First time visiting this place. Went on a weekday since you gotta pay for the weekends. Loving the atmosphere at this place, wonderful jazz music and romantic ambience. The service was good, filled up water with out asking, took away our dirty plates & utensils after our appetizers and other things. The food was pretty good. I love the chicken noodle soup, its very hearty and homie. Delicious! The paella was also delicious with fresh seafood. We wanted the calimari, but they ran out. And we also didnt get bread… Which was on our receipt($ 0) but still, maybe they forgot? Not sure. But a cool place. Kinda pricey, so it’s good for special occasions where u wanna spend a bit more.
Amber J.
Classificação do local: 5 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
By far this is my favorite Jazz restaurant in town! Karl’s service and charisma is untouchable! Willy the manger, and Karl make a tremendous team! They are very accommodating and pay attention to every detail of your service experience. I ordered the beef short ribs with lentils and the world wasn’t ready. Sorry ! My taste buds are totally turnt out! It was wonderful! I would highly recommend the Dirty Dog Jazz Café because of the quality of service, detail and cleanliness, and I will not forget the unforgettable jazz. If you are looking to hear great music with a gourmet dish to compliment your night, you are in the right place!
Damien C.
Classificação do local: 5 Detroit, MI
Really nice atmosphere and the old fashions were made with great detail, I’ll definitely return and to top it off the band was really energetic l, great performance
Christina G.
Classificação do local: 5 Fort Gratiot, MI
We have had three visits to the Dirty Dog and will go back again and again. The food has always been on point. Music has been AMAZING(Kimmie Horne, Charles B. band, etc.). We have been to both seating times. The 8:00 is our preferred time as you are not being rushed out the door at the end for the next seating. This place is an experience not to miss in the Metro area. Notable dishes: The duck fries, Faroe Island Salmon, Knife and Fork Burger, PEI Mussels
Nikki E.
Classificação do local: 2 Rochester, MI
The music was awesome, but the food portions were the smallest I’ve ever had. My dinner was more like an appetizer. What a let down.
Toni R.
Classificação do local: 3 Detroit, MI
Went Thursday night and it was lovely, except our waitress who was very short and rude, my steak was okay but my love his Paella was not good at all, drinks were really good he loved the dirty marts… 3 stars because music was exceptional.
Christine R.
Classificação do local: 4 Rochester, MI
We had a very enjoyable evening here tonight. The music was really good, The Detroit Tenors and Scott Gwinnell. It really was a treat and worth the $ 15 per person cover. The food is also good, we started with the duck fat fries and the squash soup. Wow, the soup was amazing. Between courses, our waitress brought fresh bread doused in olive oil and topped with minced garlic. For dinner, my husband had the paella and I had the vegetarian dish which was eggplant purée topped with white beans, patty pan squash other veggies. Both were pretty good. If you’re looking for a nice night out in an intimate setting, check out The Dirty Dog Jazz Café.
Emily L.
Classificação do local: 5 Grosse Pointe, MI
Such a memorable night. Wonderful live jazz music by a great trio(bass, guitar and drums) and some delicious food. I loved the atmosphere that the staff helped create and the overall energy was fun. My husband loved his Cornish hen but my chx and waffles were a little disappointing. Also, I was kinda bummed about our waitress. As soon as she realized we weren’t drinking that night you could see the disappointment on her face. We don’t drink and it’s always so frustrating when we get poor service because we aren’t ordering alcohol. Other than that we had a great time.
Rob B.
Classificação do local: 4 Sterling Heights, MI
This is a nice place for that special occasion. Was looking for somewhere to take my wife for her birthday. I found Alexander Zonjic was at the Dirty Dog and it was on. Greeted at the door and was able to pick our seats from what was left. Our great seats were 20 feet from Alexander and the band. Try to get there early for dinner so you can see your meal(low lighting) then sit back and listen to the music. Nice sounds. Pull up DDJC to see the upcoming events.
Ronda C.
Classificação do local: 5 Taylor, MI
I decided to take my husband here for his birthday dinner and to see Alexander Zonjic, We had a very nice time. Dinner a little expensive but good, all and all this place is a very lovely hidden treasure. And great atmosphere, Dirty Dog Café has complimentary valet parking and is in a good neighborhood. And the staff we great ! can’t wait to return again when they have someone I want to see. Thank you Dirty Dog Café and Alexander Zonjic for making my husband birthday a great one!
Lindsey S.
Classificação do local: 5 Ypsilanti, MI
For my dad’s 60th birthday he decided he wanted to have just a small family dinner here. We chose the night closest to his birthday, which happened to be the night Freddy Cole was playing. The short of the review is that this place is a little hidden treasure. It only seats about 60 people for each show, the sound was perfect, mood, everything! The restaurant was also great. We had a gluten-free person in our party and there lots of options. I highly recommend this place. But a huge part of my review is also about the staff. They were so generous and kind to accommodate our secret plan to surprise my parents with my sister who flew in from out of state. They were helpful and even kept up the rouse that our table was for three before she walked in and completely shocked them! The Dirty Dog helped us make a great family memory and we are grateful for that! Check this place out! We’ll be back!
Glenda B.
Classificação do local: 3 Harper Woods, MI
should be called the Dirty Dog Jazz Supper Club. Nice atmosphere great experience
R M.
Classificação do local: 2 Grosse Pointe, MI
Atmosphere was fine. The food was fine. The portions were small. Me and my wife left hungry and let down. If I want a meal and some jazz I’ll go to cliff bells in the future.
James B.
Classificação do local: 5 Utica, MI
Not much room for improvement! 1) it’s in a great neighborhood and a great place to walk around before or after the show. 2) The complimentary valet parking is very convenient. I don’t usually like to valet park my vehicle but even I used it. 3) The club is a decent size and has a great atmosphere that gives a warm cozy feeling. 4) My server Elizabeth was very attentive and a pleasure. 5) The sound system used at the club along with the acoustics sounded amazing and never was too loud even sitting at the closest front table to the performers. 6) The food at the club was good. 7) its more than just a little obvious that the management at this establishment wants to make sure everybody has memorable experience. 8) Last but not the least the hidden gem of this place is a lady named Marina. I should elaborate but this is best experienced in person. I thank the dirty dog Jazz Café for a memorable evening and a great experience we will definitely be back. My only shortfall I can see of this establishment is the menu. I’m a firm believer in sometimes simpler is better and do it better than anyone else. I am never impressed by a pretentious menu.
B C.
Classificação do local: 1 Bloomfield Hills, MI
Food was served cold! The entire table(4) had the same issue. Food was nothing special. 3 scallops for $ 28 is total insanely. Desert was the best part of the meal. They add the cover charge onto your bill Lk for it so your not tipping on at 2. Music was wonderful
Susan S.
Classificação do local: 2 Detroit, MI
My friend was performing with a trio so I invited my girlfriend who was moving to Milwaukee for a new job the next day. I requested to be seated at a table where we could talk, so the hostess offered me two options and I took the table farther from the stage and music. However, the four-top next to the stage complained to the owner that my friend and I, two female attorneys wit professional backgrounds, were too loud. The owner, without considering the reality of the situation, rushed over immediately and asked us to quiet down. The four-top continued to stare at us as though we were vile for the rest of the night, and our server said that the primary person at the next table is a regular customer. I replied, «this is my first time, and it is also my last.» Being that this café is on The Hill, we are unhappy to acknowledge that our race probably was also a factor, as I am Hispanic and my girlfriend is African-American. Although the owner is also African-American, he is clearly comfortable with –and finds it necessary to continue– catering to the dominant racial makeup of that city rather than attempting to balance the customer base with new patrons who are professionals, albeit of a different race. It was an ugly welcome and a subtle request never to return. I won’t.
Jacquline M.
Classificação do local: 5 Grosse Pointe, MI
There’s a reason why this place is a staple. It’s awesome and cute. Perfect.
Patrick A.
Classificação do local: 4 Grosse Pointe, MI
I visited late one night with my girlfriend after we had dinner downtown. We were hoping we’d be able to take a seat at the bar, order a drink, and take a listen to what they were playing that night. We were greeted by the hostess, informed of the $ 15 cover charge, had it waived, then shown to our seats at the bar. Not bad so far! We both ordered a beer we’ve never tried before, and one of the few desserts they had listed on the menu. The beers were good(though, you can’t really mess those up.) and the dessert was even better. Good job, guys. I will say this though: after seeing the prices on the menu, knowing about the cover charge, and reading the food reviews, I don’t think I’ll ever come here for an actual dinner.
Meg K.
Classificação do local: 5 Grosse Pointe, MI
Had lunch here today with a friend. It was a very pleasant experience. The lunch menu is creative, appealing, and reasonably priced. I had the trout: perfectly seasoned and cooked, atop a bed of delicately roasted potatoes and carrots in a mustard sauce, crowned with a crisp and bright brussel sprout and snap pea salad; lovely layers of flavors and textures. Friendly and efficient service. I will be back!
Tammy H.
Classificação do local: 3 Royal Oak, MI
It’s ok at best. The staff acts like they know a lot about wine but they don’t .I’m not a wine drinker, but figured I would give it a go in this place. Asked for something not too dry or too sweet, the waiter looked baffled. Called a co worker over and she looked baffled as well. .
Andi O.
Classificação do local: 2 Royal Oak, MI
I have a rule not to write a 1-star or 2-star review based on one bad experience. I personally find it hard to take those reviews seriously and understand any place or server can have an off night. I am doing this review because we didn’t necessarily have a bad experience, but… (1) Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. I went through opentable and was surprised to see the requirement, so I called the restaurant to inquire about this. I was making reservations for 4 persons that evening, and was told if we didn’t show up that I would be charged $ 60.00. Yikes. After making sure everyone could definitely go, I went back to opentable and made my reservation, credit card and all. (2) Our dining experience was fine. We asked to be seated in the back so we could still carry on a conversation. The jazz band was very good. I noticed the patrons who sat up front just sat & listened. This may or may not be your type of place depending on if you want to carry on a conversation or if you want to sit back and listen to jazz. We had a friendly, attentive server. Our food was good, but didn’t blow any of us away. I had a six ounce filet, which came out sliced like a roast beef(isn’t that odd?). It was fine, but not fantastic for the $ 40(!!!) price tag. I also had a bite of my other half’s salmon, and it was okay but not great. (3) Our server brings out the check, and our total bill for four entrees, six beers, and three glasses of wine was $ 277.00. WHAT!!! Something didn’t quite add up. I review the bill, and sure enough — there was a cover charge for $ 60.00. I went back through the opentable process the next day to see if I somehow missed this, and I did not see anything about the cover charge. I went to the open table email, and the cover charge was tucked away in the fine print. However it should be listed in the app or online experience BEFORE you make the actual reservation — who reads their open table email confirmations? I understand the need for a cover charge, but $ 15 per person for 6:00 on a Friday did not sit well with me. We left disappointed and feeling like we spent way too much money for a mediocre experience.
Tony R.
Classificação do local: 2 New Baltimore, MI
Very disappointed, music was great but food and service was not up to par! Very limited menu and don’t even serve Miller Lite.
Seth W.
Classificação do local: 2 Miami, FL
My experience at the Dirty Dog Jazz Café was the reason I joined Unilocal and submitted other reviews. I wanted to build some credibility so my review would be taken seriously and I could warn others. Eight months after my visit there, I’m still mad! I’m giving two stars not because«Meh. I’ve experienced better», but because people tend write-off single-star reviews as an odd experience or as revenge for some single act of bad service or an unpleasant entrée.(particularly if the bad review is in contrast with other reviews) Valet was a joke, but that’s no big deal. I found street parking a block away. We were seated at a great table along the wall just past the band. We ordered cocktails and they soon arrived, but from that point forward, everything went downhill. Our waiter acted like someone had a gun to his head. He never looked us in the eye. He never smiled and he never checked on us unless we flagged him down. This is where the typical reader starts to wonder what the other side of the story is, right? How did we offend him? What comment, look, gesture or attitude prompted the waiter’s behavior? Let me assure you, we were on our best behavior. Our hopes were high, our moods good. I was hosting a friend’s birthday evening and brought two additional guests. Never would I complain or discuss the issues for fear of negatively impacting the experience of my friends. I did my best to ignore the waiter’s hostility until my biggest mistake of the evening was thrown onto the table in front of me. I had wondered if ordering one of the least-expensive items on the menu was a bad move, but I had never met short ribs that I didn’t like, so I gave it a shot. I had to wonder if the«meat» dropped in the center of a big messy plate was in fact dirty dog. My issue wasn’t that it looked awful(it did!), but instead that it was some sort of steak, cooked until rubber, and then soaked in a vinegar«sauce». Honestly, this was the worst plate of food I have ever been served. I’m not kidding, exaggerating or dramatizing. It was inedible. The texture was horrible, the taste was foul and the presentation was beyond sloppy. All this time I was really hungry and trying to be a good sport! Looking at the menu today, the price of that«meal» is higher than I remembered. Perhaps I’m mistaken, or perhaps chewy dog meat wasn’t as successful as the chef had hoped and they altered it and raised the price? By now the musicians are playing. I’m really not much of a jazz fan, but my guest of honor is. I did my best to allow the music to distract me from the horse/dog steak in front of me. As I’m humming the words of the tune they were playing, I realize that I’m humming words?! Uh-oh. I look over to the jazz fan on his birthday night, and he’s ignoring the ‘jazz” and is instead pushing his fish around his plate. It was the technique an 8-year old uses to fool his mother into thinking that he’s going to eat his asparagus. Uh-oh again. I look at my other guests, who had shared a pasta plate. They had each sampled it and they too were pretending that their forks were tiny bulldozers.(the pasta went into a box at the end of the evening. I found the box in my backseat the next morning and threw it out) The waiter was nowhere to be found, so I excused myself and walked up to the host/maitre d. I explained that I wanted to salvage the evening, but we were having trouble with our food and we couldn’t find the waiter to rectify it, and if it was at all possible, we would much appreciate a visit from a manager or another server. He seemed genuinely surprised and apologetic. I handed him $ 10 and thanked him ahead of time for his help. No help ever came. We got our check, and I provided a 10% to the jerk who was supposed to take care of us because like a 1-star review, a lack of tip is often misunderstood. I’ve been writing this review in my head ever since!
Cyndi J.
Classificação do local: 4 Saint Clair Shores, MI
Finally got to come here! We had to wait 30 minutes in a very fancy«holding room» to get seated for the encore show. The musicians here are phenomenal! We came here for a bottle of wine only but next time I would like to make reservations for dinner! Our server was slow and didn’t know much about the wine and I picked a bottle that I wasn’t really fond of.
Crystal S.
Classificação do local: 5 Canton, MI
I was very impressed overall. We went there for dinner and to listen to Charles Boles. The jazz was great(classic, not smooth jazz) and the food was amazing. I had the fried catfish with cheddar grits and collard greens and my boyfriend had the Vietnamese short ribs with udon noodles. Both entrees were excellent! Especially the cheddar grits! For dessert we had the bread pudding which was pretty tasty. The service was superb and I can’t wait to go back. Also, if it’s your birthday, let them know. The band will announce it and have everyone sing Happy Birthday.
Laith M.
Classificação do local: 5 Fort Gratiot Township, MI
Best burger ever. If your around this area you’ve got to come and try the burger here. You will not be disappointed
Vickie R.
Classificação do local: 5 Dearborn Heights, MI
I’m always up for trying new places, and from pictures and menu posted on the website, I got a feeling it’s going to be awesome. The atmosphere is dark and romantic, the service was great, and the food was amazing. We love the Duck Fat Fries, served with a spicy ketchup and malt mayo. Super unhealthy, but as with anything super unhealthy, they were super good. The 4 of us ate that up in about 10 minutes. I ordered the Duck Breast with red lentils and green beans. The duck breast was perfectly cooked. Even though I’m not much of a lentils fan, these lentils were cooked to a consistency simliar to a risotto, which I like. The green beans were fresh and still slightly crunchy. My friend had the lobster risotto. I must admit, I was slightly jealous. It had a whole lobster tail sitting on a bed of cheddar risotto. That was really delicious as well. For dessert, the 4 of us ordered a crème brûlée to share. I don’t normally do desserts, but crème brûlée is my one weakness. Unlike most crème brulees, this one had a layer of chocolate at the bottom, which I believe does add to how wonderful it is. The jazz band playing was really good, it was beyond my expectations. 2 tips — make reservations, and see if you can get the hostess to place you towards the back of the restaurant. The restaurant isn’t all that big, so by sitting farther away, you’re not really losing much as far as still being able to enjoy the music. What’s nice about that is that you still get to carry on a conversation because it’s not as loud, and if you sit right up front, you’d feel it’s rude cause the band is playing 3 feet away from you.
W. John R.
Classificação do local: 5 Dearborn Heights, MI
Sometimes you just have to check a place out based on the buzz and nothing else. A friend had been dying to try Dirty Dog Jazz Café«for years», so the Significant Other and I went on a double date there last night. A tip — definitely get reservations. We showed up on the«after dinner, before jazz» timeline so there were some tables, and we had reservations, but if we’d been earlier or later, it would have been jam packed. Better to be prepared! Adorable atmosphere. And I don’t use that phrase lightly. I had never been to that part of downtown Grosse Pointe before, and it was wonderful. Parking was only a slight challenge, and the old-timey downtown was a delight. The décor was great. Fancy without being stuffy. I can’t really say much more. I had kind of expected a big stage and tables situated around it, but this was more like a performance area carved into the seating for the restaurant. It sounds like it wouldn’t work, but it did. A classy bar in a long, narrow space. Based on Unilocal reviews, our table started with the duck fat fries. I wanted to try half the appetizers on the menu, but you have to go with what you can’t get somewhere else, and the duck fat fries delivered. The spicy ketchup that came with them was great, but the malt mayonnaise was divine. I wouldn’t order these as part of my meal because I’m a high maintenance fellow who can only handle so much indulgent fried food, but these were the perfect table splitter for me. Entrees — I had the Mahi Mahi, and it was wonderful. Cooked perfectly, flaky but not dry, with a delicious slaw on top. I splurged and had the green beans as a side dish, and they were fresh, crispy, and delicious. My compadres had the Duck Breast(I sampled, it was amazing!) and the lobster rizotto(I didn’t sample, but it got rave reviews). Portions were tame, as can be expected for top quality ingredients, but nobody left hungry. We finished the meal off by splitting the crème brûlée four ways. It was wonderful, with a surprise chocolate bottom we reveled in scraping off the plate. Then there’s the jazz. Some places have a cover band that plays some rock songs and some blues and call themselves a jazz bar. This was bona fide jazz. I don’t want to mention names because I don’t want to take away from whoever is playing on a given night, but the entire experience was amazing. A guest trumpeter who is a professor from Michigan State really topped off the experience, although the 5 minute drum solo we heard puts Iron Butterfly to shame. A sexy saxophone and wonderful accompaniments made this a perfect side dish to a wonderful meal. It was a pricey meal. I didn’t expect otherwise. A couple drinks, an appetizer, entrees, and a dessert — I walked out with a $ 130 bill before a generous tip. This isn’t a place I could in good conscience go more than a couple times a year, but«I’m in the mood for wonderful» is a good enough excuse. I’ll admit — I’m a homebody. My friend insisted on Grosse Pointe even though I typically say«Dearborn, Detroit, Ann Arbor» when asked where I’m interested in eating. My qualms were completely blown away by an amazing eating and entertainment experience — and I recommend you step outside your comfort zone and do the same.