Nandi's Knowledge Cafe

BEWARE! YOU MAY BE ASSAULTED HERE!! I WAS ASSAULTED BY A FEMALE EMPLOYEE (dressed in all black in photos below) AS I ENTERED THE ESTABLISHMENT HALLOWEEN OCTOBER 31st, 2025 (I have pictures and videos, as well). The video surveillance should have also captured the moment I was bear hugged, dragged through a dark hallway, and eventually thrown into a white sign outside. I received bruises and luckily nothing major happened like landing wrong on my head and getting a concussion and possible death (should I have had a bad landing after being tossed by this lady). As she grabbed me and before she threw me to the ground I pled with her that she did not need to do this, but she was very angry (probably because she was working on Halloween and saw me with 3 beautiful girls and she couldn’t handle how well the costume looked on me - just speculating here.) I went to this place on Halloween 2025, by the time I was assaulted it was November 1st, 2025 because it was past midnight. I was with 3 other girls (I am a male). We waited in line to get in. I was dressed up as Spider-Man and the girl I was with was Catwoman. I am of Western European descent and maybe that was the issue, I was racially profiled by the woman hostess/bouncer because she was letting in the rest of the people except me and my crew. I proceeded to take my phone out and record her after the assault and take pictures of her so I could later report her. On top of that, there were gunshots nearby so I decided to uber home and report this later instead of right away with the owner. I am going to follow up with this place to make sure we can come to some understanding that assaulting customers is not ok and I will continue to spread the word about my experience if I am not adequately satisfied with their resolution (if there is one). Again, this place is bad news and you should stay away. I am willing to change this review if an apology and some sort of incentive is offered.

I live in Lansing and I came down to Detroit for the weekend and I had a blast at Mama Nandi’s spot. I received all the vibes and it was a mature crowd. I never got vibes, knowledge, and culture all in one spot so I’m giving this place a 10/10. As for the owner, very beautiful soul.

I used to come here years ago and everytime I had a blast. This past Saturday was my most recent time going in the last 2 years and tbh the vibes were completely different. Everybody was just sitting around, seeming to be waiting on something to happen.. no excitment or much entertainment. It was a decent time overall ig and it possibly would've gotten better as the night went on but with $20 being the door fee at 10PM. I wanted more out of the night early in. I would probably go back one day to give it another chance but its definitely not a first pick anymore. If you're in Highland Park I would recommend this spot.

Great place. A hidden Gem. Must do and see for yourself

This bookstore is a wonderful place with a variety of books for everyone to enjoy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I had a great time visiting, and I highly recommend it.

Too small to be a dance club on the weekend. But I love open mic, there is a smooth vibe. 420 friendly, drinks. I love the set up. Lots of artifacts and books along the walls. Knowledge cafe. I love it

Went to Blowed Bingo... First time there, won the very first game. Just don't say, "Bingo." Yell, 'I just Blowed!' or you'll be forced to sing and/or dance for the prize. I won a half oz of top shelf weed, a nice hemp wrap, a CBD bath bomb, gummie and chapstick. Great vibe, very nice people. There was a beautiful drink to buy and food and dessert. Both infused and non infused. Will definitely plan a trip to go back. 1st and 3rd Fridays 6-9 p.m.

Nice vibes, well lit, smoker friendly, very cultural... great art ... I was invited for the first time by Kong Gee for a Juneteenth Comedy Show and they did not disappoint. I will be back to see what other events take place here

BEWARE! YOU MAY BE ASSAULTED HERE!! I WAS ASSAULTED BY A FEMALE EMPLOYEE (dressed in all black in photos below) AS I ENTERED THE ESTABLISHMENT HALLOWEEN OCTOBER 31st, 2025 (I have pictures and videos, as well). The video surveillance should have also captured the moment I was bear hugged, dragged through a dark hallway, and eventually thrown into a white sign outside. I received bruises and luckily nothing major happened like landing wrong on my head and getting a concussion and possible death (should I have had a bad landing after being tossed by this lady). As she grabbed me and before she threw me to the ground I pled with her that she did not need to do this, but she was very angry (probably because she was working on Halloween and saw me with 3 beautiful girls and she couldn't handle how well the costume looked on me - just speculating here.) I went to this place on Halloween 2025, by the time I was assaulted it was November 1st, 2025 because it was past midnight. I was with 3 other girls (I am a male). We waited in line to get in. I was dressed up as Spider-Man and the girl I was with was Catwoman. I am of Western European descent and maybe that was the issue, I was racially profiled by the woman hostess/bouncer because she was letting in the rest of the people except me and my crew. I proceeded to take my phone out and record her after the assault and take pictures of her so I could later report her. On top of that, there were gunshots nearby so I decided to uber home and report this later instead of right away with the owner. I am going to follow up with this place to make sure we can come to some understanding that assaulting customers is not ok and I will continue to spread the word about my experience if I am not adequately satisfied with their resolution (if there is one). Again, this place is bad news and you should stay away. I am willing to change this review if an apology and some sort of incentive is offered.

Honestly one of the most homophobic establishments in the city of Detroit. they turned away my friend because he was wearing clothing they deemed too feminine for a male to wear and made him change into different clothing. Then they proceeded to antagonize our group and make us feel unwelcome, even so much as telling us how we were allowed to dance. I will never come back here and would never recommend coming here to anyone.

All went well. What can I say.? Mama Nandi for starters is just pure love and amazing. I could talk about how good and beautiful her soul is forever. Everytime I visit here it gives me a sense of peace and happiness. It makes you feel free! When you walk in there is a gentleman at the door with some very exotic treats for those who indulge. Then they have plenty of books when I say plenty I mean it. Check her place out during the day time also. It's amazing. The food is always home soul cooked meaning. It makes you feel amazing. I belive she offers vegan options don't hold me on that though. Also very clean and welcoming the ambience is everything to me. If your ever in the local Detroit/ Highland park area please please please go and check Out Nandis Knowledge cafe. Take a load off and watch some of Detroit's most talented poets, singers, rappers, musicians and more. You won't regret it. Tell her Honey bee sent you for some healing.

This place has great vibes and a cool setting. I definitely enjoyed my visit to Nandis!

This place is THEE vibe!! AMAZING energy! DJ spins for every mood! Laid back and 420 friendly!!

The thing about it is, I LOVE coming here!! The vibe is ALWAYS good and pure and everyone just wants to eat and dance! The food is ALWAYS fantastic! However...there must've recently been an addition to the kitchen because the young lady who took my order was nasty and pushy. She kept asking me if I wanted to leave a tip ! Like, before I actually ordered my food! She said, "CashApp is $1 more and if you want to leave a tip you can put it on there or give it to me." Ok. When I sent the money she wanted to see the proof. I showed her and she asked AGAIN if I wanted to leave a tip. I said, "I did include the tip." She gave me a dismissive "Oh" like it wasn't enough for her and kept going. I went to check on the status of my food (after a half hour) and she told me that there were 10 people ahead of me and she would bring it out to me. Five minutes later, she comes with my food. ICE COLD. I asked for it in a carry out box. It was on a leaky paper plate with a wet napkin on top of it. As if it had been just sitting out, waiting to be served. I have NEVER had issues with Nandi's and I have a friend that has a table there EVERY weekend! I thought it was unfortunate the way she misrepresented the fantastic attitude and experience Nandi's is known for having.

I had the BEST time of my entire COVID19 YEAR (s) life!!!!!!!! So exuberant, tasteful and delightful to be in the presence of GREAT audience company. From entrance to exit NANDIS is truly a unique social experience. I could not have laughed more, ate well, met awesome Detroiters, been surrounded my massive knowledge and with an opportunity to dance the night away! What a way to go after such a devastating 1year+. I came away so happy, refreshed and wanting to stay home in Detroit instead of returning to work in NY. Gonna stay connected to this lady who has created such an inspiring platform for all art forms. Nandis reminds me of The Rappa House (circa 1960's growing up in Detroit) whom is the mother of well known Rod Rodgers Dance Company, NYC So many great artists have been honed in Detroit. Hope to have incited the reader to research the above. So I give Nandis 100+% and more for the Class and Love she is giving and providing for the community. I am just overwhelmed at having been there! ArtPartners/Tsehaya &Co., Inc /Albany-New York Oct 2021

A really nice black oriented book store with a Pro Black stance.This place has every book imaginable from Dr Clark,Dr York,and Dr Wesley.The place has a cool rustic feel and limited food menu.The homemade chicken noodle soup came with the chicken bone and it was very good.The place had a decent amount of hipsters hanging out doing yoga and using the Wi-FI.They have political debates on local politics concerning Detroit and other parts of Michigan which I found interesting.My only problem was when a Hipster asked me why did I have a Buckeyes hat on because he was. Michigan grad.I like these local spots with good books and good conversation

I didn't know I liked fried fish until I ate here: moist and fresh inside, crispy and perfectly seasoned outside - this is like the platonic ideal of fried fish. When I arrived, someone was teaching a kid to play chess. I don't know if the chess board is a regular thing but the books, art, and wifi are all part of the appeal. And the community vibe makes me think that it would be nice place to practice, assuming there's a chess board handy. If you're very brave, I also recommend the ginger beer. It's flavored with capsicum, in addition to ginger.

Really Enjoyed all about this place, great decor books, free wifi..and the fried whiting was amazing. As a plus Nandi was delightful and loved the fellowship..we parted with a hug..felt like family...Highly recommend this black woman owned and run establishment

This place is wonderful, I truly mean that. This is a great place to come to get a bite to eat, see real Afrikan art, masks, books, and history. Black owned and operated, all are welcome. Comfortable atmosphere for all people of all colors, ask about poetry night. Poetry night is a night for everyone who enjoys arts, poetry, good times, hooking up, meeting new people, having fun, and experiencing the real night life and heart of the city of Detroit and it's fine people. Nandi has really put her heart and soul into making this dream a reality. She has done very well for herself and I am very proud of her for achieving her dreams, and making Detroit a better place. As a white male living in a predominantly black neighborhood, I love going to Nandi's. There is so much to see and learn there, from great stories of the MoTown days, to Afrikan history, masks, beautiful artwork, you name it, it is here. The staff are all very friendly, no one sees in color here, I feel totally at home and welcome here. It is a very safe nice place to go and relax with good people, have some good food while learning a thing or 2. If you are ever in Detroit and want to stop in to a real Detroit City Experience, this is the place to go. This is a must to see at least 1 time, there is so much authentic masks, dolls, headpieces, artwork, etc, that even if you only visit it once, it would be well worth it just to see the collection. This truly is one of those rare gems you just happen to stumble into especially if you have no idea what you are about to see before going. Anyways, I was really impressed with this place, I have gone here I think 3 or 4 times now, and every time I learn something new, it's truly a great experience. The Diner/Book shop is no longer on Woodward ave. They have moved to Oakman st.

Nandi's, for me, has been a birthplace of culture and consciousness... Since November of 2009, when I first stepped through the door of this infinitely imperative place of positivity and progression, I have been intrigued and in love with this monumental and marvelous bookstore and spoken word poetry platform... This IS a MUST VISIT place..!!!

this is my favorite spot when i come to hp. the homemade (vegan) black bean burger and sweet potato fries are damn good. nandi and kente and staff are very cool, very friendly. lot's of important literature to get into. excellent local, black owned business. very much preferable to the sodosopa gentrification elsewhere in detroit.

This is a wonderful bookstore and art gallery in Highland Park (with a cool resale shop next door as well). It's large and has an extensive selection of new and old books on all subjects. Staff is helpful, too. Not some sanitized corporate chain bookstore: this place is what a bookstore should be like. Have a cup of coffee and enjoy!