Paychecks Lounge

[terryh]

On a recent excursion into Hamtramck I ended up in a gritty blue collar wat ering hole called Paychecks lounge on [[what street was it)? Within a span of a couple of hours I witnessed an amusing cast of characters coming and going. Not long after sitting at the bar [[I fell off the wagon a few months ago, alcohol wasnt a problem the hard stuff got me) a scruffy guy walked from the end of the bar to inspect me, after nodding to him he patted me on the shoulder and walked away, returning minutes later advising me to "be careful", after which he left out the place.. I told Debbie, who by the way is a top notch attentive grizzled bar maid, and some guys at the bar what he said, the bartender laughed saying he was a nut job. A short chubby lady several stools down kept laughing and mumbling to herself as she chain smoked and drank cans of beer carefully poured into a glass. Some guy showed up with some goodies in a bag, one item being a can of instant coffee he tried selling for five bucks. An older man showed up with a drop dead gorgeous young dirty blond that could have been a stripper or escort, possibly his girlfriend or daughter,they were really into each others conversation at any rate. Got to know several of the very amicable patrons, joking a and conversating with them as we huddled near the end of the bar. I plucked some coins in the jukebox, played some Stones and danced. Great prices on beer. Down to earth blue collar establishment.

[Pam]

Home to many punk/alternative concerts back in the 80s.

[irish_mafia]

fell off the wagon a few months ago, alcohol wasnt a problem

[terryh]

Personal choice to quit [[over 10 years) just wanted to be sure Irish Mafia...I just knock back a few and call it a night....

[terryh]

Some big dude showed up threatening the bartender about some battery charger he loaned someone after towing the person and that he knew some people the bartender Debbie tersely warning him not too come in making threats and that she knew people also and that he would get his charger back....funny

[Bobl]

So, Debbie is still there. I frequented that place in the 80's. There was a great punk music scene then. Many nights were spent at Paycheck's, at Lilly's [[my favorite), and Hamtramck Pub.
Also blues at the Attic down the street.
Hamtramck has always been a great place to meet unusual people at the many bars, and Elmore Leonard has based some of his characters on people he met there.

[terryh]

Bobl one of my many hobbies is collecting offbeat-rare and pulp paperbacks and recall browsing an Elmore Leonard novel in which Detroit Streets and nightspots were named.

[Detroitej72]

Paychecks is still going strong, after all these years...

Terry, my man, keep chilling, in Hamtown, we wil keep it real, and welcome you with open arms...

Come up to Atlas Bar on Yemens this Saturday, maybe me and me lady will buy you a drink...

Sey ya Saturday...

[terryh]

Maybe I will take you up on the offer DetroitJ72. Ill be wearing a hat with a band so you will recognize me. A couple of years back a couple of freinds and I ended up at a couples flat in Hamtramck and I felt welcome right away...got the sense I could have crashed if I wanted too....sort of like some of the smaller towns I lived in growing up....the city has character for sure..

[Baselinepunk]

Paycheck's -- a pillar of the Golden Triangle. A true cultural institution.

Lilly's -- Musconovich!!