This is a great spot. We were welcomed in nicely. The servers serve quick but the our server had no smiles or check in and no friend talking, just took orders and brought it out. Food is ok, my friend has been here years ago and he said the food use to me so delicious but now it's not. There was no season on the fried and strong taste of vinegar in the cabbage. The live music was very good and relaxing to us. The environment was was great. One of the entertainers has worked with Aretha Franklin in previous years. This lounge has been open for 91 years. The music part is the best. Lastly, it is highly priced. $25 per person to attend, food price and high cocktail price. I really want to come back again for the wonderful music entertainment. read more

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I love live music, and jazz in particular. In Detroit, there are not that many jazz venues. A friend recommended Bakers Keyboard Lounge, which is located outside the urban core in a predominantly black neighborhood, making it a safe and authentic option for us. The outside of the building is a classic 1950s typographic dream. The entrance is sort of hard to find, but a well-worn truck with the name of the restaurant/lounge was on the front of it. When you walk in, you are in the lounge area. We were warmly greeted and were seated in the main seating area next to the stage. The booth was for two, but small, but it was ok. Their drinks list is predictable, and their menu is a cross between a supper club and soul food. I ordered the T-Bone steak with green beans and potatoes and then the fried perch. The food is solid, and that is OK. What was fun was the entertainment. A house band played a cross between disco, funk and jazz and it all worked. The vibe in the restaurant was great. There is a $15 cover charge and they also charge a 10% gratuity no matter how large the party. It was $130 for two. I highly recommend this great location. read more

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I went to Bakers with my husband probably 15/20 years ago. I was making plans with a group of friends who wanted some jazz. I looked at their website and was happy to find a jazz band with a bassist (every Sunday night according to the website). I'd even looked at YouTube videos of the bassist and he was just what we wanted. My group of 12 made plans and went. To our dismay the band was different from that advertised on their site. Don't get me wrong, they were good but they played contemporary music and my group of older ones (55-85 yo) was looking for Jazz. That was disappointing. Second, the food. It was just ok. Several had the smothered pork chops and all said they were too salty. The whole wings were pretty good, seasoned and fried well. The other meals were hit or miss. The decor hasn't changed, ever! But that may be part of its vibe. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Still, I think we'll look for a different Jazz spot going forward. read more

The live jazz is amazing! The food is excellent and fresh. You can tell the soul food is prepped in house and the service is fast and courteous. This is a great time out for a solo trip, date night, or visiting with friends. You can't go wrong here! read more

Bakers Keyboard Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

8 o'clock reservation and we were on time. 8:11; So far, $10 to park and $30 to get in; but 11 minutes later not even a cup of water. Cute little intimate spot though. Small with a separate Lbar area. 25 minutes and no food or drink orders; HELL, not even a menu. 9:09 pm only an order of COLD wings for our trouble. Told them they were cold, he nuked them. The music though!! So, they make you pay an entrance fee of $15 each, but it's added to the tab. That sounds convenient doesn't it? Well, they add the gratuity to the tab and charge gratuity on your entrance fee!!!!! CRIMINAL, SNEAKY TRASH!! This band is quite good, aside from their vocalist; but add in the rest of the evening, I'll probably pass on coming back. read more

Food is amazing as always but the service is terrible. Over an hour wait on a Sunday afternoon with only 5 tables. The food was cold and not just warm cold but cold like they just took it out the refrigerator. The server was very apologetic, but it still took away from the experience. read more

The food was horrible! The pinto beans were actually spoiled and smelled sour. The meatloaf tasted like liver. The yams were bland, there was no evidence of butter, sugar or nutmeg. Just a few crunchy grains of cinnamon. The green beans tasted pickled with no butter. The meatloaf had pieces of corn on it like a dirty spoon was used to dish it up. The cornbread was doughy on the inside and cold, despite just coming out of the oven. Lil Bit, the server is a jewel, very personable and sweet. No, I will never order food from there again. read more

I love this Detroit gem! We had to pay for parking which was only available to about 11:30 pm. Darian was our waiter and he definitely took care of this Southern Belle as we didn't have reservations but we truly wanted to see the live performance. The service was a bit slow as there appeared to be only two servers. Although the booths are small and it was hot once the crowd arrived, we had a ton of fun and the food was incredible! I'm just glad I didn't go alone because the wait was easier to bear with good company. read more

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Service was slow and bad. Drinks were overpriced and the servers tried to cheat me out of money. Waitress brought drinks out with one under her arm, not on a tray. Nice crowd though!!! read more

I went for the food but stayed for the music had a good time service was great the food was really great and the entertainment was wonderful will definitely go back being in the neighborhood as a plus as well. read more

This was my first time going to Bakers. I thought it was about time to experience something that has been in the city for such a long time. I went on Monday and it was comedy night. They had a few comedians that were really funny, especially the host! He was a vibe. Service was good at first before the place was getting packed and after having a full house we had to wait a long time hunting people down to give us water, drinks, and togo boxes. The food was decent. read more

What's going on at the Bakers Keyboard Lounge? On Friday, August 9th, my party of five entered the lounge for our 7:30 pm reservation with our family from out of town. Having been there before we had raved about the food and musical talent. The band was awesome and we look forward to hearing them again in another venue! The selections for food were limited. They were out of several entrees, including herb chicken, dressing, and in addition corn muffins and not one dessert was available. When the waiter came to collect the money for my bill I paid in cash. The tip generated by the restaurant was already included in the bill. When the waiter returned with my change he did not include the coins that I was due only the paper money. When I questioned him he stated that the restaurant did not charge me the 50 cents that was due. However, a review of my bill indicated that I was charged the 50 cents and that my change that was to be returned to me included the 50 cents. Why would the waiter boldly steal my money? Is this a policy of the restaurant that if a customer pays in cash you can automatically steal the change even though they receive an automatic 20 percent tip? I allowed the waiter to walk away without any further explanation. If he needed the money that badly to steal from a customer who had already tipped him well.. The manager was not available to speak to before we left the restaurant. Though we enjoyed our entrees, needless to say this had a negative impact on our view of the restaurant. Why steal from paying customers? For customers paying with cash, count your change! read more

Bakers Keyboard Lounge - Baker's Keyboard Lounge 8/9/2024 - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Got here for the first time the other night. Parking is $5 before 5 and $10 after. Cover is $15 per person and that can be added to the check. Tables are more spaced out and people have masks. Service was friendly and of course wonky during the musical break- but still got out and all settled. Wait staff pleasant and food - reminded me of southern comfort. I was too into my catfish, Mac and cheese and greens to take a pic. Bonus! Hot sauce at the table! How did they know? Had a great time and will definitely revisit this spot. Randy Armstrong onstage with his blue mashed potato blues- it's a great story don't want to spoil it for you! read more

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The food was great! They were about to close in 20 minutes, but they still let us come in and serve us. Fresh hot food I'm from Toledo and most definitely will come back. read more

Bakers Keyboard Lounge - This is what I ordered - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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The food has seriously deteriorated!! Do not order the sides just plain nasty!!! Dressing is boxed, yams in the can no flavor and please tell me what the chicken gravy is? read more

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The food was great the entertainment was great the staff was great the atmosphere was great the appearance not so great I had an old menu that had water stains on it. The ladies bathroom ran out of paper towels I had told the female staff and an hour later there still was not enough attention given to it the bathrooms were really updated which I liked to a point they had new vessel sinks but everything else was normal I went to the manager pertaining to the paper towels are an hour later and that's when it was taken care of but everything else was great there was even a guest appearance from Paris France who enthralled us all Alan Dennard was the band that was playing live that night it was an awesome night I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Jazz they also have comedy nights and hip-hop and R&B night but there's still Jazz every night read more

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Ok... let me start off by saying i had this place bookmarked for the LONGEST and its right down the street from my parents house. So why havent i been? Unfortunately im glad i did take long because i wasnt impressed at all. I had cousin coming from Texas and i wanted to show him a good low key spot; as well a little history to take back home. This time i was unable to get to brag about the spot - everyone raved about the food being so good but why did it taste like nothing was seasoned at all. I ordered 6 wings with two sides and macaroni and cheese and French fries because I was playing it safe all for $13; my cousin ordered 6 wings with two sides macaroni and cheese and dressing for $13 as well; my mom ordered meatloaf with two sides yams and collard greens but the price is unknown. At least she was happy with her food but clearly I will highly suggest everyone to skip the wings and the macaroni and cheese. Another reason that put a bad taste in my mouth was the seating area - yes I understand the location is small inside but don't fit three grown and healthy adults at a small table fitted for two. I asked the sitting person why couldn't we split up and he said the table we were sitting that could hold five people which okay if they weren't eating and or drinking then sure yes five people could sit but that wasn't the case for us. Since I had to pay $10 for cover charge per person I feel that we could get a bigger table with no problem which we end up having to do but without backing down and putting up a fight basically. So let me at least ended on a positive note the music was good and the drinks were good that's pretty much it. Parking is $3. Happy eating!!! read more

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My review of Bakers is more about my experience... I arrived at BKL as one set was ending and another commencing on a Sunday evening. The parking lot and alternate parking lot were just about full, cars lined both sides of Livernois as well. There is truly a great love for this establishment which has blessed Detroit with a great evening of jazz music, entertainment and delicious food since the 40s. I was able to secure a parking space and was assured that my $4 would be returned if there was no room inside. There is a $10 cover charge for the lounge area. You are allowed to sit at the bar free of charge. I opted for the bar, as I only stopped in for dinner on this evening. I have been here throughout my years in Detroit to take in the music, which really is always phenomenal. Back to the bar... The bar seats around ten. It's cramped quarters, but the patrons are so entertaining that I was happy to join them in conversation. The bar is fully stocked and there is a menu for special cocktails. I had a Billie Holiday. It was great, so great that I cannot remember what the ingredients are. The bartenders are fantastic and pour generously. For dinner I ordered turkey chops, cabbage and mac & cheese. My meal was delicious...I ate everything. A gentleman seated next to me commented that I was a dainty, but ferocious eater. Haha! I couldn't help but finish it all. I drank, and laughed and ate and had a fantastic time. I was there at least three hours. I even met a few acquaintances. We promised to see one another again. read more

Bakers Keyboard Lounge - Fried turkey chops, cabbage, macaroni and cheese - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I am so very disappointed with my $22.00 + 7.00 for this old dry dressing. I ordered smothered pork chops. The pork chops was old, brown inside, no gravy what so ever. I have no idea why they call it smothered. I would have done better to order the fried with that being $2.00 less. The sweet potatoes were old and dry, as were the mac & cheese. This entire meal was old and re-heated in the microwave. It's terrible for this establishment to serve old food. I've eaten here many times before without any problem until now. Please quit re-heating old food, thinking customers wouldn't know the difference, we do. If you want return customers do better, because now I am afraid to order anymore food. read more

Horrible service and food. This place is disgusting and should be closed down. They brought out a raw burger to our table, there was hair in my Moms drink, the food was either brought out cold or uncooked. They didn't have several of the menu items. Most of the food tasted boxed or brought. I mean just a horrible experience for my Moms 65th Birthday. Im so disappointed and will never return to this place. read more

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We always have a great time here! Live music...top notch. Jackie the bartender always has a smile on her face and the drinks are always great! The guys at the front door make you feel welcomed, even the parking attendant is a nice guy! Tip:smothered pork chops and candied yams excellent. No wonder this place has been around for years. Update: unfortunately things have changed...music still on point...however the ambience of ownership has gone down the toilet. The band had just finished the last song as we were putting on our coats we were told to "get the f... out!" It appears that the new investors don't respect the patrons that have been around for years... read more

Bakers Keyboard Lounge - Trio at Bakers - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

The food was just okay. Our waiter was nice and helpful. This place is overrated and outdated. Everything seems old, including the pop that was served with our meal. It was flat and didn't have a fizz or bubble in it. I really hate that we spent the kind of money there that we did. We should have left when they charged $10 to park. The booth for two people is so small that if you reach for something, you will get your elbow in your food or knock something over. They need to put some of their profits into remodeling and updating. I'll never go back and wouldn't recommend it. read more

This has been on my list to try. I placed an order over the phone. I ordered the 6 piece chicken dinner with mac and cheese and a side greens. The inside is very small. It made me feel uncomfortable. The greens were good without adding any hot sauce. The chicken was fresh but it did not have any seasoning. The mac and cheese didn't taste like much. The service i received was pretty fast. read more

Enjoyed a nice soul food dinner with my honey. I ordered the chicken wing dinner with Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens, my bf ordered the chicken wing dinner with Yams and Mac & Cheese and we ordered 3 addt'l sides - black eyed peas over rice, green beans and mashed potatoes and gravy. Pros: The food was good overall and was piping hot and tasted fresh. The Mac & Cheese, Yams and Collard Greens were TOP NOTCH!! The environment was nice and they played nice jazz music. There's live entertainment if you dine in on Saturday nights around 8pm, but you will have to pay a $15 cover fee. Cons: I don't think it's fair for customers dining in to pay a $15 cover fee - maybe more suited for the customers who only order drinks vs. dinner. Also, we were seated at a table of 8 with another couple because the smaller tables (with more comfortable seating) were reserved. By the time we left more than half of those tables were still empty, so I was a bit annoyed that we weren't seated there - would've def made our first experience better. The chicken seasonings were a little bland for our liking, but hot sauce did the trick. The black eyes peas over rice weren't seasoned well at all and the mashed potatoes and gravy were cold. Overall the food and experience was great, we will definitely give it another try the next time we're in Detroit. read more

Bakers Keyboard Lounge - Chicken wing dinner w/ Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, Yams, Black Eyed Peas over Rice, Green Beans & Mashed Potatoes. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Good live music. Took a long time to get your food, but the food was good and hot when you received your order

The music is great and the servers are friendly. However the food is horrible and the manager is the worst with handling any concerns. Bakers used to be a great place to go to hear live jazz and have really good food. Now the only thing they have is the music and history. Eat somewhere else 1st if you plan to go. read more

This go around just had the smothered pork chops. And they was super tuff. I have put baker's keyboard lounge on my hit or miss list read more

Bakers Keyboard Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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This place is right down the street and I have never heard of it! My friend recommended it and I'm glad she did! We went for dinner and the music, all of which were AMAZING! We definitely will be back! Our waitress (I don't know her name) and the man who helped us were both phenomenal! read more

Bakers Keyboard Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Best place to go hear great music and eat even better food! Live music is played here daily. There is a $10 fee but it's added to your bill. The food sometimes take a minute to come out but it's worth the wait. So if your in the mood for some food, this would be a great place to visit. Or even if you want to sit at the bar, they have that too! read more

Been coming here for over 45 years now. Great music, great people and great food. We now come back from Phoenix AZ for the wonderful home town feeling and music. read more

The entertainment was great! Enjoyed the music! We only had a drink but the people around us had food and it looked really good. Only one person working the floor but he was good considering he was alone. read more

When I tell you that this was a Huge disappointment especially for someone who works in the Hospitality industry. To start with it took me a week to make "recommended reservations" because no matter what time of day, several times a day, no one answered and you could. It leave a message, the day before we wanted to visit I was finally able to make a reservation letting the gentleman know that it was my sons 24th birthday and I'd like to expose him to his first live jazz experience and to some good soul food. I had been before but it had been over 5 years so I thought maybe the place might have changed a bit but if so maybe updating the place or menu, so I was excited to go. Reservations 7:30, seat & menus 7:35, 7:50, no server, no drinks, host asks to take drink order server is busy, ok cool finally some acknowledgment, comes back with two waters, band is warming up and we've been ready to order, host says he will take our orders. Server came at 8:15 and ask had we been helped, told him we had a food order put in 20 minutes ago, don't see him again until 9:00, meanwhile watching several people coming in after us getting immediate attention and drinks even watched a few eat their meals while we sat and waited. It's now after 9:00pm we are starting to get real irritated and mind you I told them we drove two hours to get there. I pull the host aside after we've been walked past a million times and food keeps going to other tables. I ask the host if he knew anything about our food order that he had taken over an hour ago and he just kinda shrugged his shoulders, I ask is this normal, we waited for 15 minutes to get waters and now over an hour for fried food, he shook his head and said yes and walked away. I was out done. The server comes to the table sees the look on my face and bends over to talk to my son, when I hear my son repeat our order I asked the server what's going on, he comes to me and tells me he needs to know our order so he can put it in and he will see if he can get them to get it out as soon as possible, I look at the time it is now 9:17 so I say explain that our order was placed before the band started, and that we have been waiting and watching other people get service who came after we did, he told me that he would see what he could do as far as putting a rush on it so I say if you can't tell me it's gonna be in the next 5-10 minutes Then I don't want it, he said that there was no way and didn't offer any other alternative so we left. It was one of the worst Service experiences that we have ever had, and we both work in restaurants so are pretty understanding but this was just sad, my son settled for Church's chicken on the two hour ride back home. Needless to say, doubt that I'd ever go back. read more

I love this place but they took my favorite meal off the menu the turkey and dressing OMG PLEASE BRING IT BACK

"The clock's run out, time's up, over, bloah! Snap back to reality--oh, there goes gravity!" Eminem Yup, I'm throwing it way back to 8 Mile! It was driving to Bakers that I drove by THE notorious 8 Mile Road. As made mainstream by Eminem, this road separates the rich from the poor. Alas, my light bulb moment and my 8th grade self sighed, "ah ha"...a decade after the movie was released... Coincidentally, this was my road to transition from undergrad into grad school--I was in town for my University of Detroit, Mercy interview, and they were one of the first schools to admit me into the program. Even though I am no Stan, I like to think that this road and this lounge does hold a special place in my heart (along with Marshall, just kidding!). My undergrad friend Jas and I drove to Bakers while Ed Stone was performing. Bakers Keyboard Lounge carries with it a lot of history being the oldest jazz club in the USA, in the heart of Detroit. This lounge is like the city in its decrepit way. The outside--dark with worn down signs and its flickering lights; the inside--colorful yet dark, its main light source: candles. Food's a steal here and the entree portions will feed an entire family. Food was GOOD SOUTHERN AWESOMENESS. It was so soulful, it made us praise the Lord for we are unworthy to accept such grace. hahaha, I kid, I kid. Jas got the fried catfish dinner with potato salad and mac n cheese ($12.75), and I got the full rack BBQ rib dinner with fries and mac n cheese ($15). Both entrees with sides were delicious and I could only fill up on 1/5th of my ribs before I KO'd. My entree still looked whole...that's how GIGANTIC the portions were. My deepest regret was not ordering the fried chicken...oh, I soooo should have. I had a rib phase at the time, but how does one not order FRIED CHICKEN when going for soul food!? Service was subpar. We got our food in and out quickly, but our waitress didn't want anything to do with us. She didn't answer when asked for recommendations, she dropped off the check and stood there waiting for us to pay before she would leave. When we got the hint, we paid with cash. She immediately picked up the receipt and money, she counted it in front of us, and asked if the rest was for her. Maybe it's a Detroit thing, but that was weird to us. Overall, I can't wait to come back next time I visit Motor City. I highly recommend anything from the menu and to not come here expecting good service or a renovated establishment. read more

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Finally had some Baker's food. Got a carryout. 6 wings w 2 sides and a tasty muffin. $8. Worth it. Greens (collards) and mac were tasty. I would say the mac is good but not the best Ive had or anything. Wings good. Nice seasoning. Solid batter. Probably flour cornmeal mix. The wings maybe small to some but I like the smaller wings because I dont like the big steroid injected wings. There was a cool singer during Tuesday 12-3p slot whn I stopped by. Love the regulars stationed at the piano key designed bar. Small cover at certain times. Jazz mecca in our own backyard. Parking probably dicey whn busy. Update: the fried chicken is damn good. All sides good im partial to: greens, dressing, home fries, mac or mashed potatoes and green beans. Yams were meh. Muffins tasty. And the live singer on Tuesday lunch is @Isis_damil. Many jazz standards. Dont miss. read more

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It was a lovely experience for a Friday night. Food was good but the salmon croquettes were kind of dry. They didn't have many wine choices but the drink our server suggested made up for that. I can't remember our server's name but she was good even tho it seemed as if she was the only one working the back section which began to get busy & slowed her down quite a bit. Luckily, the live entertainment helped to distract us from that. Overall, my date & I enjoyed our night here & we both had plenty of leftovers so they r generous with portions read more

This is not the Bakers Keyboard Lounge, that older Detroiters know! The customer service, there was none. The food was warmed over in a microwave which made my turkey chops like rubber. The food was bland, too many upcharges, the place needs a deep cleaning and the hostess attitude was nasty. The new owners don't understand they're destroying the legacy of Bakers!! The good time jazzy vibe is gone. We will NOT return, such a horrible experience for our date night. read more

Food was a 5/5 and service was a -1. Yes I was a part of a large party but when 14 of 16 people at a table get their food something is up. We were told we would get a drink to supplement the long wait for food but that didn't happen when the bill came. I told the waiter when I got the bill and no adjustment was made. After waiting over 2 hours for food sometimes it's just not worth fighting about. This will be my first and last visit . read more

Food was off the chain. Service is horribly slow even though our waitress was very nice. The systems for service are not up to par for this historic venue. Much work needs to be done. The kitchen staff were visibly hostile to one another and this spilled out into the space were customers were enjoying themselves. read more

Came here for the first time with my husband and mother in law to celebrate mother's day. Sat down for an hour and we were still waiting for the food (It did take them a long time to take our order). Happened to be the same time the band was taking a break so really nothing was going on. Not feeling much about the band and the singer at first. Not sure why, I have been to multiple jazz bars. It was around 6pm and all of a sudden a fight broke out. At first I thought it was just a louder conversation happening on the other side of the lounge, then my husband told me it was a fight. The band kept their cool and they turned up the volume. The situation got settled real quick. Ahh.....then they added the trumpet and the flute to the mix. That what missing. Food finally came after an hour and half after we sat down. My suggestion to anyone thinking about coming here is to give couple of hours before u anticipate to eat, otherwise you will be hungry for a while. Food was alright. My mother in law said her food was not hot and my catfish was too salty. My husband's baked chicken was the best. I love the collard green too. Overall, decent experience on the pricy side. I would come for the music again but may consider just ordering drinks. read more

Bakers Keyboard Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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