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?
(5)
Christine S.
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.
(2)
Jeffrey A.
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!
(4)
Nikki T.
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!
(4)
Sterling H.
I can't write about the food at Baker's. The only thing that I got after ordering the fried chicken dinner ($13 Ouch!), and after 60 minutes of waiting was 2 Cokes. They were horribly watery. I walked out after the waitress told me she was going to check on my order, and stayed in the kitchen for 10 minutes. NEVER AGAIN will I waste my time on this place. I live about 5 blocks away, and I would not try to attempt to eat their excuses for horrible service.
(1)
ROD S.
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.
(4)
James B.
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.
(4)
damian a.
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).
(5)
Charles S.
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.
(1)
Noel D.
I was visiting from NJ and heard about Baker's from a local. It was easy to find for a newbie to Detroit, which is always a plus. The food was great and very reasonably priced - loved the catfish. I stayed for the first set of music on a Saturday night - I'm not knowledgeable about jazz, but I thought the band sounded very good. The biggest plus for me, and the reason I would gladly go back, is the atmosphere. The staff is friendly and I wasn't rushed while eating or listening to the band afterward. Its a very low-key, comfortable "vibe". The bar resembling a keyboard is cool - you can feel the history there.
(5)
Sara K.
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!!
(4)
Carrie A.
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!
(5)
Tom S.
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.
(5)
Marcos R.
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.
(5)
Scott M.
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.
(5)
Claribelle V.
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.
(5)
Chris H.
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.
(5)
Jozo Joe Z.
I've been here once. Had a great night. Nice cocktails, good dinner, cool atmosphere, and of course really good music.
(4)
Lisa W.
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.
(5)
juston m.
what a great way to ring in the new year! bakers keyboard lounge was so much laid back fun. we helped them celebrate their 75th new year's celebration. the christopher wilson quartet kept the night going with three sets each about 1 hour long. the members of the band were all younger than me and so talented. i even got the chance to see my first asian drummer! the bar itself is phenomenal! shaped like a piano and curvy like me. the food was delicious and i never expected a club to have such good soul food. i had smothered pork chops with mac and cheese, black eyed peas (good luck and fortune for the new year) and collard greens. the pork chops were everything i wanted. hot and covered in gravy. the collard greens were not bitter at all and had a very nice taste. the mac and cheese was remarkable and the pinto beans had definitely spent some time simmering on the stove. james' fried chicken dinner was actually a half chicken and the hot sauce had some of the best spices ever. not just going for hot, they were going fo flavor too!. don't pass up the peach cobbler either. just the right amount of sweetness. we all enjoyed the experience! the owner was nice enough to announce his appreciation for his customers and helping him through a difficult year right before the new year. it was great to support a detroit institution and have a truly enjoyable evening. btw, its at 8 and livernois. ferndale is right across the street. there is nothing scary about its location at all. love, juston
(5)
Mara S.
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.
(4)
Yo U.
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.
(3)
Kellie B.
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.
(4)
Rese D.
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!
(4)
Jonny P.
Alright y'all this is gonna be a bad review but I hope u will understand why. The service in this place is absolutely terrible, the two times I have gone there have been major issues with the waitstaff in regards to the bill or just general attentiveness. It was my understanding that the lounge was having financial difficulties however if they cannot improve their customers experience this historic venue & it's great food will continue to be overlooked...
(2)
Steve M.
Off the hook. Awesome. Fun. God food. Great time.
(4)
Viet N.
love it here. the long history and ambiance of this place is amazing. great service, great live music, great food.
(5)
Ben W.
They have the BEST Fried Chicken and Mac & Cheese you can find. Eating in is nice and the jazz music is good, even if you don't care for Jazz. Very Busy on the weekend, maybe a short wait as the Restaurant is small. They have been around at least 20 + years.
(4)
Terrence K.
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.
(5)
starli h.
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!
(5)
Nadine G.
Baker's is the perfect place to bring a date, your parents, or out of town guests. If you love jazz and soul food, this is the place for you.
(4)
A C.
Baker's is awesome! Like every other poster has mentioned, the atmosphere is incredible. We went on a Friday night around 10:00pm. The place was packed. We stood near the bar for 30 min. waiting for a table to open up. Once seated, we were treated to a fantastic jazz performance. Love this place!
(5)
Cherice J.
Wow, I literally have lived within a mile of Baker's for most of my life, and have never even thought about going in. I guess because I am more of a hip hop fan than anything. However, my guy friend suggested we meet up there last week and much to my surprise, I had a good time. Although the outside is pretty shabby (as are most buildings in Detroit), the inside was still booming. Around 8pm is when the show begins, so it gets really packed around this time. I couldn't really tell you who was performing, but the music was very excellent and created a homely vibe. Oh, I didn't even mention how great the food was. Of course, I am a soul food type of girl so I enjoyed my entree. If you go, definitely try the sweet potatoes, coleslaw, and the pork chops. The prices are roughly $10-12 dollars for a meal, which isn't too bad. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this place for large groups, because it is super tight.
(4)
Karen J.
I went this past weekend for the first time with a group of friends. It was great! The live music was amazing, the staff was courteous, beer was cold, peach cobbler was to die for, and one of the gentlemen who works there even gave us ladies an escort to our car. This place needs support in order to keep on dishing up authentic live jazz, and I'll certainly be back.
(5)
Jason T.
* great fried chicken * would definitely recommend as the go to for detroit. I just came from buffalo and the chicken wings + hot sauce is better than the locals' favs in buffalo. And this place is supposed to be a Jazz+dinner joint. Mainly because they were making good fried chicken and the hot sauce was really just a condiment. I got the $8 lunch special 6 chicken wings with corn bread and 2 sides. Corn bread came in a muffin shape, and was probably the best corn bread i've had at any fried chicken place. Collard greens were good, but i did wish they added bacon, and were a little less salty. green beans were good. The water did taste a little weird though. It was a huge lunch for me bc the six wings also came with that extra drum stick attached at the end of the wing. The atmosphere was really cool with the piano bar and the locals just chilling. The workers also know the history and try to introduce it to you. There's plenty of history around with pictures of artists who have played there. My friend got the half chicken with mac and cheese and rice+beans. he loved the rice and beans but though the mac cheese was ok. I would definitely come here over popeyes and church's on a regular basis. I heard the catfish was fresh and delicious from the table next to ours.
(5)
Kathryn G.
Came here for the first time a few weeks ago. I think its pretty cool this place is the oldest jazz club in the world. The area is unfortunately sketchy, but I expected this. Inside was a little cramped but we were close to the stage which was nice. The staff was friendly when we arrived. The food was ok...nothing to brag about. I am also pretty sure the waitress forgot to bring our dinner out because after 50 minutes of waiting they still had not reached our table. I got the attention of one of the staff and the dinner came out not even two minutes later after I said something...what a coincidence...The drinks were nice and strong but really pricey, geez! At the end of the night we somehow ended up with two waitresses and they both gave us a bill. It was a little frustrating that they allowed this to happen.
(3)
Michelle H.
On-point southern food, large portions, attentive waitstaff, and comedy night is a riot. Love this place.
(4)
Carolyn M.
Baker's Keyboard Lounge...mmmm... mmm....mmmm. Love it. One mile from my house and I feel like I'm out of town on vacation. The food is fabulous. I love the open jam on Sundays and we finally got to check out the big band which is always the last Sunday of the month (thanks to one of our favorite bartender's , Jackie, advice.) come for the history and stay for the food, music, and friendly folks. We've had many nights of fun here.
(5)
Shane H.
food is ok. go there mainly for the music and the atmosphere. service is still friendly thought.
(4)
John A.
Baker's is the genuine article. A great, historic jazz club that's still doing what made it world famous.
(5)
Robyn T.
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.
(4)
Brianna M.
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!
(5)
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.
(5)
Lenny Liliana M.
I had a really great time at this place! Music was awesome!! People is friendly and I enjoyed the food and drinks. Looking forward to go again.
(5)
Justin L.
Still Fantastic. Was fortunate to sit next to Jim Gallert ( detroitmusichistory.com ) who knew the whole band. It was great hearing the history of Baker's. No seat is more than 20 feet from the stage. Folks come for birthday parties and the like. Strangers share their cake with you and everyone is really in the same party at the same time.
(5)
Kristin G.
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.
(5)
Danielle H.
My boyfriend and I both really like jazz so when we were thinking of what to do for New Year's Eve he suggested Baker's. I hopped online to check the reviews, almost all of which were glowing. It seemed like such a bargain. Two tickets for a show with three different acts, two dinners, and a bottle of champagne for $175. We would have happily spent twice as much for such a fantastic night out. I called to find out what was on the menu and to book reservations. When the man I spoke with on the phone was arranging the seating he gave me options of a booth or a table. I let him know that we would be fine with either and that it was our first trip to their establishment and that we were very excited to have found such a "gem." He chose the seats for us and told me that we would be in a booth facing the stage. The big night comes, we get to Baker's and park in the lot. It was $6 to park (WOW, so Cheap!) and the lot attendant was very pleasant. We get into the place and it really is a dive bar. Thankfully I was prepared from the other reviews. We give the hostess our name and we are led through the lounge where it is obvious they have squeezed in as many tables as possible to maximize cover revenues. We are led to a small table that is pushed up to another table in a T shape. There were two other couples seated there already and we were given the remaining seats. All six of us look uncomfortable with the situation. These seats face the wall and we are seated with our BACKS to the stage. I let the young man who was seating us know that this was not the seating arrangement that had been discussed when I booked the reservation. He seemed uncomfortable and replied that he couldn't really do anything that these were the seats we were assigned. We waited almost 30 minutes for someone to take our drink order. It's an ackward 30 minutes. The music was too loud for any sort of conversation and the tables were too close to allow us to turn our seats 180 degrees to watch the performance. After the server brought our drinks (at seperate times) it was another 10 minutes before the food arrived. Ahhh.. the food. With so many fantastic reviews I was surely in for a treat. It's New Year's Eve! I bet they've gone over the top, right? Wrong. We were brought plates of food which had obviously been kept in chaffing dishes. Roast beef, baked chicken, roasted potatoes, green beans and a roll. I had previously been told that we would also have a piece of their "famous fried chicken" but it was not on the plate. I dig in and was disappointed. The chicken had a nice flavor but wasn't anything to write home about. The roast beef was so tough I had trouble cutting it with my steak knife. The green beans were soggy and over cooked. I did like the potatoes, though, I'm not sure if it was the potatoes themselves or the sopping mess of roast beef gravy and butter from the beans that had accumlated on my plate. Our champagne was Korbel (better quality than I had expected). It arrived during dinner. When my boyfriend order it he asked for champagne with the ice bucket. The waitress brought the champagne sans bucket. This was really the final straw for us. I will generally stick it out but the thought of warm, flat sparkling wine swayed me when my boyfriend suggested we just leave. We had given them $190 of our money and were not about to give them the rest of our New Year's Eve. As we left we were met with the most insincere offer from the management. (I assume he was the manager) He never actually introduced himself just said that if we wanted to come back he would comp our dinner and drinks. He didn't, however take our names, offer his, give us a card or any other way of redeeming his offer.
(1)
Jennifer H.
My husband and I went to Baker's and had so much fun. We had made a reservation and had a great seat in a nice cozy booth right in front of the stage. The atmosphere was really cool; it was almost a step back in time. We arrived a little after 7:00 and ordered dinner before the entertainment, the fried chicken was amazing, some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. My husband and I split the Fried Chicken Dinner and Tilapia dinner. The Tilapia was average. I had Coleslaw and Baked Potato with Broccoli and Cheese. Baked potato was a bit hard not quite cooked enough. My husband had the Mac & Cheese and Green Beans both really good as well. As far as drinks they were super strong, so be prepared. I needed several limes to make my vodka soda drinkable. I wanted to order a coffee drink after dinner and the server let me know that they only have instant coffee so I skipped it. Overall a great experience. I am not the biggest Jazz music fan, but it was some classic Motown sounding music and enjoyable.
(4)
Danielle B.
We were a party of 10 this past Saturday. Having been to Cliff Bells, I was excited to see what this experience would be like especially since it claims to be "the oldest jazz club in the world." When we pulled up outside, I was a bit skeptical of what was in store..but my fears quickly subsided as we stepped inside and got a glimpse of the piano bar. Everyone was so friendly and I was surprised to see that the place was about 80% to capacity! In previous reviews, I've read that waitstaff has been a problem..and I will agree that they need to hire more servers to take care of the floor. That being said our server was very friendly and did the best she could. Unfortunately, for me (not too sure about everyone else) the food left a lot to be desired..but for the price, I suppose I shouldn't complain too much. Had we had the same meals at Cliff Bells..and drank as much (5 glasses of wine or so - combined) our bill would definitely be more than $78! The other complaint I had..was that there were times when the jazz music was just to damn loud! I mean, I know that you're supposed to come for the music and not for the conversation..but still..blowing the sax straight into the mic was a bit much for me! I wanted to be able to comment to my friends on the evening and found myself screaming over everyone. There was a man playing the trumpet as well that night and he knew exactly what he was doing. I could appreciate his music so much more. I dunno..maybe I don't know what I'm talking about? I'm no jazz aficionado.. Anyway it was memorable evening and we will be back when we have friends/family in town. But hopefully a few things would've been changed by then! I still love you Bakers!
(3)
Haroun K.
The self-proclaimed 'Oldest Jazz Club in North America." This is the best Jazz club in Detroit, hands down. The talent is always spectacular, and there is often very low, or no, cover charge. It puts the New York jazz scene to shame. The late legendary Dr. Teddy Harris used to run the show on Wednesday nights. My favorite time to come is Sunday nights for the jam sessions, usually headed by siren-voiced vocalists. The place is often packed, with the perfect amount of sultry smokiness. If you can, get a seat along the booth closer to the piano, maybe the best seats in the house. The piano itself is legendary, and it was a thrill to have my fingers on the same keys as played by Earl Hines. There is a soul food menu which I avoid, though I recommend the Turtle Cheesecake. Despite being so wonderful, Baker's seems to change ownership semi-frequently. It's strange, because this place really is an institution.
(5)
Ethan S.
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.
(5)
Cosimo D.
I'm not one for going out late at night. Actually, anytime after 8:30-9:00, and I'm usually ready to just kick it at home; however, when you come across a place as unique as Baker's, that shit changes real quick. First off, for those of you not in the know, this place is the oldest jazz club in the U.S. They say they're the oldest in the world, and I'm inclined to believe them. Not only do they have great food, but the atmosphere is pretty hard to beat. I'm always down for a kick-ass meal, and I don't care if it cost $5 or $100, as long as it's tasting great. This place is a great example of how you can serve fantastic, high quality food without charging customers an arm and a leg for it. But you know what? The food is that good. You'd easily pay $10-15 more per entree if they charged that, and not just because of the quality of their cuisine, but because the ambiance is superb. It's very small inside, and most of the tables are even smaller, but it works for this club. If you're out with someone who you're just starting to see, it forces you to get closer to one another. But it's not an uncomfortable closeness, it's an intimate closeness. And it works for those trying to reignite the flame in a tired relationship too, for all the same reasons. Then there's the music. It's not just Detroit's best jazz players who entertain, but people from all over the world. I would NEVER claim to be a jazz enthusiast, but you'll feel like one when you are here. It all comes together. The soul food, the atmosphere, the music, the booze, the closeness. It's like a portal into a long forgotten scene, that desperately needs to be reawakened. Normally, all I'd talk about is the food on a review such as this, but it's not needed here. I'll quickly say that the Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens, and Fried Chicken are all unbelievably delicious, and that the Catfish and Ribs are a must try, but beyond that, if you haven't heard enough to get you to Baker's by now, then check your pulse my friend, because you may be dead.
(5)
Julie V.
"The clock's run out, time's up, over, bloah! Snap back to reality--oh, there goes gravity!" Eminem Yup, I'm throwing it way back to 8 Mile! It was driving to Bakers that I drove by THE notorious 8 Mile Road. As made mainstream by Eminem, this road separates the rich from the poor. Alas, my light bulb moment and my 8th grade self sighed, "ah ha"...a decade after the movie was released... Coincidentally, this was road to transition from undergrad into doctorate school--I was in town for my University of Detroit, Mercy interview, and they were one of the first schools to admit me into the program. Even though I am no Stan, I like to think that this road and this lounge does hold a special place in my heart (along with Marshall, just kidding!). My undergrad friend Jas and I drove to Bakers while Ed Stone was performing. Bakers Keyboard Lounge carries with it a lot of history being the oldest jazz club in the USA, in the heart of Detroit. This lounge is like the city in its decrepit way. The outside--dark with worn down signs and its flickering lights; the inside--colorful yet dark, its main light source: candles. Food's a steal here and the entree portions will feed an entire family. Food was GOOD SOUTHERN AWESOMENESS. It was so soulful, it made us praise the Lord for we are unworthy to accept such grace. hahaha, I kid, I kid. Jas got the fried catfish dinner with potato salad and mac n cheese ($12.75), and I got the full rack BBQ rib dinner with fries and mac n cheese ($15). Both entrees with sides were delicious and I could only fill up on 1/5th of my ribs before I KO'd. My entree still looked whole...that's how GIGANTIC the portions were. My deepest regret was not ordering the fried chicken...oh, I soooo should have. I had a rib phase at the time, but how does one not order FRIED CHICKEN when going for soul food!? Service was subpar. We got our food in and out quickly, but our waitress didn't want anything to do with us. She didn't answer when asked for recommendations, she dropped off the check and stood there waiting for us to pay before she would leave. When we got the hint, we paid with cash. She immediately picked up the receipt and money, she counted it in front of us, and asked if the rest was for her. Maybe it's a Detroit thing, but that was weird to us. Overall, I can't wait to come back next time I visit Motor City. I highly recommend anything from the menu and to not come here expecting good service or a renovated establishment.
(4)
Ernie M.
This was our first time here in many years and we had a great time. The jazz entertainment was interesting and the food was excellent. There were six of us and between us we had the fried catfish, fried chicken and meatloaf entrees . For sides we had the mac& cheese, black eyed peas, yams, and baked potato ----all very tasty. The wines were good too. The desert was a peach cobbler ---delicious. We'll go back soon.
(4)
Sally M.
Classic jazz that cannot be beat. It's Detroit version of NYC Blue Note. Same big names same great sound. And the food..., Baby bring your big girl panties and your inner big girl appetite cause the greens and cornbread the black eye peas and Mac and cheese the chicken and salmon patties are going to blow you away before you get to the peach cobbler and German chocolate cake.!
(5)
Casey G.
This place is the real deal: live jazz, perfect fried chicken and all the sides, and decor that nods to vintage jazz clubs. Clean place. Super friendly staff. I'd be there weekly if I lived in Detroit! Don't miss it.
(4)
Tyra N.
I've been a child of this place. My Mom and Dad came here a lot in my youth and when I was old enough they brought me here, (after their divorce) because this place is that timeless. As a jazz baby, I welcome live instrumentalist while I dine. The stage is in your face. The size is definitely something they need to review. It's time for change. They do need a larger, more secure parking lot and they do need a larger more comfortable venue. Maybe a remodel needs to be considered. It's like being in the Jazz basement Zora Neal Hurston speaks of in How It Feels to Be Colored Me. It has the ambiance, the culture, the feel, the music but as a comfortable and welcoming place to dine and cater to the future it needs to rethink and realign some things. The cover for the night, Friday, was $10 each. I understand that the band and the house needs their money but I'm also dining and buying drinks in a cramped, unconditioned place so a cover is kind of a slap in the face. If you're going to charge me for everything make it worth my while. Once I sat, next to the kitchen door, I was drawn to the music and the eclecticism of the crowd. The experience is one of a kind. They were busy and seemed a bit unorganized on waiters and tables but we were attended to with grace. The house drink was strong and worth it. We only needed one and my guest and I felt we should have shared it. Delicious and refreshing. The wait for our meal was no more than 30 mins which is reasonable for the crowd and type of food. I ordered fried chicken, greens and sweet potatoes, my friend ordered fried fish, cabbage and beans. We were not let down. The wait, the cramped feeling and the door fee was forgiven. I'll be back with some reservations.
(4)
Chris J.
I heard about the Baker's Keyboard Lounge while attending an event in Dallas. I decided to take the opportunity to stop by and check it out. I do suggest that you be aware of your surroundings. The Baker's Keyboard Lounge is not just well lite outside, the bar/restaurant is very small and during peak times feels very crowded. The building could use some remodeling. The biggest downer was the time it took for the kitchen to get the food out. It is no joke when I tell you that it took a little over 2 hours to get my food. I was not the only one. I kept hearing the waitress apologize for the slow kitchen.
(2)
Don J.
I really wanted to like this vintage 1930's era jazz club, which still offers an authentic Detroit jazz experience, but Baker's Keyboard Lounge has too many flaws to rate higher than 2 stars. The most glaring problem was the service, which was slower than the languid beat of the music. It was 15 minutes before our server finally appeared to take our order, then another 15 minutes before our drinks showed up. More inexcusable, it took an hour and a half for our food to be delivered. By that time we were crabby and hungry, making it harder to enjoy the music. Based on the reviews, I was expecting some amazing food, but this was also disappointing. The highlight was the side of mac and cheese, which has a generous later of melted cheese on the top. The collard greens, though, were bland and uninspired. The fried chicken was crispy, but overcooked and on the salty side. If you feel a need to check the Baker's box, my advice would be to eat before you get there and allow plenty of time.
(2)
Shayla S.
I have frequented Bakers since I was a kid. This place holds a special place in my heart as my grandparents, parents and once me and my family swore by this historic landmark . Read the details below to understand more about my 1 star review and how this saddens me. Pros: The food is great (when hot) and never disappoints. The portion sizes are great and the entertainment is always awesome! Con: The cost to dine here is high and one of the reasons we stopped coming weekly. It's $2-5 to park. Sometimes a $5 cover per person all before you get in the door. Lately, the food has not been hot and we have had to request the server microwave it before bringing it out. Recent Experience: on my recommendation, afew girlfriends came down on a Thursday to meet for our weekly girls night out. The service was SLOW and the establishment severely short staffed. When we did get our food it was cold (below room Temperature). Our drinks were $10-15 for wine and cut drinks. Also, there are no soda refills. We were not aware of the alacarte service for everything, our bill was shocking. Like over $250 for 5 people is reasonable if we had great service. After paying, we requested a manager/owner to provide feedback on our experience . Wrong choice! He told my friend this is not a "McDonald's". Not a good thing to tell a group of engineers and consultants. He even said I will take $10 off but that's all. Hmmm He didn't realize we already paid and tipped our server (who was very apologetic and it was not her fault). That ended my Bakers journey. Back to Troy, downtown and Royal Oak I go :-(
(1)
Ammi W.
Love this place. Always beautiful music and of course that's the reason I go. The food is also phenomenal and the drinks are great. There are things I could critique but I go for the music and stay for the food and both are great.
(5)
Apple S.
Update: Came back to dine here for some good southern comfort fare. There was a $5 cover to see the jazz band, no biggie. I came with 2 coworkers. Waitress asked us of we wanted top shelf or bottom shelf tequila (of course we picked top shelf since tequila give you a headache of a hangover). We asked the waitress for price, no answer, and she went on her merry way to type in our order in the POS. We ordered the 2 entree with 4 sides plus a pitcher of margarita. Food is excellent as always but when we got the bill for the margaritas we were charged for $55.00 for a pitcher of margarita. This is so unheard of $55.00. I complained so they discounted us $10.00 off the bill so if you do the math we were charged $45.00 for a pitcher of margarita. Never again. Order food but don't order drinks. They don't even have a drink menu because they will charge you accordingly. Never again. Food is still good.
(2)
La Toya M.
This is the 3rd soul food restaurant that I've tried in Detroit. Clearly I should have come here first. I ordered catfish nuggets, fried chicken wings, fried pork chops, greens, Mac-n-cheese and dressing. From past experience I learned to order more than one entree in case one sucks. Not in this case! Everything was delicious! This is the type of soul food that I'm accustomed to eating. I'm from Chicago with roots in Mississippi and Louisiana and this food tasted like my momma cooked it. I strongly recommend the food. They also have live jazz at this venue so I say come for the food and stay for the show. Enjoy!
(5)
Ashley R.
Time and time again, I fall in love with bakers. I've seen that infamous grey-ish building on 8 mile so many times before building up the courage to stop in. One of my co-workers one day were talking about a place in Detroit where we could hear some really really great jazz music. I know cliff bells etc has jazz, but I wanted something new... Something seedy... Something... Dangerous. Then- someone told me about bakers. I went on a Saturday night with my partner in crime, looking for a romantic night on the town. The parking lot was PACKED! So I figured this has got to be good. Was seated right away by the wonderful hostess... The jazz music that was filling the room was some of the best I've heard in my life! Got a menu and asked for a recommendation- the server said if you don't order the fried chicken, you ain't livin. So pretty simple, no-brainer there. Also ordered a rum and coke with my meal that could have knocked my socks off. Dang was it strong, just the way I like it! When the entrees came, holy cow. I mean wow. This was a hugeeeee platter, big enough to share and then some! Got it with a side of mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese (both epic choices). All in all... When I need an awesome jazz and soul food fix- bakers is it, hands down!
(5)
Clifton M.
My first visit to Bakers Keyboard Lounge. I was very impressed with the food. I had the fried chicken dinner with coleslaw and mac and cheese, My wife had the chicken wings dinner with baked potato and mac and cheese. We celebrated our 22nd Wedding Anniversary and had a great time hanging out there. We will be back for sure.
(5)
Meme W.
First time experience, went for the free comdey show (Mondays 9pm-12ish). Expectations were low since there wasnt a cover charge, but everyone was hilarious!! (especially the MC Koolaide). Bakers is really cute and quaint, I LOVE the cozy 2 seat booths *Perfect for date nights* Parking was only $3. I enjoyed the ambiance. While my overall experience was positive, there was a MAJOR glitch with my food order. Once it arrived it was delicious, but I waited over 1.5 hrs, and I ordered way before it became crowded. My friends said that was unusual, which is why I still gave this place 5 stars. The wait staff was gracious and apologetic. While I'd hesitate ordering food again, I will definitely be back for anotjer comdey show and hopefully a live jazz show.
(5)
Terri G.
Just a quick date night for my hubby and I. Food is always good and drinks are strong! We had a great crowd. I'm happy to say Bakers has a diverse crowd and I love it. I had the friend chicken wings with dressing and greens. Yummy!! My husband had smothered turkey chops with cabbage and Mac and cheese. Our food was great. The band was amazing although I can't remember there name. We will be going back soon. There was a 5 dollar cover charge and the booths are small. But it's a very intimate setting, so I didn't mind setting close to my husband. The staff is friendly and quick with service.
(5)
Melanie H.
Great food. Awesome historic location. Service was wonderful. Ordered the turkey dinner with greens and stuffing- no pork in the greens. My kinda place! A Must visit- diverse clientele in Restaraunt, very welcoming. I Love Detroit!
(5)
David N.
Detroit has been in the eye of the nation lately and like many I was interested in visiting it for myself. I also had friends who recently moved there. Detroit has a rich history and a epic decline but yet still holding on the its bootstraps and hang on. It is also a city not particularly tourist friendly. It is unpredictable. You can't really explore the streets like some other cities. You need a car. You need a local to guide you on some hidden gems and neighborhoods. On our visit Baker's seemed appropriate. Claims to be the oldest jazz club it might epitomizes Detroit's heritage. It is a bit interesting that on the night we went there was also a $5 cover charge considering one would also go eat there. The dishes here don't disappoint in flavor and portions. The Fried chicken was delicious. Crispy and moist. The two sides of mac & cheese and collard greens were equally a delight. The smothered Pork Chops was a plate full of goodness as was the beef short ribs. You can probably share the dishes as it could feed for two but you might want to keep the fried chicken to yourself. We wanted to try the peach cobbler but I don't think there was any more room in my stomach. Beyond the food is the ambiance and music. It is a laid back, friendly establishment and the live music only adds to the dining experience. If you are on a diet, health conscious or a vegan don't even bother. Bring on the elastic waist band because you'll need it after enjoying a meal at Baker's or don't eat for the next 2 days.
(4)
Katie V.
This is not a review of the entertainment, which would be 5 plus stars. The food and service for dinner are the worst I have experienced. 2.2 hours for our food. 1 hour to tell me that they were out of what I ordered (ribs). When the food came, they never brought my second side despite saying it "was on its way." 4 out of 5 people at my table got their food, and our server argued with us over whether the fifth person ordered anything - which he did. Go for drinks and entertainment. Don't go for the dinner.
(1)
Julian B.
Finally had some Baker's food. Got a carryout. 6 wings w 2 sides and a tasty muffin. $8. Worth it. Greens (collards) and mac were tasty. I would say the mac is good but not the best Ive had or anything. Wings good. Nice seasoning. Solid batter. Probably flour cornmeal mix. The wings maybe small to some but I like the smaller wings because I dont like the big steroid injected wings. There was a cool singer during Tuesday 12-3p slot whn I stopped by. Love the regulars stationed at the piano key designed bar. Small cover at certain times. Jazz mecca in our own backyard. Parking probably dicey whn busy. Update: the fried chicken is damn good. All sides good im partial to greens dressing mac or mashed potatoes and green beans. Yams were meh. Muffins tasty. And the live singer on Tuesday lunch is @Isis_damil. Many jazz standards. Dont miss.
(4)
Bri D.
Delicious food! Fried Chicken and Mac and Cheese were perfect! The greens were not bad. Cornbread was good! Drinks were delicious and strong. Burger and fries were phenomenal according to my bf. The music was amazing! Awesome band playing on a Saturday night. I had to dock a star because service was incredibly slow and the place is so cramped. No breathing room at all! Other than that this is a great place to spend with your significant other on date nights. I will definitely return soon!
(4)
Shub S.
Great live jazz and tasty desserts!! It's amazing to be next to the stage where many many jazz greats have performed on. Any jazz lover should go here to the world's oldest running jazz club!
(5)
Tasha H.
THEE best soul food I've ever had, period. Yea it's in a shady looking part of town, but once you get inside, you won't even know the difference. What you will know, is that this food is finger lickin' good. I peeped grandma behind the kitchen door and then it all made sense. I had the fried catfish, collard greens, mac/cheese & potato salad. The breading on that fish was out of this world. It was hot, crusty and flaky all at the same time. The collards were tasty albeit a little too oily for my tastes. The potato salad was fresh but not as good as mine ;o) For dessert, hubs and I shared the peach cobbler. Yep, this was also the best peach cobbler I've had in my life. To top it all off, there was a live jazz band of college students playing. Overall a great experience and this will be my go-to spot for Sunday dinner when we're in D-town.
(5)
Colette N.
I love Baker's. Always have. I have been running senior outings and thought it might be nice to take them to Baker's, as they have told me they all used to hang out there back in the day. Tuesday afternoons (noon - 3pm), Bakers has lunchtime entertainment. This happens to be perfect for a senior group. They also have a great lunch special (cheap is REALLY good for seniors - and hell, anyone), it is only $8 for pork chop or whiting or turkey or wings + 2 sides. Nice special! I wasnt expecting much (but truthfully, my seniors don't eat a ton). The portions were moderate, but absolutley perfect. Side note, several asked abt preparation and I didn't know.....but I do now.... Fried pork chop - delicious Whiting - breaded, fried catfish (?) - everyone loved it Turkey - shredded with light chicken gravy (if desired) - yummy Wings - people loved em. Some of the sides that were big hits: mac & cheese, side salad (very generous portion), greens, mashed and baked potatoes, Dessert (not included in $8 price): Brownie is delicious, but I especially LOVE the Peach Cobbler. (Downside, if they sell out over the weekend, they don't always have Peach Cobbler on Tuesday). I don't drink coffee, but one of our guests said they thought it was instant. That was the closest thing to a complaint I heard. Now to give you fair warning, they have one cook and a small kitchen. They did take 5 orders in at a time (and brought 5 orders out at a time). To get thru 35 people took quite a long time, but honestly they were really patient (kudos to our group!), and I am sure the entertainment was a great diversion. I considered dropping down to 4 stars because of the wait, but truthfully, for what they are doing - they do it very very well! Now on a side note, I get carry out at lunch time and it is pretty quick and SO YUMMY (I LOVE the meatloaf and of course the Peach Cobbler). On my original review, I suggested BAKER'S as a great first date place, but I'd like to also suggest it would make an IDEAL place to take your parents.
(5)
Mario W.
We love this place . Great Jazz and food in a classic setting. This historic venue is really unlike any other in the city for the talent that comes through here and the homestyle cooking . My wife and I both love this place and have been going here for years. You have to try the catfish and candied yams, not necessarily in that combination but you haven't lived until you had at least one. I hear from my better half that the mac and cheese is pretty tasty too. So if you're in the mood for classic jazz in cozy setting with great food to match , this is the place to be. Great waitstaff with excellent service. No matter how crowded it is we never have to wait long for our food.
(4)
Meek G.
Worth the trip. Good food, strong drinks, good music, and everyone had a good vibe. Well definitely go back. I wish the decor was a bit better and there is limited seating. Get there early or call ahead. If you love jazz you have to stop by.
(4)
Ceaser D.
Free comedy shows are a hoot. We always have lots of laughs and enjoy fantastic food, this is soul food baby! The greens, cat fish, and Mac and cheese are heavenly!
(5)
Natasha B.
Their food is by far, the best! Everything is very flavorful and you don't have to add a thing!!!!
(5)
Linda E.
Such a great place for a night out on the town, relaxing to some jazz. Very busy place. $5 to park in the lot, $10 cover to get in, able to pay with a credit card. We waited about ten minutes to be seated at a very small table, very close to others. The service is a bit spotty. After 15 minutes of waiting, we were about to go to the bar ourselves when she arrived to take our drink order which took another 15 minutes to arrive. We just got some fries which were cold and almost done by the time I had to get up to find the waitress to ask for ketchup for the second time. We decided to take the peach cobbler to go which had some French vanilla ice cream! Very sweet, very good.
(4)
Lauren B.
Legendary. I came for Monday Comedy Night and was in tears the whole time, especially when Kool-Aid brought me on stage and had the whole building sing me The Jeffersons theme song. The food? Immaculate. 100% soul. The drinks? Generous. Baker's doesn't play around, you will get a buzz goin'. I will be back.
(5)
Rohin B.
This is a must go if you want to feel in the D. Music changes often, so can't comment on that. Food is pretty good and the service is excellent. The peach cobbler was the best ever!!! Really, it was that good. Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
(4)
Cameron M.
In spite of sitting right under the speaker, I'm glad to have spent my Friday night there. After seeing the food brought out to another table, I wish I had saved my appetite to eat there.
(4)
Robyn L.
What a great place! I was really unsure about trying this place, I had drove by hundreds of times but I guess the exterior decor threw me off. Never judge a book by its cover! I went on a Friday night, paid $10.00 cover charge, which is reasonable because they have live JAZZ bands playing and your paying for the wonderful experience. I went with my best friend but next time I'd go with my hubby, they have cute little booths in front of the band to sit in or larger tables in other sections. It was a mixed crowd of people and the food we ordered was delicious (chicken, pork chops, macaroni & yams) The best part of the place was our waitress named 'Laura' if you ever eat here make sure you ask for her because she was excellent, very attentive and on time with everything... we heard she was good so we asked for her specifically and we are glad we did. Check Out Bakers... you wont be disappointed :)
(5)
Brandy S.
So I decided to check this place out based on the great reviews I read right here on Yelp! The reviews were great and the pics of the food looked good as well. So I went to get the catfish lunch special. I had mac n cheese and yams as my sides. Plus I added the peach cobbler. The portions were more than enough for me. Service was also nice as well. My meal came to $13. Catfish: It was hot, crispy, and fried just right. I took a bite and wasn't exactly liking the seasoning that was used. It was just ok to me. Mac N Cheese: It looked great. I took a bite and it was good, but needed some pepper in it or something. It was ok. Yams: They were good. Corn bread muffin: Tasty! Peach Cobbler: It's ok as well. More cobbler than peaches. Doesn't taste like my moms but it passed. I'm good and full, but not sure if I will return. I'm thinking of giving them a second chance, but not anytime soon.
(3)
Keith G.
Great place to take a date. Good food. Only bad thing is and I have been there many times, service is always slow and shitty. But music and food make up for bad attitudes and 1 hr wait for anything...
(4)
Matt M.
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.
(4)
Lynn J.
Me and my coworkers order takeout for lunch at least once from Bakers every once in a while (Its at least a 15 minute drive from where i work). They have affordable and satisfying lunch options and portions. The food taste excellent. I am a big fan of the fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and greens. I've never eaten on the inside but the place has a cool, jazz like ambiance.
(4)
Ed G.
This is the classic jazz joint I would recommend to anyone. Weekends are crowded, and sometimes have nationally known musicians. The food is decent (but not great). We don't come here for the food. At least the drinks are not watered down. It has the flavor of an old time "speak". This is truly one of Detroit's jewels. When I have guests from out of town I take them here - more enjoyable than the usual "Greenfield Village" routine.
(5)
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.
(5)
Rhonda L.
Great entertainment !! Great food !!! Good ambience. The oldest jazz club in the country. Everyone needs to go. I have gone a few times in the last six months and they were all good experiences.
(5)
Lori K.
Great food, music and waitress (Tiffany)!!! We try to go to local places when we travel out of town and we found a great place! We will go back when we are in town again. We recommend highly!!!
(5)
Alexis S.
Great music, great food and great drinks...what more could you ask for. Bakers definitely lives up to the reputation it has. A small intimate jazz spot, with great entertainers. They played hit after hit. I had the chicken wings with mac and cheese and corn and def wasn't disappointed. The waitresses were attentive and polite. Really glad I found my way to this gem.
(5)
Ida C.
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!
(5)
Jason B.
Best damn chicken in the state! Went on Saturday with my lovely wife to be. The food is amazing, the jazz was great, but the drinks were pretty lackluster. For 8 and 9 bucks, respectfully, our Jameson and Stoli sodas had no ice in them and the glasses were half full. We'll definitely go back, without a doubt, but we won't drink there all night afterward.
(4)
Tom P.
Great atmosphere, this place drips history. The food? I've never liked catfish, it always tastes like mud but it was great here, perfectly cooked with excellent breading. The fried chicken was very good, would have been excellent if the breast hadn't been a bit overdone. The black eyes, collard greens and slaw were good, and not oversalted at all. The service was excellent. The music was great. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
Andrea D.
I have wanted to go here for YEARS! Finally did tonight. The big mistake was deciding to go for dinner. We had to ask for menus. Dinner took forever! We had a party of 8 and meals were brought out over a period of 20-30 minutes. 20 minutes after my husband's dinner arrived (and mine hadn't), I cancelled mine, and just ate the rest of his. Thankfully, the portions are HUGE! The cornbread batter on the fish was good. I'm sure it's great when it's warm :/ The entertainment was great! Next time, I will go for the music and dessert. The peach cobbler is phenomenal!
(2)
Ife J.
I really hate to give this review because I do enjoy their food...BUT... I just called in my order...and I tried to order lunch based on their menu here on yelp. I was told that there is no lunch on Saturdays. When I tried to explain that it's not clear here on yelp I was LIED to and told that they can't control anything that is put on yelp.. That yelp decides what goes on here... As a business owner with my business listed here on yelp that is an out and out right LIE... I tried to inform him of the truth and was told WE REALLY DONT CARE.... Really?! People take the time to review your establishment, people like me and MANY others find you on yelp and when someone tries to help you your response is WE REALLY DONT CARE?!!!! The ONLY reason I gave two stars was because of the food.... The customer service is HORRIBLE & RUDE! I hope everyone calls and floods them with questions about their yelp page!!!!
(2)
Liz W.
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.
(5)
Rachael N.
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.....
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Michelle I.
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?
(5)Christine S.
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.
(2)Jeffrey A.
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!
(4)Nikki T.
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!
(4)Sterling H.
I can't write about the food at Baker's. The only thing that I got after ordering the fried chicken dinner ($13 Ouch!), and after 60 minutes of waiting was 2 Cokes. They were horribly watery. I walked out after the waitress told me she was going to check on my order, and stayed in the kitchen for 10 minutes. NEVER AGAIN will I waste my time on this place. I live about 5 blocks away, and I would not try to attempt to eat their excuses for horrible service.
(1)ROD S.
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.
(4)James B.
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.
(4)damian a.
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).
(5)Charles S.
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.
(1)Noel D.
I was visiting from NJ and heard about Baker's from a local. It was easy to find for a newbie to Detroit, which is always a plus. The food was great and very reasonably priced - loved the catfish. I stayed for the first set of music on a Saturday night - I'm not knowledgeable about jazz, but I thought the band sounded very good. The biggest plus for me, and the reason I would gladly go back, is the atmosphere. The staff is friendly and I wasn't rushed while eating or listening to the band afterward. Its a very low-key, comfortable "vibe". The bar resembling a keyboard is cool - you can feel the history there.
(5)Sara K.
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!!
(4)Carrie A.
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!
(5)Tom S.
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.
(5)Marcos R.
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.
(5)Scott M.
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.
(5)Claribelle V.
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.
(5)Chris H.
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.
(5)Jozo Joe Z.
I've been here once. Had a great night. Nice cocktails, good dinner, cool atmosphere, and of course really good music.
(4)Lisa W.
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.
(5)juston m.
what a great way to ring in the new year! bakers keyboard lounge was so much laid back fun. we helped them celebrate their 75th new year's celebration. the christopher wilson quartet kept the night going with three sets each about 1 hour long. the members of the band were all younger than me and so talented. i even got the chance to see my first asian drummer! the bar itself is phenomenal! shaped like a piano and curvy like me. the food was delicious and i never expected a club to have such good soul food. i had smothered pork chops with mac and cheese, black eyed peas (good luck and fortune for the new year) and collard greens. the pork chops were everything i wanted. hot and covered in gravy. the collard greens were not bitter at all and had a very nice taste. the mac and cheese was remarkable and the pinto beans had definitely spent some time simmering on the stove. james' fried chicken dinner was actually a half chicken and the hot sauce had some of the best spices ever. not just going for hot, they were going fo flavor too!. don't pass up the peach cobbler either. just the right amount of sweetness. we all enjoyed the experience! the owner was nice enough to announce his appreciation for his customers and helping him through a difficult year right before the new year. it was great to support a detroit institution and have a truly enjoyable evening. btw, its at 8 and livernois. ferndale is right across the street. there is nothing scary about its location at all. love, juston
(5)Mara S.
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.
(4)Yo U.
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.
(3)Kellie B.
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.
(4)Rese D.
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!
(4)Jonny P.
Alright y'all this is gonna be a bad review but I hope u will understand why. The service in this place is absolutely terrible, the two times I have gone there have been major issues with the waitstaff in regards to the bill or just general attentiveness. It was my understanding that the lounge was having financial difficulties however if they cannot improve their customers experience this historic venue & it's great food will continue to be overlooked...
(2)Steve M.
Off the hook. Awesome. Fun. God food. Great time.
(4)Viet N.
love it here. the long history and ambiance of this place is amazing. great service, great live music, great food.
(5)Ben W.
They have the BEST Fried Chicken and Mac & Cheese you can find. Eating in is nice and the jazz music is good, even if you don't care for Jazz. Very Busy on the weekend, maybe a short wait as the Restaurant is small. They have been around at least 20 + years.
(4)Terrence K.
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.
(5)starli h.
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!
(5)Nadine G.
Baker's is the perfect place to bring a date, your parents, or out of town guests. If you love jazz and soul food, this is the place for you.
(4)A C.
Baker's is awesome! Like every other poster has mentioned, the atmosphere is incredible. We went on a Friday night around 10:00pm. The place was packed. We stood near the bar for 30 min. waiting for a table to open up. Once seated, we were treated to a fantastic jazz performance. Love this place!
(5)Cherice J.
Wow, I literally have lived within a mile of Baker's for most of my life, and have never even thought about going in. I guess because I am more of a hip hop fan than anything. However, my guy friend suggested we meet up there last week and much to my surprise, I had a good time. Although the outside is pretty shabby (as are most buildings in Detroit), the inside was still booming. Around 8pm is when the show begins, so it gets really packed around this time. I couldn't really tell you who was performing, but the music was very excellent and created a homely vibe. Oh, I didn't even mention how great the food was. Of course, I am a soul food type of girl so I enjoyed my entree. If you go, definitely try the sweet potatoes, coleslaw, and the pork chops. The prices are roughly $10-12 dollars for a meal, which isn't too bad. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this place for large groups, because it is super tight.
(4)Karen J.
I went this past weekend for the first time with a group of friends. It was great! The live music was amazing, the staff was courteous, beer was cold, peach cobbler was to die for, and one of the gentlemen who works there even gave us ladies an escort to our car. This place needs support in order to keep on dishing up authentic live jazz, and I'll certainly be back.
(5)Jason T.
* great fried chicken * would definitely recommend as the go to for detroit. I just came from buffalo and the chicken wings + hot sauce is better than the locals' favs in buffalo. And this place is supposed to be a Jazz+dinner joint. Mainly because they were making good fried chicken and the hot sauce was really just a condiment. I got the $8 lunch special 6 chicken wings with corn bread and 2 sides. Corn bread came in a muffin shape, and was probably the best corn bread i've had at any fried chicken place. Collard greens were good, but i did wish they added bacon, and were a little less salty. green beans were good. The water did taste a little weird though. It was a huge lunch for me bc the six wings also came with that extra drum stick attached at the end of the wing. The atmosphere was really cool with the piano bar and the locals just chilling. The workers also know the history and try to introduce it to you. There's plenty of history around with pictures of artists who have played there. My friend got the half chicken with mac and cheese and rice+beans. he loved the rice and beans but though the mac cheese was ok. I would definitely come here over popeyes and church's on a regular basis. I heard the catfish was fresh and delicious from the table next to ours.
(5)Kathryn G.
Came here for the first time a few weeks ago. I think its pretty cool this place is the oldest jazz club in the world. The area is unfortunately sketchy, but I expected this. Inside was a little cramped but we were close to the stage which was nice. The staff was friendly when we arrived. The food was ok...nothing to brag about. I am also pretty sure the waitress forgot to bring our dinner out because after 50 minutes of waiting they still had not reached our table. I got the attention of one of the staff and the dinner came out not even two minutes later after I said something...what a coincidence...The drinks were nice and strong but really pricey, geez! At the end of the night we somehow ended up with two waitresses and they both gave us a bill. It was a little frustrating that they allowed this to happen.
(3)Michelle H.
On-point southern food, large portions, attentive waitstaff, and comedy night is a riot. Love this place.
(4)Carolyn M.
Baker's Keyboard Lounge...mmmm... mmm....mmmm. Love it. One mile from my house and I feel like I'm out of town on vacation. The food is fabulous. I love the open jam on Sundays and we finally got to check out the big band which is always the last Sunday of the month (thanks to one of our favorite bartender's , Jackie, advice.) come for the history and stay for the food, music, and friendly folks. We've had many nights of fun here.
(5)Shane H.
food is ok. go there mainly for the music and the atmosphere. service is still friendly thought.
(4)John A.
Baker's is the genuine article. A great, historic jazz club that's still doing what made it world famous.
(5)Robyn T.
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.
(4)Brianna M.
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!
(5)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.
(5)Lenny Liliana M.
I had a really great time at this place! Music was awesome!! People is friendly and I enjoyed the food and drinks. Looking forward to go again.
(5)Justin L.
Still Fantastic. Was fortunate to sit next to Jim Gallert ( detroitmusichistory.com ) who knew the whole band. It was great hearing the history of Baker's. No seat is more than 20 feet from the stage. Folks come for birthday parties and the like. Strangers share their cake with you and everyone is really in the same party at the same time.
(5)Kristin G.
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.
(5)Danielle H.
My boyfriend and I both really like jazz so when we were thinking of what to do for New Year's Eve he suggested Baker's. I hopped online to check the reviews, almost all of which were glowing. It seemed like such a bargain. Two tickets for a show with three different acts, two dinners, and a bottle of champagne for $175. We would have happily spent twice as much for such a fantastic night out. I called to find out what was on the menu and to book reservations. When the man I spoke with on the phone was arranging the seating he gave me options of a booth or a table. I let him know that we would be fine with either and that it was our first trip to their establishment and that we were very excited to have found such a "gem." He chose the seats for us and told me that we would be in a booth facing the stage. The big night comes, we get to Baker's and park in the lot. It was $6 to park (WOW, so Cheap!) and the lot attendant was very pleasant. We get into the place and it really is a dive bar. Thankfully I was prepared from the other reviews. We give the hostess our name and we are led through the lounge where it is obvious they have squeezed in as many tables as possible to maximize cover revenues. We are led to a small table that is pushed up to another table in a T shape. There were two other couples seated there already and we were given the remaining seats. All six of us look uncomfortable with the situation. These seats face the wall and we are seated with our BACKS to the stage. I let the young man who was seating us know that this was not the seating arrangement that had been discussed when I booked the reservation. He seemed uncomfortable and replied that he couldn't really do anything that these were the seats we were assigned. We waited almost 30 minutes for someone to take our drink order. It's an ackward 30 minutes. The music was too loud for any sort of conversation and the tables were too close to allow us to turn our seats 180 degrees to watch the performance. After the server brought our drinks (at seperate times) it was another 10 minutes before the food arrived. Ahhh.. the food. With so many fantastic reviews I was surely in for a treat. It's New Year's Eve! I bet they've gone over the top, right? Wrong. We were brought plates of food which had obviously been kept in chaffing dishes. Roast beef, baked chicken, roasted potatoes, green beans and a roll. I had previously been told that we would also have a piece of their "famous fried chicken" but it was not on the plate. I dig in and was disappointed. The chicken had a nice flavor but wasn't anything to write home about. The roast beef was so tough I had trouble cutting it with my steak knife. The green beans were soggy and over cooked. I did like the potatoes, though, I'm not sure if it was the potatoes themselves or the sopping mess of roast beef gravy and butter from the beans that had accumlated on my plate. Our champagne was Korbel (better quality than I had expected). It arrived during dinner. When my boyfriend order it he asked for champagne with the ice bucket. The waitress brought the champagne sans bucket. This was really the final straw for us. I will generally stick it out but the thought of warm, flat sparkling wine swayed me when my boyfriend suggested we just leave. We had given them $190 of our money and were not about to give them the rest of our New Year's Eve. As we left we were met with the most insincere offer from the management. (I assume he was the manager) He never actually introduced himself just said that if we wanted to come back he would comp our dinner and drinks. He didn't, however take our names, offer his, give us a card or any other way of redeeming his offer.
(1)Jennifer H.
My husband and I went to Baker's and had so much fun. We had made a reservation and had a great seat in a nice cozy booth right in front of the stage. The atmosphere was really cool; it was almost a step back in time. We arrived a little after 7:00 and ordered dinner before the entertainment, the fried chicken was amazing, some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. My husband and I split the Fried Chicken Dinner and Tilapia dinner. The Tilapia was average. I had Coleslaw and Baked Potato with Broccoli and Cheese. Baked potato was a bit hard not quite cooked enough. My husband had the Mac & Cheese and Green Beans both really good as well. As far as drinks they were super strong, so be prepared. I needed several limes to make my vodka soda drinkable. I wanted to order a coffee drink after dinner and the server let me know that they only have instant coffee so I skipped it. Overall a great experience. I am not the biggest Jazz music fan, but it was some classic Motown sounding music and enjoyable.
(4)Danielle B.
We were a party of 10 this past Saturday. Having been to Cliff Bells, I was excited to see what this experience would be like especially since it claims to be "the oldest jazz club in the world." When we pulled up outside, I was a bit skeptical of what was in store..but my fears quickly subsided as we stepped inside and got a glimpse of the piano bar. Everyone was so friendly and I was surprised to see that the place was about 80% to capacity! In previous reviews, I've read that waitstaff has been a problem..and I will agree that they need to hire more servers to take care of the floor. That being said our server was very friendly and did the best she could. Unfortunately, for me (not too sure about everyone else) the food left a lot to be desired..but for the price, I suppose I shouldn't complain too much. Had we had the same meals at Cliff Bells..and drank as much (5 glasses of wine or so - combined) our bill would definitely be more than $78! The other complaint I had..was that there were times when the jazz music was just to damn loud! I mean, I know that you're supposed to come for the music and not for the conversation..but still..blowing the sax straight into the mic was a bit much for me! I wanted to be able to comment to my friends on the evening and found myself screaming over everyone. There was a man playing the trumpet as well that night and he knew exactly what he was doing. I could appreciate his music so much more. I dunno..maybe I don't know what I'm talking about? I'm no jazz aficionado.. Anyway it was memorable evening and we will be back when we have friends/family in town. But hopefully a few things would've been changed by then! I still love you Bakers!
(3)Haroun K.
The self-proclaimed 'Oldest Jazz Club in North America." This is the best Jazz club in Detroit, hands down. The talent is always spectacular, and there is often very low, or no, cover charge. It puts the New York jazz scene to shame. The late legendary Dr. Teddy Harris used to run the show on Wednesday nights. My favorite time to come is Sunday nights for the jam sessions, usually headed by siren-voiced vocalists. The place is often packed, with the perfect amount of sultry smokiness. If you can, get a seat along the booth closer to the piano, maybe the best seats in the house. The piano itself is legendary, and it was a thrill to have my fingers on the same keys as played by Earl Hines. There is a soul food menu which I avoid, though I recommend the Turtle Cheesecake. Despite being so wonderful, Baker's seems to change ownership semi-frequently. It's strange, because this place really is an institution.
(5)Ethan S.
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.
(5)Cosimo D.
I'm not one for going out late at night. Actually, anytime after 8:30-9:00, and I'm usually ready to just kick it at home; however, when you come across a place as unique as Baker's, that shit changes real quick. First off, for those of you not in the know, this place is the oldest jazz club in the U.S. They say they're the oldest in the world, and I'm inclined to believe them. Not only do they have great food, but the atmosphere is pretty hard to beat. I'm always down for a kick-ass meal, and I don't care if it cost $5 or $100, as long as it's tasting great. This place is a great example of how you can serve fantastic, high quality food without charging customers an arm and a leg for it. But you know what? The food is that good. You'd easily pay $10-15 more per entree if they charged that, and not just because of the quality of their cuisine, but because the ambiance is superb. It's very small inside, and most of the tables are even smaller, but it works for this club. If you're out with someone who you're just starting to see, it forces you to get closer to one another. But it's not an uncomfortable closeness, it's an intimate closeness. And it works for those trying to reignite the flame in a tired relationship too, for all the same reasons. Then there's the music. It's not just Detroit's best jazz players who entertain, but people from all over the world. I would NEVER claim to be a jazz enthusiast, but you'll feel like one when you are here. It all comes together. The soul food, the atmosphere, the music, the booze, the closeness. It's like a portal into a long forgotten scene, that desperately needs to be reawakened. Normally, all I'd talk about is the food on a review such as this, but it's not needed here. I'll quickly say that the Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens, and Fried Chicken are all unbelievably delicious, and that the Catfish and Ribs are a must try, but beyond that, if you haven't heard enough to get you to Baker's by now, then check your pulse my friend, because you may be dead.
(5)Julie V.
"The clock's run out, time's up, over, bloah! Snap back to reality--oh, there goes gravity!" Eminem Yup, I'm throwing it way back to 8 Mile! It was driving to Bakers that I drove by THE notorious 8 Mile Road. As made mainstream by Eminem, this road separates the rich from the poor. Alas, my light bulb moment and my 8th grade self sighed, "ah ha"...a decade after the movie was released... Coincidentally, this was road to transition from undergrad into doctorate school--I was in town for my University of Detroit, Mercy interview, and they were one of the first schools to admit me into the program. Even though I am no Stan, I like to think that this road and this lounge does hold a special place in my heart (along with Marshall, just kidding!). My undergrad friend Jas and I drove to Bakers while Ed Stone was performing. Bakers Keyboard Lounge carries with it a lot of history being the oldest jazz club in the USA, in the heart of Detroit. This lounge is like the city in its decrepit way. The outside--dark with worn down signs and its flickering lights; the inside--colorful yet dark, its main light source: candles. Food's a steal here and the entree portions will feed an entire family. Food was GOOD SOUTHERN AWESOMENESS. It was so soulful, it made us praise the Lord for we are unworthy to accept such grace. hahaha, I kid, I kid. Jas got the fried catfish dinner with potato salad and mac n cheese ($12.75), and I got the full rack BBQ rib dinner with fries and mac n cheese ($15). Both entrees with sides were delicious and I could only fill up on 1/5th of my ribs before I KO'd. My entree still looked whole...that's how GIGANTIC the portions were. My deepest regret was not ordering the fried chicken...oh, I soooo should have. I had a rib phase at the time, but how does one not order FRIED CHICKEN when going for soul food!? Service was subpar. We got our food in and out quickly, but our waitress didn't want anything to do with us. She didn't answer when asked for recommendations, she dropped off the check and stood there waiting for us to pay before she would leave. When we got the hint, we paid with cash. She immediately picked up the receipt and money, she counted it in front of us, and asked if the rest was for her. Maybe it's a Detroit thing, but that was weird to us. Overall, I can't wait to come back next time I visit Motor City. I highly recommend anything from the menu and to not come here expecting good service or a renovated establishment.
(4)Ernie M.
This was our first time here in many years and we had a great time. The jazz entertainment was interesting and the food was excellent. There were six of us and between us we had the fried catfish, fried chicken and meatloaf entrees . For sides we had the mac& cheese, black eyed peas, yams, and baked potato ----all very tasty. The wines were good too. The desert was a peach cobbler ---delicious. We'll go back soon.
(4)Sally M.
Classic jazz that cannot be beat. It's Detroit version of NYC Blue Note. Same big names same great sound. And the food..., Baby bring your big girl panties and your inner big girl appetite cause the greens and cornbread the black eye peas and Mac and cheese the chicken and salmon patties are going to blow you away before you get to the peach cobbler and German chocolate cake.!
(5)Casey G.
This place is the real deal: live jazz, perfect fried chicken and all the sides, and decor that nods to vintage jazz clubs. Clean place. Super friendly staff. I'd be there weekly if I lived in Detroit! Don't miss it.
(4)Tyra N.
I've been a child of this place. My Mom and Dad came here a lot in my youth and when I was old enough they brought me here, (after their divorce) because this place is that timeless. As a jazz baby, I welcome live instrumentalist while I dine. The stage is in your face. The size is definitely something they need to review. It's time for change. They do need a larger, more secure parking lot and they do need a larger more comfortable venue. Maybe a remodel needs to be considered. It's like being in the Jazz basement Zora Neal Hurston speaks of in How It Feels to Be Colored Me. It has the ambiance, the culture, the feel, the music but as a comfortable and welcoming place to dine and cater to the future it needs to rethink and realign some things. The cover for the night, Friday, was $10 each. I understand that the band and the house needs their money but I'm also dining and buying drinks in a cramped, unconditioned place so a cover is kind of a slap in the face. If you're going to charge me for everything make it worth my while. Once I sat, next to the kitchen door, I was drawn to the music and the eclecticism of the crowd. The experience is one of a kind. They were busy and seemed a bit unorganized on waiters and tables but we were attended to with grace. The house drink was strong and worth it. We only needed one and my guest and I felt we should have shared it. Delicious and refreshing. The wait for our meal was no more than 30 mins which is reasonable for the crowd and type of food. I ordered fried chicken, greens and sweet potatoes, my friend ordered fried fish, cabbage and beans. We were not let down. The wait, the cramped feeling and the door fee was forgiven. I'll be back with some reservations.
(4)Chris J.
I heard about the Baker's Keyboard Lounge while attending an event in Dallas. I decided to take the opportunity to stop by and check it out. I do suggest that you be aware of your surroundings. The Baker's Keyboard Lounge is not just well lite outside, the bar/restaurant is very small and during peak times feels very crowded. The building could use some remodeling. The biggest downer was the time it took for the kitchen to get the food out. It is no joke when I tell you that it took a little over 2 hours to get my food. I was not the only one. I kept hearing the waitress apologize for the slow kitchen.
(2)Don J.
I really wanted to like this vintage 1930's era jazz club, which still offers an authentic Detroit jazz experience, but Baker's Keyboard Lounge has too many flaws to rate higher than 2 stars. The most glaring problem was the service, which was slower than the languid beat of the music. It was 15 minutes before our server finally appeared to take our order, then another 15 minutes before our drinks showed up. More inexcusable, it took an hour and a half for our food to be delivered. By that time we were crabby and hungry, making it harder to enjoy the music. Based on the reviews, I was expecting some amazing food, but this was also disappointing. The highlight was the side of mac and cheese, which has a generous later of melted cheese on the top. The collard greens, though, were bland and uninspired. The fried chicken was crispy, but overcooked and on the salty side. If you feel a need to check the Baker's box, my advice would be to eat before you get there and allow plenty of time.
(2)Shayla S.
I have frequented Bakers since I was a kid. This place holds a special place in my heart as my grandparents, parents and once me and my family swore by this historic landmark . Read the details below to understand more about my 1 star review and how this saddens me. Pros: The food is great (when hot) and never disappoints. The portion sizes are great and the entertainment is always awesome! Con: The cost to dine here is high and one of the reasons we stopped coming weekly. It's $2-5 to park. Sometimes a $5 cover per person all before you get in the door. Lately, the food has not been hot and we have had to request the server microwave it before bringing it out. Recent Experience: on my recommendation, afew girlfriends came down on a Thursday to meet for our weekly girls night out. The service was SLOW and the establishment severely short staffed. When we did get our food it was cold (below room Temperature). Our drinks were $10-15 for wine and cut drinks. Also, there are no soda refills. We were not aware of the alacarte service for everything, our bill was shocking. Like over $250 for 5 people is reasonable if we had great service. After paying, we requested a manager/owner to provide feedback on our experience . Wrong choice! He told my friend this is not a "McDonald's". Not a good thing to tell a group of engineers and consultants. He even said I will take $10 off but that's all. Hmmm He didn't realize we already paid and tipped our server (who was very apologetic and it was not her fault). That ended my Bakers journey. Back to Troy, downtown and Royal Oak I go :-(
(1)Ammi W.
Love this place. Always beautiful music and of course that's the reason I go. The food is also phenomenal and the drinks are great. There are things I could critique but I go for the music and stay for the food and both are great.
(5)Apple S.
Update: Came back to dine here for some good southern comfort fare. There was a $5 cover to see the jazz band, no biggie. I came with 2 coworkers. Waitress asked us of we wanted top shelf or bottom shelf tequila (of course we picked top shelf since tequila give you a headache of a hangover). We asked the waitress for price, no answer, and she went on her merry way to type in our order in the POS. We ordered the 2 entree with 4 sides plus a pitcher of margarita. Food is excellent as always but when we got the bill for the margaritas we were charged for $55.00 for a pitcher of margarita. This is so unheard of $55.00. I complained so they discounted us $10.00 off the bill so if you do the math we were charged $45.00 for a pitcher of margarita. Never again. Order food but don't order drinks. They don't even have a drink menu because they will charge you accordingly. Never again. Food is still good.
(2)La Toya M.
This is the 3rd soul food restaurant that I've tried in Detroit. Clearly I should have come here first. I ordered catfish nuggets, fried chicken wings, fried pork chops, greens, Mac-n-cheese and dressing. From past experience I learned to order more than one entree in case one sucks. Not in this case! Everything was delicious! This is the type of soul food that I'm accustomed to eating. I'm from Chicago with roots in Mississippi and Louisiana and this food tasted like my momma cooked it. I strongly recommend the food. They also have live jazz at this venue so I say come for the food and stay for the show. Enjoy!
(5)Ashley R.
Time and time again, I fall in love with bakers. I've seen that infamous grey-ish building on 8 mile so many times before building up the courage to stop in. One of my co-workers one day were talking about a place in Detroit where we could hear some really really great jazz music. I know cliff bells etc has jazz, but I wanted something new... Something seedy... Something... Dangerous. Then- someone told me about bakers. I went on a Saturday night with my partner in crime, looking for a romantic night on the town. The parking lot was PACKED! So I figured this has got to be good. Was seated right away by the wonderful hostess... The jazz music that was filling the room was some of the best I've heard in my life! Got a menu and asked for a recommendation- the server said if you don't order the fried chicken, you ain't livin. So pretty simple, no-brainer there. Also ordered a rum and coke with my meal that could have knocked my socks off. Dang was it strong, just the way I like it! When the entrees came, holy cow. I mean wow. This was a hugeeeee platter, big enough to share and then some! Got it with a side of mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese (both epic choices). All in all... When I need an awesome jazz and soul food fix- bakers is it, hands down!
(5)Clifton M.
My first visit to Bakers Keyboard Lounge. I was very impressed with the food. I had the fried chicken dinner with coleslaw and mac and cheese, My wife had the chicken wings dinner with baked potato and mac and cheese. We celebrated our 22nd Wedding Anniversary and had a great time hanging out there. We will be back for sure.
(5)Meme W.
First time experience, went for the free comdey show (Mondays 9pm-12ish). Expectations were low since there wasnt a cover charge, but everyone was hilarious!! (especially the MC Koolaide). Bakers is really cute and quaint, I LOVE the cozy 2 seat booths *Perfect for date nights* Parking was only $3. I enjoyed the ambiance. While my overall experience was positive, there was a MAJOR glitch with my food order. Once it arrived it was delicious, but I waited over 1.5 hrs, and I ordered way before it became crowded. My friends said that was unusual, which is why I still gave this place 5 stars. The wait staff was gracious and apologetic. While I'd hesitate ordering food again, I will definitely be back for anotjer comdey show and hopefully a live jazz show.
(5)Terri G.
Just a quick date night for my hubby and I. Food is always good and drinks are strong! We had a great crowd. I'm happy to say Bakers has a diverse crowd and I love it. I had the friend chicken wings with dressing and greens. Yummy!! My husband had smothered turkey chops with cabbage and Mac and cheese. Our food was great. The band was amazing although I can't remember there name. We will be going back soon. There was a 5 dollar cover charge and the booths are small. But it's a very intimate setting, so I didn't mind setting close to my husband. The staff is friendly and quick with service.
(5)Melanie H.
Great food. Awesome historic location. Service was wonderful. Ordered the turkey dinner with greens and stuffing- no pork in the greens. My kinda place! A Must visit- diverse clientele in Restaraunt, very welcoming. I Love Detroit!
(5)David N.
Detroit has been in the eye of the nation lately and like many I was interested in visiting it for myself. I also had friends who recently moved there. Detroit has a rich history and a epic decline but yet still holding on the its bootstraps and hang on. It is also a city not particularly tourist friendly. It is unpredictable. You can't really explore the streets like some other cities. You need a car. You need a local to guide you on some hidden gems and neighborhoods. On our visit Baker's seemed appropriate. Claims to be the oldest jazz club it might epitomizes Detroit's heritage. It is a bit interesting that on the night we went there was also a $5 cover charge considering one would also go eat there. The dishes here don't disappoint in flavor and portions. The Fried chicken was delicious. Crispy and moist. The two sides of mac & cheese and collard greens were equally a delight. The smothered Pork Chops was a plate full of goodness as was the beef short ribs. You can probably share the dishes as it could feed for two but you might want to keep the fried chicken to yourself. We wanted to try the peach cobbler but I don't think there was any more room in my stomach. Beyond the food is the ambiance and music. It is a laid back, friendly establishment and the live music only adds to the dining experience. If you are on a diet, health conscious or a vegan don't even bother. Bring on the elastic waist band because you'll need it after enjoying a meal at Baker's or don't eat for the next 2 days.
(4)Katie V.
This is not a review of the entertainment, which would be 5 plus stars. The food and service for dinner are the worst I have experienced. 2.2 hours for our food. 1 hour to tell me that they were out of what I ordered (ribs). When the food came, they never brought my second side despite saying it "was on its way." 4 out of 5 people at my table got their food, and our server argued with us over whether the fifth person ordered anything - which he did. Go for drinks and entertainment. Don't go for the dinner.
(1)Julian B.
Finally had some Baker's food. Got a carryout. 6 wings w 2 sides and a tasty muffin. $8. Worth it. Greens (collards) and mac were tasty. I would say the mac is good but not the best Ive had or anything. Wings good. Nice seasoning. Solid batter. Probably flour cornmeal mix. The wings maybe small to some but I like the smaller wings because I dont like the big steroid injected wings. There was a cool singer during Tuesday 12-3p slot whn I stopped by. Love the regulars stationed at the piano key designed bar. Small cover at certain times. Jazz mecca in our own backyard. Parking probably dicey whn busy. Update: the fried chicken is damn good. All sides good im partial to greens dressing mac or mashed potatoes and green beans. Yams were meh. Muffins tasty. And the live singer on Tuesday lunch is @Isis_damil. Many jazz standards. Dont miss.
(4)Bri D.
Delicious food! Fried Chicken and Mac and Cheese were perfect! The greens were not bad. Cornbread was good! Drinks were delicious and strong. Burger and fries were phenomenal according to my bf. The music was amazing! Awesome band playing on a Saturday night. I had to dock a star because service was incredibly slow and the place is so cramped. No breathing room at all! Other than that this is a great place to spend with your significant other on date nights. I will definitely return soon!
(4)Shub S.
Great live jazz and tasty desserts!! It's amazing to be next to the stage where many many jazz greats have performed on. Any jazz lover should go here to the world's oldest running jazz club!
(5)Tasha H.
THEE best soul food I've ever had, period. Yea it's in a shady looking part of town, but once you get inside, you won't even know the difference. What you will know, is that this food is finger lickin' good. I peeped grandma behind the kitchen door and then it all made sense. I had the fried catfish, collard greens, mac/cheese & potato salad. The breading on that fish was out of this world. It was hot, crusty and flaky all at the same time. The collards were tasty albeit a little too oily for my tastes. The potato salad was fresh but not as good as mine ;o) For dessert, hubs and I shared the peach cobbler. Yep, this was also the best peach cobbler I've had in my life. To top it all off, there was a live jazz band of college students playing. Overall a great experience and this will be my go-to spot for Sunday dinner when we're in D-town.
(5)Colette N.
I love Baker's. Always have. I have been running senior outings and thought it might be nice to take them to Baker's, as they have told me they all used to hang out there back in the day. Tuesday afternoons (noon - 3pm), Bakers has lunchtime entertainment. This happens to be perfect for a senior group. They also have a great lunch special (cheap is REALLY good for seniors - and hell, anyone), it is only $8 for pork chop or whiting or turkey or wings + 2 sides. Nice special! I wasnt expecting much (but truthfully, my seniors don't eat a ton). The portions were moderate, but absolutley perfect. Side note, several asked abt preparation and I didn't know.....but I do now.... Fried pork chop - delicious Whiting - breaded, fried catfish (?) - everyone loved it Turkey - shredded with light chicken gravy (if desired) - yummy Wings - people loved em. Some of the sides that were big hits: mac & cheese, side salad (very generous portion), greens, mashed and baked potatoes, Dessert (not included in $8 price): Brownie is delicious, but I especially LOVE the Peach Cobbler. (Downside, if they sell out over the weekend, they don't always have Peach Cobbler on Tuesday). I don't drink coffee, but one of our guests said they thought it was instant. That was the closest thing to a complaint I heard. Now to give you fair warning, they have one cook and a small kitchen. They did take 5 orders in at a time (and brought 5 orders out at a time). To get thru 35 people took quite a long time, but honestly they were really patient (kudos to our group!), and I am sure the entertainment was a great diversion. I considered dropping down to 4 stars because of the wait, but truthfully, for what they are doing - they do it very very well! Now on a side note, I get carry out at lunch time and it is pretty quick and SO YUMMY (I LOVE the meatloaf and of course the Peach Cobbler). On my original review, I suggested BAKER'S as a great first date place, but I'd like to also suggest it would make an IDEAL place to take your parents.
(5)Mario W.
We love this place . Great Jazz and food in a classic setting. This historic venue is really unlike any other in the city for the talent that comes through here and the homestyle cooking . My wife and I both love this place and have been going here for years. You have to try the catfish and candied yams, not necessarily in that combination but you haven't lived until you had at least one. I hear from my better half that the mac and cheese is pretty tasty too. So if you're in the mood for classic jazz in cozy setting with great food to match , this is the place to be. Great waitstaff with excellent service. No matter how crowded it is we never have to wait long for our food.
(4)Meek G.
Worth the trip. Good food, strong drinks, good music, and everyone had a good vibe. Well definitely go back. I wish the decor was a bit better and there is limited seating. Get there early or call ahead. If you love jazz you have to stop by.
(4)Ceaser D.
Free comedy shows are a hoot. We always have lots of laughs and enjoy fantastic food, this is soul food baby! The greens, cat fish, and Mac and cheese are heavenly!
(5)Natasha B.
Their food is by far, the best! Everything is very flavorful and you don't have to add a thing!!!!
(5)Linda E.
Such a great place for a night out on the town, relaxing to some jazz. Very busy place. $5 to park in the lot, $10 cover to get in, able to pay with a credit card. We waited about ten minutes to be seated at a very small table, very close to others. The service is a bit spotty. After 15 minutes of waiting, we were about to go to the bar ourselves when she arrived to take our drink order which took another 15 minutes to arrive. We just got some fries which were cold and almost done by the time I had to get up to find the waitress to ask for ketchup for the second time. We decided to take the peach cobbler to go which had some French vanilla ice cream! Very sweet, very good.
(4)Lauren B.
Legendary. I came for Monday Comedy Night and was in tears the whole time, especially when Kool-Aid brought me on stage and had the whole building sing me The Jeffersons theme song. The food? Immaculate. 100% soul. The drinks? Generous. Baker's doesn't play around, you will get a buzz goin'. I will be back.
(5)Rohin B.
This is a must go if you want to feel in the D. Music changes often, so can't comment on that. Food is pretty good and the service is excellent. The peach cobbler was the best ever!!! Really, it was that good. Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
(4)Cameron M.
In spite of sitting right under the speaker, I'm glad to have spent my Friday night there. After seeing the food brought out to another table, I wish I had saved my appetite to eat there.
(4)Robyn L.
What a great place! I was really unsure about trying this place, I had drove by hundreds of times but I guess the exterior decor threw me off. Never judge a book by its cover! I went on a Friday night, paid $10.00 cover charge, which is reasonable because they have live JAZZ bands playing and your paying for the wonderful experience. I went with my best friend but next time I'd go with my hubby, they have cute little booths in front of the band to sit in or larger tables in other sections. It was a mixed crowd of people and the food we ordered was delicious (chicken, pork chops, macaroni & yams) The best part of the place was our waitress named 'Laura' if you ever eat here make sure you ask for her because she was excellent, very attentive and on time with everything... we heard she was good so we asked for her specifically and we are glad we did. Check Out Bakers... you wont be disappointed :)
(5)Brandy S.
So I decided to check this place out based on the great reviews I read right here on Yelp! The reviews were great and the pics of the food looked good as well. So I went to get the catfish lunch special. I had mac n cheese and yams as my sides. Plus I added the peach cobbler. The portions were more than enough for me. Service was also nice as well. My meal came to $13. Catfish: It was hot, crispy, and fried just right. I took a bite and wasn't exactly liking the seasoning that was used. It was just ok to me. Mac N Cheese: It looked great. I took a bite and it was good, but needed some pepper in it or something. It was ok. Yams: They were good. Corn bread muffin: Tasty! Peach Cobbler: It's ok as well. More cobbler than peaches. Doesn't taste like my moms but it passed. I'm good and full, but not sure if I will return. I'm thinking of giving them a second chance, but not anytime soon.
(3)Keith G.
Great place to take a date. Good food. Only bad thing is and I have been there many times, service is always slow and shitty. But music and food make up for bad attitudes and 1 hr wait for anything...
(4)Matt M.
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.
(4)Lynn J.
Me and my coworkers order takeout for lunch at least once from Bakers every once in a while (Its at least a 15 minute drive from where i work). They have affordable and satisfying lunch options and portions. The food taste excellent. I am a big fan of the fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and greens. I've never eaten on the inside but the place has a cool, jazz like ambiance.
(4)Ed G.
This is the classic jazz joint I would recommend to anyone. Weekends are crowded, and sometimes have nationally known musicians. The food is decent (but not great). We don't come here for the food. At least the drinks are not watered down. It has the flavor of an old time "speak". This is truly one of Detroit's jewels. When I have guests from out of town I take them here - more enjoyable than the usual "Greenfield Village" routine.
(5)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.
(5)Rhonda L.
Great entertainment !! Great food !!! Good ambience. The oldest jazz club in the country. Everyone needs to go. I have gone a few times in the last six months and they were all good experiences.
(5)Lori K.
Great food, music and waitress (Tiffany)!!! We try to go to local places when we travel out of town and we found a great place! We will go back when we are in town again. We recommend highly!!!
(5)Alexis S.
Great music, great food and great drinks...what more could you ask for. Bakers definitely lives up to the reputation it has. A small intimate jazz spot, with great entertainers. They played hit after hit. I had the chicken wings with mac and cheese and corn and def wasn't disappointed. The waitresses were attentive and polite. Really glad I found my way to this gem.
(5)Ida C.
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!
(5)Jason B.
Best damn chicken in the state! Went on Saturday with my lovely wife to be. The food is amazing, the jazz was great, but the drinks were pretty lackluster. For 8 and 9 bucks, respectfully, our Jameson and Stoli sodas had no ice in them and the glasses were half full. We'll definitely go back, without a doubt, but we won't drink there all night afterward.
(4)Tom P.
Great atmosphere, this place drips history. The food? I've never liked catfish, it always tastes like mud but it was great here, perfectly cooked with excellent breading. The fried chicken was very good, would have been excellent if the breast hadn't been a bit overdone. The black eyes, collard greens and slaw were good, and not oversalted at all. The service was excellent. The music was great. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Andrea D.
I have wanted to go here for YEARS! Finally did tonight. The big mistake was deciding to go for dinner. We had to ask for menus. Dinner took forever! We had a party of 8 and meals were brought out over a period of 20-30 minutes. 20 minutes after my husband's dinner arrived (and mine hadn't), I cancelled mine, and just ate the rest of his. Thankfully, the portions are HUGE! The cornbread batter on the fish was good. I'm sure it's great when it's warm :/ The entertainment was great! Next time, I will go for the music and dessert. The peach cobbler is phenomenal!
(2)Ife J.
I really hate to give this review because I do enjoy their food...BUT... I just called in my order...and I tried to order lunch based on their menu here on yelp. I was told that there is no lunch on Saturdays. When I tried to explain that it's not clear here on yelp I was LIED to and told that they can't control anything that is put on yelp.. That yelp decides what goes on here... As a business owner with my business listed here on yelp that is an out and out right LIE... I tried to inform him of the truth and was told WE REALLY DONT CARE.... Really?! People take the time to review your establishment, people like me and MANY others find you on yelp and when someone tries to help you your response is WE REALLY DONT CARE?!!!! The ONLY reason I gave two stars was because of the food.... The customer service is HORRIBLE & RUDE! I hope everyone calls and floods them with questions about their yelp page!!!!
(2)Liz W.
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.
(5)Rachael N.
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.....
(4)