New Detroit nightclub Arcenciel will cater to the LGBTQ+ community

On what’s known as the biggest bar night of the year, a new elevated nightclub, bar and restaurant are debuting in Detroit.

The highly anticipated Arcenciel, which is aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, opens its doors to the public the day before Thanksgiving at 14925 Livernois.

Eat. Mingle. Dance.

This is the message posted on the website of Detroit’s newest nightclub.

Arcenciel, meaning “rainbow” in French, promises a nightlife experience combined with a gourmet menu, nightclub and dance floor. A range of high-level entertainment will also be on offer, coupled with “unparalleled service” and “all in a welcoming and inclusive environment”.

The overall ambiance of Arcenciel aims to provide a venue that meets guests’ needs while creating a memorable experience.

Owners David Grossman and Julie Adelson modeled the 4,500-square-foot space after European nightclubs, according to a press release. A longtime dream, Grossman said he created the venue using inspiration from favorite locations including Paris, Miami and Las Vegas.

“I’m excited to bring the city a one-of-a-kind venue that transports guests to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, all without leaving Detroit,” Grossman said in a press release.

The overall ambiance combines high-end dining and entertainment billed as a “world-class design” setting.

In the middle of this vast space are five distinct zones, each with its own ambiance and design.

The Versailles dining room offers meals with two seats (26 guests per seat) available. At the helm, Executive Chef Austin Hinsley offers a menu of steaks, seafood, pastas and salads in a luxurious setting as well as an exclusive wine list.

The Rainbow Bar, a casual space offering craft cocktails prepared by bar manager Nik Saljanin, as well as bar favorites like burgers and a fries platter.

The Sports Den is where sports fans will find a pool table, multiple flat screen TVs, and a standing drinks ledge.

In the Magenta Lounge, guests will experience the ambiance, inspiration and design of Miami’s South Beach. DJ Dan Slater, Arcenciel’s entertainment director, oversees the dance floor, the centerpiece of the space with bass from a Rolling Stones tour and a 10-by-20-foot video wall. This is where guests will experience choreographed opening and closing entertainment amid special effects of lasers, foggers and cryogenic jets.

The dance floor also features two VIP booths offering bottle service and chef-prepared platters. Expect entertainment featuring internationally renowned artists, themed parties, drag shows, quizzes and DJ sets from local and global talent, according to a press release.

“Our goal at Arcenciel is to make every guest feel like royalty from the moment they walk through the doors,” said Joey Ewick, general manager of Arcenciel Detroit, in a press release.

Arcenceil opens at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. There is no entrance fee for the inauguration. Normal hours are 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Dining hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with reservation required. From January 2025, Arcenceil is planning special events on Sundays.

Arcenceil is located at 14925 Livernois, just south of Detroit’s historic Fashion Avenue and the University District. For information and reservations, visit arcencieldetroit.com.

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant editor Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: [email protected]. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the free press.