Cafe D'Mongos Speakeasy
Bar · Downtown ·
Eclectic speakeasy with live music, classic drinks & grilled cheese
Eclectic speakeasy with live music, classic drinks & grilled cheese
"At 1439 Griswold Street downtown: watch the election results starting at 7 p.m.; a small TV will broadcast the news of the evening and visitors are encouraged to bring their own devices for personal viewing. Outside food from surrounding establishments is welcome, according to a social media post advertising the event, and the post notes that a European film crew will be filming on-site." - Serena Maria Daniels
"Cafe D’Mongo’s is almost impossible to try and explain. Located next to the old Detroit Synagogue downtown, it’s the kind of quirky dive bar that feels like it’s been around 100 years even though it opened in 2007. Between the small space, stiff drinks, and absurd amount of Detroit history and pictures on the wall, d’Mongo’s is the kind of place you want the bartender to know your name, even if you’re just passing through. Expect live music, some very friendly regulars, and to have more drinks than you planned to." - sara barron, sam faye
"Owner Larry Mongo is a Detroit treasure. He has hosted the sometimes chaotic but always fascinating collection of people and objects in his not-so-hidden spot for decades and has the stories to show for it. The bar is an eclectic and energizing spot for great conversation and classic drinks like the Detroit Brown, with Crown Royal, Vernor’s and bitters." - Serena Maria Daniels
"A nightlife-oriented spot ideal for cocktails and late-evening drinks, often suggested as a place to round out a night in the district." - Serena Maria Daniels
"A Celebrity Favorite Speakeasy in Detroit "Have you heard about d'Mongo's? It is Ryan Gosling's favorite place to visit when he comes to town!" Although I never saw Ryan Gosling, bartender Red knew immediately that I was new in Detroit and that I'd never been in before. She recommended I try the Detroit Brown, made with Michigan's own ginger ale: Vernors. As I sipped gently from the cold glass and looked over the top of its rim at the eclectic crowd filling the speakeasy, I couldn't help but think, "Who cares what celebrity does or doesn't frequent this place, I'd come back here for the drinks and the crowd any day!" Cafe d'Mongo's draws a crowd every night it is open—which is usually only on Friday, maybe Saturday—and whether the customers come because of the drinks, the music, the crowd, or because they hope to see Ryan Gosling or Mark Wahlberg, the point is they keep coming. There's an element of secrecy that has kept even my hotel's valet from being able to tell me how to get to the revered speakeasy, yet it's one of the first places I heard about when I asked people on the street where I needed to go get a drink in Detroit. If you find yourself at Cafe d'Mongo's, tell Red I say hello, and order the Detroit Brown."
