  Jazzstage Member Username: Jazzstage Post Number: 136 Registered: 08-2007 |
A few years ago, I used to buy giant candles at Fuch's Religious goods. They were located on the ground floor of the Atlas furniture company on Gratiot and Russell. They sold crazy potions, grave dust, giant inexpensive candles, religious candles, incense of all kind. Once, I heard an employee tell a man that if he burned these candles and insense his brother would stop stealing and other crazy behavior. The place is now open in Ferndale but is much more tame. Any other "interesting" places come to mind? | ||
Oliverdouglas Member Username: Oliverdouglas Post Number: 148 Registered: 02-2006 |
Goldengate Cafe | ||
Dds Member Username: Dds Post Number: 390 Registered: 10-2006 |
Sugar Hill on Oakland (sadly, no more). | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 3017 Registered: 10-2003 |
Ascension U.K. was an unusual Detroit establishment. Wonder if any of you remember it. Less than legitimate Goth club. Forget exactly where it was located. Very dark inside. Lots of vampires. | ||
Troy Member Username: Troy Post Number: 208 Registered: 10-2003 |
Toms tavern for the largest variation in floor height. The only place where if you are standing next to the side wall you are a foot taller than the person 6 feet away in the center of the room. Babe Ruth B-day party coming up | ||
Fury13 Member Username: Fury13 Post Number: 2588 Registered: 10-2003 |
The Sugar Hill is defunct? | ||
The_ed Member Username: The_ed Post Number: 21 Registered: 10-2007 |
I used to think Doug's Body Shop located in Ferndale was kinda different. Too bad it's not there anymore. It would be good for the dream cruise......... | ||
Gnome Member Username: Gnome Post Number: 188 Registered: 08-2007 |
101 Lounge in the Tuller Hotel. You took three steps down to the door, then down a few more steps into a smooth deco/moderne jazz saloon. In that subteranian den of hipness, they had this huge black lady that out Billied Billie Holiday, an old guy at the piano in dusty tuxedo and bowtie with another hep-kat on a stand-up bass. The 101 Lounge was time-warp place that was cool in a Dash Rip-rock sort of way. Very smooth. On the Bagley side of the Tuller was the Harp Bar which was an old Irish bar. Usually the place was a ghost town, but one day - maybe 2 in the afternoon - I walked in and the place was packed with a bunch of singing, crying, drunken Irish guys. Up on a makeshift stage was JP McCarthy with his arm around the shoulder of some off-the-boat Irish fool from the IRA. I had walked into a fundraising event for the Irish Republican Army! I think that qualifies as unusual. | ||
Xd_brklyn Member Username: Xd_brklyn Post Number: 324 Registered: 10-2003 |
Gnome, great places both. Was a valet for a bit at the Harp Bar, and frequented the 101 Lounge--nice description of the 101. Too bad they are long gone. My most unusual Detroit establishment would probably be the one-story building down the street from the uniform shop over by the Police HQ. It is now directly under the People Mover. At one time, before the PM was ever built, it used to house a puppetry outfit. In the small front window of that little building were some puppets in front of the window curtains. Seemed odd. Imagined a Geppetto-like character living there and making puppets largely for his own amusement. | ||
Gravitymachine Member Username: Gravitymachine Post Number: 1840 Registered: 05-2005 |
i have no idea what it is, but the "president nephew...." something or other on 14th between grand river and MLK gets by on name alone. i can't tell if its a biker hangout or some kind of wierd church or ministry | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 6076 Registered: 11-2004 |
I could've sworn there's still a candle store where the old Fuch's is in Detroit. It's under a different name now but still has its fair share of voodoo oils and other esoteric "cures". My favorite oddities there would have to be the wax candles cast in whatever body parts that you needed help with- and I'll let your imagination go from there. It was most definitely a unique place. And I don't think Fuch's is in Ferndale anymore. It was on Nine Mile just east of Woodward but has since been turned into some shoe outlet or something I believe. They might have moved to Madison Heights on Stephenson if memory serves me correctly. | ||
The_ed Member Username: The_ed Post Number: 31 Registered: 10-2007 |
Isn't there a Fuch's on Puritan W. of Livernois? Or is that Fenkell??? | ||
Dhugger Member Username: Dhugger Post Number: 204 Registered: 03-2005 |
The mannequin warehouse near Music Hall and the old Hudson's warehouse. I purchased a 50's style mannequin there in the 80's. Long gone to gentrification. | ||
Dannaroo Member Username: Dannaroo Post Number: 167 Registered: 05-2006 |
Speaking of Fuch's, I remember a couple years ago whenever I would drive down I-75 through Detroit somewhere between 8 Mile and Hamtramck there was always sign on one of hte industrial buildings that said, "Fuch's Lubricants" That one always got my attention | ||
Udmphikapbob Member Username: Udmphikapbob Post Number: 483 Registered: 07-2004 |
I came here to say Tom's. | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1505 Registered: 01-2005 |
Right now it's Cafe D' Mongo's downtown. | ||
Gnome Member Username: Gnome Post Number: 190 Registered: 08-2007 |
Amen | ||
Chuckjav Member Username: Chuckjav Post Number: 239 Registered: 09-2007 |
Marcus Burgers (out of business - late 1960s); not your typical burger joint. Their hook was to roll hamburger meat into shape of a sausage - serve it up on a hot dog bun. Go Figure! | ||
Dissolvedgirl3 Member Username: Dissolvedgirl3 Post Number: 7 Registered: 09-2007 |
Gravity Machine...I think I know of what you speak. I drive by that place all the time and wonder what the hell it is! I slowed down once to gawk and if I remember correctly, it's some sort of Masonic Lodge/metting place or something. But the paint job on the building is hilarious! | ||
Thecarl Member Username: Thecarl Post Number: 1074 Registered: 04-2005 |
quote: could this be the "lama temple" at the corner of gratiot and russell? | ||
Fury13 Member Username: Fury13 Post Number: 2596 Registered: 10-2003 |
Marcus Burgers is still around, Chuckjav, on E. McNichols in Detroit, and at 14 and Ryan in Sterling Heights. | ||
Fury13 Member Username: Fury13 Post Number: 2597 Registered: 10-2003 |
How about the Car Wash Cafe on E. Jefferson? | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 2441 Registered: 06-2004 |
quote: Davecat, is that you? | ||
Thecarl Member Username: Thecarl Post Number: 1075 Registered: 04-2005 |
quote: that place was formerly h.a. montgomery, of old detroit petroleum money - and was bought by fuchs, a german manufacturer of industrial lubricants. the facility was at the northwest corner of i-75 and mcnichols - and was razed within the past several weeks. | ||
Supergay Member Username: Supergay Post Number: 102 Registered: 05-2006 |
Gigi's. Drag show in the basement of an old VFW hall. | ||
Evelyn Member Username: Evelyn Post Number: 38 Registered: 02-2005 |
Johnlodge: Ascension U.K. was located on Grand River right before Woodward, next to the former "House of 9" building. It was marked only by a yellow Chinese takeout sign, if memory serves. They served coffee and goth music late at night. It closed years ago- I want to say '99, but I'm not sure. The building was torn down a few years ago, and I thought I heard rumors about a strip club being built in that spot. Don't think it ever happened. | ||
Granmontrules Member Username: Granmontrules Post Number: 204 Registered: 01-2007 |
I haven't been in a few years but I have no reason to believe that it has changed but the Comet Bar is ultra-funky near Cass Tech. | ||
Mikeydbn Member Username: Mikeydbn Post Number: 350 Registered: 04-2004 |
Ivanhoe Cafe tops my list - great place to grab lunch. | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 3034 Registered: 10-2003 |
"Johnlodge: Ascension U.K. was located on Grand River right before Woodward, next to the former "House of 9" building. It was marked only by a yellow Chinese takeout sign, if memory serves. They served coffee and goth music late at night. It closed years ago- I want to say '99, but I'm not sure. The building was torn down a few years ago, and I thought I heard rumors about a strip club being built in that spot. Don't think it ever happened." Yes Evelyn, that's right. I'm glad somebody remembers that place. I remember sometimes they'd have a sign that said they were closed down, but if you knocked or rang a bell or something, someone would look out and let you in if they knew you. If they were open until '99, that's a little longer than I thought. | ||
The_rock Member Username: The_rock Post Number: 1989 Registered: 11-2003 |
My old favorite was Abbott's Magic shop, around the corner from the UA Building on W. Elizabeth. During the 50's it was a fun place to visit. Not a big store, but the magicians in the area would buy a lot of their "wares" there, and would even put on a little show for the customers. Just fascinating. Colon, Michigan used to be the Magicians Capitol of the World ( maybe it still is), and some of their guys would come in and show the salespersons the latest tricks, etc. Even back then, some of those performers preferred to be called illusionists rather than magicians. If you Google "Abbott's Magic", you are lead to a fancy website, but I don't know if that group is/was related to the "little shop around the corner". | ||
Davetroit Member Username: Davetroit Post Number: 31 Registered: 03-2007 |
- The Old Miami You feel like you're in a Nam vet's living room. Awesome backyard complete with fish pond. The RR Bar on Michigan near Central is a gay western bar. I've never been inside, but I'm assuming that it is a very "Interesting" place. | ||
Dds Member Username: Dds Post Number: 391 Registered: 10-2006 |
quote: I'm not sure how long. Whenever I head over, afternoon or evening, no cars, door locked. I miss the velvet painting and the competitive pool. A guy who used to work for Parks and Rec took me there for the first time about 8 years ago. In fact, he was the person who told me about the 411 Bar (now a parking lot) which could also be mentioned in this thread. Toaster oven sliders! | ||
Evelyn Member Username: Evelyn Post Number: 39 Registered: 02-2005 |
Johnlodge- I honestly don't remember the year, I just remember that I liked the place. Closed in the late '90s, at some point- I think! | ||
Chuckjav Member Username: Chuckjav Post Number: 242 Registered: 09-2007 |
Fury13....Thanks; do you know where abouts on E. McNichols for Marcus Burgers? | ||
Karl_jr Member Username: Karl_jr Post Number: 133 Registered: 06-2007 |
Marcus Hamburgers 6349 East McNichols Road | ||
Pgn421 Member Username: Pgn421 Post Number: 172 Registered: 02-2005 |
Daves Drive Inn, Piquette and John R. Excellent food. | ||
Gnome Member Username: Gnome Post Number: 197 Registered: 08-2007 |
Can I get a second for the Schvitz? | ||
Softailrider Member Username: Softailrider Post Number: 73 Registered: 02-2007 |
Can't disagree with the Schivtz , especially on "couples night " | ||
Dhugger Member Username: Dhugger Post Number: 212 Registered: 03-2005 |
The Michigan Gallery on Michigan Avenue. Hip art to folk art exhibits. Very funky bar 'where every body knows your name.' | ||
Eriedearie Member Username: Eriedearie Post Number: 5 Registered: 08-2007 |
OMG! Chuckjav, Fury13 AND Karl_jr, I Can't believe I finally came across 3 people that remember the Marcus Burgers! When I worked at the Good Housekeeping Shops Warehouse on E. Davison I used to get sent there for those greasy Marcus burgers for the lunch crowd. Any of my old friends from around there don't remember the place. At 14 and Ryan and the McNichols establishment are the burgers still served the same way? I'm gonna have to stop by next time I'm in the area, I've thought about those grease bombs so many times....hummmm | ||
Softailrider Member Username: Softailrider Post Number: 74 Registered: 02-2007 |
Six mile Marcus Burger is always pretty crowded at lunch time during the week . I eat there several times a year . Food is really good . | ||
Chuckjav Member Username: Chuckjav Post Number: 243 Registered: 09-2007 |
Eriedearie......Check it out: http://eatatmarcus.com/menu/pa ge1.htm Take your time; get an order together. I am going to stop by the East McNichols store next month; sure is nice to see that Marcus lives. | ||
Mauser765 Member Username: Mauser765 Post Number: 1991 Registered: 01-2004 |
heres a few great and recent essays on several of the craziest stores that norms will never venture to: http://detroitblog.org/ | ||
Stinger4me Member Username: Stinger4me Post Number: 91 Registered: 08-2007 |
At one time, railroad workers would leave the engine and caboose at the intersection and head to the Marcus for a quick lunch. Great Burgers and pretty good coffee back in the mid 60's. | ||
Eriedearie Member Username: Eriedearie Post Number: 8 Registered: 08-2007 |
Chuckjav - how neat of you to put a link to the Marcus burger establishment. Thank you. I can almost smell 'em cookin'! I'll be sure to stop in for lunch the next time I'm in the neighborhood. That's what I like about this forum - people put information out there for others to pick up on. I've learned so much about Metro Detroit history as well as current situations in the area just by scanning through the threads and reading what everyone has to say. I must say there are some very intelligent writers on here. | ||
Pythonmaster Member Username: Pythonmaster Post Number: 116 Registered: 12-2006 |
Did someone say Gratiot and Russell? http://www.flickr.com/photos/j ustbeamensch/144719984/in/set- 72157594143593544/ | ||
Mallory Member Username: Mallory Post Number: 202 Registered: 05-2006 |
City Hall? | ||
Aarne_frobom Member Username: Aarne_frobom Post Number: 66 Registered: 10-2005 |
I have no idea what kind of business it was, but in the seventies a high point of the bus ride down Fort Street to downriver was passing the Neuenfeld Frog Market. | ||
Chuckjav Member Username: Chuckjav Post Number: 244 Registered: 09-2007 |
Eriedearie....No problem; that Marcus menu is so gigantic....I can't make up my mind. I really enjoy this site too; takes the pressure off my family - I don't bore them to tears (so much) with my Detroit ramblings | ||
The_ed Member Username: The_ed Post Number: 52 Registered: 10-2007 |
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Backstage Deli. It was located on Woodward North of 7 Mile several years back. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was theatrical. | ||
Paulc Member Username: Paulc Post Number: 157 Registered: 03-2005 |
Tried out Tom's Tavern based on the mentions within this thread Satruday night w/ the little lady... had a riot...great place, crazy floor! | ||
Elimarr Member Username: Elimarr Post Number: 19 Registered: 09-2007 |
What was the name of the restaurant that had booths like car interiors...or is this just in my mind? I think it was suburban, tho'. | ||
Waz Member Username: Waz Post Number: 219 Registered: 11-2006 |
You're thinking of Jim's Garage in Ferndale on Woodward at about 8 1/2. I'm also surprised that nobody mentioned Zakoor Novelty on Woodward and (I think) Selden. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 6099 Registered: 11-2004 |
Does anyone remember Mario's Mannequin Works? I vaguely remember seeing a Metro Times article on them right before they were about to be moved or shut down. I had been there once a long time ago and it was kind of spooky & surreal all in the same breath. | ||
Detroitwhat Member Username: Detroitwhat Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2007 |
The most unusual, but innovative Detroit establishment is the igloo shaped building in Southwest near the MCS. Coming in a near second is that Black Cats establishment next to the Packard Plant. Does anyone know what that is? |
