Japanese-inspired cocktail bar opens in Detroit’s Book Tower

By Layla McMurtrie on Tue, Aug 6, 2024 at 12:53 pm

Matthew Williams

The Aladdin Sane mirrors traditional Japanese cocktail bars in Tokyo, featuring bars and tables of the same height.

The Aladdin Sane, a new cocktail bar in Detroit’s recently renovated Book Tower, offers an interesting blend of inspirations — Japan and David Bowie.

With only nine bar seats and 23 lounge seats, it looks like a perfect hidden spot for an intimate experience. The bar’s name pays homage to Bowie’s 1973 album, Aladdin Sane, featuring signature cocktails inspired by its classic tracks like “Watch That Man” and “Panic in Detroit.”

Designed by Stokes Architecture + Design, the space mirrors traditional Japanese cocktail bars in Tokyo, featuring bars and tables of the same height. The bar top is a “striking live edge, single-piece mahogany slab, and the bar die wall is adorned with custom hand-tooled leather.”

A mural by Reverend Michael Allen on the end wall enhances the venue’s unique, upscale aesthetic.

The Aladdin Sane offers house creations as well as innovative takes on familiar classics, with a large collection of whiskies. Notable selections include the extremely rare Yamazaki 18 100th Anniversary Edition and the only bottle of Glenfiddich 29 Year Grand Yozakura available in a Michigan bar.

The spot joins a collection of other new bars and eateries that have opened in the recently renovated Book Tower at 1265 Washington Blvd., in downtown Detroit. Others include French-inspired restaurant Le Supreme, Japanese dining concept Hiroki-San, European wine bar and cafe Bar Rotunda, modern Japanese pub Sarazuki, and rooftop lounge Kamper’s.

The Aladdin Sane is now open Tuesday through Thursday from 5-11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m.-midnight.

Scroll down for images of the bar’s interior and select signature cocktails.