I am so glad that I finally found a place that I can call my chill spot! A friend of mine heard about this place and we enjoyed ourselves from the first time coming in. The music, the vibe, food/drinks, and the people here have all been my kinda vibe; all of my visits have been enjoyable with friends as well as my solo visit. Great spot to unwind after work it's an intimate space that has an Ol' School Blue Lights in the Basement feel for me that is comfortable and peaceful. I've enjoyed the old school and neosoul nights which are great for the more mature crew and those of us with a baby face and an old soul! Thank you for Everyone at The Griot!!! 🙌🏾👏🏾🖤🎼

Everything here was perfect. Such good vibes and chill atmosphere. My husband and I go out often and this was the perfect pick. Very low-key, loved the quote of the day board. The bartender was very nice and kept them coming! Very nice date night for us. Even the walk up to the lounge was very leafy and beautiful and out of the way. Loved it--from the art on the walls to the slow jams they played. Going back again. My drink was called the Liquid Marijuana. Give it a try

A little, quaint piece of Detroit. The owner was welcoming and played beautiful records. It reminded me of a speakeasy. I'll definitely be bringing more business here! Edit: Went for a going away party, and view of manager (the older black guy with glasses) completely changed. He was caustic and rude, and seemed to not remember that I had been there many times, bringing in a bunch of business in with each visit. He acted as if I was trying to fight my own friend, and aggressively came up to me as she was only showing me how the bathroom lock worked (we were clearly laughing and smiling, yet he walked up to me for what reason??). Thank God for the bartenders, they made the night enjoyable, and were on their A game!! However, I'm not sure if I will be able to come back after my last visit. The manager showed his TRUE colours... I greatly disliked his 'real' temperament.

Great hangout spot!!! Love the energy in this space and the drinks were AMAZING!!!

Highly recommend for any and everyone. For soulful music lovers, vinyl in particular, have a seat & just relax.. Authentic culture, delicious cocktails, quaint and comfortable, with a patio for those beautiful summer nights!! A favorite spot of mine....

This place was so laid back, intimate and cozy! I really enjoyed the vibes and music. I can tell the type of people that goes here aren't the "turn up" type, or at least all the time. I only had one drink as I was limiting myself because I had to drive. I had the signature drink "the griot" which was sour but nonetheless refreshing. I wasn't given a menu but I did see it written on the wall in chalk. The lights are so dim I could hardly read it. I wonder if before covid they had actual drink menus. Luckily a guy next to me ordered one so I did because it looked so pretty. Keyona my bartender was super friendly and smiled the whole time. It was super busy and maybe she's used to it, but she remained professional and moved with a sense of urgency among the madness. She deserves all the tips! I'll be back again Bathroom needed to be cleaned. I typically get pictures but was in a rush this time. The design was beautiful though!

AWESOME VIBE! COZY SPOT! DRINKS ON POINT! MUSIC ON POINT! DJ ON POINT! BAR STAFF ON POINT! All I needed was a bag of chips or somethin😉😉 #sharkstail #thankskyo #thegriot #hsd #detroitchic

I was referred here by a childhood friend. If you're looking for a low-key place to enjoy a night out, listening to music on vinyl with a small group of friends - new and old - Griot Music Lounge is the place for you. What I like most about this place is the location. Its in close proximity to the heart of downtown. I was close to the waterfront and within minutes, my Uber driver was dropping me off at Griot. Its small. Quaint, but cute. I got a chance to meet the owner, Scott. He even dropped a "Scottism," he coined it, to help me when folks inquire about how much something I own costs. What I loved most about Scott - besides his quick banter, fluid personality, congenial nature and quick wit was that he is a Native Detroiter. He was born and raised on the city's Southwest side. He gives the place additional charm - not that it needs it. He is the Hostest with the Mostest, greeting everyone like they are an old friend who came by to visit him. I ordered two Griot - an eponymous cocktail, first one on the menu. Ne'Ambe, my waitress, greeted me like a girl next door and made both to perfection. I sat and talked smack with Scott about this and that and nothing in particular as we listened to Musiq Soulchild and Kem. The tone of the music dripping from the speakers were perfect for both one-on-one and group conversations. No need to yell or scream. If I had to nitpick about anything, it would be the size and their hours of operation. If any one of your cousins blows the bathroom out, as someone did prior to my arrival, the entire joint will be impacted. I almost did an about face when I walked in and the smell hit me. At first, I thought it was a plumbing issue. Raw sewage, maybe, but when the smell dissipated, I figured it was the obvious. My only other gripe is that I wish they didn't close at midnight. Who doesn't want to listen to vinyl music until at least 2 AM? The owner announced that he's opening a comedy club soon, so next time I am in Detroit, I will be on the look out for that. I love this place. Go, and tell Scott I sent you.

Went here to celebrate the success of a good friend and really enjoyed the atmosphere - good vibes abound. There’s a bar, fast and friendly service, and they had a pop-up sushi spot inside as well. There’s a DJ spinning classic jams and the place spills out onto a cool pedestrian area with some nice skyline views. Definitely a great place to grab a drink.

Better than Bakers Keyboard Lounge for a more relaxed and intimate evening. One can relax outside and vibe or stay inside and vibe!! Hospitality is FANTASICALLY GREAT 💯. Everyone should visit and it won't be a one time visit GUARANTEED!!!!! PEACE AND LOVE FAMILY 🙏🏾

This is a great cozy space with good music, good people and strong drinks. They have a nice little outdoor space and everyone is friendly. It is pretty compact but I think it adds to the ambience.

The best vibes that I just randomly walked into. The service was exceptional and I really enjoyed their “New Fashion” drink. Definitely will be going back!

Love this place. A breathe of fresh air in the city. Smooth music, good vibes and great drinks. .......and it's BLACK OWNED!!!

JT has done an outstanding job curating and establishing a laid-back, true to Detroit lounge where people can have good conversations along with drinks. I stopped in while visiting from Cincinnati and was not disappointed- will definitely be back!

If you enjoy small intimate settings with great vinyls, this is the place for you. This probably appeals more to older people and people touching 30.

Heard about this spot from a friend. So glad I checked it out, it's definitely a vibe. Great music, strong cocktails and the owner is friendly. Great service from the bar, spent an hour just chatting with my group and nodding to the music. They play vinyl records and offer a small selection of drinks and cocktails and some food. Definitely gonna be back and especially in the summer when they have the outdoor patio set up.

Last Friday I went to the Griot Music Lounge to have a good time. However, as I was sitting at the bar, there was a customer that came in and ordered drinks and the bartender provided great service to them. As she went to hand them their bill, one of the owners by the name of Karen walked over to the customer and rudely snatched the bill out of their hand and said, “let me see that receipt.” She proceeded to sit down and take a picture of the receipt and then did not explain to the customer why she did that. That was very unprofessional on behalf of the Griot Music Lounge, especially from an owner. I try to support black businesses but witnessing something like this makes me not want to support them. However, my drinks were great!

Great space! Nice people to have a chill evening with.

This is a nice quaint place with beautiful art work on the walls. The one thing I like is that they spin vinyl records. They serve cocktails and small plates. Nice place for a first date.

The Groit lounge is a great place for mature, sophisticated individuals who want to enjoy a good conversation, excellent & sophisticated music good atmosphere, a delicious cocktail and friendly service. I encourage the grown and sexy crowd to drive to Midtown and drop in between Wednesday and Saturday evening.The Griot Lounge is what Detroit's nightlife definitely needs. Mr.W. McLin III, M. Ed

I had a great experience on my first trip to The Motor City. The Griot was definitely a nice vibe with great music! Definitely a place I’ll visit again. Thanks for making me feel right at home.

For me, this was actually the perfect place to work remotely on my computer. Owner Jonathan is super cool and friendly!

This bar is literally the best bar I have been to. I've been looking for a bar that just screams "Black Culture" back at home in Baltimore just for me to find it in Detroit. Not only the atmosphere is intimate and relaxing. The drinks were good. The signature drink was the first thing I ordered. Then to top that off the happy hour prices were very gravitating. Take your best date here.

Very chilled atmosphere , love the music and vibe

Great place to meet up with friends, grab a cocktail and food, and just relax while listening to great music. Vinyl records I might add. There's an outdoor patio.

Staff were friendly and professional. Intimate setting with excellent music. I do not believe that they serve any food.

Nice Intimate, Off the Beaten Path.... music is always on point... Good Drinks, No Food service...

Great bar! Stopped in on a trip to Detroit on a cold Friday night. Fantastic music DJ'd by the owner. Great sounding soundsystem and well designed space; you can enjoy funk/soul/rnb music while drinking great cocktails. Friendly staff and true community vibe; it was clear everyone in the room was having a great time, talking, and enjoying each other's company. Small bar but cozy and comfortable; house cocktail menu available but they have a full bar. Didn't try the food.

One of my favorite spots in Detroit. Dope music, ambiance, and great service. Great for dates, pre gaming, chilling, etc. A Black owned gem!

What I like most about the Griot is the wonderful customer service. The owner warmly greeted my friend and I when we entered and on our way out. The bar staff were super cool and had beautiful smiles! Great music from a big vinyl collection added to the overall chill vibe. We’ll be back!

The bar maid was very nice, professional, but that so called D.J was very rude, a joke. He only played the music he wanted to hear and not for the people, nor was he friendly. He will make business bad for this establishment, I know I won't return.

A very small hidden gem! You come in knowing no one and by the time you leave everyone is friends. They make a stiff drink and can be creative for you. Such a lovely bar.

One of the best gems in the Motor City. Amazing black-owned establishment with unmatched energy. Great drinks with even better music! A must visit when you’re in Detroit 💫

Absolutely wonderful and pleasant staff. Great atmosphere. Really really good music.

Definitely had a good time last night! The music was great and the drinks were made the correct way!!! Definitely a vibe in Detroit for the young professionals where you can be grown and sexy mixed with the older laid back crowd. Definitely will return back!!

The Griot Music Lounge is a warm inviting hidden GEM in the midst of Midrown. A MUST stop by!

Absolutely loved it. Cocktails were great, music was stellar (Eddie Henderson!) and the vibe was exactly what you want. Also, owner was friendly and offered free shots. 5 stars.

Divine and everything your spirit needs to have a great moment in Midtown.

Lovely music lounge! Drinks were wonderful. Great place for a 'night out'