DETROIT – When you first walk up to Bert's Marketplace, if the smoky scent of ribs doesn't bring you in, then the grooving sounds of live jazz music will.
Bert Dearing Jr., the owner, grew up around jazz and blues. "It's in your blood," he claims. When Bert got out of the service, right after the Detroit riots, all the jazz clubs on on the east side of Detroit were closing up so he bought himself an old German bar called the White Horse, painted it black, and opened up the Black Horse with jazz music playing seven nights a week.
Over the years Bert owned several jazz clubs, opening Bert's in 1987 in the part of the restaurant that is now known as the Jazz room. He slowly expanded his place to include the Motown Room and the Warehouse as well. All of which host talented musicians, and serve up delicious soul food.
"I try to give the people what they want," says Bert. They serve up burgers, bbq chicken, an assortment of soul food. They are probably best known for their ribs, which they cook up on a large grill outside in the summer and finish up in a smoker.
They also have plenty of room for you to cut loose and dance along to the music.
As Bert says, "When you got smoke form the BBQ and the music, it just draws people.
If you would like to give Bert's Marketplace a try they are located at 2727 Russell St. in Detroit, right in Eastern Market. They are open everyday from 10am to 2am.