The Gatsby

The Gatsby combines the atmospheres of a bar, nightclub, and restaurant. I love the idea of KZoo tapping into its very own modern day speakeasy, but I don’t feel like the Gatsby fulfills all of its potential for me to buy into the speak easy part of it.
Here’s what I felt missed the bar…
First, a speakeasy’s initial location of «secrecy»… I don’t think the top floor of Monaco Bay is that difficult to find. In fact, there is a giant «Gatsby» sign lit up outside. Even if it is modern, perhaps an unmarked door at the entrance could enhance the overall feel.
Second, the expectation of innovative cocktails that take you back to an era. The specials were the same as Monaco and the bartender didn’t know what the night’s special actually was… There’s a lot of potential here to boast old custom cocktails from scratch– with a modern twist.
Third, the atmosphere. The exposed brick, dark woods, and lavish style add to the tone. Would be really great if there were candles on tables instead of incredibly bright lights drilled into the floor. I did enjoy the unique lights hanging above the bar though. The décor played into vintage modern, but it’s lacking some authenticity. Also, the DJ seemed to just play popular culture. Would have loved to hear some swing or jazz remixes instead.

Oh man. I was so excited to hit up the Gatsby and left after one drink. It’s such a gorgeous atmosphere, I thought it would be fun to have some drinks in a cozy, upscale venue, dance a little (or a lot)…no. Just no. We danced a bit, but they ONLY play house music. Wrong venue for terrible club remixes, guys! The dance floor was literally empty for a large period of time, but the DJ refused to change the music. If no one’s dancing, you’re doing it wrong. We went up and asked him to change it to ANYTHING else – nope, that’s all he has? Fix that. It’s a bad night when I leave the dance floor because the music is consistently terrible.

The setting is modern. The dance floor is smallish… Some people mentioned a view from the tall glass windows by the dance floor. But when we were there, it was so hot, the glass was all foggy. I had no idea that there was a view! Definitely wear light clothing, no blazers etc. On a Saturday night around 12, the bar area was still accessible to order a drink. But the bartender seemed to be super slow. I had a ton of fun so I gave it 5 stars but again, it does get very hot in this place. So be warned!

My friends and I always end up at The Gatsby! It’s the best spot in downtown Kalamazoo to DJ-​dance. The swanky, intimate atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve walked into a hoppin’ prohibition-​era speakeasy. Also, there are some great bartenders here, but the guy who goes by the name «Squirrel,» is particularly awesome!

Horrible. Floor was sticky everywhere where you walked. Service was horrible and did not make up for the overpricing of everything. Not enjoyable at all.

What happened to this place? It used to be nice to be able to sit somewhere in the Entertainment District and actually be able to have a conversation, and now it’s just like everything else. There’s a DJ, the music is crazy loud, and the beautiful bathrooms are now cluttered and dirty just like any other club bathroom.
At least the Robert Redford picture is gone, and you can now bring up drinks from downstairs.

I went to The Gatsby last night for a few drinks and to kick back. The music was non-​stop and the beer was cold. Great place for people watching, a lot of different folks having fun. If you like to dance, The Gatsby has a great dance floor over looking Michigan Avenue. Best time to come is after10:00 pm., the place rocks!
DMS

We went here on a recent date night, and really enjoyed the décor and the food. I had the Kobe burger-​you get to select toppings and cheese (and they have Boursin cheese!). Hubby had a salad w/​chicken, avocado, corn-​it was really tasty. All in all, we really liked it!