Phoenix Cafe

This place is weird.
You park and go in through the back, and typically pay a donation.
There’s frequently live music, or poetry, or art, quite a variety.
The outside is very cool and I love the side mural.
But inside, it’s not very cozy, just dingy and you always feel a little uncomfortable and slightly dirty.
It’s not very stranger friendly, kind of clique-​ish, so unless you know someone, prepare to feel awkward.
It has potential that hasn’t been met yet.

Ensconced within an industrial forest in Hazel Park, is this pleasantly petite alternative performance venue. It’s like an artist’s living room exploded, but there’s a stage in front.
Sometimes they serve coffee in the back, but it’s not coffee-​shop coffee. I think they may even serve food (if there’s an art opening). In any event, their BYOB policy assures instant satisfaction.
Art, old sheet music, a piano harp and musical instruments line the walls. There’s a coffee table made from an old piano keyboard too. This along with the thrifty-​nature of the furnishings provides a slightly off-​key, nourishing vibe for local musicians and bards.
Every performance is live-​streamed (via U-​Stream) online, which is awesome. I can’t think of any other Metro Detroit (or A2) venue that does this. That earns ‘em the extra star.
For your more untraditional, experimental and low-​fi bands/​performers, this place is a boon!

I thought this place was cool. Aside from being somewhat like The Old Miami in Detroit, it’s like nowhere I’ve ever been. Weird, mis-​matched living room furniture, BYOB, local music and performances, all tucked deep away in the H.P. Also, I guess they U-​Stream all their live stuff. Strange, but enjoyable.

This is an interesting performance space in a rather industrialized area of Hazel Park.
I’m not sure they know where they’re going yet, but I can see it becoming a great draw for the coffee shop crowd.
I went to see a friends blues band playing and was surprised by the eclectic crowd that showed up. They come to check out the music, they come to chat, they come to read, they come to just plain hang.
The Phoenix serves some coffee… just your basic coffee and decaf for which they accept donations. They also have a BYO policy so there aren’t any issues with bring in your own favorite beverage.
I’m hoping a place like this survives and flourishes.