Warren Cafe Celebrates 1-year Anniversary

To say that I’m a fan of the Warren Cafe would be an understatement. Excellent drinks, retro decor, and a beautiful long bar that goes on and on. The main reason the bar is such a gem though is because of the staff. Kevin and Rachel are super nice and welcoming, and keep me coming back. As they celebrate their one-year anniversary, I thought it would be nice to ask them some questions and find out how the last year has been.

NH: Who is Warren Cafe?
WC: The Warren Cafe is a family-owned bar by Rachel Walker, fiance Kevin Daniel, and Rachel’s father, Darryl Walker.

NH: When did you acquire the space?
WC: Rachel’s father Darryl Walker acquired the space in 2010, back when it was Club Xhale. He then changed the name to The Warren Cafe.

NH: When did you guys open? What was that process like?
WC: We opened in the beginning of January 2022. Actually we just celebrated our 1-year anniversary.

NH: Tell me about the bar itself (the physical bar that you order a drink from and sit at). It's huge and gorgeous and spans the entire front end.
WC: The physical bar was there when we acquired the space. It’s a classic shotgun style bar. It was designed and installed by Grand Bar Equipment Co., once located on Grand River Avenue. The date in which the bar was installed is unknown and the company is no longer in existence.

NH: What's the last year been like?
WC: The last year has been a beautiful journey all the way around. Over the last year, through plenty of word of mouth and support from the neighbors in Morningside, we have been getting through what many say is the roughest time when opening a new business.

NH: Where did you get your bartending chops? Where and how did you learn to make such a great drink?
WC: Our bar manager Kevin Daniel has taken the experience he has gained from working all around the city of Detroit and brought a classic cocktail program to our neighborhood bar here on the eastside.

NH: What is Warren Cafe best known for? Most popular drink?
WC: Honestly, it's hard to name just one drink we’re known for. If anything we’re known for being a place you can rely on to get a great classic cocktail.

NH: How would you describe Warren Cafe? What is the vibe at Warren Cafe? What kind of music? What kind of people?
WC: The vibe at the Warren Cafe is warm and relaxed, but also lively and dynamic. Just like the city of Detroit itself, we have people of all walks of life in the bar.

NH: Anything else we need to know?
WC: The Warren Cafe greatly appreciates the support and positive feedback we have gotten from the community. We will continue to make changes and strive to be a business that the residents of Morningside and the surrounding neighborhoods are proud to patronize.