Abick's Bar

Kit was great! You can tell there is a very bright and vibrant passion for the history within the family that has owned this location for generations! Very happy to talk about the history. Has a cigar room! The history and the pride the family takes in their bar is beyond measurement. Yes it may be off the beaten path, but I will be back! I love this bar! Kit was very personable and made us feel right at home.

Stopped by here as part of the Detroit Bus Tour. Really cool old bar, the inside has such a vintage style and is perfect for grabbing a couple beers with friends. Staff was very friendly and even provided a jello shot for my birthday.

Such a hidden gem! Super nice folks and always feel welcome. Back room is great for chilling and watching a game. Drinks are very reasonable. I recommend hitting a food truck that are always near and bringing back to bar for a beer.

Stopped here in the Drunks of Antiquity bus tour. Loved the atmosphere. A lot of things on the walls and ceilings to look at. The barbershop room was pretty cool. Bartender was nice and friendly.

Historical bar built in 1908. Family owned for by the same family for several generations. Popular with the locals, prohibition bar tour groups, and holiday celebrations. No food, but catered parties welcome.

Great place to hang and have a couple beers. Family owned and one of the oldest bars in Detroit. Servers and customers are always friendly. Two mixed drinks for 12.00, can't go wrong. No food except for some small bags of chips. Find the hidden room!

If you're looking for a no-frills, old-school bar with character, this is it. The kind of place where the jukebox still matters, the drinks are poured right, and everyone knows your name (or learns it fast). Great vibes, loyal regulars, and a place that doesn’t try to be anything but what it is. Always support local.

Legendary neighborhood bar, great picture of vanishing way of life. Plenty of space for welcoming a tour bus, plenty of intimacy to relax for a couple of hours. We visited the cigar room which has some amazing artifacts of century+ of its existence. No food but up to date drink menu, including NA beers and liquor.

Abick's is everything a dive bar should be... Atmosphere, history, good conversation, welcoming & clean... We look forward to our next visit!

Came here on a Thursday after a drink was ordered and opened was told that it was a CASH ONLY BAR! Nobody else was in there just employed who were eating and talking amongst themselves with tv show on didnt even let music play on jukebox online says they close at 12am but in the bar she told us they close at 10pm bartender was rude and unfriendly only interested in talking to her 2 friends there and eating chips.

Detroit's oldest continuously operating family owned bar! Visited Abick's as part of the Detroit History Tour. DHT gave our group the history of this 115 year old bar on the way there and we were not disappointed. Abick's is a hole-in-the-wall bar where you can relax with a cold beer at the bar. We had the opportunity to talk with the 7th generation owner, Eric, in the cigar lounge aka old barber shop where he showed us the DPD & DFD memorabilia. Such a cool piece of Detroit history!

This place is a hidden gem! It's a dive bar is a great old building and very welcoming. Came on a Thursday night and greeted by Murphy our bartender. Were only 3 other patrons but the conversation was lively and a round for 5 people was like $20 bucks! Being cash only helps them do stuff like this so no complaints. We shot pool and asked about the cigar room and were escorted to the back room which is great. Def a good vibe and secluded. Great service and old school atmosphere. Will be back!

4 Generations passed down this bar. So much history here, below, above and beside the establishment. Great little place to grab a drink. Please reopen the barber shop next door!

It was a great little spot to catch the lions game away from the downtown chaos. We were going to park here and uber downtown but wound up getting taco's from this cute little truck on the corner and staying the whole game! The neighborhood seems up and coming with nice houses like old Chicago. I could see being a regular here if we lived closer.

Let me set the stage...hot summer Summer night in July needing a drink but somewhere that brings a vibe unlike your run of the mill bar or pub. I had done my homework and just happened to have the top five oldest bars in Detroit locked into my phone contact list...Abick's shows up in the top two. We find the neighborhood, pull right up front, and walk to the door only to find it locked. Well, I think I was pulling when I should have been pushing...we got in and got greeted by a very large dog. The place was empty and dark resembling that of a joint ready to close. Out from the shadows of whiskey bottles steps a young man that extends a "hello and welcome." We were in and they were Open...Amen! We proceeded to imbibe with some of their finest...I believe I started with a Stroh's...and worked our way to some tasty cocktails. We noticed a TV streaming some words and pictures...happened to be the story of the bar and family that started it. It was a great read and we followed it to the end only to result in a barrage of questions from me. The bartender was cool and seemed to enjoy the questions and conversation. It didn't take too long to discover that he was the 6th generation family member to take over the bar and keep the legacy alive. I'm a big history buff and it warms my heart to know that we have families dedicated to their craft or business and can withstand the test of time...especially in Detroit. The night goes on...drinking and talking about the bar, Detroit, Life, and everything in between. At some point I make a reference to cigars...the bartender asked "do you want one." My eyes lit up, mouth started to salivate, and I responded, "Ya got one?" He walked us three into the back where their was a darker, smaller room housing a humidor, lockers for cigars, and some chairs and couches...the night just got enhanced. He showed us his collection, we each picked out a fine cigar, and retreated to the couches to enjoy the second part of our night. The experience here was one I wouldn't have anticipated and certainly our expectations were exceeded. The kindness, customer service, engagement, and cigars left us with a feeling that you can't create but only can acquire when everything lines up as it did. By the way, you'll enjoy the early 20th century look...classic! In summary, next time I'm in Detroit...I'll be at Abick's bar. Very few places like this exist in our country so enjoy them as much as possible and anytime you're in arms reach. Great job on keeping this place Alive!

This gem in Southwest Detroit has all the charm of a neighborhood pub. I enjoyed a Sunday brunch. Not fancy, but oozing with character! A must try for those wanting to hit the old school Detroit bars!

I fell madly in love the first time I walked through the door. As Todd said, it's just what a neighborhood bar should be. The owner Manya, 87 is quick to tell you she believes Abick's is likely the oldest family-owned, continuously operated bar around. And although Abick's is charming on it's own, the real treat and attraction is Mayna herself. Warm and welcoming, I'd swear she was my own grandma being channeled from the great beyond! As a matter of fact, she insisted that next time we came, to let her know ahead of time, so she could have some chili in the crockpot for us. It's a pretty small place with a small front area and probably smaller back room, but they LOVE feeding the masses. As I said, let them know youre coming and Manya will make sure youre taken care of! Knowing that it's quite small, it still makes for a great stop on a bus tour. Trust me when I say your friends will be happy you introduced them to this place! The following Detroit News article is great and is laminated and available at the bar: http://detnews.com/article/20090804/OPINION03/908040329/Octogenarian-keeps-Abick-s-Bar-going-strong#ixzz18F61o1pV Definitely do yourself a favor and stop in.

I love this bar. I made it my mission to make friends with the dog and he was my favorite part. (All it takes is a few pupperonis). They let you bring food in, and there's a whole back room part with big tables

A really good place to hang out. Cash only, I believe, but that's not uncommon. The interior is from the early 1900s, tin ceiling, old clock, lots of good signs. The green lighting is a really excellent touch, too - makes everything feel a little spooky in a good way. There's a bar dog, too! He was friendly and super chill. Didn't check out the back room but it looked like a solid place to take a group.

I've had this bookmarked for years and after eating Salvadorian, we stopped over. I'm only bummed because I didn't come here much sooner. I guess it falls under dive bar, but isn't a dive bar, just a bar that is old. Both are O.K. in my book. We start to walk in and are greeted by a large Bullmastiff puppy. He lets you know it's his bar. We were given a few treats to give to him and were able to make a new friend. Awesome dog. I believe the bartender (Kit If I remember) greets us with a friendly hello and tells us the history of the bar and uses the pictures on the wall to help the story along. She gives us our beers and follows up with the "Abick's Shot" on the house. It has fireball and a few other things in it. Really good. As we are talking she tells us they have a little cigar room that opened not too far back and gives us a tour. I love cigars, so I'm immediately in love with this place even more. They have a television, leather couches, and a massage chair. This place is separate from the bar as to make sure non smokers are happy as well. We start talking about Yelp and the owner Eric comes in. Really good guy. Based on first impressions, he is the guy driving to Ohio to help you with your flat tire. He tells me he Yelps often, likes cigars, scotch and good bars. He then proceeds to buy us a round of beers. I could tell that both of them are just good people not always focused on making a buck. We dive deeper into scotches and he pulls out something from his private not for sale stock and asks me to try it. I don't want to leave and am squeezing every minute before we have to go. I go out to my car and give him a cigar to try and in turn he gives me one. I'll be honest, I didn't need a free shot or beer or anything to like this bar. It feels like home. Our bill was 11 dollars. We left a 20 and are trying to figure out how soon we can get back here.

Look. If you don't know, I ain't gonna tell you. All life is rooted in tradition. The tradition of public houses in Europe is sexy right now. Americana neighborhood dive bars? I'm home.

Had a wonderful time at this quaint and truly vintage tavern! Kit was friendly and fun. George was gracious and told us the story of his family's bar. Shadow is of course a lovely Mastiff! Thanks all! Michelle

Little neighborhood bar small and intimate. Didn't like the fact that they don't take debit/credit cards cash only. A man had a big dog inside the bar without a dog leash, that was a little uncomfortable. The bartender did offer a good tasting vodka called "valentine" but he put ice in my shot so I couldn't really take it as a shot like I wanted too and he gave my boyfriend the wrong beer. We Probably won't go back there again.

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this bar is only visible from the outdoors because of a little neon sign in the window. When you walk in, you are transported to your great-grandmothers old historic house, with the main bar right in the living room. Cash only, pool table, juke box and cozy vibes. Love Abicks. Can't wait to go back.

As a Detroit native I'm sad I didn't discover this place oh like 20+ years ago. Love this gem of a joint with gorgeous leaded glass doors behind the bar, the dog is a complete sweetie and the history lesson playing on a slide deck in the corner of the bar adds to the charm of this long standing establishment. I'll be back.

This is the best old bar in Detroit. A true classic. If you're lucky ask and maybe you'll get to see the cigar room.

Great history in this bar. Old bar from the early 1900's. Great bar keep. This is Detroit culture at it's best. Will be back for sure.

Here for the Cili Cookoff. Raising money for the Children's Leukemia Foundation. I casted my votes! Stop by and participate! $10 donation lets you taste all 8 chilis (one comes with a side of mac&chees : )). Voting ends at 4:30.

This is absolutely my favorite place. Great history, great people, and a giant mastiff named Shadow. What more do you need from a bar? NOTHING!

Maybe I came on a bad day, but the experience was not what I expected at all, though extremely short. We walk in and are greeted with blank stares, which wasn't too off putting seeing as it is a small neighborhood bar, no big deal. What rubbed us the wrong way is how we were greeted by the bartender. We sat at the bar, smiled, and said hello. Our response "need some ID" no hello, no welcome, no smile. Just a smug 3 word response. Okay, not overly polite, fine. Still smiling we say okay and go for our IDs. Then she says "and we're cash only." We didn't have cash so my boyfriend was just going to go to an atm and I'd just wait until he got back. We were then told we couldn't be served unless we had the cash. Lol what? Like I'm going to chug these beers and run off. Ever head of a tab? Like I said, maybe we came on a bad day. Maybe I'm being too sensitive. Maybe they're not too friendly with non-regulars. Whatever the case, I won't be going back to find out. No reason to be that rude to potential customers.

Not too long ago I found a link that listed the top ten dive bars in Detroit, and my mission is to go to every single one on the list. I don't know what number this one was but so far it's my number one. Drinks are cheap (cash only btw) and you can a get a history lesson about the bar if you would like, it's been owned and operated by the same family for over 100 years. When you first drive up you might think your going the wrong way, because it is in a neighborhood and not on a main drag. Actually, I took a friend here last time I went and she asked me if I was taking her to a house party. This is part of its charm though and makes it feel like home.

Love finding neighborhood dive bars with a story. We walked up to the door and realized door was locked....then heard the sound of being "buzzed" in...grabbed the handle and gave it a hip check, twice.....finally entered. Place was nearly empty and the bartender wasn't there yet. A man named "Chavo" manned the bar which was all good because 8 of us ordered a beer. The 9th person ordered a White Russian (who invited her???). He was unable to make one, and rightfully so. . Anyhow, we joined the 4 others in the bar and the largest dog I have seen in a while. We were able to go into the back room lined with leather couches, wreaking of cigar and a plethora of police and fire paraphernalia and history. Finally the real bartender appeared along with 2 guest bartenders from Rusted Crow Distillery and more patrons. I was surprised to see that and were made a few fantastic drinks by them. Apparently a bus tour (with 45 people aboard) was about to arrive and with the current 19 people including a man who appeared out of nowhere in a top hat, tails and a boutonniere (I wasn't high. I swear)....surely we were going to exceed the numbers of occupants that was set by a fire code. We headed out, yet will return. Check it out.

I love Abick's! Been there twice. It's tucked away in a cozy corner in a neighborhood. Go in and read about the history and ask about the Whiskey barrels in the basement. Super chill out with shots and beers, watch a game on TV or whatever you want. So easy to stay a few hours. Pool table and wooden back bar adds to the ambience. Huge dog is no problem at all. It's a time machine with booze!

I love the home dive bar feel at Abick's Bar. The staff is friendly and the libations are plenty. It's a historical spot with a cool pool table. I felt at home there and return when I am in the neighborhood. They make homemade chili, which was amazing.

I love a good ol', down home dive bar with a friendly staff that makes you feel right at home and part of the family. That's exactly what Abick's is. Located in the midst of Southwest Detroit on a residential street corner, not too much signage and once you're inside, you kinda lose all track of time -- that's a good thing. My first time there was on a Southwest Detroit dive bar crawl with D:Hive, so when asked to return there with friends after a Detroit Fire Dept vs. Detroit Police Dept ice hockey game, I was glad to go. Home made chili with all the fixins, a really cool bartender who went out of his way to make a couple special orders, a dog to welcome us -- what more could we ask for?? File this under places I need to frequent more often!

Small, neighborhood dive. It's nestled in a residential block, so if you're not looking for it, you won't find it. And even if you are looking for it, you might drive past it a couple times just mistaking it for a house. And even if you do find it, and come inside, you STILL might wonder if you're in someone's house. Why? Because it's basically in a house. And once you're through the door, you're treated like family. I've seen it packed in here a time or two, but more often than not it will be on the quieter side. Perfect to relax with a beer and watch the game on their TVs, or to catch up with a friend or date over a mixed drink. Occasionally there will be free food in the back room, crockpot chilli or something else homey that will make you feel like it's your mom giving you a snack to nosh on. Prices are cheap, service is good. Abick's is a nice spot...unique, and a staple of Southwest Detroit.

Very small residential hood bar. Really cheap bottles of bud + top notch service. It's a sweet joint. sports on the tvs. sometimes they've got a DJ playing loud beats. If you're coming by yourself or in a real small party, you'll find yourself completely at home. I wouldn't come in a big entourage, and definitely don't come making an ass of yourself. You're not in Corktown...

Abick's is a really cool neighborhood bar that's easy to miss if you don't know where you're looking. The place has a lot of history, so if you're the type of person that is interested in that definitely check it out. The owner Manya is in her late 80's and has lived upstairs from the bar since the day she was born. Think about that - this is the only home she has ever known and she has stayed right here during the Great Depression, World War II, Vietnam, the "67 riots and the "white flight" from the city. Yet through all that this place has remained. There is a lot of history on the walls, with unique sports memorabilia and stuff from the armed services, police and fire etc, which really adds to the character. My personal favorite though is a picture on the wall of Manya standing out front of the place as a young girl and below that is a recent picture of her standing in the same spot as an older woman. The real hidden treasure though is the cigar room, which they don't advertise and is somewhat hidden behind a black door off behind the bar. They have a humidor and cigar lockers that can be had for a very reasonable membership fee. The cigar menu is good and the prices are almost at-cost. Lots of hidden treasures in this place, but you'll have to go see for yourself since a written description can only do so much. I normally would not give 5 stars for a bar that doesn't have a great beer selection, but the atmosphere is good enough to make an exception in this case.

I've been to Abick's three times, now: once for the Detroit Trivia Soiree I mentioned in my original review, once on a quiet weeknight, and then yesterday for a charity bartending event they were hosting for the Mower Gang. I have a blast every time, whether it's packed, like it is when they host special events, or there are just a few people there hanging out after work. I've visited a number of other bars in the city--even a couple of other historical neighborhood places--but Abick's is my favorite. The people (owner Eric, bartenders Kit and Jake, and the mix of regulars newcomers you'll meet there) are the bar's strength, and it's such a laidback and welcoming place. I just moved to the city and go a lot of places alone, but I know that when I show up at Abick's, I'll always have excellent company.

This is the kind of bar dreams are made of. A beer drinkers bar. A family bar. A bar bar. Bar bar bar bar. It's awesome. Unless you get there when a tour bus pulls up. Then you have to wait around for a bunch of sloppy ones to say "Whoo" and "D town baby!". But if you can get a beer before them and wait outside for them to move on, you're all good. Overall one of the best bars in Michigan.

What a fun old bar nestled in a old neighborhood. The bartenders are very nice and I love how they share the history of the bar. I love this place and looking forward to going back soon. It's so cool how the owner's dog is the bar mascot . You need to check out this place. It will become one of your favorite stops!!

This bar is so cool and has so much character. The dogs were my favorite. Worth the ride out there.

They folks here went out of their way to get in touch with me after I left an earlier review. I'm very impressed with their handling of the situation! I will be heading over for Pigapalooza this weekend. Happy to update to 5 stars :)

Best neighborhood bar in Detroit. Reasonable prices, cigar room, friendly atmosphere. A place to come "where everybody knows your name."

We tried this bar right before the shut down and we were very disappointed.... Cash only is fine but they could make more if they except credit cards. When we walked it we got a hard stare at by the employees, maybe because we were not the regulars and it was our first time. Something better than "need I.D's" as the first thing the bartender says to us would of been nice. We understand when a bar is busy the bartenders are running around helping every one but there was not many people there and I had to raise my hand up just to get the bartenders attention for another round. Poor service in my opinion. Will not be going back.

OK this is a crazy unique bar that everybody should hunt out as it is not easy to see and find but worth your time for a cheap drink jukebox music and old-fashioned atmosphere. Cigar bar in back.

I don't think there is another bar like this is all of Detroit. Some people call it a "dive bar". I understand why they use that descriptive but the reality is that this place is just a humble neighborhood bar that rivals the personality and character that I've experienced in neighborhood pubs in London and Dublin. No pretension at all. The staff is kind and personable to us as soon as we walked through that door. Drink prices are very fair and the cigar lounge in the back proved to be an excellent place to end an evening with the boys. This is place is a treasure, a true gem in Detroit. Do yourself a favor and go here. You don't want to miss out.

Went here on Monday night with some of my coworkers, we were the only ones there and I'm so glad because we got a chance to really chat with the guys working there. We were greeted by the handsome Shadow and Bentley which is one of the reasons I was really eager to come. Everything that the other reviewers have mentioned is absolutely true, this is a great place and everyone in my group said the same thing, which is we can not wait to come back. The cigar lounge, the game room everything is cozy and inviting. I'm so glad this place is in my neighborhood! Also the pudding shots were amazing, must try if it's available.

Abick's historical charm was a complete surprise to me. I thought I was checking out a Detroit dive bar. Turned out to be one of the coolest architecture and atmosphere spots in the area. And a place where you actually get to know everyone else hanging out at the bar. Recommend to anyone that likes a locals atmosphere w/ cool architecture. It is a no BS kind of place, but one that made me feel instantly welcome. I am finding myself here on a more frequent basis and that's not likely to stop anytime soon. There's nothing like this in the suburbs, worth the drive!

Such a friendly Detroit bar! Love the family feel of the bar. Patrons and employees alike have always been very welcoming and social. They keep it a cash bar because it's always been a cash bar. So unless you're 109, this bar has been rocking since before you were born... even through prohibition. The bartender, Eric, has been keeping this place alive. It's been in his family for generations and he treats you like you're a part of his family. There are plenty of games including video darts where you can play against any bar across the country (maybe even world). Always good drink specials and good people.

I was looking for a local place that seemed safe and as soon as I walked in and was greeted by dogs I knew I was in love. It was very low key, the bartender was very friendly and it's super clean. I would recommend anyone here for sure.

Owner had his moments..... Seemed very smug and indifferent about our presence on a Wednesday night. It's too bad, good history here.

Best bar in Southwest Detroit. Hospitality has been Abick's hallmark for decades. I've had their hot dog & sauerkraut and pierogi for a great late night snack. The bar had top shelf offerings before top shelf was a thing. Stop in soon, you'll feel like family.

Ok guys. This is an adventure. It's a neighborhood bar totally off the beaten path. If you like to go where locals go this place is for you. If you're searching for something comfortable and chainy screw off. We came on a Sunday night and had to be buzzed in. There was a giant mastiff barking from the inside. We still decided that we needed a drink. It was totally worth it. Great local experience. Ask the bartender about Michigan lefts.

I love this bar. We went on an Inside Detroit OFF the Beaten Path Bar tour for a 40th birthday. This bar has so much character- the tin ceiling, stained glass liquor cabinets and the back room are unbelievably cool. The owner is the sweetest, nicest bar owner that I have ever met. If you are in the area you should definitely try going here!!!

This is what neighborhood bars are supposed to be. Abick's has a great, old time, clean interior, plenty of TVs, and cold Stroh's. It's definitely an out of the way that's worth checking out and grabbing a beer or two at least once. My only disappointment is that I don't live closer.

Abick's is an institution. It has history. It has family. It has old men. I've been to many Detroit bars, but this is one where you immediately feel at home. The staff is incredibly friendly and sweet. Despite how small it looks when you walk in, there are 2 other rooms in back, a cigar/scotch room which gives the old bar smell when you walk in. Up until a few months ago, Manya, the owner, was there. She recently passed away but her legacy lives in the bar. I hope this bar stays open another 107 years. Go. Visit. Support your local bars.