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Baker's Keyboard Lounge
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Restaurants Soul Food Jazz & Blues, Soul Food [Edit]
20510 Livernois AveDetroit, MI 48221
Neighborhood: Bagley
(313) 345-6300
- Hours:
Tue-Thu 11 am - 12 am
Fri 11 am - 1:30 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
47 reviews for Baker's Keyboard Lounge
Review Highlights
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"The Mac&cheese is great, as is the cornbread." In 20 reviews -
"As the oldest jazz club in North America, this place..." In 10 reviews -
"Fried chicken- what is there not to love." In 18 reviews
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47 reviews in English
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Review from Ida C.
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
El Queso Grande: "So where is this place Baker's anyways?"
Fats: "Looks like it's about 19 minutes outside of Detroit downtown"
EQG: "So is it by 8 Mile?"
F: "No, I doubt it...I'm pretty sure 8 Mile is much further away"
15 minutes later, we were diving down Livernois Avenue, whizzing by shrimp shacks, check cashing joints and even a few combo fast food + check cashing stores...
Then we passed 7 mile and El Queso Grande started laughing...
Ok, yes, it's true! Baker's is actually at the intersection of Livernois Ave & 8 Mile Rd. Park your car in the private parking lot next to the building and a guy will approach you and ask for $2 for parking. It's all perfectly legitimate, and more importantly, Baker's is completely worth the trip!
Baker's is THE OLDEST JAZZ CLUB IN THE WORLD (not just the U.S.)! It's a must-see for any jazz lover with fantastic musicians, friendly staff and excellent soul food!
Awesome catfish, delightfully classic mac and cheese, good cabbage and hands down, the best collard greens I've ever had! The prices are so low, they are practically giving the food away. We got a catfish dinner (big enough for 2) for only $12.95 with 2 sides included. By splitting the platter, we managed to leave enough room for Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream ($5), which was splendid!
PARTING THOUGHT: There are some very slick jazz clubs in Detroit with all new decor and not a hair out of place, but they don't hold a candle to Baker's when it comes to quality of music, true authenticity and real midwest hospitality. Go and see for yourself!Listed in: Detroit Wknd! (from NYC)
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Review from Xian Shane H.
Royal Oak, MI
Updated - 3/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
food is ok.
go there mainly for the music and the atmosphere.
service is still friendly thought.Listed in: Michiganism, Fav Food, Best Happy Hour
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/20/2011
Great food, great music. I was a little worried about the location at first. The private parking lot… Read more »
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Review from Steve M.
Detroit, MI
5/1/2012
Off the hook. Awesome. Fun. God food. Great time.
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Review from Matt M.
Smithtown, NY
9/14/2011 1 photo
I was privilege to go here during my last trip to Detroit. I always had the desire to come to the oldest Jazz club in America. This was a treat from the beginning with the bar counter mimicking that of a piano and the nice attendant at the door. My friend and I got a booth and it would have been perfect if my friend was a girl, a girl i was interested in, because it was a great setup for that. Small 2 person L shaped booths. However he wasn't a girl, and we were too close for comfort. Unfortunately we went during the week and there was only a DJ, no live performances which deterred from the experience, but thanks to the DJ, I now consider myself a Donny Hathaway fan :) The food was great and totally worth it.
Anyway, the location is right off of 8 mile and if anyone listens to eminem, you will realize why i was scared even when only walking from my car to the place. You really don't want to walk around here by yourself. -
Review from Joe W.
7/10/2011
We've all read the reviews: Baker's Keyboard Lounge.... oldest jazz club.... great food..... great music.... strong drinks..... blah, blah, blah. That's a lot of hype to live up to. When I go into a situation expecting greatness, it's pretty easy for me to be disappointed. Shoot, I'm disappointed when any place even MEETS my expectations. I always want something more. I want to be surprised. Baker's is probably the only experience I've had with any establishment that actually lived up to and exceeded the hype. Really.
I've tried to come to Baker's before on a weekend night. The place was at capacity and I couldn't even get in for standing room only. Luckily this particular Friday night, my friends had made a reservation. I can only begin to tell you how excited I was to finally get to check the place out.
I could go into detail about the decor and atmosphere of the place, but you can read all about that in the reviews below. Yes, there was a $10 cover (worth it). Yes, the place is small, yet cozy. Yes, the staff is friendly and efficient. Yes, the fried chicken, catfish, macaroni and cheese, yams, and cornbread were all amazing. Yes, the drinks were strong. Yes, the band was good, even though I didn't get their name. And finally, yes, all of the other four people I was dining with felt the same way, and we all had a top-notch experience.
Do yourself a solid and read the rest of the reviews, then go to Baker's for dinner and cocktails on a Friday or Saturday night. If you want to do yourself an even bigger solid, bring a babe. They'll appreciate it.Listed in: Date O'Clock
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Review from Michelle I.
Farmington, MI
3/7/2011 ROTD 1/28/2012
I'm in L-O-V-E.
Jazz and fried chicken...what's not to adore? Hit up this Detroit gem and fall head-over-heels for every little detail about this place. Why I fell in love? I'm a geek for dim restaurants, small + cozy two-person booths, service where I feel like I'm in my mom's house and live music. Top it all off with its rich history, and you have real marriage material on your hands.
Dinner. Make sure you get it here. I've tried the catfish, which is pretty good but if you know a good cardiologist, order the fried chicken dinner instead. I only eat fried chicken once every few months and I save those times for trips to Baker's. The fried chicken dinner comes with about a half a chicken, fried to a perfect crisp, and is served with two sides; get the collard greens (so so so freaking good). There definitely will be enough to take home, but it does taste best fresh and hot. The next day, the chicken breast can be a little bit dry (lesson learned). There are tons of sides to choose from. Skip the green beans and baked potato, opt for black eyed peas, mac and cheese or the greens. Last time, the mac and cheese was perfect, but other visits, its been just alright.
Oh, eat that corn muffin....that sucker is tasty. I even asked for an extra one to go with my leftovers. The waitress was sweet enough to pack two for me. Imagine my huge smile when I saw two of those babes in my to-go container during my lunch the next day.
Drinks. Yep...bottoms up to strong drinks! Enjoying a cocktail or two or three is a must when taking in some Jazz at Bakers. And drinks are extra delicious when served by an awesome waitress. Service here is usually great; our server we kept on getting the past few times has the been the sweetest girl ever.
Music. It's Baker's, 'nuff said. Check the website for upcoming entertainment. Sunday nights are cool because you get people signing up to perform all night. Sometimes, you'll catch some awesome (and sometimes, super young) talent here. It never fails to amaze.
So yea, Bakers....I'm in love. Will you marry me?Listed in: Detroit-a-licious, Cocktail Culture
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Review from Rachael N.
Cleveland, OH
5/2/2011
4.5 stars. Fried chicken- what is there not to love.
I stopped in Detroit on my most recent trip to east Michigan, and my friend suggested fried chicken. After talking about how we both love fried chicken like Church's and Popeye's, we decided to try something new and interesting. Off we went to yelp, for a consult.
After reading the reviews, Baker's sounded pretty good. We both had no clue where it was, and quickly drove out there, on a late Sunday afternoon.
When you walk in, you're greeted with a cozy environment. A guy sitting near the door told us to "sit wherever you like!" and off we were led to a small booth. Apparently, they play jazz here- when we went, a teacher was teaching little kids jazz (they even had all their instruments out and everything!)
We split the 6 wing dinner- and chose the mac n cheese and potato salad as sides. The sides...were okay. I thought the mac n cheese could have been better...and my friend and I had different opinions about potato salad (my view is...how could you possibly mess that up?).
The fried chicken was pretty good. Good breading, crunchy, hot, and meaty. I approve. Not amazingly out of your mind amazing, but pretty pretty good. We finished it (had even a small cornbread on the plate as well), and was stuffed as a result.
I think this place would be definitely even cooler if live jazz was playing. Next time, I'll come back during that time..... -
Review from Christine S.
Oxford, MI
Updated - 1/1/2012
NYE 2011 Rematch...Not so good this time. The menu was cut down to 4 entree options, the sides..where's the stinking mac and cheese?! Really! My drink was watered down, the opening comedian, drunk and not funny. The band was good but the singer, can you say light jazz muzak, all covers. I wanted some dirty jazz, a stiff drink, and some mac and cheese. The catfish was good, my potatoes not seasoned, the mixed veggies, out of the frozen food aisle, the hot sauce not hot or spicy, and my peach cobbler was cold. The only redeeming factor was the waitress Krystal. She did her job and did it well. For a $30 ticket that covered nothing but a cramped seat, I will not be back for NYE.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/5/2010
I love this lounge. I went here for New Year's Eve and can't wait to go back. The vibe here rocked… Read more »
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Review from Liz W.
1/31/2011
Yummy food, good music, strong ass drinks and a cool relaxing vibe. It took me awhile to get here and longer to write it up (my visit was awhile back). I read online though it is going up for auction today :(.
The night we went, we had a catfish and a fried chicken dinner and split them between us. It worked nicely for us. Both were delicious but I give a slight edge to the chicken. The sides of mac and cheese, yams and collard greens all worked well, nicely tasty. Potato salad was just ok but I am super picky and should not order it anyway.
Drinks are of the have-one-and-hello-I'm-drunk variety. I had two for good measure but I am a lush.
The service was friendly and the place was so welcoming. Everyone seems to be in a congenial mood here, patrons and staff. You feel at home in the very small space. You are so close to everything that you feel as if you are really a part of the experience, a part of the music. You get kind of swept up here.
I am sad if the reports are true. -
Review from Brianna M.
Queens, NY
7/8/2011
I went to Baker's Keyboard Lounge with my friend and her roommates on a Tuesday night. They told me the establishment had recently been turned over to new owners and they wanted to see if they changed anything. From what I understand, nothing has changed. It's the oldest jazz club in the world, so how could they?
I ordered the friend chicken with a salad and mac n cheese. I was expecting just a breast and a leg but I was basically given a half a chicken! So much food and so delicious, especially the mac n cheese. The only problems were that they were training some new waitresses, so there was a little confusion there. If you want to park in the private lot, be prepared to shell out two bucks; I'm not sure why we had to pay for parking. If you don't want to pay, you can park on one of the side streets around the restaurant. Also, since we were there on a Tuesday night, arguably one of the slowest nights for all restaurants, the place was nearly empty. I wish I could have seen it in full weekend swing; even though it was empty, it still had a great vibe.
You definitely get a lot for your money, plus some great live music. A must if you are visiting Detroit! -
Review from Jeffrey A.
Birmingham, MI
4/10/2011
Great music. They really rocked out.
Tight quarters. You may end up sitting with strangers, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Good food. I had fried catfish, black-eyed peas over rice, and cole slaw.
There was a $5 cover this weekend. Again, very reasonable.
I will be returning to this awesome venue! -
Review from Yo U.
San Jose, CA
2/28/2012
Good food and good service, what more could I have asked for? Oh yes, that's right, I could have asked to be left without the stare down/classic "big man"/hard man bullshit that one of the patrons gave me as he walked to his car. Seriously, what was that all about? There was definitely tension in the air at that time. In the club, it was all cool, but out in the parking lot? Odd. Very odd.
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Review from Joe T.
Ah, my 200th review. My 100th was a memorable one (Graydon's Crossing in Grand Rapids), and so is this one. Just went to Baker's on a Friday night to get the real feel for Baker's (my previous review was from a Sunday afternoon when they were empty).
I was blown away. The food was just as good as last time. I got the fried chicken dinner with mac & cheese and collard greens. It was all so fresh, crisp, and TASTY. I mean the chicken was plentiful and fried to perfection. Breaded so nicely and not overdone. Hot, steaming and juicy on the inside, and crisp and dry to the touch on the outside. The mac and collard greens were superb! It is great to know the food comes out awesome, even when they are super busy.
The restaurant was very busy Friday night around 10pm, and understandably there was a $5 cover per person (which is very fair considering the live jazz-soul is so melodious and mood-setting). The place packed with folks while Motown jazz soul music sound waves were bouncing all around in here. No wonder this place was so empty at 1:30pm before, because it is truly an out of the world experience at night, especially on weekend nights. You really feel like you are transported back to the days of a glorious Detroit. Motown music and great soulfood truly live on in this place. I was a little let down that the same fried chicken meal was a couple bucks more at night, than in the afternoon - but honestly the vibe in here and the crowd more than make up for it. Yes it's in Detroit - but if you park on the street nearby and just be generally cautious - you will be fine.
Excellent place! The culinary gem of Motown. Great food, great music, great crowd, and memorable historic restaurant. Just be aware of steep pricing on drinks and possible cover charges when it's busy. This place is billed as the world's oldest jazz club (at 76 years old). It lives up to its name - big time.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/8/2010
I went here with some friends on a June Sunday afternoon at 2PM. The restaurant was near empty and… Read more »
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Review from Robyn T.
10/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
I heard several rumors about Bakers closing due to our poor economy. I would like to personally hug whoever is responsible for stopping that.
From the minute I saw the huge sign outside, I knew this place was going to be cool. This is exactly what a jazz club should look like. Dimly lit, crowded, and littered with tiny tables and booths to accommodate cuddly couples out for the night.
The hubs and I met some friends there last night and I started with a Captain and Diet. I was warned that their drinks are strong but holy cow!!! You definitely get your moneys worth here. Hubs was driving so it was Miller Light for him. Boring.
The music started and I was instantly carried back in time to a day that I wish still existed. They were singing 'Unforgettable' and as I was looking around at all of the photos of jazz greats on the wall, I imaged that every single person had probably played there. Totally awesome.
The night got even better as I saw couples stand up and dance from time to time. Those are moments I find endearing and Bakers created such a perfect environment that I was tempted to stand up and sway myself.
It was only $5 to get in which is a steal considering going to a bad Hollywood movie is twice that.
I didn't order any food but I kept seeing it and smelling it pass by. Reading the previous reviews, it seems as if the fried chicken, mac'n cheese and collard greens are the way to go. Therefore I will be headed back there to give it a shot and say with confidence the star rating will boost up to 5. -
Review from Nycole K.
Baker's is a Detroit landmark and one that should not be missed. We were lucky to have some friends introduce to the oldest Jazz club in the world a couple years ago, and its now one of my favorite Detroit spots. It's age shows, but that's part of the ambiance. The keyboard bar is the first thing you see when you walk in, and then you'll enter the teeny dining room where you're practically on stage with the band! It's always festive and full of a diverse crowd out to have a great night of music and drink.
The drinks are priced right and always strong. The catfish dinner is all I've ever had to eat, but it's amazing! Soul food at it's best. Make sure you get the Mac 'n Cheese side too, one of my favorites - almost as good as my great grandma's! The cobbler is great as well - if you have room for dessert.
Don't let the slightly out of the way location throw you - this is a great spot. If you like live jazz and strong drinks, don't miss Baker's Keyboard Lounge. -
Review from Kristin G.
Royal Oak, MI
Yes it IS the oldest Jazz club in the world- and you can feel it when you're there. My first time to Bakers was a night I will never forget. This Singer named Renee Jackson (where ever did she go?!) was one of the most brilliant entertainers. She kept us all laughing and engaged the whole night. She took the time to interact with the crowd and really make us all feel at home and a part of it. And then, she opened her mouth to sing and I could have sworn she was some hybrid of Aretha Franklin and Etta James. I was in Jazz heaven. Her band was really something too. Stand up bass, drums and a man on the piano that got into it like he was Stevie Wonder. Just phenomenal!!! If I could relive that night I would.
In addition, the fried chicken, collard greens and mac n' cheese are really delicious. Maybe not the best in Detroit, but certainly what you'd expect of some good soul food. They don't skimp on the portions and every table is armed with hot sauce. Places like this aren't just a cool feature in Detroit they ARE what makes this city.Listed in: Experience Detroit, Detroit is for Lovers
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Review from James B.
Troy, MI
11/23/2009 ROTD 6/4/2010
Jazz... speaking as a musician, jazz is one of the hardest genres to define and one of the hardest to play (or, as we used to say, swing). When it really swings, it can touch the soul. My face literally tingles when I hear really good jazz. (Actually that tends to happen when I hear any type of music that is good, but jazz especially.)
Because of the loose definition of what is and isn't jazz, the followers of jazz tend to be very cliquish. You have the "purist" who will only listen the standards, the "wannabe" who will know one or 2 popular pieces from a number of famous jazz artists and claim to be sophisticated because they "listen to jazz", and then you have musicians who tend to know the rules and openly defy them in the name of creating something new that can be called jazz.
Here are some general rules to follow:
John Coltrane = Jazz
Kenny G = so not Jazz
Ella Fitzgerald = Jazz
Enya = so not Jazz
Al DiMeola = Jazz/fusion
Weird Al Yankovic = so not Jazz
OK, I know with the last example I'm gonna enrage the self-proclaimed "Jazz Purists" but the beauty of Jazz (at least for me, from the musician standpoint), is that it is such a fluid type of music. The fact that Baker's Keyboard Lounge doesn't limit the performers to any one sub-genre of jazz is why I like Baker's so much.
Baker's is everything I expect in a Jazz club. Dark lighting, strong beverages, great history, a little seedy, good food, and a certain amount of unpredictability in that you never know who might show up to sit in with the scheduled performers.
Speaking of the food... it is some of the best Soul Food in the D. My favorite thing is the chicken liver and gizzard dinner with the mac & cheese and greens. No, its not healthy, but that's not the point. My soul is not lifted by low fat, low cholesterol, no salt added, skinless boiled whatever. Give me deep-fried, bacon-infused. carbo-laden goodness! That speaks to me.
Baker's is the real deal... a place that serves up food and Jazz that fills my tummy and tweaks my musician's heart. -
Review from Claribelle C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/13/2008 ROTD 8/8/2008
There are at least 50 reasons why Baker's Keyboard Lounge is one of my FAVORITE places in Detroit. However, since we don't have that kind of time, here are three.
1. The Music - Thats a given. As the oldest jazz club in North America, this place doesn't skip a beat. Regardless of who they've got scheduled on any given night, the talent never ceases to impress.
2. The Food - I recall first tasting their rumored to be amazing Mac n' Cheese. When I finally tasted that first bite, I was stunned. Straight up THE BEST soulfood Mac and Cheese I have EVER tasted! Try it with the fried White fish or Catfish and a side of greens. If you have any room left try the bread or banana pudding. Hot damn!!!
3. The Drinks - With a two drink minimum, drinks are upwards of $10+. If your tolerance is low, there is a good chance that is all you need. The alcohol to mixer ratio (if thats how you roll) is about 80/20. On a chilly winter's night or a nice humid summer, their drinks will warm you up quickly.
If you ever find yourself in Detroit, there is no reason why you shouldn't stop by Baker's as this place embodies much of the Detroit that people search for. -
Review from Sara K.
Los Angeles, CA
12/26/2008 ROTD 12/29/2008
Before I moved to LA, I lived right down the street from this place. I just so happen to want to try something different and based on some fellow yelpers and friend reviews, I went and was PLEASANTLY surprised! I even met a girl from LA there! What a small world!
BUT (yes, there is a but and not my backside) I was NOT impressed by the food :( I had the baked chicken dinner and it was dryer than a damn desert. My friend had the fried chicken dinner and you could tell the oil needed to be changed. He didn't touch much of his double deep fried in old grease chicken so I have to take away a star for that.
Overall, this is a nice place to chill, listen to some good music, play footsies under the table and have a geniunely good time. Another plus side: Strong drinks ;)
Glad I finally made it there!! -
Review from Viet N.
Pico Rivera, CA
2/10/2012
love it here. the long history and ambiance of this place is amazing. great service, great live music, great food.
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Review from damian a.
Rochester, MI
1/18/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Baker's is awesome.
Where else can you get 3+ hours of awesome jazz for 5 bucks? This past friday was the Glenn Tucker quartet. For as young as he is, he is an amazing pianist. We had a great spot right in front of the stage so we could see everything. Ralph Armstrong was playing bass. He was amazing to watch and listen to.
For as busy as they were, service was pretty good. Everyone was friendly.
We had fried chicken. It was really tasty, but a couple bites were pretty salty. Not quite as good as the fried chicken at beans and cornbread. The greens and mac and cheese were good, but not great. All and all, i thought the food was a great value considering that for my purposes, it's the sideshow at Baker's.
My only real complaint is only Maker's Mark and Jim Beam for bourbon? Come on, it's a jazz club. The pours were tall, though, and the other drinks were pretty strong. Not a bad deal at all.
(private parking in the lot is only 3.00. get there early (8ish), it's worth it for both parking and getting a good table near the stage). -
Review from introvert i.
Southfield, MI
10/14/2009
The positives of Baker's lounge is the fact that it is one of oldest and last standing venues from the jazz era. I've been to Baker's several times and the food is among the best of the many Soul Food restaurants in the Detroit area. My personal favorites are the mac & cheese, greens, and fried chicken (not good for my high cholesterol !!). I recommend this during lunch time or after work.
What I don't like, particularly as a jazz purist, is the level of performers. This is not to say that I haven't caught a few good acts from time to time, but the essence of jazz standards, bebop, and more authentic sounds are unfortunately rare to experience at this venue. The typical performer at Baker's can be found at any club with the 'jazz' title, which does not necessarily classify it as so. This is a great disappointment for me being that Baker's is a gem, not just in Detroit but to the jazz community world-wide.
The level of customer service can be much better too. I seriously doubt that the staff are trained to regard Baker's as the historically rich venue that it is. Their staff is no different than any other Detroit restaurant. As a customer, I never felt like I was in a 'special' place besides my own personal knowledge of Baker's history. The management and staff should embrace that and provide several creative ways to make everyone who walks in the door to do the same.
Baker's is nice if you are looking for good food and a few drinks. As for the music, a jazz historian would be a bit disappointed in that the soul of the numerous legends that have blessed the stage are fading fast. -
Review from Dan R.
Chattanooga, TN
7/4/2009
Soak up the history as you gaze upon the stage where Pops, 'Trane, Dizzy and so many more have played. The music is still great on most nights, but check their schedule first. The staff are friendly and terrific.
The soul food is magnificent--amazing entrees and sides from smothered pork chops to fried chicken to mac 'n' cheese to candied yams to collard greens. I honestly have never tasted anything there that wasn't great. If you have five stomachs like me, I recommend finishing with the Baker's Treat--peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream. The food prices are reasonable, especially if you come for lunch, but the drinks are kinda pricey.
Come on out so they can continue to make great memories and boast the longest-running jazz spot on earth. -
Review from ROD S.
Lake Mary, FL
8/31/2010
Not from Michigan but have been to jazz clubs from Wash DC to San Diego. Bakers is the real deal. The music was great. Its size allows for that intimate feeling that energizes musicians to produce their best work. The food and drinks are excellent. I was even able to video the band for my blog as long as I did not get in the way.
It's down off 8 Mile Road and the neighborhood is somewhat challenged, but DONT STAY AWAY! This is a great spot if a grown up music experience is for you. -
Review from Tom S.
Ferndale, MI
8/10/2008
Truly an institution. Great atmosphere and performers second-to-none, I love taking people unfamiliar with Detroit here. Going here makes you cool. Can't say enough about Baker's: this place is the real deal. From the piano to the wrap around booths & Detroit decor, this place is sure to entertain.
The jazz will get you in the door but the soul food will keep you coming back. The fried chicken was cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Homemade NC-style hot sauce is a great accent. Also, get the Mac-n-cheese as a side is great. Order a gin martini to up your cool ante. -
Review from Scott M.
Chicago, IL
9/9/2008
FANTASTIC! Bakers is the oldest jazz restaurant/club in the country. The moment you step in, it feels like you are a part of history.
This was one of my favorite date restaurants in Detroit. It was pretty cheap, the entertainment/music was phenomenal, and the ambiance was really smooth/sexy.
WHen you first walk into Bakers, it is impossible not to notice the bar which is fashioned after a piano. Usually crowded on a Friday night, this is a tight little spot to grab a drink...fortunately, the drinks are well worth it.
Typically you can get wait times (on weekends) that are up to an hour, but I was usually sat relatively quickly as pp are coming and going all through out the evening.
The service leaves a lot to be desired for....I have had waits that you wouldnt imagine, but honestly, all well worth it once that plate of piping hot soul food reaches you...
I have seen a number of incredible performers, and even some incredible folks that have come in out from the audience.
The setting is intimate, and you will usually feel like you are right on top of the folks that you are next to...and it probably is because you are.
Fried Porkchops/chicken/mac & cheese/collard greens/cabbage....ITS ALL GOOD...you cannot go wrong at this place...period. -
Review from Lisa W.
Flint, MI
Updated - 6/15/2008
For Father's Day, I wanted to take my son and his father to Baker's because every Sunday they have Jazz for Kids, which is a jazz workshop for people up to the age of 18. I thought it would be fun to eat some good soul food while being around other families.
The free Workshop starts at 2pm on Sundays and goes until 4pm. Kids bring in their instruments and are mentored by a teach who doesn't mess around. There were a few sax players, a trumpet player, some piano players, and a drummer -- all jammin' together. My 10 month old loved watching and listening! The highlight: listening to youth freestyle on their instruments.
They accept donations to keep this program running. I got to see some young talent improv together. You can just come in and join the fun, he works with your child at their learning level. All this happens during lunch time, when Baker's has special lunch prices.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/11/2008
Baker's Keyboard Lounge is hands-down AMAZING. It's one of the best places I've been to in Detroit.… Read more »
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Review from Justin L.
San Carlos, CA
7/15/2009
Fantastic and Joyful.
BKL is absolutely fantastic. I took my clients there while i'm out here on business. For you West coasters who want truly American experiences, they don't get any finer than Baker's Keyboard Lounge.
Some points:
1) I never felt unsafe. Sure, most western denizens, have heard of '8 mile' and they think it's a rough neighborhood that should be avoided. Relax. You're fine here and you can bring a date and everything.
2) Speaking of dates, the boothes in the back are built for two.
3) NOT smoky. I don't know if BKL has a non-smoking policy now, but i would have expected a very smoky room. I picture Bill Evans playing 'Waltz for Debby' and going thru 1/2 a pack during his set, but nope. No one was smoking at BKL.
4) The food. It's not that healthy for you physically, but very good for you spiritually. The Mac&cheese is great, as is the cornbread. My clients ordered smothered porkchops; anything with the adjective 'smothered' in the title is the bee's knees.
In today's day & age, many in America dismiss DTW as a 'flyover' state, and they miss experiences like Baker's Keyboard Lounge. I travel 100K+ miles for business a year; most trips I forget, but not this one. Come visit DTW and support Baker's Keyboard Lounge. -
Review from Nikki W.
10/3/2008 1 photo
After living in Detroit most of my life I am ashamed to say that I had never made it to Bakers. One reason is that I'm not the biggest jazz fan so I didn't really see a need to go until I watched a movie titled "Harlem Nights". For some strange reason it made me think of Bakers so I called up the crew and we decided to roll out.
I really enjoyed the evening at Bakers. I felt real grown up. The crowd was mature and you can really tell that the people here are all about the music. I of course took advantage of the soul food menu minus the meat. I loaded up on greens and stuffing. It is a tight fit with seating but well worth the experience.
There were people of all age ranges in the house this particular Friday night. Couples, friends, first dates, and regulars. The music was timeless and my spirit was in much need of some "real" music. You know the kind that conjures up all sorts of feelings that allow you to just let go and be in spite of what may be happening in your life. I will definitely be making Bakers a habit! -
Review from Mara S.
Chicago, IL
11/11/2008
Pretty cool place.
Good music and decent food. It was pretty crowded, but it's still a cool atmosphere. There is a bar and a loungey side - the bar was really smoky, but the other side didn't seem as bad.
The waitress seemed a bit overwhelmed tonight and the food plates for our 10 person party came out about 5 minutes apart - a bit annoying.
If you come prepared to be a bit squished at your table or booth and don't expect perfect service, you'll know what to expect and you'll have a good time. -
Review from Kellie B.
Farmington, MI
9/27/2008
Music makes the ambiance here. It is a classic nationally known spot for jazz. Talented young jazz players from Wayne State and other nearby colleges play here often, adding their own subtle twists on old jazz along with the seniors in the who play here as well. Ask the staff and some artists have been playing here 20+ years.
The food is delicious, if its soul food they have it, from smothered to fried or vegetarian plates. My absolute favorite soul food side is dressing, and they do a version just like grandma would make, with plenty to 'stick to your ribs', oniony, chicken flavored and with sage and bell peppers...just great. The drinks are nice, enough strength to be labeled a 'detroit' serving and heavy enough to keep you laid back through the generous jazz sets. Come and enjoy Baker's! Get your own taste of history. -
Review from Rese D.
Oak Park, MI
8/23/2008
Live Jazz music while dining is always fun! Dim lighting and cozy booths, where you can cuddle with your significant or take a date. There were larger parties too.
Our waitress was great and attentive. I ordered a Sex on the Beach and wanted it stronger...she came back....boy was it stronger....with no extra charge! Average prices dishes. Enjoyed the chicken wings, yams are yummy!
I was surprised we had to pay for parking, not much but preferred it free. Otherwise, I enjoyed the experience! -
Review from Terrence K.
Chicago, IL
11/9/2007
Chicken and Jazz. Couldn't agree more.
A great place to take a date and impress with your urban sensitivities and hipster cool jazz knowledge (or lack thereof). The "seating manager" does an excellent job of finding you a table or even a cozy booth to sit where you can then whisk yourself away to a pre-iTunes time when people actually listened to wonderful, soul-stirring live music.
Food: authentic fried chicken, crispy and good. The fries are phenomenal too, and you can't go wrong with the peach cobbler for dessert. -
Review from Jozo Joe Z.
Venice, CA
5/26/2011
I've been here once. Had a great night. Nice cocktails, good dinner, cool atmosphere, and of course really good music.
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Review from Caroline A.
South Pasadena, CA
6/1/2010
I love Bakers.
Wednesday nights are my favorite. I moved out west 2 years ago, and I've dreamed about the music and soul food from Bakers...you just can't match it anywhere.
My favorite is the Catfish...and you have to get the peach cobbler!! I will definitely be back next time I am in town! -
Review from Marcos R.
Madison Heights, MI
10/10/2010
This is the kind of Club that you think only exists in the Past.
Welcome to 1934.
Soul Food is good.
Booths are classic
Service is good.
Music is outstanding and your as close to the stage as you can be.
We are all fortunate to have Bakers in Detroit.
A class act. -
Review from Chris H.
Ferndale, MI
6/21/2010
The menu consists of soul food; I had the fried catfish with mac & cheese and green beans, and a corn muffin.
The food alone is worth the trip, but you really have to experience it when there's a live show going on. It's an incredible atmosphere - all the jazz greats have played Baker's. -
Review from colette n.
Huntington Woods, MI
9/12/2008
great place for date nite - even a first date.
you will not be disappointed!! the atmosphere is wonderful, the people are warm and inviting. the music is ALWAYS AMAZING.
altho the attire is come-as-you are, it's a great opportunity to kick it up a notch if you feel like getting a little dressed up - you will definately feel like it was appropriate.
definately a detroit institution...JUST GO!Listed in: Great Ideas for a Date, The Places I Go
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Review from Ethan S.
Newtonville, MA
7/5/2007
Baker's Keyboard Lounge is my favorite soul food restaurant in America. The atmosphere at the Oldest Jazz Club is authentic 1940's style decor. The place has great jazz bands from all over the country and is always a great place to chill and eat great comfort soul food. The fried chicken is out of this world. Pork Chops are amazing as well. I always get disappointed when my meal comes to an end because it was that good. Which is always why I save a little room for their amazing peach cobbler. The wait staff is friendly and attentive and I always leave with a smile on my face. Can't wait to make it back to Detroit for more chicken and jazz music.
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Review from starli h.
Chicago, IL
1/7/2009
i don't have much more to say that everyone else hasn't already said...
great atmosphere, great for friends or time with someone special
GREAT live music
good service
stiff drinks, so watch out!
great food
good prices
i love it, and need to go back soon!
