Baker's Keyboard Lounge

Baker's Keyboard Lounge makes "historic" feel like an understatement. Open on Livernois since 1933, it's widely billed as the oldest jazz club on Earth — a 99-seat room with a piano-shaped bar painted like a keyboard, Art Deco everything, tilted mirrors so you can watch the pianist's hands, and a Steinway hand-picked by Art Tatum himself. Coltrane played here. Ella sang here. These days you get soul food, live jazz, and nine decades of history for a cover charge. Reviewers grumble about slow service on packed nights, but nobody grumbles about the room.

Now, the restrooms. By all accounts they do the job, but the layout is pure old-building charm: at least one reviewer flags that the door opens with zero buffer between you and the club, so nearby tables get a direct sightline in — plus a beam of bright bathroom light slicing through the moody dark every time it swings. Grab a seat near the back and you'll see what they mean. Beyond that quirk, set your expectations to vintage: this is a 90-year-old landmark that seats 99, so don't come looking for roomy, modern facilities. Serviceable with character, same as the building.

Come for the jazz, the history, and the keyboard bar — just pick your table wisely. Baker's Keyboard Lounge lands at a 7/10 on Shooki.