Cafe D'Mongo's Speakeasy: Detroit — A Girl's Guide to Drinking Alone

1439 Griswold St, downtown detroit

By Erin Hildebrandt, Guest Writer

The Place: A former-diner-turned-cozy-dive-bar that’s now a charming Detroit staple.

The Time: Friday, June 30th, 9pm. After finishing dinner with a group of girlfriends, I decide I’m not ready for my night to end. It’s the beginning of a holiday weekend, after all! I’m heading back to my car to choose where I want to have a nightcap when the sound of live music grabs my attention and I recognize the name of an iconic bar that I have heard about for at least 10 years. Decision is made and I don’t need to move my car. Score!

The Vibe: From the outside, it looks like a tiny unassuming watering hole, with a cute patio. As I step inside, I am immediately greeted by Charles, who is the most dapper doorman-security-host I’ve ever seen, donning a crisp white button down shirt, black tie, and slacks. After confirming I am flying solo, he led me to one of the many open barstools and I take in my surroundings. As I gaze around the room, I am transported to a different era — although which era is unclear as there is a variety of decor and photos of celebrities showcased from their visits throughout the decades (from Ryan Gosling to Michael Jackson). The bar itself is shaped like the number 5, and I am delighted to see the place is rather quiet for a Friday night. Although, there is a Morgan Wallen concert happening downtown so this place will likely be packed with cowboy hat-wearing patrons soon. Yikes, better make this a quick visit. My attention is immediately grabbed by the following items affixed to the ceiling: an upright bass, a mini grand piano, a photo of Billie Holiday, and a sprig of mistletoe. I wonder if they are getting a six-month head start for the holidays, or if that's just year-round decor. Either way, I’m thankful no one is enforcing the kissing rule. I am charmed by the interior color scheme, which is very 70s retro! Hunter green carpet and walls, burnt sienna orange booths and barstools. The space has a quirky and cozy ambience; it feels like I walked into a friend’s basement and I love it. In addition to the celebrity photos, the walls are decorated with even more musical instruments: bongos, a trumpet, maracas, and electric guitars. It’s endearing bric-a-brac. The sound of a live two-man band playing a cover of “We Can Work it Out” by the Beatles fills the space and a wave of nostalgia sweeps over my fellow patrons, two of whom are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary!

The Bartender: There are three bartenders slinging drinks. I am served by Christine, who tells me she has been working here for 30 years (!). She is warm, inviting, and impressively remembers each of her regular’s favorite bevs. While the night is slow, Christine gives me the backstory of the bar. It used to be a diner until the mid-80s when the owner (Larry Mongo) converted it into the now-beloved bar. Christine shares that she loves meeting new customers and getting to know her clientele. Her favorite part of her job is watching everyone from different walks of life come together. She lovingly states, “we’re all a bunch of misfits!” I watch her treat everyone who walks in as though they were family.

The Drank: An Old Fashioned ($15), served in a plastic cup. Delicious, but I’d prefer a glass. They have glassware available, but only serve drinks in plastic cups during the summer time, just in case patrons want to mosey outside to the patio. Oh well, not a dealbreaker. The small kitchen is still in operation–in addition to your favorite libation you can also order a “White Boy Rick Grilled Cheese,” made with 3 different kinds of cheese. Damn, I wish I was hungry!

Was I Hit On?: Oh yes. As I enjoy my Plastic Cup Old Fashioned, a guy named Justin strikes up a conversation with me. He has been chatting it up with two couples at the bar, one of which is the sweet couple celebrating their golden anniversary, so initially I entertain the conversation and deliberately include the other couples into our chat, signaling to Justin that I’m not giving him my undivided attention. Ellen and Marshall are the other nearby couple; they are frequent guests at Cafe D’Mongo’s, like Justin, and very inquisitive. I divulge a bit about myself to the group and share that I am happily married and have a toddler at home. Ellen, Marshall and I go on to discuss our favorite bars around the city. Justin then takes over the conversation and asks me all about my night, my job, and where I was planning to go after this round. I laugh at him and say, “home to my baby.” He laughs too and I think he gets the picture. A few minutes later, though, the booze has clearly boosted Justin’s confidence as he tries one more time to invite me to another bar. I drop my voice down to a lower register (conducting another experiment!) and firmly say that I’m all set after this drink. He accepts his defeat and takes off.

Should You Drink Here Alone?: Sure! Be ready to make new friends because most of the clientele are regulars. Hopefully Justin isn’t there that night and won’t try to tag along to your next spot.

Erin Hildebrandt is local to Metro-Detroit and doing her best to satisfy her need for a creative outlet while also maintaining work-life balance. She looks forward to being onstage again in the future. In the meantime, she is enjoying running after her toddler and helping match people with their dream jobs. She loves a classic Old Fashioned and never turns down sweet potato fries.