Oldest Watering Holes in Detroit

Story by Lindsay Whitman Drewes

Detroit is home to many historic bars; one is even the oldest in Michigan. These bars have been part of the flow of Prohibition alcohol into the city and the entire country. Some were part of the Underground Railroad. All add to the long and storied history of the city.

It's estimated that 75% of Prohibition-era alcohol crossed the Detroit River to enter the United States, making Detroit the boozing gateway of America. The Purple Gang in Detroit largely controlled the movement of alcohol into the states.

Before Prohibition, some of the oldest bars in Detroit served as stops on the Underground Railroad. Again, the proximity to the Detroit River and Canada gave Detroit a vital place in history.

Step back in time at some of the oldest watering holes in Detroit. Detroit has a rich history of libations. Come along as we discover the oldest bars in Detroit.

Jacoby's German Biergarten
Jacoby's German Biergarten was founded in 1904 by William Jacoby, a German immigrant. The namesake, Jacoby, had his wife Mina cooking up authentic Bavarian food from the start, and the two made it a success. It's located close to the courts and many businesses and has a long history of serving Detroit's powerful for much of the last 120 years.

Nancy Whiskey Pub
Nancy Whiskey Pub is the oldest bar in Detroit and was considered a home away from home to Jimmy Hoffa.

When Jimmy thought his office phone was tapped, he started heading to the phone booth at Nancy's to make calls. The booth is still there, so you can check it out during your visit.

The building was originally opened as a general store (look for the "Digby" mosaic just outside the front door) as early as 1898 before being converted to a pub. Nancy's is a traditional Irish pub set in Detroit's Irish neighborhood of Corktown.

New Hudson Inn
New Hudson Inn takes the prize for the oldest bar in Metro Detroit and the entire state of Michigan. It's been in continuous operation since it was built in 1831. The inn was originally a stagecoach stop, and it is rumored to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. The inn has been renovated several times over the years, but it still retains its historic charm.

Tommy's Detroit Bar and Grill
Head to Tommy's Detroit Bar and Grill and get a tour of the historic basement that played a part in Prohibition boozing and the Underground Railroad. In the basement, you'll find a tunnel that leads to the Detroit River. Here, it's believed enslaved people found safe passage to Canada, and later, it was a route to bring in illegal alcohol during Prohibition.

The basement served as a speakeasy during Prohibition. It was under a restaurant called "Little Harry's." It was known to be controlled by the infamous Purple Gang. Al Capone was even photographed outside the building.

The amount of history surrounding Tommy's was so immense that researchers spent years uncovering and documenting it.

Two Way Inn
The bar has had a long and storied history. It began as a general store, jail and home to jail, general store, and the home of Colonel Norris. A few years later, it turned into a saloon, and it was a popular spot for train travelers coming to or from the Norris Station train station, which operated directly across the street from 1876 to 1932. The building doubled as a dentist's office and speakeasy during Prohibition. It's rumored that the upstairs was also a brothel during this time.

Abick's Bar
Abick's takes the prize for the oldest, continuously operating family-owned bar in Detroit. It first opened its doors in 1907. Six generations later, it's still a staple in the community. It survived through Prohibition, and prohibition-era bottles and whiskey barrels were found during renovations.

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