Willis Show Bar
Est. 1949
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Up to 100 guests
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Willis Show Bar, in Detroit’s Historic Cass Corridor, is a live entertainment venue and classic cocktail bar.
The Lowdown
Type
Banquet Hall / Event FacilityBar / Club / Lounge
Views
No View
Style
Art Deco
Eclectic
Fanciful
Retro
Sophisticated
Best type of Celebrations
Product Launch
Baby Shower
Bachelor / Bachelorette Party
Birthday Party
Bridal Shower
Charity Event
Corporate Event
Dinner Party
Group Getaway
Holiday Party
Reunion
Social Event
Workshops: Creative, Photo, Etc.
Anniversary
Engagement Party

Venue Setting

Willis Show Bar, in Detroit’s Historic Cass Corridor, is a live entertainment venue and classic cocktail bar. It has been revived from its 1949 “Show Bar” era when it was a hot spot jazz club until it closed its doors in 1978. The legendary bar lives again in its original Art Moderne style with a floorplan that captures the attention of every seat in the house. The very unique main stage is still behind the bar and features amazing live music and sometimes cabaret performers, deejays and comedians.

Capacity

Seated
89
Buffet
N/A
Standing
100
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price range

Does this include catering fees?

No

Insurance

Additional Insurance May Be Required Depending On The Event

Connect
Request a Venue Tour
Call: events@willisshowbar.com
Event Logistics and Amenities
(Essential event logistics and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you gathering)
Celebrations hosted here since
1949
Curfew
2 AM
Venue spaces
Indoor Venue Space Only
Catering
Client Can Select The Caterer Of Their Choice
Alcohol
Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services
Corkage/Bottle Fee – You Can Bring Your Own Alcohol For A Fee
Licensed Server Is Required
Music
Indoors Only
Smoking
Non-smoking Venue
Handicap Accessible
Yes
Amenities
  • A/V Equipment
  • Street Parking
  • Wifi
  • Dining Chairs
  • Dining Tables
  • Onsite Restrooms
Venue Features
The scene:

Comfortable seats line our one-of-a-kind 55 foot long bar, which spans the entire main room. Two sets of romantic banquette seating face the main stage, with tables for guests, while our plush upholstered booths are perfect for larger groups on our upper tier.

We love hosting special events and our space can be tailored to fit your needs.

Design:
From the outside, Willis Show Bar remains wonderfully preserved. The curved corner facade still features the two-toned oxblood and rose colored tiles, chrome, and heavy metal front doors. Inside, however, Willis’s partners had to get more creative. The interior was mostly gutted when the group first began planning the renovations with the exception of “this incredible original deco ceiling".

The finished space features wood paneled walls and brown leather booths all facing towards a small circular stage behind the bar where a house band plays throughout the evening. The bar itself mirrors the shape of the coved ceiling and stage. On Friday and Saturday evenings when the bar hosts multiple burlesque shows, performers work around the room and utilize a small curved stage near the entrance.
Food Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Lounges
This section provides insights into our diverse culinary and social offerings.
Willis Show Bar has kept its focus on the entertainment aspects of the business and stayed classic with the beverages. Visitors can expect a short list of wines, beers, and spirits — primarily whiskey. For cocktails, the bar serves options like a French 75, a rye-based zazerac, and the Bee’s Knees. While no food is served in-house, outside caterers are always welcome for events.

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Willis Show Bar
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