If you’re in downtown Detroit looking for a good place to eat that has strong ties to Benton Harbor, you might consider Joique Bell’s new sports bar, Parlay Detroit.
The former Detroit Lions player and Benton Harbor native opened the new sports bar/restaurant/cigar bar in mid-November. Since then, he and his co-owners (a mix of attorneys and silent investors) have been promoting it as a great place to watch the Lions (of course), Monday Night Football, other NFL matchups, boxing events (the grand opening featured the Tyson-Paul bout), the Detroit Red Wings, and any other major sporting event.
Located at 1260 Washington Boulevard in Detroit (in the former Detroit Beer Exchange), Parlay Detroit promises, “an elevated food menu, exquisite cocktails, and a luxe ambience. This is where great taste meets all the game day vibes.”
To call it just another sports bar misses the point. The space is listed at 11,000 square feet, the interior is elegant, and the menu is curated with both the sophisticated and the non-foodie in mind. For starters, the choices include buffalo wontons, loaded housemade kettle chips, truffle herb fries, wasabi salt fries with chili crisps, chargrilled oysters, and crispy confit chicken wings.
A sample of the social media reaction since the November 15 opening appears positive:
“Parlay has completely changed the “sports bar” experience. Such a sophisticated vibe, and I definitely plan on coming back for happy hour or just a nice evening out.”
“A really wonderful addition to downtown Detroit. A TV greets you anywhere you turn your head – a game is never too far to watch and enjoy. The food menu is creative and diverse from your typical bar du jour to a more curated and defined taste (whole red snapper!!).”
“Awesome atmosphere, great food and very elegant set-up. The best sports bar/restaurant in metro Detroit!”
While we have not yet personally tried the establishment, it appears headed in the right direction. Moody on the Market offers its ongoing congratulations to Joique Bell for continuing to invest in Michigan. We look forward to following your continued success!
