The New Place Lounge is located at 22723 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. The hours are 10 a.m. 2 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays. Live entertainment is always on Fridays and Saturday. For more information on events, call the bar at 313.277.3035.
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"We've" got lots of stories," said New Place co-owner Shirley Molinari. "We've had an awful lot of people meet in here, get married and have come back after their wedding reception in their gowns. We've also made a lot of friends over the years and now their kids come here, too."
As she recalls these treasured moments, it is clear that she and Raymond, her husband and business partner, caress those experiences with fondness and pride.
Since 1972, the Molinari family has faithfully served the Dearborn area, long before the city's West Village renaissance was underway.
"It has kind of hurt us because there are so many bars now," Molinari said of the growth in the area. "There used to be one or two but now there are a ton of them. We now have to share our clientele.
"But a lot of our customers don't like to go to those other places in town. They might stop in at Bailey's or Cheli's, but they'll always come back here because our prices are lower and there's always someone here they know."
Regular patrons also know the New Place is where they'll hear the best in local rock and pop entertainment. Robb Roy, Bobby Lewis and the Crackerjack Band, Over Easy, Pat Brennan, Dusty Libido and the Wrenfields are just a handful of Motor City stars that have graced the Dearborn tavern's stage.
New Place bartender Abby, one of the many smiling faces at the Dearborn establishment.
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While you are listening to some fine live music you can always rest assured that there are weekly food and drink specials aplenty. Rock bottom prices on shots and beer are commonplace and their grill, which is open late, features premium burgers, ham and cheese sandwiches and other cooked to order delicacies.
They also offer other amusing amenities like Club Keno, various video games and pool as you bop to the latest sounds.
"People don't stay as long," said Shirley on how patron attitudes have changed over time. "They have a few drinks and then they leave. They're usually afraid they'll get pulled over. People are more responsible now. There's a taxi driver that comes by every night and picks people up. And my son and my husband are always driving regulars home, too. My family doesn't drink at all so there's always somebody sober to take somebody home."
Be a "Pinball Wizard" at the New Place game room.
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Son Raymo, who is poised to takeover the bar when Shirley and Raymond retire, and daughter Lisa are actively involved in the daily management of the bar as well, always pitching in where needed.
When asked to what does she attribute her longevity in a business that is traditionally very fickle, Shirley said: "I think it's because we've always been family owned and run. We're older and we pay more attention to business rather than partying and spending all our money. And people feel comfortable here. It's a neighborhood place and people have always come back."
The New Place Lounge is located at 22723 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. The hours are 10 a.m. 2 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays. Live entertainment is always on Fridays and Saturdays. This weekend Bobby Lewis and The Crackerjack Band will be appearing. Most nights there's no cover. For more information on events, call the bar at 313.277.3035.
Contact Eric Harabadian at Harab1@comcast.net.
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