SPKRBOX — Restaurant in Detroit

Let me start by saying, this has been one of my most recommended places to visit for friends traveling near and far. Being a resident of the city and living a block away makes this a convenient spot to frequent. During the week I come here often and on the weekends if I have friends visiting the city it’s always a go to spot with music and good vibes.

However, tonight when arriving with friends we were met at the door at 1am telling us there was a cover charge. As a group, we made the decision that paying $10 each to get in the door with only 30/40 minutes before “last call” just didn’t make sense. We asked if we just stayed upstairs (in leu of going downstairs to their club area) and had a drink they would waive cover, we were met with an immediate “NO”. With the upstairs being occupied by less than 8 people, it was a very interesting answer, as you would think a place like this would chose to make money where they could and wouldn’t turn people down, especially since there’s plenty of other bars in the area not charging cover and happy for the business... not this place, a little smugness is what we were met with.

After getting turned down to sit upstairs and have a couple late night drinks with friends, we asked if one of our guests could use the restroom, just a couple steps inside the door, and the gatekeeper steps in front of the door and responds with a quick “NOPE”. After we begin to walk away, I mention the situation to a SPKRBOX team member who recognized us from being frequent patrons. while explaining the situation the door man comes storming up and says “that’s right! This isn’t a charity here”.

nonetheless, I was speechless. A charity? The amount of money my friends, coworkers, family, neighbors have spent in this establishment… it’s a charity?

It’s really embarrassing that establishments in Detroit (this is one of very few) take not only business for granted, but the people that live as neighbors. After getting rejected here, we walked two blocks away to Queens Bar, gained entrance for free of charge and had a great time instead… it seems like they were appreciative of the business and happy to spend my money there moving forward.

Edit after response from owner: nobody was asking for anything for free, in fact I had just spent over $200 there during the daytime… maybe I should have asked for it for free? We were asking to use the bathroom 3ft inside the door. This response sums it up. These attitudes are apparently coming from the top down. Moving on to somewhere that appreciates...

I want to express my deep disappointment with the customer service I received at Speaker Box on August 20, 2025. While I have visited this establishment on multiple occasions in the past and appreciated the products, the service I experienced that day was unacceptable and left me feeling singled out due to racial discrimination.

Upon entering, I intended to order a coffee. While waiting for service, I received an emergency phone call and stepped aside to answer it. The bartender on duty (a Caucasian individual with long dark hair, glasses, and a “hippy” appearance) rudely told me to get off the phone—without asking or understanding the nature of my call. This was especially troubling, as another white patron was openly using both his phone and laptop without being reprimanded.

After ending my call, I politely explained that I found the bartender’s behavior rude, particularly as I was a paying customer. I then requested to speak with the manager. Unfortunately, the manager (a bald Caucasian male) escalated the situation further by scolding me. When I asked why I was being singled out, he dismissed my concerns and told me to leave the establishment.

This experience was humiliating and deeply disappointing. I believe I was treated unfairly compared to the other patron, and I cannot ignore the possibility that this was racially motivated. As a loyal customer who has supported this business many times, I expected respect and fairness. Instead, I was disrespected, dismissed, and left feeling that my presence as a Black customer was not valued.

Because of this experience, I will not be returning to Speaker Box, nor will I continue to spend my money at a business that does not treat all of its patrons equally and with dignity. As a small business owner myself, I find this behavior unacceptable. The same rules should apply to every customer, no matter what they look like.

From one business owner to another, I would welcome the opportunity to speak directly with the owner to share my experience and ensure that no other customer is made to feel...

In town for the weekend and we decided to get some espresso martinis, as we arrive me and my group of friends were the only ones there. Drinks were great and the place was a vibe. However everything change within seconds. We went up to the second floor and there was two DJ mixing some music with other guy and two chicks. As we were sitting enjoying our drinks and the great view, one of the young ladies that was hanging out with the DJs and other chick overdosed! we notice that she was on the ground and we immediately went to help her. The DJ and other 3 staff seem like they didn’t care, they kept asking us to leave her alone that she was alright, which we obviously ignored it. My friend called 911 while my fiancé was trying to bring her back to life, worst part is the staff were not attempting to help out, or seem like they really care, my fiancé was trying to bring her back to life and the DJs and his friends kept saying to leave her alone that she was fine. Another group of ppl rush to get a narcan while we were in the phone with 911. Not the staff or DJ tried to assist in any way and not to mention they didn’t even stop the music at all until the cops arrive and told him he needed it to stop the sales and the music as they were letting people come in still. I am pretty sure the DJs stole her phone and wallet as well. After the ambulance came and took this chick, we decided to leave, we didn't feel safe at all. The DJ/Staff only words were “party must go on” and completely ignore that her Friend...