Sunday, February 23, 2014

DJs Lounge


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?




21 comments:

  1. The gif totally rocks, thanks!

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  2. Jeff, 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

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    1. You 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.

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    2. Yup, that was me. If anyone ever pulls out a miracle, let me know. Thanks!!!

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  3. You should own that sign. On principle alone...

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  4. I 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.

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  5. I 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?

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  6. I 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.

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  7. I remember this sign well. Never went there, but we used to call it the Dick & Balls lounge and assumed it was a gay club.

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  8. It was a Burger Chef back in the 60s.....

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  9. Back 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.

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  10. I 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.

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    1. I 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!

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  11. I knew the owners, Jim and Denny - Hence DJ's. Jim taught me in high school and Denny was a family friend.

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  12. Back 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.

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  13. Before 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.

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    1. I worked for Jim in 1974 as a weekend night bartender....the place rocked all night till 2am last call.
      We 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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  14. DJs near me or DJs near you, whatever do you want a DJ? DJ Required is one of the best DJ agencies in London. They have been set up by a mixed group of London s finest DJs. Do you want a DJ near you or a DJ in London Look no further! They have DJs available for you.

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  15. My 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.

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    1. Does anyone know how to get in touch with Jim...worked for him in early 70"s with Jim Wykes.....Sport

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  16. DJ Jef Leppard? Really?

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