Detroit: Side Hustle Lounge
This week we are visiting the Side Hustle Lounge, a retro bar which is located and part of Mootz Pizza in Downtown Detroit. Mootz Pizzeria opened its doors in late 2018 or early 2019 serving their authentic New York style pizza. Shortly thereafter they opened their “side hustle”, which is a walk up “grab n go” pizza by the slice, for those who do not want to have a sit down meal. It is designed to resemble a NY subway station. Fast forward to April of 2024 when they opened The Side Hustle Lounge.
The Side Hustle Lounge has a cool “mid-century” retro, yet modern look. There are shelves with old TV’s and radios dating back to the 50’s and 60’s as well as light fixtures and plastic chairs that remind me of my younger days in bowling alleys. When you walk in, you see the crescent shaped granite bar with a wooden checker board ceiling, and light fixtures that look like something you might have seen in your home when you were a kid (if you were born in the 70’s or earlier).
The Side Hustle Lounge offers a menu of cocktails and Italian and Latin inspired small plates, some of which can be found on the Mootz menu as well. Since we were here for Happy Hour it wasn’t too busy, so we were able to get our normal seats at the bar. Happy Hour here consists of
$3 off all appetizers
$3 off all cocktails
$6 cans of beer (16 ounce tall boys)
$7 glasses of wine
They have a full bar, but also offer a selection of specialty house cocktails like the Smores Old Fashioned, made with bourbon, simple syrup, chocolate bitters, and garnished with a toasted marshmallow.
When it comes to the food, they will not disappoint you. The garlic knots are insanely good, served with ranch and marinara and is large enough to share. If you like whipped ricotta, you will love the truffled bumblebee made with whipped ricotta, bee pollen, honeycomb, fig and truffled honey and served with walnut focaccia bread. You can also get the Caprese salad, garlic cheese bread and Nonna Meatballs. Remember, during happy hour they are all $3 off.
Side Hustle Lounge is located at 1226 Library Street, just minutes walk from almost everything downtown. Hours of operation are from 4 p.m.-12 a.m. every day with happy Hour from 4-7 Monday thru Friday.
Until next time . . . live well, eat well and enjoy life!
-Keith & Teresa Becker