A 30's Time Warp

Small space, antique decor, good music and good vibes makes up everything that Cafe D'Mongo's is. During winter of last year, my boyfriend and I decided to watch his friend Steve play at this little place. I had no idea what to expect, but as much as I love music and trying to new things, I couldn't pass this up. In secluded area on 1439 Griswold street sits a little hip place called Cafe D'Mongo's Speakeasy. Yes, I said speakeasy and that's exactly what it looked and felt like. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by a nice little old lady. It was tiny, but full of people. All kinds of people. Old. Young. Trendy. Plain. Everyone was so different, yet encompassed one similar attitude. Carefree. Happy. Ready to relax, sip on some whiskey, wine, beer, any drink of their choice. We tried to find a place to sit and no seating area was the same as the other. There were antique gold couches, bar stools and picture frames set upon overbearing, deep green walls. Every inch of these walls were covered in random toys, guitars, frames, maracas, trumpets; if you can play, its on the wall.

Although, it was a bit run down, it was so authentic and fun you barely notice it. As Steve started playing, everyones eyes fell upon him. Everyone was engulfed in the music, as were we until a waitress approached us asking if we wanted food. She did not take our order, she asked if we wanted food. FREE FOOD. Never in my life have I been offered free food at a bar/restaurant. This is now my favorite place. They asked us if we wanted spaghetti with marinara sauce or fettucini Alfredo. 

We were happy, but a little weary. If they were giving out free food, how good can it taste? They brought us our food and we braced ourselves before we dug in. Pleasantly surprising it was actually really good. For free food, we had absolutely no complaints. The bar was swarmed with people screaming out their favorite drinks, while we sat enjoyed the music, scenery and people watching. Word on the street is, Larry Mongo, the owner of the place was offered a roll in Ryan Gosling's new movie (shot in Detroit) called "How to Catch a Monster." He decided he did not want to get paid for the roll, yet to donate his payroll to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Another reason to visit this place. The owner is obviously very generous! Overall, I fell in love with this place. It was the perfect depiction of a speakeasy. I would most definitely go back again. It was different. Nothing like you'd find in the suburbs. It screamed culture and I love that.