DETROIT – Downtown Detroit will welcome a new speakeasy-style cocktail bar to its scene this spring as part of a broader project spearheaded by the Gilbert family.
Just off the bustling Grand Circus Park, 70H2 Hospitality will soon open Saksey’s: a cocktail bar reportedly named after the Detroit bar owned by billionaire Dan Gilbert’s father in the 1970s. Promising to be the city’s “most intimate room,” Saksey’s will reside off Woodward Avenue in the lower level of Gilly’s Clubhouse & Rooftop -- a high-end sports bar created by the Gilbert family in honor of their late son, Nick Gilbert.
After entering the bar from an alleyway, visitors will be met with a “cozy, contemporary room” that will feature designs with a heavy focus on wood, refined lighting, and “adventurous patterns,” officials announced Wednesday.
Saksey’s will be relatively small with only eight tables and 55 seats, officials said. Those behind the new space emphasized Wednesday that the design is meant to facilitate intimate experiences.
In addition to the craft cocktail menu, Saksey’s will also offer a menu of sharable plates meant to celebrate Detroit’s rich heritage.
“Saksey’s doesn’t just host a show, the guest experience is the show,” said Josh Lang, leader of 7OH2 Hospitality. “Whether it’s crafting cocktails tableside or delivering our mouthwatering sharable plates, there is an incredible amount of thought in every detail of this beautiful space.”
The space also plans to host live performances, and will be available for private rentals on weekdays, officials said.
The exact opening dates for Saksey’s, Gilly’s Clubhouse and Gilly’s Rooftop weren’t provided as of Wednesday. All locations were expected to open sometime this spring.