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I finally made it to Saksey's and it did not disappoint! Originally, I had reservations months ago when it first opened and wasn't able to go to my great disappointment, but the wait was most certainly worth it! I just love the vibe of a speakeasy and Saksey's is all vibes! Dark, velvet hues with bold retro sophistication, Saksey's makes a run for the classiest cocktail lounge in the city! If the ambience doesn't lure you in, the cocktails and food will most certainly pique your interest. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and Kevin the bartender was great! We will most certainly be back!
This is a very cool place to get a unique and excellent craft cocktail. You feel very taken care of here. You will enter from the alley and through the gold door - a host will check you in and send you downstairs. They will take and hang your coats for you free of charge (a lovely touch in Michigan) and bring you to your seat. There are velvety curtains and it is decorated like a very cool basement in the best way. Soft seating, cozy lighting, comfy vibes. Each cocktail is truly unique, and the server took his time explaining things to us as we asked. We ordered wallbangers and the dill martini - top notch cocktails. That martini is really something special. Dangerously easy to drink, especially with an order of the martini snacks. The olives are excellent on that plate. We also had the fries (get those!) that come with ketchup and this delicious malt vinegar mayo. They were super hot, crispy on the outside and so soft and fluffy on the inside - wedge style. These give Second Best a run for their money. And that malt vinegar mayo is something I'm going to try and duplicate at home it's so good. The pretzel bites were also decent, and the cheese fondue served with them is very yummy - dipping fries or the potato chips in that wasn't terrible either. I want to come back and try their lobster roll and burger, and they have caviar on the menu. This is an excellent addition to downtown; people staying at the hotels nearby have another great option. I feel like it's particularly perfect in the colder months, which we have many of here in Detroit! It would be a great place to hang out with friends, though several drinks will get spendy. Great spot, lovely service, can't wait to return.
Style over Substance. Very kind staff and nice ambience Not too impressed by the cocktail menu and especially put off by the dive beers at airport prices. 25 bucks for a 40 ounce PBR and salty snack is excessive. Rather pay for good booze down the street at Standby or Back Luck Bar. Not coming back to Dan Gilbert's pet project.
Such a great speakeasy.. atmosphere was right from my first knock at the door down the spooky alley. The burger though has to be the best burger in Detroit -- absolutely delicious!! Cocktails were also nice and the check being delivered with bubble gum cigarettes was so cute!!
Found this place on Yelp while searching for a speakeasy, and it did not disappoint. This spot is absolutely beautiful. The ambiance and decor instantly transport you back to an upscale 60s/70s speakeasy. The luxury details and attention to design really stand out, from the stunning mirrors on the ceiling to the overall vintage elegance of the space. The service was attentive and helpful throughout the evening. It was a little tricky to find at first, but we kept walking down the alley and found it. The drinks were nice and stiff, very well-crafted. They had a wide variety of drinks to choice from that had interesting ingredients. I was excited to try different flavors mixed together. We ordered the London fries, which were fresh, hot, and delicious. I also tried the mini tinis, and they were very good. Also tried the salt and pepper margarita which was a little too peppery for me, but pair it with the Modelito helped. Overall, this place exceeded my expectations. I would absolutely return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish, intimate speakeasy experience. .
The recent remodeled and updated Saksey's is a speakeasy of Detroit glory days. Currently you need a reservation. The next step is finding it. It is a walk down the alley, but the door is then easy to see. The door opens for you, the check your reservation, and do coat check. The amber light basement room is the right lighting, and the right noise level. The service is fantastic. We were greeted immediately. The table has the menu as well as a view finder with photos of the original. Their cocktail menu is interesting (though note it is pricy, but along the line of many upscale cocktail bars). They are not really a restaurant for dinner, but they do have small plates (also pricy). We had the pretzel bits, severed a fondue, the chicken, and split the burger. Everything was very good, especially the chicken nuggets. The only complaint is that they are light on the pretzels compared to the cheese. Overall, a great new addition to downtown Detroit. We plan to return.
Second visit-vibe seemed a bit more rushed than first visit. Cocktail strong...lobster roll just okay.
I have been itching to come here forever (well at least since the couple of months that it opened anyway) but I was so glad I finally got a chance to check it out. This is an old school, retro feel true speakeasy (well as true as they get nowadays). While it shares the basement with Gilly's, you have to go back through the alley and find the gold door with the red light and you will be greeted by security who will confirm your reservation and lead you down the stairs to the entryway. From their you will be led through the velvet curtains to an absolutely gorgeous lounge. You will be met with curved, wooden walls that are covered in pics from decades of city history. Lounge chairs of leather and velour surround the tables on the floor, and hefty leather stools outline the bar. While the cocktail menu isn't especially original, they do have many unique takes on the drinks and that includes having a cocktail flight which was something I never had a chance to try before and also a shaved ice dirty martini. While watching the whole creating process was awesome, I'll be honest, I think I just would have preferred the traditional filthy version. That being said, this was a great overall experience and I would come here over and over because it was such a great time.
Went speakeasy hunting while in Michigan and found this little gem! Small and dark little place with limited seating (I think, it was pretty dark lol) SERVICE: If you make it by the bouncer, the folks inside are super nice! They were helpful in explaining the menu and drinks. And they were very attentive. FOOD: I am not sure if they had food, I came for the beverages and I had a very nice old fashioned. They make some craft beverages that look very tasty. Look up Saksey's and go on the hunt to try and find this place. You'll like it!!
What a great experience! Saksey's is located in the basement of Gilly's but you have to enter from the back. This means you have to go in through the alley. It's a super cool spot. Dark and romantic. We got there early; they had just opened. I would recommend reservations. It's very small in there. We had reservations but because it was so early, we were able to sit at the bar. The bar tenders were amazing! We really enjoyed ourselves. The drinks were delicious but the service and the atmosphere will likely be what brings me back!!
Just adding some pics from the experience that I did not share on my review from the first time I went
Insanely good and one of my new favorite sports in downtown. Not only were the drinks fantastic, I would return JUST for the parlor snacks. The pepperoni hot pockets with honey were an absolute 10/10. A close second were the pretzel tots, and honorable mentions cornflake chicken and little lobster bun. MUST TRY! Such a cozy spot and so cool to see the historic pieces. So well done. The staff was also super friendly and recommended everything we tried!
4 months ago
Honestly LOVE this place!! Visited on a Tuesday at 7:30pm. The entrance is in the alley and there is a security guard who will check your ID and let you in. Reservations are not required but recommended on weekends. The decor is amazing, 70s lounge vibes. I loveddd the menu and the graphics with each drink. The menu was very unique and everything sounded so interesting and good, I truly could have tried it all. I ordered the Newport smash and it tasted EXACTLY like a cigarette. I absolutely hated it but I respect that fact that they were able to create this drink so well. It's my fault for being an idiot and not realizing I ordered a cigarette flavored drink. I can't believe how well they nailed the flavor. The prices were high but worth it for a drink! Overall, I loved Saksey and will be going back and recommending it! read more
2 months ago
Saksey's could really be something special, but we did not feel it lived up to the hype. Let's start with the positives. Service was great and the staff is knowledgable about the flavor profiles of the various cocktails. They also offer a short "bar snacks" menu and had a few interesting specials. The burger looked delicious. As for the atmosphere....so awkward. The tables are uncomfortably close together and it kills the whole vibe. I do not want to be physically bumping elbows with the people next to me when drinking $22 cocktails. Additionally, they play great music but the volume is so low that all you can hear is EVERY word of the conversations on either side of you. Not our jam, but glad to have had a chance to check it out. read more
1 month ago
A cute speakeasy at the end of the ally with food menu, excellent service, unisex bathrooms, and doorman. read more
I finally made it to Saksey's and it did not disappoint! Originally, I had reservations months ago when it first opened and wasn't able to go to my great disappointment, but the wait was most certainly worth it! I just love the vibe of a speakeasy and Saksey's is all vibes! Dark, velvet hues with bold retro sophistication, Saksey's makes a run for the classiest cocktail lounge in the city! If the ambience doesn't lure you in, the cocktails and food will most certainly pique your interest. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and Kevin the bartender was great! We will most certainly be back! read more
8 months ago
This is a very cool place to get a unique and excellent craft cocktail. You feel very taken care of here. You will enter from the alley and through the gold door - a host will check you in and send you downstairs. They will take and hang your coats for you free of charge (a lovely touch in Michigan) and bring you to your seat. There are velvety curtains and it is decorated like a very cool basement in the best way. Soft seating, cozy lighting, comfy vibes. Each cocktail is truly unique, and the server took his time explaining things to us as we asked. We ordered wallbangers and the dill martini - top notch cocktails. That martini is really something special. Dangerously easy to drink, especially with an order of the martini snacks. The olives are excellent on that plate. We also had the fries (get those!) that come with ketchup and this delicious malt vinegar mayo. They were super hot, crispy on the outside and so soft and fluffy on the inside - wedge style. These give Second Best a run for their money. And that malt vinegar mayo is something I'm going to try and duplicate at home it's so good. The pretzel bites were also decent, and the cheese fondue served with them is very yummy - dipping fries or the potato chips in that wasn't terrible either. I want to come back and try their lobster roll and burger, and they have caviar on the menu. This is an excellent addition to downtown; people staying at the hotels nearby have another great option. I feel like it's particularly perfect in the colder months, which we have many of here in Detroit! It would be a great place to hang out with friends, though several drinks will get spendy. Great spot, lovely service, can't wait to return. read more
Style over Substance. Very kind staff and nice ambience Not too impressed by the cocktail menu and especially put off by the dive beers at airport prices. 25 bucks for a 40 ounce PBR and salty snack is excessive. Rather pay for good booze down the street at Standby or Back Luck Bar. Not coming back to Dan Gilbert's pet project. read more
Such a great speakeasy.. atmosphere was right from my first knock at the door down the spooky alley. The burger though has to be the best burger in Detroit -- absolutely delicious!! Cocktails were also nice and the check being delivered with bubble gum cigarettes was so cute!! read more
Found this place on Yelp while searching for a speakeasy, and it did not disappoint. This spot is absolutely beautiful. The ambiance and decor instantly transport you back to an upscale 60s/70s speakeasy. The luxury details and attention to design really stand out, from the stunning mirrors on the ceiling to the overall vintage elegance of the space. The service was attentive and helpful throughout the evening. It was a little tricky to find at first, but we kept walking down the alley and found it. The drinks were nice and stiff, very well-crafted. They had a wide variety of drinks to choice from that had interesting ingredients. I was excited to try different flavors mixed together. We ordered the London fries, which were fresh, hot, and delicious. I also tried the mini tinis, and they were very good. Also tried the salt and pepper margarita which was a little too peppery for me, but pair it with the Modelito helped. Overall, this place exceeded my expectations. I would absolutely return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish, intimate speakeasy experience. . read more
The recent remodeled and updated Saksey's is a speakeasy of Detroit glory days. Currently you need a reservation. The next step is finding it. It is a walk down the alley, but the door is then easy to see. The door opens for you, the check your reservation, and do coat check. The amber light basement room is the right lighting, and the right noise level. The service is fantastic. We were greeted immediately. The table has the menu as well as a view finder with photos of the original. Their cocktail menu is interesting (though note it is pricy, but along the line of many upscale cocktail bars). They are not really a restaurant for dinner, but they do have small plates (also pricy). We had the pretzel bits, severed a fondue, the chicken, and split the burger. Everything was very good, especially the chicken nuggets. The only complaint is that they are light on the pretzels compared to the cheese. Overall, a great new addition to downtown Detroit. We plan to return. read more
4 months ago
Second visit-vibe seemed a bit more rushed than first visit. Cocktail strong...lobster roll just okay. read more
I have been itching to come here forever (well at least since the couple of months that it opened anyway) but I was so glad I finally got a chance to check it out. This is an old school, retro feel true speakeasy (well as true as they get nowadays). While it shares the basement with Gilly's, you have to go back through the alley and find the gold door with the red light and you will be greeted by security who will confirm your reservation and lead you down the stairs to the entryway. From their you will be led through the velvet curtains to an absolutely gorgeous lounge. You will be met with curved, wooden walls that are covered in pics from decades of city history. Lounge chairs of leather and velour surround the tables on the floor, and hefty leather stools outline the bar. While the cocktail menu isn't especially original, they do have many unique takes on the drinks and that includes having a cocktail flight which was something I never had a chance to try before and also a shaved ice dirty martini. While watching the whole creating process was awesome, I'll be honest, I think I just would have preferred the traditional filthy version. That being said, this was a great overall experience and I would come here over and over because it was such a great time. read more
9 days ago
good concept & cute spot for first dates or a girl's night but you're paying for the atmosphere. drinks were pretty good but the pb&j empanadas had nothing in them. read more
Went speakeasy hunting while in Michigan and found this little gem! Small and dark little place with limited seating (I think, it was pretty dark lol) SERVICE: If you make it by the bouncer, the folks inside are super nice! They were helpful in explaining the menu and drinks. And they were very attentive. FOOD: I am not sure if they had food, I came for the beverages and I had a very nice old fashioned. They make some craft beverages that look very tasty. Look up Saksey's and go on the hunt to try and find this place. You'll like it!! read more
What a great experience! Saksey's is located in the basement of Gilly's but you have to enter from the back. This means you have to go in through the alley. It's a super cool spot. Dark and romantic. We got there early; they had just opened. I would recommend reservations. It's very small in there. We had reservations but because it was so early, we were able to sit at the bar. The bar tenders were amazing! We really enjoyed ourselves. The drinks were delicious but the service and the atmosphere will likely be what brings me back!! read more
4 months ago
7 months ago
Just adding some pics from the experience that I did not share on my review from the first time I went read more
Insanely good and one of my new favorite sports in downtown. Not only were the drinks fantastic, I would return JUST for the parlor snacks. The pepperoni hot pockets with honey were an absolute 10/10. A close second were the pretzel tots, and honorable mentions cornflake chicken and little lobster bun. MUST TRY! Such a cozy spot and so cool to see the historic pieces. So well done. The staff was also super friendly and recommended everything we tried! read more
This speakeasy is easily the BEST one I've been to thus far. We entered the alley and were able to park in the lot directly in front of the alley door. We were met by a doorman who checked for our reservation ( you need to have one). This place was basically full and it's Wednesday night. Entering Sakesey's you walk through a 70's time capsule, they have photos from that era, View-Masters on each table, and all the vibes/music! The drinks were amazing and the food was 10/10. We had a cheeseburger, pizza pockets with hot honey, and fries ( willing to come just for food). I had a Gilded wallbanger and an old-fashioned for drinks. I love this place and will absolutely come back many times. read more
5 months ago
Drinks are unique, well crafted and delicious. Our bartender was very personable, light hearted and really made us feel welcome. Ambiance is the best part; an adorable, cozy speakeasy with throwback vibes and attention to detail. A little overpriced but the experience is worth it. read more
9 months ago
I think this place is a bit hype beast ish. It's a true speakeasy. I don't know, the vibe isn't too much different from what we already have downtown.. The drink menu isn't as diverse as I was hoping but I enjoyed the jello tini in the flight. I wouldn't go back, just wasn't impressed. Service was pretty hands off. Food took a while ended up cancelling the order with no issue read more
11 months ago
Saksey's is the kind of place you visit in Boston or Chicago and say: "If only they had this back home." From the jump, I was blown away at the level of service and attention to detail shown by the staff. Nothing was overlooked. The cocktail menu was thoughtful and smart. The Aviation Highball was phenomenal and the Root Beer Negroni was such a unique and cool drink. The snacks were next level, in particular the crispy chicken bites and the hot pretzels. The place itself is straight out of Mad Men, from the cherry wood paneling to the brass back bar and the custom mahogany tables. It's a higher price point, but trust me when I tell you Saksey's is worth it. read more
3 months ago
3 months ago
4 months ago
A little hard to find but once you see Sakseys "Down the alley" sign it's smooth sailing from there. This place is a reservation place. Upon arrival it took about 5 minutes for our table to be prepared. The drinks were great. Shoutout to the bartenders at Sakseys. My personal favorite was a classic Old Fosters Old Fashioned and my girlfriend loved Dill Turf Club under the "Teeny 'Tinis". We ordered the pretzel bites and cheesecake. I would say come to this place full the food was extremely overpriced and underwhelming. Loved the drinks! read more
8 months ago
They are currently reservation only since it's new and so in demand so make sure you make it, I was finally able to get it and yall it's worth the hype. You have to walk down a flight of stairs (or elevator is available as well) to enter the bar very speakeasy vibes, since it's the dead of winter they checked our coats for us and thankfully they did because it is super tiny. I have to admit I have only one photo and it's of the mini flight I got which was so cute and good they are TEENY but mighty so don't freight. My friend got the gilded wallbanger which was good but super strong. Now the food. We were starving, I got the cornflake chicken which was literally watering in my mouth it was so good. She got the bar burger which she said was so good and filling and then we got the fries to share. The fries were okay the mayo was the best part but im very particular about fries so not sure if I would get those again. Our waiter was so kind and attentive too which was so nice since it was so busy in there he did make time for us which was nice. Overall good night, vibes, and drink and food read more
9 months ago
Saksey's was incredibly cute, with a very retro ambiance that immediately set the tone for the night. The drink selection was thoughtful and unique, clearly the star of the experience. While the food was creative, it could have been a bit stronger, but that's not really what the experience is centered around. The service was excellent, and overall it delivered the perfect speakeasy-style vibe: intimate, stylish, and all about great cocktails and atmosphere!! read more
4 months ago
What a great establishment. By the far the most elite speakeasy we have visited thus far. The environment is very quaint and inviting. The service we received from the staff is extremely attentive and informing. So far we have tried the burger, fries and hot pockets which were top tier. My old fashioned was made perfectly. So far we have visited twice and loved every minute of it. read more
10 months ago
Great vibes. Beautiful setting. Everybody, from the doorman to the server was pleasant and welcoming. read more
11 months ago
This speakeasy is phenomenal. The Presentation is unmatched We have traveled to five continents and been to many speakeasies, but this presentation was very impressive. The food was delicious. The drinks were amazing. The bartender Jenny was an absolute gem along with Joe what a great team. We will definitely be back. Marsha & John read more
7 months ago
Lively, fun atmosphere. Friendly service. Creative cocktails and I really enjoy their burger and French fries. read more
6 months ago
Great ambiance and espresso martinis (I got mine with reposado tequila). The staff was friendly as well. I'd recommend making a reservation before coming read more
8 months ago
I went to Saksey's for an early Valentine's Day date and had an amazing time. The drinks were so unique and had great quality ingredients. The service was great, the waitress gave amazing recommendations for what we asked for. The ambiance is great perfect speakeasy vibes and such a fun date night/girls night location. I will definitely be back. read more
More info about Saksey's
1550 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
Downtown Detroit
Directions
(313) 546-1500
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https://www.sakseysdetroit.com
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30 days ago
