So I've only ever been to this place one time last year when I was trying to tour obscure dive bars. There were literally only 2 other people in there the whole time along with Jim, the owner. It has a cool look from another era. It was featured in the movie "30 Seconds Or Less" as a strip club (they added "Gentleman's" to the sign, above the "Lounge."
Driving past yesterday, I saw that it was finally closed and for sale.
I think the sign is an amazing piece of Americana. I wish there was a way to preserve it but I guess the best I can do is make this cool animated gif of what it might have looked like when it was working!
Anyone know the history of this old place?
The gif totally rocks, thanks!
ReplyDeleteJeff, no clue how to email you but need help finding The Howdy Howdy/Dr. Ray show from mid 90s GRTV,,,nobody can find these shows, do you know a way..help me Obi Jeff Kanobi..your my only hope! WGH
ReplyDeleteYou must have contacted GRTV recently looking for this because they asked me about it as well. I asked the old-school public access folks I still have contact and though people do remember the show, nobody knows of any tapes of it being around or how to contact the producers. It's too bad, i remember it and would like to see it again too.
DeleteYup, that was me. If anyone ever pulls out a miracle, let me know. Thanks!!!
DeleteYou should own that sign. On principle alone...
ReplyDeleteI used to go there in the mid 90's. My best friend's boyfriend Erik would hang out there and play darts. It was a nice, down to earth place. Dive bar for sure, but not dangerous. Back when I went there were a decent amount of people in there.
ReplyDeleteI went here a few times in the 80's. I loved it. My wife did not! I believe there was a "Burger Chef" fast food place on this property before the bar, remember those?
ReplyDeleteI remember Burger Chef! When I was in grade school in the 1970's my mom used to take me to the Burger Chef on Michigan St. after school for a "Fun Meal" which came with a toy.
ReplyDeleteI remember this sign well. Never went there, but we used to call it the Dick & Balls lounge and assumed it was a gay club.
ReplyDeleteIt was a Burger Chef back in the 60s.....
ReplyDeleteBack in 1988 I had a job delivering newspapers - the Detroit News. The papers had to be picked up at Eastbrook mall so I often drove down 28th street at 4AM. I still remember driving by D-J's Lounge and seeing a car door open and a couple getting busy inside. It certainly made an impression on my innocent teenage brain.
ReplyDeleteI have the sign if you would like to purchase it. I am looking for someone who appreciates the sign for the historical value of it. I am the contractor who was hired to remove it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you will get a notification for this reply-- I am guessing not, but if you happen to come by again, please contact me by email: poopville@yahoo.com about the sign!
DeleteI knew the owners, Jim and Denny - Hence DJ's. Jim taught me in high school and Denny was a family friend.
ReplyDeleteBack in the day (80’& 90’s) JD’s Lounge was a place where factory workers would congregate after work. There were a few large factories within a few miles of DJ’s. It was generally hopping after each shift. It was a great place for off shifts because the rest of the world was on a different schedule. They offered good food, good drinks, darts, pac-man, pool tables, and pinball games to feed & entertain their patrons. The bar was a dive bar for sure, but there was a good atmosphere and the people were fun to mingle with.
ReplyDeleteBefore this was DJ's Lounge it was Top Boy Burgers. I grew up behind Meijer Market in late 50's into the 70's. Denny & Jim were both teachers at Catholic Central although Denny left shortly after they opened the bar. I worked for them painting outside. The Lescoa third shift would get out at 6:45 and DJ's would open at 7 a.m. for that shift. Watched the NCAA final MSU vs. ISU with Magic & Larry Bird at that place. Memories..JPB.
ReplyDeleteI worked for Jim in 1974 as a weekend night bartender....the place rocked all night till 2am last call.
DeleteWe then would all go out for breakfast and see all the help from the groto a night club down from DJ"s....good times.....i went by the name Sport then.....now live in Naples,Fl
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ReplyDeleteMy parents opened DJ’s around 1972. My dad’s name is a Denny (the D in the name.) His partner was Jim who kept the bar until it closed. It was there 40 years until their 40 year lease expired.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how to get in touch with Jim...worked for him in early 70"s with Jim Wykes.....Sport
DeleteDJ Jef Leppard? Really?
ReplyDelete