Detroit Drunks of Antiquity Historic Bar Tour

Detroit’s drinking history is not tucked behind museum glass. You meet it in working bars, where old stories still cling to the walls and the owners may be part of the entertainment. This three-hour tour visits Two Way Inn, Abick’s Bar, and Nancy Whiskey Pub, three places with distinct personalities and long ties to Detroit life.

I like the private transportation, which saves you from arranging rides between widely separated neighborhoods, and I like the focus on real local bars rather than polished tourist stops. The price does not include drinks or dinner, so your final cost will rise with each round. The tour is also non-refundable, making advance planning important.

Key points at a glance

• Three historic bars in about three hours: You get roughly 45 minutes at each stop, enough for a drink and a solid dose of local stories.
• Two Way Inn is said to be Detroit’s oldest operating bar: Ring the bell only if you want to buy everyone a drink.
• Abick’s Bar brings family history and police lore: This Southwest Detroit institution has been run by the same family for generations.
• Nancy Whiskey Pub adds music and movement: Expect live music, dancing, and a popular backyard.
• Private transportation is included: Pickup is available in both Detroit and Ferndale, with a maximum group size of 42.
• Drinks and dinner cost extra: The $64.99 tour fee covers transport, taxes, and the guide, not your bar tab.

Detroit’s drinking story, told over three pints

Detroit’s history has long been tied to its bars. From its early days as a French missionary outpost through Prohibition, the Purple Gang era, and the years after, alcohol has been part of the city’s public and private life.

That is the useful idea behind this tour. You are not simply moving from bar to bar. You are using old drinking places as entry points into Detroit’s past. A bar can reveal who worked nearby, which neighborhoods formed around it, and how ordinary people spent time during difficult periods.

The route also has a welcome sense of humor. These are not formal historic interiors where you must whisper and keep your hands behind your back. You can order a drink, listen to stories, and pay attention to the people who have kept these places going.

The tour costs $64.99 per person. I consider that fair if you value the transportation and the guide’s storytelling, especially since reaching three separate bars on your own could mean multiple rides and more planning. You should budget extra for drinks, and dinner is not included.

Two Way Inn, Detroit’s oldest operating bar claim

The first stop is Two Way Inn, reportedly the oldest operating bar currently in Detroit. Its history reaches back to 1874, giving the opening stop real weight. You begin with a place that has lasted through changing neighborhoods, changing laws, and changing drinking habits.

The supplied details promise owners with plenty of personality. That matters here. An old bar becomes much more interesting when you can connect its past to the people working there now. Your guide handles the historical context, while the owners add the human touch.

There is also a small but memorable rule: ring the bell only if you want to buy everyone a drink. It is the sort of detail that tells you this is a social place, not a staged exhibit. You do not need to treat the bell as a challenge. The better move is to listen first, decide what you want, and keep your bar tab in mind.

You have about 45 minutes at Two Way Inn. That is enough time to order something and hear the main stories, but not enough for a long, leisurely evening. If you like old places with strong personalities, this will likely be one of the most satisfying stops.

Abick’s Bar and a Southwest Detroit tradition

The tour then heads to Abick’s Bar, a family run institution in Southwest Detroit. It has remained in the same family for generations and has a reputation as a former and current Detroit Police Department hangout.

That police connection gives the stop a different flavor from Two Way Inn. Here, the stories are tied not only to age but also to the people who used the place over time. A long running neighborhood bar can tell you plenty about local relationships without needing a formal plaque on the wall.

Make sure you check out the backyard. It is described as spectacular, which is unusual enough to make it part of the stop rather than a minor extra. You may find that the outdoor space gives the bar a more relaxed feel, especially if the room inside is busy.

Again, the timing is about 45 minutes. I would use that time well: order your drink early, listen while the guide sets the scene, and leave a few minutes to look around. Since the tour moves on a schedule, you should not expect to settle in for a full meal or a long independent visit.

Abick’s is a good reminder that Detroit’s drinking history is not limited to famous downtown addresses. Southwest Detroit adds a neighborhood perspective, and the family connection makes the stop feel personal.

Nancy Whiskey Pub brings music and dancing

The final bar is Nancy Whiskey Pub, where the pace picks up. This stop features live music, dancing, and a popular backyard. You may also hear the story of the owner arriving on horseback, a detail that tells you the evening is not meant to be stiff or predictable.

Nancy Whiskey is likely to be the liveliest stop of the three. The practical advice is simple: know what you want to drink before you reach the bar. The place is often packed and lively, so taking too long to decide may leave you standing in the crowd while the clock keeps moving.

That energy can be a strength or a drawback. If you want a quiet room where you can hear every word, this may be less comfortable. If you like live music and a social setting, it gives the tour a strong finish.

The 45 minute limit matters here. You will get a taste of the pub’s character, not a full night out. If Nancy Whiskey becomes your favorite stop, you may want to return independently later, but the tour itself keeps moving.

Why the private bus changes the experience

Private transportation is included, and that is one of the most useful parts of the package. The three bars are not presented as a simple walk between nearby addresses. Having transport means you can focus on the stories and the company rather than arranging a car after drinking.

Pickup is available in both Detroit and Ferndale. Check your chosen pickup point carefully when booking, since the starting location affects your evening from the beginning. The tour accepts mobile tickets, so you can keep the booking on your phone rather than carrying a printed voucher.

The maximum group size is 42 people. That is not a tiny gathering, and the atmosphere will depend on how full the departure is. A larger group can make the bus ride more social, but it can also mean more waiting when everyone orders at once.

The tour runs for about three hours. With three stops of roughly 45 minutes, the schedule leaves time for transportation and storytelling between bars. You should think of it as a guided sampler, not a pub crawl where you can linger wherever you please.

What the $64.99 price really covers

At $64.99 per person, the fee includes private transportation, all fees and taxes, and a guided tour led by a Detroit history expert. Drinks are separate, and dinner is separate.

The value depends on what you would otherwise spend. If you planned to visit all three places yourself, you would need to arrange transportation, navigate unfamiliar areas, and handle the evening’s logistics. The tour rolls those tasks into one booking.

You are also paying for interpretation. Old bars can be interesting on their own, but without context you may miss why a place matters or how it connects to Detroit’s past. The guide’s job is to link the stops to frontier life, Prohibition, the Purple Gang, and the city’s longer drinking culture.

Still, you should not confuse the tour fee with the full cost of the night. Add your drinks, and possibly a meal before or after. Since there is no dinner included, eating beforehand may make the three hour schedule more comfortable.

Who will enjoy this Detroit bar tour

I would recommend this experience to adults who enjoy local history in an informal setting. It suits people who prefer neighborhood institutions to standard sightseeing stops, and it works especially well for friends looking for a social night with some structure.

It is also a good choice if you want to learn about Detroit’s past without spending the evening in a museum. The bars provide the setting, while the guide supplies the larger story.

You may want to skip it if you dislike group schedules, crowded bars, or paying separately for drinks. The tour is not built for a quiet tasting session or a long dinner. It is also a poor fit if you need the freedom to leave a stop whenever you like.

Most travelers can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. No special access details are provided, so you should contact the provider directly if you have a specific mobility need.

The experience has a strong track record, with a perfect five rating from six submitted reviews. One useful detail comes from a winter outing: the driver handled snowy and icy roads very well. That does not guarantee the same conditions on your date, but it is reassuring if you are considering the tour during Detroit’s colder months.

Booking advice before you commit

The tour is booked, on average, 31 days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute, particularly if you want a certain date or are traveling with friends.

The cancellation rule is strict. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or request an amendment, you will not receive your payment back. I would book only after confirming your date, pickup location, and group plans.

Bring a charged phone for the mobile ticket. Plan your drink budget before you arrive, and remember the bell at Two Way Inn is not a harmless button if you are not ready to buy everyone a round.

Should you book the Detroit Drunks of Antiquity tour?

Book it if you want Detroit history served in working bars, with private transportation and a guide who can connect old drinking habits to major events in the city’s past. Two Way Inn offers age and character, Abick’s adds family and neighborhood ties, and Nancy Whiskey brings music and dancing to the finish.

Skip it if you want a low-cost evening with drinks included, a small private group, or the freedom to set your own pace. For the right audience, the $64.99 fee is a practical way to reach three distinctive bars without managing the driving yourself. Just treat the drink tab and strict cancellation policy as part of the decision.

FAQ

How long does the Detroit Drunks of Antiquity Historic Bar Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Which bars does the tour visit?

The tour visits Two Way Inn, Abick’s Bar, and Nancy Whiskey Pub.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Private transportation is included in the tour price.

Are drinks included in the $64.99 price?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Is dinner included?

No. Dinner is not included.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available in both Detroit and Ferndale.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum capacity of 42 travelers.