Willis Show Bar Est. 1949

Detroit, Michigan, United States

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Willis Show Bar

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events@willisshowbar.com

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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 Facility; Bar / 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.

Fees

(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)

Price Range: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Does this include catering fees?: No
Insurance: Additional Insurance May Be Required Depending On The Event

Capacity

Seated: 89

Buffet: N/A

Standing: 100

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.

Eats & Drinks

Food, Restaurants, Cafes, Bars & Lounges

Food, Restaurants, Cafes:: 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.