03/09/08

Avoid any night

by jazzman0102

This is one of the worst places I have ever been to. The wait staff is extremely slow. My wife and I went to enjoy some jazz and have a few drinks. Our waitress asked if we wanted a drink, we said yes just not now. Well long story short we were told that there was a two drink minimum we said yes we know and then restated we would be ordering just not at this moment. Then the manager came to our table to restate what the waitress had said. We also told him the same thing. That wasn't enough so we had to speak to the owner. He made it clear that when you come to Bakers you must order something as soon as you sit down. Needless to say we left with out ordering anything. After speaking to the owner John he made it clear to my wife that our patronage was not important and that we wouldn't be missed. But I'm not sure if he even heard her as he was to busy watching tv as she tried to talk with him. Now that's what I call great customer service. But before warned with the quality of the wait staff you may order as soon as you get there, but it will take forever to get what you ordered. Don't waste your time ordering food it taste like it's all been deep fried in the same grease and it will probably come to your table warm at best. Last I must admit the music is great the service and employees are horrible.

• Pros: Great music
• Cons: Extremely poor service, dirty bathrooms, always closing early

02/22/08

nice date spot

by matthewarmada

I loved it. i went here last year and loved the experience. living north of detroit a good 40 miles and being 21, walking in there seemed a little sketchy. We walked in and was greeted at the door, and got to sit in this cozy little booth right in front of the band. with the really impressive music, the dark lighting, the cozy booths its a perfect spot for a romantic date. not to mention, the crowd that night seemed very l aid back and polite which made me feel comfortable there.

• Pros: romantic, impressive music, very nice vibe

11/18/07

Essential Detroit Experience!

by marpop

I've gone to Baker's Keyboard lounge probably about 20 times and I have to say, it's been a fabulous experience every time. Claimed to be the oldest jazz club in the country, this dark, cramped two-room club is like walking onto a movie set steeped in Detroit history. The owner is there at the door to greet you every time (there's even a coat check!) and the front bar has --what else? -- a keyboard tabletop. Black and white, rich or poor, folks from all walks of life jam themselves into the tiny booths or closely-lined tables. Beyond the (very loud) jazz music that's performed on the tiny stage, soul food is served all night. Yes, most of the dishes like the whole whitefish (bones, skin and all!) and chicken are greasy and stale. But the scene is so authentic, so urban, so COOL, you won't even care! Actually, the canned green beans w/white potatoes and peach cobbler are FANTASTIC!! The peach cobbler a la mode is by far the greatest I've ever had. Piping hot with a cold scoop of vanilla -- YUMM. And the prices?? You can eat a ton and spend like $30, all the while listening to world-class jazz musicians and enjoying an authentic Detroit experience that can't be found anywhere else.

• Pros: Ambience, music, peach cobbler & green beans!
• Cons: Super-loud music (bring ear plugs!)

03/12/06

For some serious jazz lovers

by joemars

Went to Bakers last Thursday night to try their great home cooked food and hear live big band jazz. I was very impressed! The band was smokin',"plural cirlce", mostly bop style, with 18 musicians!! Great Duke Ellington arrangements. I always liked jazz, but this was some seriuosly fascinating music. The place is small, but great acoustics and cozy atmosphere. Waitstaff was a little slow, but just wave them down and they'll be happy to bring you a drink. Good to know reall jazz is still alive at Bakers!

• Pros: no cover, secured parking, quality music
• Cons: waitstaff slow

07/25/05

World's oldest jazz club, hidden gem of Detroit

by bryanjao

I finally had the pleasure of visiting the historical Baker's Keyboard Lounge on Friday night. Anyone who appreciates and loves jazz owes it to themselves to visit Baker's. With such a rich history of jazz greats, you can almost feel the history surround you as you sit in this tightly packed place. The staff is awesome and very accomodating, though it is constantly busy when music plays. You can see the audience often entranced by the performances and realize that this is the culture of Detroit. This is history in the present at this wonderful venue. Regardless of where you are, make an effort to visit.

• Pros: Atmosphere, History, Food

03/14/05

It's a Classic for Jazz lovers

by joanworrell

I've been going to Baker's for years... it's a Classic... no bother with the youngsters (unless they are seriously interested in Jazz) The service is good, either at the bar or a table and the food is worth waiting for.

• Pros: Reasonable, Guarded, Good Crowd

08/23/04

Oh the food

by chantalw

The best lunch buffet in town! one word yams! ok two salmon paddys! You swear it was your granny cooking ;)

• Pros: Inexpensive, Great People, Always welcome!

Open since 1934, this club once hosted jazz greats; now, local greats pack 'em in.

by Contributor

In Short
Dreamy-eyed couples dine and snuggle in cozy booths. Meanwhile, regulars hunch over the famed piano-key painted bar. More jazz lovers wait outside in line trying to peek inside. The legendary Baker's concentrates on local jazz, including big-band acts and more intimate quartets. The kitchen turns out everything from barbecued ribs to shrimp, pork chops and fried and baked chicken.

08/23/02

jazzy

by claricethomas

Even "local" musicians are first-class. Always a fun, enjoyable experience. Might see nationally acclaimed person in the audience.