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For decades, the ivy-covered, red brick building at the corner of Forest and Second Avenue stood as a relic — a curious, quiet presence in Midtown Detroit’s Cass Corridor. Those who passed it regularly often wondered what story it held or what might someday fill its windows with light again. Now, that day has come. The Freya team — Sandy Levine and Doug Hewitt — has flipped the switch on that speculation, transforming the historic site into Dirty Shake, an inviting new neighborhood bar that melds nostalgia, elevated comfort food, and a vibrant local vibe.

The bar officially opened on 313 Day — a fitting date for a place so deeply rooted in Detroit pride. For a city that appreciates resilience and reinvention, Dirty Shake feels like a perfect fit.

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From Abandonment to Anchor Point

The building that now houses Dirty Shake was constructed in 1893 as a single-family home. In 1939, the second story was removed, and the building was reimagined as a medical clinic. In recent years, it had fallen into disuse — a once-proud structure slowly fading from relevance.

Its revival is no small feat. After years of vacancy, it took a meticulous and thoughtful renovation to bring the space back to life. The result is a charming, lived-in atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between classic and current.

A Vision Reimagined

While many may recognize Sandy Levine and Doug Hewitt for their award-winning work at Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, or the high-concept tasting menu at Freya in Milwaukee Junction, Dirty Shake represents a purposeful detour from their fine-dining roots.

“This part of Midtown is one of the few neighborhoods where people who lived here 15 or 20 years ago are still around,” Levine has shared. “We want to honor that history while also welcoming students and newcomers.”

Dirty Shake is a space built for the many — longtime locals, Wayne State students, creatives, casual strollers, and loyal followers of the Freya team alike. It’s what Levine calls a “third place” — the kind of unpretentious hangout you pop into after work, for a nightcap with friends, or a spontaneous burger craving that won’t quit.

An Open Invitation

As the garage-style window rolls up on warmer days, the energy at Dirty Shake spills out onto its wraparound patio. The indoor seating — around 40 cozy spots — is joined by an additional 50 outdoors when the season allows. The layout is informal, layered, and full of character: a long wooden bar, two-top tables, plush lounge seating encircling a fireplace that’s more about atmosphere than heat, and unexpected quirks like the “Shitty Polaroid Wall,” where guests can snap an analog moment to keep or contribute to the venue’s growing visual history.

During game nights, Detroit sports fans will find the TVs tuned into the action. On quieter evenings, expect reruns of Twin Peaks or Detroiters, contributing to the space’s moody, nostalgic tone.

The Name That Shakes Things Up

Dirty Shake isn’t just a catchy name — it’s a nod to an old-school cocktail technique. Instead of straining out the ice after shaking, bartenders pour the entire mixture into the glass, ice and all. It’s a casual, unfiltered move that embodies the venue’s approach: full-flavored, unfussy, and a little cheeky.

Dirty Shake’s Menu: Simplicity With Soul

At the heart of Dirty Shake is a deceptively simple food menu, curated with the same obsessive attention to quality that has earned the Freya team multiple accolades.

The menu is helmed by Doug Hewitt and overseen by Brian Christie — the culinary force at Chartreuse. They’ve focused on bar food staples, but with a level of craft that elevates every bite.

Wings, Reimagined

Ask anyone who’s tried them, and they’ll tell you: the wings at Dirty Shake are not your average bar snack. These flavor bombs undergo a three-day transformation. First, they’re brined for 24 hours. Then, they’re dry-cured for another day, smoked for two hours, and finally finished in the fryer. It’s an ambitious process for a humble dish — but the result is unforgettable: crispy skin, complex smokiness, and meat so tender it practically melts.

“We’re not reinventing bar food,” says Hewitt. “Just paying attention to the details.”

The Smash Burger

Equally beloved is Dirty Shake’s burger — two patties made from a house-ground beef blend, seared just right, topped with sharp cheddar, and tucked into a pillowy Martin’s potato roll. It’s juicy, hearty, and executed with the kind of precision that makes you think twice about ever settling for a fast-food burger again.

A Vegan Crowd-Pleaser

For plant-based eaters, the crispy cauliflower is a must. Coated in a rice flour batter and fried to golden perfection, it’s then paired with sweet pepper jam, fresh cilantro, and chopped scallions. It’s crunchy, tangy, and vibrant — proof that bar food can still be bold and inclusive.

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Drinks That Bring the Party Back

Of course, no neighborhood bar is complete without a standout drink list — and Dirty Shake doesn’t disappoint. The beverage program is led by Kamalani Overall, who also oversees the award-winning cocktail menu at Levine’s speakeasy-inspired Oakland Art Novelty Company in Ferndale.

Dive Bar DNA, But Make It Classy

At Dirty Shake, the drinks are playful, often nostalgic, and just the right kind of indulgent. There’s the Strong Island Ice Tea — a turbo-charged version of the college classic, made with OFTD Overproof Rum, Navy Strength Gin, Suntory Whisky, Barenjager Honey Liqueur, house sour mix, and finished with a Vanilla Coke float. It’s as dramatic as it sounds — and surprisingly balanced.

Another favorite is the Dole Pineapple Whip, a frozen cocktail that merges pineapple rum with pineapple oleo saccharum and blended fruit for a slushie-style concoction that tastes like summer in a glass.

For those taking it easy, there are still plenty of choices. Detroit soft drink royalty makes a proud appearance — Vernors, Faygo, and Hi-C Pink Lemonade are all available on the menu, offering familiar flavors with a wink.

A Historical Homecoming

Reviving a building like this doesn’t just happen by chance. Levine heard through local circles that the space — once eyed by Scott Kosiek, the former owner of Third Street Bar — was available. Kosiek had moved to Costa Rica, and his plans to transform the site were never realized.

“When we found out it was available, we were surprised — and excited,” Levine has said. The structure’s transformation from a crumbling shell into one of the city’s freshest social hubs has been met with genuine enthusiasm from the neighborhood. People who had walked past it for years finally had a reason to walk in.

Rooted in Community

One of Dirty Shake’s greatest strengths is its authentic connection to the city around it. Unlike flashy newcomers that cater to tourists, this bar feels embedded in the rhythm of Detroit. It celebrates its block, respects its neighbors, and opens its doors to everyone — without judgment, velvet ropes, or exclusivity.

“We’re just happy to be here,” Levine said in a public statement. “This is a place where all kinds of people can gather, have a good time, and make it their own.”

The Cass Corridor Renaissance

Dirty Shake joins a growing list of exciting destinations revitalizing the Cass Corridor and Midtown. As artists, students, chefs, and entrepreneurs invest in the area’s creative future, venues like Dirty Shake bridge Detroit’s past and present — creating spaces that feel both rooted and ready for what’s next.

The neighborhood’s transformation over the last decade has been significant, but Dirty Shake’s arrival feels like something different: not a departure from the past, but a return to it — in spirit, if not in form. It’s a place that feels familiar even if it’s your first time walking in.

Final Sip

In the ever-evolving food and drink scene of Detroit, it’s rare to find a spot that feels genuinely new yet utterly timeless. Dirty Shake hits that sweet spot — a bar built not just on cocktails and comfort food, but on connection, craft, and community.

It doesn’t shout for attention; it earns it. It doesn’t follow trends; it respects tradition. And for those who’ve long driven by that little red brick building and wondered what could be, Dirty Shake is the answer — and it’s worth every step inside.