I went there once pre covid and my god it was like time traveling to the late 1980s. You could just feel how it was a place that had made no changes since the 1980s.
With a crooner playing piano right next to the bar. Boodles is a gem. They seem hardly open, they must have a good relationship with their landlord. Every other place seems to be closing due to rent
They actually had a kitchen fire recently and are apparently rebuilding it. Idk if that means the dining area will see any changes but, just thought I'd mention it.
Rattlesnake was never going to change itself in a way that was like Seldon Standard or Oak & Reel. It was what it was. Them sinking $2m into reinventing themselves would have been a death sentence and a poor investment. Restaurants close. There will be time when the “new” hip places become outdated as well. They’ll likely just close, not reinvent themselves. Restaurants generally don’t “pivot” - it’s too risky and expensive. Places like Peter Luger in NY will either continue to succeed or close. There’s no in between. Its days were over. Personally, I appreciate the occasional throwback dining experience (like Mr Paul’s or Clawson Steakhouse) but it’s usually just a novelty type experience.
Days of restaurants being open forever are gone. Restaurant groups plan for 5 year life spans now. Anything more than that is bonus.
They renovate, change the concept, reopen, and become the new trendy spot all over again.
I went there once 6 years ago. I instantly understood why I’d only ever heard retirees talk it up. Everything was so dated. Decor, food, service. It was depressing. The staff were bored out of their minds.
Definitely some truth to this.
I know for a fact that for years they'd been hosting dinners for retirees sponsored by investment companies. The pitch was always "come hear our presentation and get a free dinner."
It's sad because this used to be one of Detroit's premier dining locations. But as the number of truly excellent (or at least popular) restaurants in Detroit increased they didn't seem to evolve in response to the changing environment.
Used to be the kind of place you couldn't get into without a reservation.The last time I went there it was completely dead despite the food still being very good. And that was even before COVID-19.
The name of the game is "Adapt or Die." They just didn't adapt.
Attire: black slacks and aprons white dress shirts and black dress shoes.
Stuffy: I don’t need a different person bringing me water than who is serving our table when there are 3 tables in the whole place. Overstaffed, too many idol hands creating an atmosphere of boredom. Some were on their phones, which I didn’t mind at all. Better than being hawked over by 3 people all dinner.
Lack of pride: no one seemed connected to the food or experience. We made a couple comments about the menu and got a sympathetic, ‘yeah, it’s very traditional’.
Cocktails: bartenders were serving terrible drink menus. When I ordered a classic cocktail off menu, it was met with, “we don’t have fresh lime juice” (or something like that). It was 6 years ago and very forgettable experience so I don’t recall exactly.
It was like a museum for great food, circa 1989. It’s in an amazing location! There are not too many places to grab a delicious meal and glass of wine on a cute patio along the river.
Last time I was at the Rattlesnake Club was 2008 for my birthday. Went several times prior. Loved it. When I heard Schmidt left in 2010 I never went back. Surprised they lasted this long and even through COVID.
It was a nice spot! I went there in 2017 and felt like it was a "traditional" type of atmosphere. Staff were professional and very formal.
I thought the old style of everything was charming, but I guess folks don't see it that way
Ooof. I loved the rattlesnake club. I worked downtown and would often host visitors or business dinners there. But too often there were too few people there eating , and on some notable times, my table was the ONLY table. Not sure how they survived that for so long.
I love the gaslighting.
"Changing patterns in dining habits"
Also known as, "we charge way too much, provide way too little in terms of portions and quality, and diners won't come spend their money"
Gee...I wonder why.
That’s not necessarily true. Changing patterns is a thing that’s affecting their business. People are more interested in ‘innovative’ meals, cocktails, and experiences. The problem is that their core base is dying and young professionals don’t have interest in the Rattlesnake experience. It’s a cycle though. Eventually the innovative experience will have a trickle down where most restaurants adopt the style which waters down that experience. It’s similar to the microbrewer wave 10-20 years ago. People who are in their teens right now are likely not to A) have the money for the innovative experience or B) not want to experience the dining experience their parents were into. It’s a cycle. So it’s not a cop out to say that the market changes killed them…it did. The Great Generation and Boomers grew up with the Rattlesnake type experience being a social status and norm. That’s no longer the case now.
My family always had a fascination with this place- my uncle was a bartender manager at The Whitney in the '80's and '90's (when it was true French- 7 course meal with palate cleansers and what not) - I think he knew Jimmy Schmidt also, and this was his go-to recommendation to people. Growing up, I remember always associating Rattlesnake Club with fine dining/luxury.
I took my wife on dates there, and we actually had our wedding here in 2020 after the big venues all closed- we did a really small ceremony on the riverfront and then dinner right where that picture was taken on the patio. Everything was top notch. We went back in 2022 for our anniversary and things went noticeably downhill- we felt bad for the staff and never went back. I am surprised they made it this long.
As others have said, they had a great run and now that space can hopefully be a new restaurant that people can actually enjoy. Such a great spot, and easy access to Riverwalk, Aretha amphitheater, Milliken Marina, etc.
P.S- does anyone remeber the white chocolate ravioli? It was dark chocolate mousse in a white chocolate ravioli shell with a raspberry sauce. Those things were awesome!
Was it though? The only reason I ever found myself there was for legal networking functions. It didn’t seem to really justify its “upscale” designation in any meaningful way to me. Rattlesnake Club always struck me as a restaurant past its peak that tried to cling to its glory day status in all the wrong ways. There are plenty of other elegant establishments that focus their efforts more appropriately on service and meal quality than micromanaging their guests’ wardrobe choices. I’m not celebrating its closure but I’m not exactly surprised to hear of it either.
That’s La Dolce Vita, and they also request that you don’t look like you rolled out of bed before dining with them.
If I’m spending a decent amount of money for a meal and experience, I appreciate the “rules” because it seems like a large portion of the population doesn’t seem to get how the behave in public.
You also **must** valet your car with them.
Maybe that a component of the “don’t look like you just rolled out of bed” requirement.
Given the sketch neighborhood, I’m fine with that though.
Last time I was at La Dolce I wore sweats for sure without any comments. It was Caucus Club that had the rule
https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2021/03/25/detroit-caucus-club-dress-code-marijuana-odor/6989298002/
I’m fine with that. As someone who occasionally “partakes” there’s no reason to reek of marijuana unless you hotboxed your car. Just do it outside and then take a shower if you’re going to a restaurant.
I went there once pre covid and my god it was like time traveling to the late 1980s. You could just feel how it was a place that had made no changes since the 1980s.
It felt dated 15 years ago. Food was good though
Have you ever been to Boodles in Madison Heights? Decor hasn't changed in over 40 years. Great staff and drinks but definitely vintage decor.
With a crooner playing piano right next to the bar. Boodles is a gem. They seem hardly open, they must have a good relationship with their landlord. Every other place seems to be closing due to rent
I've been curious about that as well. I've wanted to stop by more, but as you've mentioned; they have odd hours.
Isn't that part of the appeal for some places?
It is. For similar locales, try Elmurst Tap Room in Dearborn, Moro's in Allen Park, and Sibley Gardens in Trenton.
Came here to mention Sibley. Old school gangster vibes for sure! It’s a great spot
Moro’s did an “update” in the mid 90’s and it still feels like the Rat Pack might turn up on a bender. It’s part of the charm!
I believe it is. I don't know if that's the plan there or not. I've never asked, I've never been bothered by it to ask.
…. but the 80’s!
They actually had a kitchen fire recently and are apparently rebuilding it. Idk if that means the dining area will see any changes but, just thought I'd mention it.
Oh no. That's terrible, thank you for letting me know. I didn't know that.
Check out sign. Of the beefcarver royal oak .
Rattlesnake was never going to change itself in a way that was like Seldon Standard or Oak & Reel. It was what it was. Them sinking $2m into reinventing themselves would have been a death sentence and a poor investment. Restaurants close. There will be time when the “new” hip places become outdated as well. They’ll likely just close, not reinvent themselves. Restaurants generally don’t “pivot” - it’s too risky and expensive. Places like Peter Luger in NY will either continue to succeed or close. There’s no in between. Its days were over. Personally, I appreciate the occasional throwback dining experience (like Mr Paul’s or Clawson Steakhouse) but it’s usually just a novelty type experience.
Days of restaurants being open forever are gone. Restaurant groups plan for 5 year life spans now. Anything more than that is bonus. They renovate, change the concept, reopen, and become the new trendy spot all over again.
Clawson's is legit. I like eating there especially for lunch...I
Oh man, I have a lot of good memories there l, proposed to my wife out on the riverfront after a meal there.
I went there once 6 years ago. I instantly understood why I’d only ever heard retirees talk it up. Everything was so dated. Decor, food, service. It was depressing. The staff were bored out of their minds.
Definitely some truth to this. I know for a fact that for years they'd been hosting dinners for retirees sponsored by investment companies. The pitch was always "come hear our presentation and get a free dinner." It's sad because this used to be one of Detroit's premier dining locations. But as the number of truly excellent (or at least popular) restaurants in Detroit increased they didn't seem to evolve in response to the changing environment. Used to be the kind of place you couldn't get into without a reservation.The last time I went there it was completely dead despite the food still being very good. And that was even before COVID-19. The name of the game is "Adapt or Die." They just didn't adapt.
Weird question. What does outdated service mean? Does it mean it's terrible or way better? Because I could see arguments for both.
Attire: black slacks and aprons white dress shirts and black dress shoes. Stuffy: I don’t need a different person bringing me water than who is serving our table when there are 3 tables in the whole place. Overstaffed, too many idol hands creating an atmosphere of boredom. Some were on their phones, which I didn’t mind at all. Better than being hawked over by 3 people all dinner. Lack of pride: no one seemed connected to the food or experience. We made a couple comments about the menu and got a sympathetic, ‘yeah, it’s very traditional’. Cocktails: bartenders were serving terrible drink menus. When I ordered a classic cocktail off menu, it was met with, “we don’t have fresh lime juice” (or something like that). It was 6 years ago and very forgettable experience so I don’t recall exactly.
I last went there in 2010 maybe...no one talks about this place despite location
I expect the location will be a huge draw for another restaurant. Dinner and a short walk to The Aretha.
Yeah it's a prime location. Great views and parking right there. I really hope something else goes in.
It was like a museum for great food, circa 1989. It’s in an amazing location! There are not too many places to grab a delicious meal and glass of wine on a cute patio along the river.
Restaurants have to adapt to demand.
Last time I was at the Rattlesnake Club was 2008 for my birthday. Went several times prior. Loved it. When I heard Schmidt left in 2010 I never went back. Surprised they lasted this long and even through COVID.
It was a nice spot! I went there in 2017 and felt like it was a "traditional" type of atmosphere. Staff were professional and very formal. I thought the old style of everything was charming, but I guess folks don't see it that way
You can ride change, or let change ride you. 
I worked there back in the 90s. Honestly, it’s well past due. They had a good run. Let’s get some new stuff.
Ooof. I loved the rattlesnake club. I worked downtown and would often host visitors or business dinners there. But too often there were too few people there eating , and on some notable times, my table was the ONLY table. Not sure how they survived that for so long.
I thought this place has been gone for some reason. Never hear anyone ever talk about it anymore except in fond memories from the 80s or 90s
Am I remembering wrong, did they have a bathroom attendant?
I love the gaslighting. "Changing patterns in dining habits" Also known as, "we charge way too much, provide way too little in terms of portions and quality, and diners won't come spend their money" Gee...I wonder why.
That’s not necessarily true. Changing patterns is a thing that’s affecting their business. People are more interested in ‘innovative’ meals, cocktails, and experiences. The problem is that their core base is dying and young professionals don’t have interest in the Rattlesnake experience. It’s a cycle though. Eventually the innovative experience will have a trickle down where most restaurants adopt the style which waters down that experience. It’s similar to the microbrewer wave 10-20 years ago. People who are in their teens right now are likely not to A) have the money for the innovative experience or B) not want to experience the dining experience their parents were into. It’s a cycle. So it’s not a cop out to say that the market changes killed them…it did. The Great Generation and Boomers grew up with the Rattlesnake type experience being a social status and norm. That’s no longer the case now.
Rattlesnake Club, back in the day of The Rhinoceros.
My family always had a fascination with this place- my uncle was a bartender manager at The Whitney in the '80's and '90's (when it was true French- 7 course meal with palate cleansers and what not) - I think he knew Jimmy Schmidt also, and this was his go-to recommendation to people. Growing up, I remember always associating Rattlesnake Club with fine dining/luxury. I took my wife on dates there, and we actually had our wedding here in 2020 after the big venues all closed- we did a really small ceremony on the riverfront and then dinner right where that picture was taken on the patio. Everything was top notch. We went back in 2022 for our anniversary and things went noticeably downhill- we felt bad for the staff and never went back. I am surprised they made it this long. As others have said, they had a great run and now that space can hopefully be a new restaurant that people can actually enjoy. Such a great spot, and easy access to Riverwalk, Aretha amphitheater, Milliken Marina, etc. P.S- does anyone remeber the white chocolate ravioli? It was dark chocolate mousse in a white chocolate ravioli shell with a raspberry sauce. Those things were awesome!
Had my senior prom here in 2010 LOL
They probably still have the same cooks/ Chefs from the 80’s.😂 I was there only once because my consulting company took us out to dinner there.
This is sad. It was one of our most elegant restaurants. Another one bites the dust.
Was it though? The only reason I ever found myself there was for legal networking functions. It didn’t seem to really justify its “upscale” designation in any meaningful way to me. Rattlesnake Club always struck me as a restaurant past its peak that tried to cling to its glory day status in all the wrong ways. There are plenty of other elegant establishments that focus their efforts more appropriately on service and meal quality than micromanaging their guests’ wardrobe choices. I’m not celebrating its closure but I’m not exactly surprised to hear of it either.
This the one that denied service to those who smelled like weed?
I believe that was the caucus club. They had a sign that said that last time I was there.
Yes, and they had quite the statement on their website, too.
Yeah you might be correct
That’s La Dolce Vita, and they also request that you don’t look like you rolled out of bed before dining with them. If I’m spending a decent amount of money for a meal and experience, I appreciate the “rules” because it seems like a large portion of the population doesn’t seem to get how the behave in public.
You also **must** valet your car with them. Maybe that a component of the “don’t look like you just rolled out of bed” requirement. Given the sketch neighborhood, I’m fine with that though.
Last time I was at La Dolce I wore sweats for sure without any comments. It was Caucus Club that had the rule https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2021/03/25/detroit-caucus-club-dress-code-marijuana-odor/6989298002/
I’m fine with that. As someone who occasionally “partakes” there’s no reason to reek of marijuana unless you hotboxed your car. Just do it outside and then take a shower if you’re going to a restaurant.
Yeah the smell is off putting for sure
[удалено]
Quite presumptuous of you to assume I am one who consumes marijuana