Ultimate Sports Bar

The Ultimate Sports Bar, formerly Lucky's Downtown, is located Downtown on Jefferson and Chene.

The term ultimate implies that this sports bar will be the best, the most extreme, the greatest or the quintessential bar on an epic level of greatness.


With a name like ULTIMATE they leave little room for disappointment.

PARKING
There is ample parking located in the lot right outside the bar.  The bar is located in a small strip mall and it is the only place open in the evening.  General parking (any space not roped off with yellow caution tape) is free.  If you're looking for an upgrade you might be able to park in the "VIP/Reserved" lot, which is designated by the yellow caution tape wrapped around the orange construction cones.

ENTRY
21+ If you arrive before 10 p.m. on Friday or Saturday there is no cover charge.  The cost of entry after 10 p.m is unclear.  The price depends on what night you go and what radio station is hosting.
I arrived shortly before 10 on a Saturday and the line was not long, however, the line moved extremely slow.  The vestibule can only hold about six people so everyone who couldn't fit inside the vestibule is forced to stand outside. This is a definite problem when it is raining, snowing or cold.  Once inside the bouncer at the door pats you down and checks your pockets or purse.  Ladies: There was no female bouncer. The male bouncer tries his best not to invade your personal space too much, but it is still a bit uncomfortable.

DRINKS

On Saturday nights the drinks are 2 for 1 until midnight.  They offer popular club drinks like long island ice tea, purple rain, blue mofos and just about anything else you'd want to drink.  Mixed drinks range from $6-$9 depending on what type of liquor you request.  They also offer $2 shots.

ATMOSPHERE
The vibe is young, fresh and urban.  The music on Saturdays is current hip-hop and R&B provided by Hot 107.5 DJ Gary Chandler and hosted by the Absolute Princess.

On Sunday nights they feature Old School Sundays and hustle lessons hosted by FM 98 WJLB.

There is bar seating and table top seating.  There are two seperate fully staffed bars, shot girls and waitresses.  The dance floor is not large but those dancing make it work.  Beyond the bar there is not much lighting or decor.  Strobe lights give it a bit of energy but it lacks personality.  Around 12 a.m. the bar turns to club mode.  Once club mode hits there aren't many seats to be found.

I wouldn't describe the Ultimate Sports Bar as the best, extreme, great or quintessential. It's OK.  The drinks specials are the biggest draw.  It's definitely worth stopping by for a few hours to have a couple of drinks while nodding to the music.

TAKE A LOOK

TAP MGM GRAND DETROIT

It's time to tap into something new.

TAP currently serves as MGM Grand Detroit's newest dinning experience.  Actually, TAP is considered a sports pub offering over 50 beers and everything from  cheeseburgers and fries to filet mignon and wine.

PARKING
Parking is not a problem.
If you can't find a space among the thousands in the casino parking garage, then you can always valet park at the hotel.

Entry
There is no cover charge.  Families with children are welcomed, however,  after 10 p.m. you must be 18+ to enter.  Thank goodness! There is just something very inappropriate about having your kids out at a bar at midnight.

WARNING
Friday and Saturday nights are super busy, don't show up at 11 p.m. and expect to find a seat.  For the most part they are "fully committed" for the evening by 9 or 10 o'clock, but wait there's more ... the kitchen closes at 11 p.m! That's right, if you want to eat you definitely need to get there early. Even if they are "fully committed" they welcome you to circle the bar area in search of an open seat. Good Luck.


DRINKS
50+ beers including tap (no pun intended) and bottled beer. 16oz tap and 12oz bottles range from $4-$6. Tap beer by the pitcher ranges from $12-$18.  The wine selection isn't as extensive but they do offer the basic cabernets, chardonnays, pinots and more for about $7 per glass. They also offer a wide variety of liquors and liqueurs for making the perfect mixed cocktail.

ATMOSPHERE
The vibe here is laid back and casual.  The over 40 flat screen televisions are the biggest draw.  Sports fans and casual viewers are treated to large HD displays with stunning sound.  It's impossible to miss a play because there are televisions everywhere.  If you're into sports than this is the place to come to catch the next big game.  However, the weekends are extremely busy and because of this the quality of service can lack at times.  Weekday evenings are ideal to chill out and catch a game or two.

CLUB 928

Buckie Naked Sunday's hosted by Hot 107.5

Club 928, formerly known as Menjo's, is a world of its own.

It's hard to explain but I'll try my best.  If the word ratchet means anything to you then you should know what I mean.  (Ratchet: See ghetto, hot mess, unappealing or disgusting)  

The club is located on W. McNichols (Six Mile Rd.) in the area of Detroit's Palmer Park/Highland Park area.  On a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night you'll know when your getting close to the club by the stand still traffic on Six Mile Rd.  928 is also open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

PARKING
What parking?

There is one small lot next to the club but it seems as if the parking lot is reserved for employees or those willing to pay $10 to park. If you're lucky you may find a spot on the Six Mile Rd., but your best bet is the parking lot of the Coney Island across the street.  Lock your doors!

The line moves rather slowly because everyone who enters is throughly, and I mean throughly, patted down before entering the club.  Purses, pockets and crotch regions are checked for anything remotely dangerous.  Ladies leave your combs in the car.

ENTRY
This is an 18+ club.  The cost depends on the time you arrive.  Before 10:30 p.m. ladies get in for $5.  After 10:30 entry for men and women is $10 but after 12:00 a.m. the price may sky rocket to $20.  Once you ante up you will be free to enter into a world of ratchetness.

DRINKS
Drink prices range from $8 - $10 for a mixed drink (well liquor).  The drinks aren't the best but what it lacks in taste it makes up in strength.  If you have a few extra $$$ you can pop bottles of Moet, Cristal or a host of other bottled champagnes.

ATMOSPHERE
The interior design of the club is surprisingly upscale.  The VIP/reserved areas of the club feature leather seating, wood flooring, decorative carpeting, ambience lighting and mirrors.  Seating is limited for those who are not in VIP. If you have to sit down then you might not be comfortable here.

VIP/Reserved Seating

Music is provided by live DJ's from local hip-hop radio stations who often air live from the club on Saturday and Sunday nights.  The music stays thumping and the dance floor is always packed.  If you brave the dance floor you better not be shy or easily offended.

There is a lot going on in this club.  There were women (some who appeared to be underage) falling down drunk and some of the men were overly aggressive.   The entertainment value is very high in terms of watching people act totally rowdy and repulsive.    By no means is this an upscale or classy establishment. .

When the club lets out at 2 a.m. the party moves from the club to the street.  I wouldn't recommend hanging around outside too long.

TAKE A LOOK

STARTER'S Bar & Grill (Midtown)

There are a few Starter's around town, each with its own unique atmosphere and vibe.  The Starter's on Woodward Ave in midtown is located just minutes from the action of downtown Detroit.  

Starter's midtown

Parking can be a nightmare.  If you can't find parking on the street (which is unlikely that you will) you will have to pay to park in the deck behind the bar.

Typically on Friday and Saturday nights the place is pretty packed.  Since it is a bar & grill there is no cover charge.  It has a full bar and ample seating for dining.

They play a variety of popular R&B and Hip-Hop to contribute to the atmosphere.  At times the combination of music and chatter can get pretty noisy but it gives the place life.

The circular bar is the highlight.  It features a granite top, wooden bar chairs, flat screen televisions and convenient hooks under the bar for the ladies to hang their purses. 

Sunburst Lemonade Martini

The drinks menu features a variety of fruity cocktail options featuring cool concoctions of premium liquors and liqueurs.  The average price is around $8 for a mixed drink and $11 for a martini. 

The food options range from chicken wings to lobster tails and everything in between.  The portions are generous and the pricing is reasonable.

This is a good place to go for a drink after work or for a night out with friends.  

White Star

Once again I hit the streets of Hamtramck in search of a hidden jewel, a fun escape, or a low key hang out in the form of a night club or bar.

I stumbled across the White Star.  I had never even heard of this place but upon discovery I was inclined to go inside.  The line outside suggested that this place could have potential.

There was no designated lot for parking. However, there were available parking spots on the street right outside of the club.  The small line outside moved rather quickly and the bouncers at the door were very welcoming.

Considering that it was a Saturday night I expected to pay a cover charge but none was assessed.  I inquired and I was told that normally there was a $10 cover, but since I knew a bouncer on the inside I got in for free.

Free! Yes, this was going to be a great night or so I thought.

Inside there are two floors with two different styles.  The lower level features a lounge like atmosphere with a seated bar and live DJ.  The upper level is more of a dance club with strobe lights and lots of open space for dancing.  There is also a live DJ, bar and shot girls.

The DJ struggled to string together a fluent mix of songs and the dance floor was basically empty.  The music style was a cross between techno and alternative dance music.

The shot girl/waitress was very polite and offered her services almost immediately.  I ordered a drink and requested a specific type of liquor.  Within minutes she returned with my drink.  The drink was $8, which is the normal going rate for this type of beverage.  However, upon the first sip I noticed that it tasted unfamiliar.  I order this drink all the time and I knew immediately that they did not use the brand of liquor I requested.  Strike 1!

I drank the imitation drink and headed to the bar to take note of their stock.  I realized that they didn’t even have that brand of liquor and they had obviously used a cheaper version and charged me an inflated price.  Their selection was rather limited and actually sad for a night club.

The bartender shot pass me a few times before she even acknowledged I was standing there.  I inquired about a few brands of cognac and her responses were uninformative and rather rude. Strike 2!

Despite her attitude I ordered my friend a drink.  She prepared the drink, collected my money, and before I could ask for a lime she was off to the next person.  I waited a few minutes before I finally interjected and asked for a lime.  Keep in mind she has collected money and has her hands all over the sticky dirty bar.  She picks up a lime with her fingers and drops it in my glass. Strike 3!

I scooped up the tip that I had placed there before this indecent act and stormed back toward my table.  While brooding on my way back I stepped in a puddle of spilt liquid that had been on the floor since my arrival.

Don’t let the bright sign out front fool you.  This place is a total let down.  The bar staff are rude and dishonest, the DJs are unskilled, and excitement is lacking.

THE MARS BAR

After patronizing The Mars Bar in Hamtramck I can finally say unequivocally that first impressions aren’t everything.

Angela Lynn Davis

Last night I was invited to attend an album release party for my good friend Angela Lynn Davis  at the Mars Bar.  Typically I don’t go out on Sunday nights and a bar in Hamtramck would be last on my list of things to do.  However, the occasion was special and I wasn’t going to let my friend down.

The exterior of the Mars Bar is quite bland.  The building is small and black, if it wasn’t for the neon sign, “Mars Bar” out-front I would have missed the place.

Parking is a definite problem.  There is no designated lot and the only parking is located on the street in front of the bar.  All of the spaces on the main street in front of the bar were occupied by patrons of the bar and pizza place next door.  After a few laps around the block I was able to find a spot a block away on a dark side street.

I made the one block walk wearing six inch heels.  There was no long line, no people outside or no bouncer at the door.  I immediately thought, dive, this place was going to be a complete waste of time and money.

To my surprise there was no cover charge.  Once inside it was surprisingly a bit upscale.  The atmosphere was very laid back.  The dimly lit lights, candles on the tables, and red hue of the room gave it a very sensual feel. 

There are plenty of booths and seating, which comes in handy when you’re wearing six inch heels.  The bar was fully stocked and offered everything from hard liquor to wine. The drinks are moderately priced and the bar staff was very attentive.

On this night there was a live band playing original music and renditions of popular R&B and Jazz songs.  If you aren’t into live music than this is probably not the place for you because the space is small and the music fills the room.

I definitely recommend the Mars Bar for an outing with an intimate group of friends or for a night out alone.