Jazzed Up in Grosse Pointe
A modern, sexy 24-seat cocktail lounge, The Dog House in Grosse Pointe Farms, transports guests to another place — if only for an hour or two. Although it’s connected to the neighboring Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, this moody hideaway has its own entrance and distinct atmosphere, channeling the spirit of a tucked-away speakeasy in Detroit, New York, or even Paris.
Designed by Alexis Elley, founder of the metro Detroit-based Textures Interior Design, the lounge pays homage to its jazz roots while offering a fresh, intimate experience. “All of the images on the walls, except for Louis Armstrong, are artists who have played at the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe,” Elley says. The black-and-white portraits make a striking statement against chocolate-brown lacquered walls, which envelope the room in warmth.
Much of the neutral décor was intentionally designed to “melt into the room,” Elley adds, allowing the electric blue mohair banquettes to pop and provide a striking, sophisticated contrast. She says finding just the right neutral-toned rug proved to be the most challenging part of the entire design.
Black glass tabletops edged with brass, leather chairs backed with an abstract feather velvet, and caramel mohair banquettes exude what Elley calls “quiet luxury.” Antique glass serves as a classy backdrop for the bar and as a playful element on another wall. “Instead of keeping it in the ’70s, I had them apply a gold kind of graffiti on top of it,” Elley says. “On the fireplace wall, we used a finely reeded wood panel to add a little bit more texture. Then we completely reworked the fireplace with a gorgeous surround, which coincides with the bar top and the countertops in the space.”
That careful attention to design carries into the experience of the drinks and atmosphere, curated by bartender and creative director Andrew Ramirez, who spearheaded the project. “We’ll be playing genres of music that all stem from classic jazz but are much more modern,” he says, citing artists like Tadow, FKJ, and Anderson .Paak.
Cocktails follow the same principles: clean and classic, with modern technique, Ramirez says. The menu also includes five curated wines, two champagnes, beer, and handcrafted non-alcoholic options. The goal is to offer something for everyone, using familiar ingredients while also introducing new offerings. “We want people to feel comfortable and sexy in our room, from the design to the drink in their glass,” Ramirez says.
Photo By EE Berger.
To round out the experience, a small plates menu crafted by Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe Executive Chef Andre Neimanis pairs perfectly with the lounge’s refined cocktails and moody atmosphere.
MORE INFORMATION: texturesinteriordesign.com, dirtydogjazz.com
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