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This list isn't about flash, making a splash or craft cocktails.
Amy Elliott Bragg, a local bar-goer who values chill factor over trend-chasing, sets 'em up at Model D. She's content director at Issue Media Group, its owner, and serves as board president for Preservation Detroit.
The bar endorsements are part of her mourning process for St. Cece's in Corktown, "a quintessentially chill bar" that shuts this month. "It makes me wonder if the chill bar is at risk" in Detroit, Bragg posts.
Is the (genuinely exciting!) emergence of a bona fide restaurant "scene" in the city changing the way we gather, drink and hang out? . . .
We need more [chill bars] than we have now.
Amy Elliott Bragg: "A chill bar is not necessarily a dive bar, though dive bars can be chill." (Facebook photo)
This discriminating drinker takes time -- and six paragraphs -- to assure we understand ingredients for the laid-back vibe and honest atmosphere that define chillness. These are among markers:
- You can (almost) always get a seat.
- You can reliably have a conversation without shouting.
- You can read a book, or otherwise be by yourself.
- It's a welcoming environment for people of all gender identities, races and creeds.
- It's a bar before it's a restaurant.
Our curator of chill adds:
But there's something more essential about a chill bar: it's confident in what it offers you. It does not try too hard to win your favor, impress you with gimmicks or gastronomic tricks, be the most beautiful new spot on the block. . . .
A bar that is what it is, and lets you come as you are, is a special and vital place . . . a nonthreatening, unpretentious, loose, warm, simple, and relaxingly lit place.
The Bronx Bar: "In the daytime they sometimes play classical music, which is extra-chill." (Photo by Midtown Detroit Inc.)
Thirsty now, right? Here's where to chill, listed alphabetically. (All are in Detroit except Bumbo's in Hamtramck.)
- Abick's: 3500 Gilbert St. on the near west side
- The Bronx Bar: 4476 2nd Ave. in the Cass Corridor
- Bumbo's: 3001 Holbrook Ave. (Hank's Lounge until March 2015)
- Craft Work: 8047 Agnes St., between Van Dyke and Parker
- Harbor House: 440 Clinton St., just north of Greektown
- Kresge Court: Lower level in the Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motor City Wine: 1949 Michiugan Ave. in Corktown,
- Mudgie's: 1413 Brooklyn St. in Corktown
- Northern Lights Lounge: 660 W. Baltimore St. in the New Center area
- Temple Bar: 2906 Cass Ave.
- Tom's Tavern: 10093 W. Seven Mile
At Model D, the writer briefly explains her take on each place, including how Kresge Court infiltrates a list of bars ("Is this cheating?")
► Your turn: Does Bragg overlook your chill hangout?
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