Detroit's hidden retro 1950s diner you may not know exists

Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

DETROIT - You could walk right by this place and never know it's there. Well, not anymore because we're taking you inside this hidden retro 1950s diner.

From the '50s jukebox to the vintage bar stools and classic green, red and orange colors, you'll be transported back in time.

Here's a look inside this diner, along with a glimpse at some of the food on the menu.

Don't Edit

Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

Karl's is located on the second floor of The Siren Hotel at 1509 Broadway St. in downtown Detroit.

This is the old 1926 Wurlitzer Building. It was a showroom for the Wurlitzer company, which was famous for its organs, jukeboxes and musical instruments.

The building closed in 1982. ASH NYC restored it as the Siren Hotel in 2018.

Don't Edit

Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

Karl's is co-owned by Detroit Chef Kate Williams and ASH NYC.

The only way to get there is to walk through the lobby, then down a winding hallway and finally up two flights of stairs.

Don't Edit

Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

Chef Williams, whose first restaurant is Detroit's Lady of the House, says this diner was inspired by her great-great grandparents and the bakery they once owned on Detroit's East Side.

Don't Edit

Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

"My great great grandfather, Anton Karl, had a bakery which closed right before the Great Depression. Karl’s is my interpretation of what the bakery would be today if it had been passed through several generations of our family while also evolving with the city of Detroit," said Williams.

Don't Edit

Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

The retro decor features vinyl banquettes, laminate bar tops, patterned tile flooring and chrome & neon accents.

Don't Edit

Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

The wood flooring is original from 1926. The linoleum walls are trimmed with chromed metal and wooden pegs.

Don't Edit

Photo by Christian Harder via M18 PR

This restored 1957 Wurlitzer jukebox plays music for just 25 cents.

So, why the second floor of the Wurlitzer building for Karl's?

"I met Ari from ASH NYC and was so impressed with his dedication to restore the Wurlitzer Building," said Williams. "They believe in working with people and places that have a real story, a history and a soul. Our philosophies on building a business aligned really well and that was the only way I was going to open in that location."

Don't Edit

Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner items with many classic items you'd expect from an old diner.

This place also serves a selection of boilermakers, cocktails, wine and beer.

Don't Edit

Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

Milkshakes are $6 each and come with chocolate, vanilla or strawberry ice cream from Guernsey Farms Dairy.

Irish shakes with Jameson Whiskey are $13.

Don't Edit

Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

We tried the pancakes for the table. For $15, you get a giant stack of four buttery flapjacks which can easily feed four people with a couple of sides.

Don't Edit