-in-the-wall type of place that after a long evening of bar hopping, this was literally…read moremy last chance for something before I left! A bunch of unique cocktails are on this menu. I got a scotch drink with rootbeer bitters. Seemed bizarre but wanted to give it a try. It was very good and am glad I got to try it. This was one of the few bars that wasn't slammed with World Cup fans so this was the perfect spot to sneak into late in the evening!

I've been here a few times now and it's always been a great time. Came with a friend during the…read moreweek and it was mellow and chill and came again on a Saturday night with a group and it was packed for karaoke. Dark woods, classic drinks, and a laid dive bar atmosphere mixed in with playboy/Playgirl magazines and a giant disco ball. Plus Dolly. Great time

While downtown gets most of the love, out there in Milwaukee Junction theres a lot of lovely spots…read morethat also should be recognized the wonderful masterpieces they create for our pleasure. One of these spots is Time WIll Tell. A perfectly fashioned cocktail bar, it lean and light and full of delight. Championed by charming touches like the juke box, the continually adapting menu along with their classics makes this a great spot to grab a drink before dinner or even a nightcap. The staff is well knowledged, even better skilled and will adapt to your likes and dislikes. Can't ask much more than that.

I like the atmosphere here. I came here with my sister. She ordered a cocktail and I had a mocktail…read moremojito. My drink had a weird after taste. I ask the bartender what was used to make the drink. He mentioned a spirit/fake liquor. If you get a mocktail get it without the fake liquor otherwise it will not taste good.

Considering the amount of time I ended up spending when it did reopen after the pandemic, I am…read moreshocked that I didn't have an annual review for the Kiesling. Be still my (former) neighborhood heart. Catching up - cocktails here are still top notch: top as in they taste great, notch as in they could take you down one with their strength. I rolled back in here right after Christmas and started tasting my way through the menu with the Squash mezcal boi. Normally I would never try a drink with boi in its name, but this name is a part of Kiesling's history, and squash? Come on. I had to try it, and it put me right back in the neighborhood as if I had just walked down across the bridge on Brush for a couple of drinks. (And someone please tell me, am I dreaming, didn't we used to cross on Beaubien, too?) I followed that up with the Kie Rye Pie because I cannot resist rhyming, and I am fascinated with drambuie. I thought the drink might be too sweet and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. I had to close the night out with the Pear Pressure because, alas, there is still no food at the Kiesling, and there was no pop up, and I didn't want eat carryout at the bar. The drink was great, but after three I was feeling the booze and headed across the street for something to eat. This bar is cozy with its wooden interior. It still serves a beer and a shot. And folks are friendly, but not going to get in your business unless you invite them.

Stopped in here a couple times now when having dinner nearby. Great ambiance in the main bar area,…read morebut there are a few other spaces as well as a very cute patio to enjoy at this gem. Drinks are thoughtfully crafted (including mocktails, which I appreciate), and service is friendly as heck. If I lived nearby, Kiesling would be my spot.

Love this bar and old school memorabilia. Back room is full of relics from those who serve! Pull…read moretabs, keno, lotto, you name it. Affordable and comfortable. A beautiful wooden bar with a back room full of Christmas!

Came here on a Thursday after a drink was ordered and opened was told that it was a CASH ONLY BAR!…read moreNobody else was in there just employed who were eating and talking amongst themselves with tv show on didnt even let music play on jukebox online says they close at 12am but in the bar she told us they close at 10pm bartender was rude and unfriendly only interested in talking to her 2 friends there and eating chips.