Spotlight on AJ's Café in Ferndale, Michigan
www.ajsmusiccafe.com/ facebook page
240 West 9 Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 399-3946/ map
My first time at AJ's Café was an enjoyable experience. The place was alive with the hum of quiet conversation and low key activity. I was immediately made to feel welcome by the Owner, A. J. O'Neil.
I found the service was fast and efficient, and soon after I was dinning on the best vegetarian chilli that I have ever tasted. Afterwards, I enjoyed a chocolate, peanut butter ice cream smoothie for dessert!
I shouldn't have been surprised the food was so good since AJ's Café is known for its delicious food, lively entertainment, and frequent local events. (For information on the latest events click on http://www.assemblylineconcert.com/)
I found A. J. to have an upbeat personality and a smile that lit up a room when he greeted his customers. With his bigger than life personality it's hardly surprising to discover he has enjoyed a career as a model and actor. If you are in any doubt about his extracurricular activities he has glossy photos above his counter documenting his artistic endeavors.
When asked what he wanted to share with the examiner.com readers A. J. wrote the following statements;
AJ's cafés motto is, "We reserve the right to serve everyone!"
And regarding his personal philosophy concerning how he operates his café, "Everybody's a part of AJ's... I'm just the spark plug...and the people are the engine!"
Google the name AJ's Cafe and although you will discover some decidedly mixed reviews, overall you will find they are mostly positive. You will be impressed at what has been written about this popular happening spot in Ferndale by such local papers as 'REAL DETROIT'.
"More than just a coffeehouse, Ferndale's AJ's Café is the nucleus for many of Detroit's young artists, musicians, and organizers. What lures them in? A respectable vegan menu, free Wi-Fi, and an open and thriving spirit of community. Like the coffee shop in ‘Friends,' there's always something going on at AJ's; art gallery showings, nightly open-mic opportunities, political forums, wacky fundraisers_ If you've got an idea, AJ's will host it. Our favorite event: The Assembly Line Concerts (check with the Guinness Book of World Records) which broke the record in 2009 for the longest by multi-artists concert (288 hours straight!) With that kind of energy, it's not surprising that the lattes are also favored." Is a direct quote from the weekly Magazine Real Detroit Weekly's February 24-March 2, 2010 issue (which can be found on AJ's Cafés official Website).
If you are ever in the Ferndale area I recommend you make a stop at AJ's Café. Please continue to page down to view the featured slideshow. To view more photos click on the following link;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyesonuphoto/sets/72157623593174992/
Comments
AJ's Music Cafe is not for anyone under the age of, say, 30. He will yell at you if you do not buy anything, bring outside food near his venue and he is an undependable venue operator. He has refused to let bands play there after they jumped and danced civilly, he forgot he booked a whole national tour once.
I recommend looking at the reviews of AJ's Music Cafe on Google Maps and visiting "The AJ's Music Cafe Testimonials" Facebook group for testimonials by local ex-customers
Hi Ben, thanks for your readership and comments. I regret that you have had such unfortunate experiences. If you have a venue that caters to a younger crowd that you would like to bring to my attention please feel free to contact me for a possible future story.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!