Nandi's Knowledge Cafe image

Nandi's Knowledge Cafe

Restaurant Cafe Bar Event venue Book store Live music bar

One of the Best Places To Visits in Highland Park


Address

71 Oakman Blvd, Highland Park, MI 48203

Website

www.nandiscafemi.com

Contact

(313) 865-1288

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (461 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10 AM to 11 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 11 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 2 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: time (17) music (10) night (9) vibes (8) vibe (8) good (8) love (8) Nandi (8) great (7) poetry (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 JuCee C. 10 months ago on Google • 157 reviews
    Nice vibes, well lit, smoker friendly, very cultural... great art ... I was invited for the first time by Kong Gee for a Juneteenth Comedy Show and they did not disappoint. I will be back to see what other events take place here
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Venus P. 1 year ago on Google • 52 reviews
    Nandis has become my favorite go to. Thursday they have open mic night / poetry. Saturdays is Afro beat night!! We be lit!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Queen S. 8 months ago on Google • 90 reviews
    Dope vibe. Nice art. Spacious. Friendly folks, no drama & always good energy. I’ve been twice. I love the music learned one of the dances. I’d recommend and return. For nighttime vibes it’s best to get there early enough because seats are first come first serve.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 EL “Q.B” H. 6 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    Hottest place in Detroit on a Saturday night!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shawndrika L. 1 year ago on Google
    Nandi's was a great place I really enjoyed myself
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dani H. 1 year ago on Google
    From the books, to the food, from the knowledge that's spread to so many. Great place for open mic, poetry, music, comedy, spoken word and even dancing...
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ambitious B. 1 year ago on Google
    Ohh my goodness It’s beautiful just like the movies. I went for the first time last night it might I say I was nervous because I don’t like to go out in party in the city, it was beautiful the vibes where beautiful it was like family. I over heard Nandi talking and she said I made this for us and must I say she did a fantastic job it was amazing. A great vibe ohh and the chicken im so mad I live 45 mins away cause I need that chicken every day. God himself touched the hands prepared the chicken cause Whoaa it’s was finger licking good I promise I haven’t had no chicken like it in so long. I felt safe and free Nandis is definitely a experience everyone should have.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Delores L. 8 months ago on Google • 118 reviews
    Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson spoke there & it was my 1st time there. The atmosphere was so warm and cozy. I felt LOVE. I sensed Community. It is a place of intellectual exchange and knowledge. There are books everywhere. African Art is all around. Nandi is a strong, loving Black woman; an elder who greets you with Love. I will definitely be spending time there. ❤️

  • 5/5 Tara M. 6 months ago on Google • 47 reviews
    I was invited by my daughter on a Thursday night. I absolutely love the vibe. Bring your own food, drink and smoke. You can take in the talent of local poets or join in the fun. The atmosphere is so chill and relaxed. Nandi is such a sweet lady.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alon T. 5 months ago on Google • 99 reviews
    Being from the suburbs, we've never had exposure to any place like this. We meet the owner and a few others. Conversation was engaging and the atmosphere was relaxed. We came during the day on bikes and had no concerns at all. Go there, you'll have a rich time.

  • 4/5 Kelly W. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was awesome. I came on a date and the vibe was very beautiful. We were able to sit and talk and the music was good too. I couldn't help but dance
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Denise M. 7 months ago on Google
    I have to admit, I've never been there during the day to peruse the books or take classes, but Saturday nites are bomb! Mama Nandi makes sure the crowd is on their best behavior. Very laid back, safe and fun time!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LaKendra N. 1 year ago on Google
    I went for First Fridays poetry night and it was awesome! The people were great and the atmosphere was beautiful. I will be returning!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katrice H. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome vibes. Great drinks shout out to Danielle best bar tender Ever❤️ The comedy show was amazing and the Dj was off the chain. Awesome Experience ☺️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jazzie n. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is a hidden treasure the air in this place is a vibe all talent come perform the owner Nandie is a diamond
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sebastian M. 1 year ago on Google
    I have known Mama 90 since I was 15 years old. At the time of this post I am 44. It is an excellent place to come sit down chill and hang out listen to some music or some poetry. Even a little bit of dancing
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Tavona H. 11 months ago on Google
    I use to really enjoy this place after hours but it’s no longer safe. Cars are being targeted 🎯 Within the last couple months my sisters truck has been broken into twice. The first time it was her truck and 5 other vehicles. We spoke to the owner who stated they were going to increase the security outside and admitted that this has recently become an issue. We came back over a month later and parked right in front of Nandi’s thinking her car would be much safer but this time they attempted to steal her truck. Each time we called the police to file a report, we got the same exact cop telling us we would be better off just filing a claim through the insurance company to avoid a deductible, and to just go home. This last time he tried asking if my sister had been drinking and that if she files a report he would have to test her alcohol levels. She wasn’t even drunk but it was him avoiding our report for me. I’m beginning to think that someone at Nandi’s and the cops have something to do with it. Just seems really odd. The same back passenger side window busted. The same location. We literally parked in front of Nandi’s doorway and yet we still came out to even worse results than before. My group of friends/family will no longer be coming to this place and I hope anyone that reads this takes this warning seriously. The front desk keeps at least 5 men but nobody outside to watch. They don’t always check ID’s, and don’t check our purses. My friend walked right in with her gun in her purse and they never knew. It’s only a matter of time that things start getting worse. I’m going to miss this place but it’s just not worth it. It’s very scary being we were women stuck outside alone while people off the streets are walking around us. The cops also took there time getting to us. Good luck.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stefiny R. 1 year ago on Google
    Love love love this place. Rich black culture with good vibes and amazing artists. The atmosphere is everything. If you're looking for a chill spot to vibe out and kick it with friends this is it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marie R. 8 months ago on Google
    This was my first time visiting this place and I can't wait to go back! It was such a vibe, the music gave me life. I fit right in! I think I've found my people. The drink's were responsible and the patio was nice too. An overall great experience.

  • 5/5 Don A. 3 months ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    Great vibes, Poetry, Music & entertainment! Love the food too, definitely going again. ☺️👍🏾

  • 5/5 LORAN D. 1 year ago on Google
    It's Always a great time with my Heavy Melanated people! Great music (afro beats) cool atmosphere, BYOB, and BOYM)...you can't beat that. This place will make you dance and find your roots with every beat of the music! But if dancing isn't your thing there's Poetry night or just go there to get some beads sha butter, artwork, jewelry,food, or books. Love this place!

  • 5/5 Ramona D. 10 months ago on Google
    Nandis is a place of culture. She has African artifacts all over the wall. On Saturday night is where you can listen to music, hustle, eat, and enjoy other amenities. It's $20 per person. Try it out and see for yourself

  • 5/5 Paola “Zora” N. 1 year ago on Google
    I love it here, it’s a safe space for everyone to enjoy themselves. Real talent and really good vibes in all.

  • 2/5 Stacey D W. 1 year ago on Google
    To whom it may concern, this was me and my friends first time visiting Nandi's love the vibe and decor of the place, friendly people, food was good and hot😄the rum punch packed a punch, two things I didn't like, the poet's & singers were being drowned out by the house band you couldn't really them because they were playing to damn Loud, they need to learn how to fall back, the other thing I didn't like was the cigarette & weed smoking omg my clothes smelled awful had to Air out in my basement, But meeting a original Blk Panther was awesome , you have a good thing going there.

  • 4/5 Soul C. 1 year ago on Google
    I enjoyed the host and environment. I'm not a drinker but bought one and felt it was over priced and watered down but otherwise good vibes

  • 4/5 Derrick A. 1 year ago on Google
    This place says "Culture." Check out the art, books and entertainment. You'll like it here.

  • 5/5 Marsha M. 4 years ago on Google
    Nandi's is the very definition of a Black Space, yet welcoming to all. Tranquil, lively, full of books and African art - the space is reminiscent of the music and poetry filled coffee houses and scholarly Movement spaces back in the day. Plus Nandi's serves up some mean chicken wings, among other items. A great place for conversations and convening. Huge yet intimate, a throwback to a time of conscious gatherings, with something to see in virtually every inch of space.

  • 5/5 Alicia S. 1 year ago on Google
    Good cultural chill spot for poetry music and social gatherings. Enjoyed myself nice and peaceful!

  • 5/5 Chy L. 1 year ago on Google
    I love Nandi’s! I normally go on Saturday’s for Afrobeats night. They have amazing food, I love their chicken wings and corned beef rolls. Bartender is very nice, and price of drinks are reasonable.


Call (313) 865-1288 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ In-store shopping
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Small business
    • ✓️ Identifies as Black-owned
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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