“ The service was amazing, likely the best part of the experience. The drinks and food were also great! Definitely worth the experience, 9/10 would recommend. ”

“ One of the better hotel bar / restaurants that I've been to. We mostly had cocktails and small plates which were fantastic. The servers and bartenders were upbeat and cared we were there. Nice comfortable atmosphere. ”

“ Stopped in for brunch and a drink. Beautiful atmosphere, quiet and classy. Perfect for a business meeting, date or even quiet time reading a book with a glass of wine. I had the smash burger and a side salad. Almost didn’t get a picture because the food was sooo good!!! So were the drinks! Compliments to Chef Angie and the Bartender Kevin A+ ”

“ The Apparatus Room – A Modern Firehouse Revival in Downtown Detroit Housed in a meticulously restored firehouse, The Apparatus Room manages to strike that rare balance between grandeur and warmth. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt curated. The valet service was seamless—professional, personable, and executed with ease—setting the tone for the evening. Stepping inside, the first impression is breathtaking. The design is a masterclass in atmosphere: soaring ceilings, exposed elements, soft yet dramatic lighting, and an open kitchen that invites diners into the theater of its craft. Every detail—from flooring to table settings—feels intentional, harmonizing into an aesthetic that is both modern and timeless. The bar itself is a showpiece, a luminous anchor to the room’s energy. We had a reservation, which I highly recommend, though the host accommodated us with grace. Diners should note that seating impacts the menu: the floor and the bar each offer distinct selections, a detail worth knowing before choosing. Our evening began with cocktails. I ordered the Lafayette Spritz, an immediate standout—refreshing, balanced, and arguably one of the best cocktails I’ve had in the city. For appetizers, we sampled the chilled shrimp and the crusted pork belly. Both impressed, but the pork belly stole the show: layered with delicate slices of peach, radish, and red pepper, the flavors played off one another in a surprising and sophisticated harmony. The shrimp, perched on horseradish sauce and lettuce, was clean, bright, and just as memorable. For mains, I selected the steak, while my wife chose the half chicken. The steak, accompanied by mixed vegetables atop a potato cake, was cooked closer to rare than my requested medium-rare, but its flavor and texture carried it nonetheless. The chicken, however, fell short—overly complicated in presentation without delivering depth in taste, leaving my wife underwhelmed. One curious discovery during our wait was the “dual menu” system. While seated on the dining floor, we noticed nearby guests at the bar enjoying burgers and fries not available to us. The bar menu, we learned, differs from the floor’s more curated list. Though the dishes that passed by looked mouthwatering, the limited floor menu felt restrictive, especially for first-time diners. That said, presentation throughout was impeccable. Each plate arrived like a canvas, elegantly arranged, and designed to impress before the first bite. Final Thoughts The Apparatus Room excels in ambience, service, and creativity, with cocktails and appetizers shining brightest. The entrées showed flashes of brilliance but weren’t consistently remarkable. The dual menu system, while offering variety, can feel exclusionary unless clearly explained upfront. Rating: 8/10 We look forward to returning—this time at the bar—to explore the more casual offerings and continue discovering what this striking downtown destination has to offer. ”

“ Loved it from the moment we walked in. Sat at the bar and ordered from Devin,(he was awesome). We were in the mood for burgers. Had the smash burger and the chicken sandwich, which wasn't your typical chicken sandwich. Both were very good. Drink were spot on. Jalen the Bar-back was awesome. Love the atmosphere. The old fire house converted was wel done. I highly recommend this place. ”