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Downtown Detroit is destined to get an acid trip-inducing new bar and music venue on Friday, August 3 with the opening of Deluxx Fluxx. The traveling art installation originally launched in 2010 by artists Faile and Bast has found its permanent home in Detroit’s art-filled destination the Belt Alley, the Detroit Free Press first-reports.
Deluxx Fluxx is the third bar project from Library Street Collective’s Anthony Curis and bartender Joe Robinson of Standby and the Skip to open in the Belt Alley in less than three years. Street artist Shepard Fairey, whose massive mural adorns a building downtown and the back wall of the Skip, is also a partner in the space. From its custom-made arcade games to its lineup of tapped cocktails, here are five things to know about downtown’s new destination for drinking and entertainment.
On the location: This spot is keeping a low profile. Visitors will have to dive underground to find Deluxx Fluxx’s new home whose “nondescript door” is identified by neon Xs. X marks the spot apparently.
On the design: Deluxx Fluxx’s interior was designed with custom art installations from Brooklyn-based Faile Art Collective’s Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller. The space features both black and white designs and psychedelic black light posters. The creative director behind Radiohead’s tour Andi Watson helped develop light installations for the venue including square lights installed in the ceilings and the bar top.
On the games: In addition to drinks and music, Deluxx Fluxx also features an arcade that’s as custom as the art on the walls. Faile worked with Brooklyn-based developer Matthew Cooley to build around 10 vintage-inspired arcade games centered around Detroit. That means, visitors can play a boxing game with RoboCop, run from ghosts in Michigan Central Station video game, and navigate a pigeon through Eastern Market. One screen even features Jason Hall, founder of Slow Roll.
On the drinks: Mirroring other local bars that are increasingly taking advantage of speedy tapped cocktail pours, 10 cocktails available at Deluxx Fluxx will be poured from taps with designer handles. The recipes developed by bartenders Kyle Adam Thousand and Matt Bieke include a margarita. There will also be 10 beers on draft and fresh, non-alcoholic sodas available. Prices will run between $3 and $12.
On the entertainment: Deluxx Fluxx’s team has wisely snatched up former El Club booker Virginia Benson to bring in local and national bands to the 240-person capacity club. In addition to music and games, the venue also plans to host burlesque shows, karaoke, and more.
• Art Meets Arcade at New Detroit Nightlife Hotspot Deluxx Fluxx [Freep]
• An Inside Look at Deluxx Fluxx [Hip in Detroit]
• All Coming Attractions Coverage [ED]
