On a recent guided tour of Detroit’s oldest bars, I frolicked at the Two-Way Inn, Abick’s, and Nancy Whiskey. The Two-Way Inn and Abick’s were new-to-me visits – and hence, they were new to 100 Places in the D (YAY!), while Nancy Whiskey was a revisit, as I first made the 116-year-old bar’s acquaintance during the 2017 Corktown 5K/parade shenanigans (though I was thrilled to experience the Irish pub’s patio during warm weather this time around!).
Then there was Andrews on the Corner, our final stop on the tour – and another new place for both me and the blog (YES!).
I was immediately intrigued by this riverfront-adjacent downtown bar when our tour guide mentioned that it’s historically been a hangout for Detroit Red Wings players and coaches. Our guide explained that both Scotty Bowman and Mike Babcock are said to have had beers at Andrews before coaching Stanley Cup finals matches, while a bartender on duty told me that Steve Yzerman (my childhood love!) once offered to buy the joint. Whether these tidbits are fact or fabricated lore, I loved learning them because I’m a big Wings fan – and how cool is it imagining championship teams holding court at Andrews?
At any rate, the family-run bar that’s currently in its centennial year (Happy 100th, Andrews!) is laden with framed photos of Wings players. It also features a food menu loaded with delectable-sounding sandwich and appetizer options, including poutine (YUM) and the compelling Hot and Spicy Mac n’ Cheese Bites (which feel like they leapt straight from my brain and onto that menu – I mean, cheese AND spice AND fried??? Yes, please!). And of course, Andrews offers a full bar, replete with local craft brews.
The visit to Andrews on the Corner concluded the guided tour of four of Detroit’s oldest bars – but I’m still mentally reveling in the experience and can’t wait to tour more of the ancient taverns currently in operation. If you’re a local or planning a visit to Detroit, I highly encourage you to check out all four of the enchanting, history-laden bars I hung out in during this tour – and any others that are calling to you. The city is definitely chock-full of charming watering holes, be they old or new!
201 Jos. Campau Ave.
Detroit, MI 48207
100 Places in the D 