A Subterranean Japanese-Inspired Cocktail Bar Lands in Book Tower

An intimate Japanese-inspired cocktail bar has landed on the lower level of Book Tower, marking the sixth dining or drinking space to enter the historical site since it reopened to the public last year. Head down to the subterranean level of the historic skyscraper and behind a curtain next to upscale restaurant Hiroki-San, where you’ll find Aladdin Sane. The spot features just nine seats at the bar and 23 lounge seats. The space was designed by Stokes Architecture + Design, which incorporated dark woods and leather and bars and tables of the same height to evoke an aesthetic reminiscent of Tokyo cocktail bars. The menu boasts a collection of rare whiskies, including Yamazaki 18 100th Anniversary Edition and, according to a news release, the only bottle of Glenfiddich 29 Year Grand Yozakura available in a Michigan bar. Similar to the pub upstairs Sakazuki, adorned with references to anime throughout the space and menu, Aladdin Sane also drops subtle hints at pop culture. The bar was named after David Bowie’s iconic 1973 album of the same name and the drink menu reflects that with cocktails like the whisky-based “Watch That Man,” a sakura-infused and rum-based spritz called Panic in Detroit, and the Ziggy Highball. Last summer, the Louis Kamper-designed Book Tower unveiled its dramatic, years-long, $300 million-plus renovation and several new food and beverage establishments in the following months, starting with the August opening of French-inspired brasserie Le Suprême, followed by Kamper’s rooftop lounge, Bar Rotunda, and earlier this year, Hiroki-San and Sakazuki. The site is also home to the ROOST Apartment Hotel, high-end apartments, and Anthology Events — the Book Tower’s events offering. The hospitality spaces are operated by Philly-based Method Co. Aladdin Sane is at 1265 Washington Boulevard open 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.