Detroit’s cocktail landscape has welcomed a spirited addition with the opening of Saksey’s, an intimate lounge tucked away off Parker’s Alley in the downtown district.
A collaborative venture between NoHo Hospitality Group and the Gilbert family, the space merges modern craft with a nostalgic nod to the 1970s, offering guests an immersive environment of playful drinks, nostalgic bites, and familiar tunes.
Honoring local roots
The project marks the latest endeavor for NoHo Hospitality Group partners Luke Ostrom and Josh Pickard, who sought to blend New York polish with a concept deeply rooted in the local community.
“The story behind Saksey’s has real Detroit roots,” says Ostrom. “The original Detroit-based Saksey’s, owned by Sam Gilbert (Dan Gilbert’s father), was the kind of neighborhood tavern everyone wished was on their corner… easygoing, full of heart, and built on genuine connection. When we started shaping this new bar, we wanted to honor that spirit while making it entirely our own. It’s not about recreating the past; it’s about carrying its energy forward, the sense of belonging, the humor, the craft, and letting it live in a new way.”
Storytelling at Saksey’s
Spearheaded by Daniel Caudill of DTM Consulting, the interior architecture establishes a sense of quiet storytelling where Detroit’s past and present meet.
The room is enveloped in dark cherry wood paneling, which pairs with the subtle glow of lacquered finishes. Seating arrangements feature deep green velvet banquettes and custom mahogany tables, offset by vintage lounge pieces from the 1960s and ’70s. Dark green and brown velvet curtains add an additional layer of warmth and midcentury texture, making the space feel both lived-in and polished.
A love letter to custom craft
Regional craftsmanship anchors the entire space, including a salon-style art wall layered with vintage Detroit ephemera and original local artwork.
Custom furniture by Slowhouse Furniture and localized lighting by Britten Home elevate the lounge’s footprint. The room is further defined by handpainted signage from Motown Sign Co., distinctive artwork by Detroit artist Matt Lisk, and a bespoke brass back bar by Studio XC.
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