The lights are low in this roomy but comfortable place, and as 10:00 p.m. nears, the dance floor is still quite empty. But don’t be deceived. By midnight, the slow, sweet burn turns into a packed house and a full dance floor illuminated by beautiful white lights that hang like a shiny curtain separating tables with television viewing and a fireplace from the center of attraction on a Saturday night: the dance floor.

Nick’s Gaslight, located on the corner of West Grand River and Bagley in Detroit, experienced what is common with many new salsa venues. The first couple of salsa Saturdays were slow going, but in less than just five weeks, the house is full and so is the dance floor. In fact, Nick’s has gained such popularity, that Gaslight manager and salsa night coordinator, Carlos Ramírez, had to install additional dance space to the existing elevated wooden dance floor to accommodate all who come to dance. And the last time I checked, the new section of the dance floor was full as well.

Saturday salsa at Nick’s Gaslight was the brainchild of DJs Axel and Alfredito, who suggested the idea to the Gaslight owners and managers. A dance lesson in basic salsa begins at around 9:30 and is taught by Detroit’s Rosie Madrigal. Rosie – a former Arthur Murray and jazz, tap, and ballet dance instructor – covers enough stylistic steps and turns for 30 – 40 minutes to allow even the newest-of-the-new salsero to enjoy an evening of salsa dancing. While the music on Saturdays is about 90% Latin, DJs Axel and Alfredito and Ramírez are ever aware of who is in the crowd…and they aim to please as many as faces as possible in the eclectic audience the restaurant attracts.
“We offer the best of all Latin music along with a new mix that includes boleros, cumbia, and Latin house,” said Ramírez.

It’s not surprising, then, to hear a couple of Shakira and catchy pop tunes mingled in with the lengthy servings of bachata, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, and salsa.
Nick’s Gaslight caters to ladies 18 and older; there is no cover if they arrive before 10:00 p.m. (gents, 21 and over); after 10:00, the cover is $8.00. Proper attire is required (which means no gym shoes, guys), and legal-age drinking guests are given a wristband for identification. The kitchen stays open late, until about 1:00 a.m. (though I have seen food being served slightly after that hour) and offers a nice variety of tasty munchies like deep fried mushrooms, saganaki (flaming cheese), and chicken tenders to go along with drink specials that often include Cuba Libres and $3.00 Coronas. The wait and door staff are very friendly and greet Gaslight guests with a smile. Well-lit parking is available for $5.00 directly behind the restaurant or across the street in a small lot on the west side of Bagley.

“Interest [in salsa Saturday] has increased dramatically,” says Gaslight manager Ramírez. “The first night, we had about 50 people. The second night, we had about 100. By the fourth week, we had 213 people.”

Even fans attending a Detroit Tigers game or local concert and show goers are stopping in at Nick’s to see what all the excitement is about. Ramírez also plans to have on-the-spot dance contests and to award VIP guest passes valid for one month that include bringing an additional guest.
When asked what might make the Gaslight distinct from other salsa venues, Ramírez said, “We see our place as more sociable, more approachable.”

And Detroit salsa icon, Mama Nellie, agrees. Known as a regular at the Gaslight since it opened (a seal of approval for any salsa venue), Nellie said, “I like it here because it’s more homey, small, and comfortable. And the music is good and the people are very friendly.” 
While salsa venues are not known to sell much alcohol, the Gaslight parts company with those that don’t. When Ramírez was asked if he was concerned about lack of alcohol sales common among venues that cater to those who truly love to dance salsa (let’s face it: alcohol sales ARE a lounge’s mainstay), he responded, “Not at all. In fact, we sold more cases of Corona last week than we did during Super Bowl weekend.” Enough said.

But diehard, hardcore salseros beware: If you’re expecting to hear endless salsa until the wee hours of 3:00 a.m. and beyond, you may be a bit disappointed. The DJs spin whatever will keep the faces and feet on the dance floor, even if that means playing a long string of bachatas or a number of cumbias blended in with some reggaeton. But because the Gaslight has ample seating, offers a more social setting, and is open for dancing until 3:00 a.m., patrons have the opportunity to catch up with old friends or to meet and make new ones. At the end of the day and at least for now, salsa Saturdays at Nick’s Gaslight is a hit.

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For more information on Nick’s Gaslight, contact manager Carlos Ramírez at 313.819.0058. Nick’s Gaslight Restaurant is located at 411 W. Grand River, Detroit, MI 48226.