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    Saksey's

    4.8 (23 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Saksey's Photos

    SAKSEY'S ATMOSPHERE

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    Sunil A.

    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.

    Fancy pretzels and cheese dip
    Carolyn E.

    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.

    Menu + table
    Kai L.

    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. .

    Coco Noir & Root Beer Negroni
    Caitlin W.

    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.

    Old Fashioned
    Roger C.

    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!!

    This is from the Teeny 'Tunis Menu, the Mole Martinez is Resposado Tequila, Sweet Vermouth, Ancho Verde, Chocolate Bitters.
    Sunchez S.

    Just adding some pics from the experience that I did not share on my review from the first time I went

    Coco Noir
    Amy W.

    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!!

    Cornflake Chicken
    Sydni P.

    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!

    Ambiance
    Hykyra C.

    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

    Autumn M.

    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.

    The cornflake chicken bites were tremendous.
    Michigan H.

    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.

    Teeny tiny flight and Gilded Wallbanger
    Cristina P.

    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

    Manhattans

    Lively, fun atmosphere. Friendly service. Creative cocktails and I really enjoy their burger and French fries.

    The check comes with bubblegum cigarettes and matchbook to take home!! (Blow into the cigarette for a surprise!)

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    5 months ago

    Cute, small and intimate. Great small plate options! Drinks are small but beautiful and delicious!

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    Ask the Community - Saksey's

    Review Highlights - Saksey's

    You will enter from the alley and through the gold door - a host will check you in and send you downstairs.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Father Forgive Me - Scallop carpaccio

    Father Forgive Me

    4.7(48 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    Father Forgive Me was high on my Detroit list after hearing so much hype about it, both online and…read morefrom friends. Nate and I stopped in on our most recent visit to Detroit and had a lovely experience. The space is tucked away but had a surprising amount of outdoor space--we were there in January but I'd love to come back in the summer. We were greeted right away and given a spot near the bar. The menu includes cocktails, lots of wine, and several tasty food options. It was quite busy inside, so it took a bit of time for our server to come over to us, but we weren't in a rush. They had ten cocktails on their list and I tried the bullet proof soul and Nate got the negroni alla perra. The ingredients list for some of the cocktails include things I've never heard of, but at a place like this, I just know it's going to be good. Our drinks were perfectly balanced and very tasty. We also ordered the mortadella sandwich to split--this was delicious. It was pretty messy, but worth it. It was perfectly toasted and full of mortadella. Everything on the menu sounded delicious and I would love to try more of the food options. Can't wait to visit again!

    Another great new destination spot on Detroit's east side. It's more then a bar with outdoor…read moreseating. There's artwork, a skatepark, renovated houses, gardens and a church that is now an art gallery. We stopped in to check it out and sat at the bar for a cocktail and snack. The waitstaff were super helpful in explaining everything and we finally picked 2 apps and got drinks. Both were amazing. There were friendly patrons all around and we chatted with other bar admirers. We checked out the coffee shop, Warda, but didn't purchase anything then, but have had several of their desserts since then and they did not disappoint. The atmosphere is wonderful, indoor/outdoor bar, great outside seating - not sure how this will work in the winter? They also have very pretty stone paths with multicolor stones mixed in for a very peaceful beautiful look. It inspired me to add some multicolored stones to my garden! I can't wait to return.

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    Father Forgive Me - Roasted beets and whipped feta (on the side per our request)

    Roasted beets and whipped feta (on the side per our request)

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    Carrot cake cocktail

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    Standby - Big Eye Tuna

    Standby

    4.4(711 reviews)
    0.2 miDowntown 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.

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    Standby - Seating area

    Seating area

    Standby - Smashed Cucumber Salad

    Smashed Cucumber Salad

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    Bar Pigalle - Bar Pigalle

    Bar Pigalle

    4.3(201 reviews)
    0.7 miMidtown
    Locally owned & operated
    Full bar

    This is a great spot to come to. Me and my friend I wanted to try French food in Detroit. My family…read moreis French so I grew up eating authentic French food. The mussels are definitely one of a kind and the seasoning was perfect The gnocchi was stellar! The portions were perfect. We were able to share a few things and the drinks, meaning the house cocktails, were very different. I would definitely return here again. It's a great ambience and it's very cozy.

    Had dinner at Bar Pigalle yesterday early evening…read more Highs Service was stellar. Our server was very welcoming and helped to set up our food order into courses that allowed us a very relaxing evening Cocktails were really good. I had a Last Word and it was very well done. The restaurant is decorated very nicely with warm wood trim. The bar area looked stellar and very French-bistro like. I will sit there next time No so Highs Food was good, but just OK. Between the two of us we had the beet salad, burger and steak tartare. Burger was good, but not the best smash burger that I've had. Beet salad was fine, however the cream cheese was a bit overpowering against the orange oil. It was dying for some citrus. Steak tartare was a bit dry, meaning that a small dab of olive oil would have added to the richness and overall mouth feel. I did not really taste the egg although I did see a dab of yolk on the tartare. Needed a bit of salt also to enhance the taste Menu was small, but it did cover a cross section of French bistro dishes. All in all, I thought it was a bit overpriced. So I will have to consider returning for a full meal. I would come back for a burger and beer at the bar.

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    Bar Pigalle - Bar Pigalle cocktail Just Friends

    Bar Pigalle cocktail Just Friends

    Bar Pigalle - Chef's selection of oysters with house hot sauce and mignonette at Bar Pigalle

    Chef's selection of oysters with house hot sauce and mignonette at Bar Pigalle

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    The Skip - Fun drink mugs and glasses

    The Skip

    4.2(240 reviews)
    0.2 miDowntown 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.

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    The Skip - Black lagoon

    Black lagoon

    The Skip - Black lagoon

    Black lagoon

    The Skip - Atmosphere

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    Saksey's - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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