Nancy Whiskey Pub

Bar · Briggs

Nancy Whiskey Pub

Bar · Briggs

5

2644 Harrison St, Detroit, MI 48216

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Nancy Whiskey Pub by Michelle and Chris Gerard
Nancy Whiskey Pub by Michelle and Chris Gerard
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null
Nancy Whiskey Pub by null

Highlights

Historic Irish pub with live music, cheap drinks & patio  

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2644 Harrison St, Detroit, MI 48216 Get directions

nancywhiskeydetroit.com

$10–20

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2644 Harrison St, Detroit, MI 48216 Get directions

+1 313 962 4247
nancywhiskeydetroit.com
𝕏
@nancywhiskeyd

$10–20

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Aug 8, 2025

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The Best Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes in Corktown | Eater Detroit

"Nancy’s has been holding down an otherwise quiet corner of Corktown since 1902, thanks in large part to its Irish hospitality and a selection of Irish whiskies. Even a devastating 2007 fire couldn’t stop the good times. Don’t miss the back patio on summer nights." - Courtney Burk

https://detroit.eater.com/maps/best-corktown-restaurants-bars-cafes-detroit
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Metro Detroit’s Best Fish and Chips | Eater Detroit

"Pack into Nancy Whiskey, a Corktown staple since 1902 for its longstanding Friday night fish fry. From noon to 8 p.m. weekly, diners can order big portions of classic, battered and fried filets and fries. Opt for a fish sandwich or a basket of the spot’s coconut shrimp as alternatives while taking in the old-school decor, which includes a phone booth that, according to legend, was used by notorious Teamster Jimmy Hoffa." - Serena Maria Daniels

https://detroit.eater.com/maps/best-fish-and-chips-detroit-restaurants
View Postcard for Nancy Whiskey Pub
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Detroit’s Best Dive Bars | Eater Detroit

"Nancy’s has been holding down an otherwise quiet corner of Corktown since 1902, thanks in large part to its Irish hospitality and a large selection of Irish whiskies. Even a devastating 2007 fire couldn’t stop the good times." - Mickey Lyons

https://detroit.eater.com/maps/best-dive-bars-detroit
View Postcard for Nancy Whiskey Pub
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Anytime Is a Good Time to Check Out These Corktown Bars

"Nancy’s has been holding down an otherwise quiet corner of Corktown since 1902, thanks in large part to its Irish hospitality and large selection of Irish whiskies. Even a devastating 2007 fire couldn’t stop the good times." - Serena Maria Daniels

https://detroit.eater.com/maps/best-bars-corktown
View Postcard for Nancy Whiskey Pub
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Detroit Bars Weigh the Risk of Reopening on June 8 - Eater Detroit

"Within hours of Whitmer’s press conference on Monday afternoon, popular Corktown party spot Nancy Whiskey’s Pub announced a “St. Patrick’s Day, Tigers Opening Day, and Cinco De Mayo, party ALL week long!!” via their Facebook page." - Mickey Lyons

https://detroit.eater.com/2020/6/3/21279145/detroit-bars-reopening-michigan-coronavirus-covid-19-capacity-limits-safety
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J EAZY

Google
Historic (1902) Corktown Irish Pub w/ antique revolvers & Firefighter memorabilia. Smallish place that gets packed when busy & definitely a proper neighborhood/dive vibe. Nothing fancy but a well stocked bar n pretty fair prices! I didn't even know they served food but i always come at weird times/days. i like stopping in on slow days! N open on mondays! It's definitely worth checking out! 🍀 🍺 🍻 ☘️

Michael Mitchell

Google
Stopped here as part of the Detroit Bus Tour and had a great time at this bar. Very old school which is perfect if you just want to grab a beer with some friends and hang out. Would come back and try parking here for a game next time and ubering.

Elle Frisbie

Google
I can not rate the service or food...only because it was so crowded after the St patricks day parade, there was no room inside or outside. We went there to eat, but our large group of 12 and the wall to wall of peeps just wouldn't allow. However, I've been coming to the Nancy Whiskey for over 20 years. Love this bar, drinks are top notch, and the service is fantastic normally. It was just way over capacity this last visit. Will return.

Dana Barrow

Google
BELOW a star!!!! I felt racism, I live,own properties and employed (assigned)by state government to the area. I sat at the bar for 15-20min watching the bartender communicate with everyone except me, (there were only about 7-8 people at best and they had drinks already) (2 left while I was there)He never acknowledged me, just stood there talking to the patrons that were not black. SAD I have been in this neighborhood since 2006 & was in shock at the treatment I received. DO BETTER I slowly begin to walk out and still no response. I left thirsty SMH

vid 1900

Google
They always say that this is Detroit's oldest bar. Not sure if that's true, but it's really old and cool. Kind of an old house or something. Good sound system for live music. Seems small, but they have a big outdoor space, with fire pit. Drinks have a strong pour. Highly recommend.

Tamara Knapp

Google
This dive bar has been around since 1902. The bartender is quite the character and provides entertaining conversation. Many celebrities have passed through her doors. It is a locals hang out but you will still feel welcome - just unlikely you will get a seat at the bar. A great place to head on a beautiful day and sit in the “backyard”. Play a game of cornhole, Jenga, or just hang out.

Cathy Morris

Google
If you love authentic neighborhood bars with interesting history, you will love this place. I was lucky enough to meet the current owner. He told me that the floors and bar are original. The original building was a general store and became a bar in the early 1900's. The corner where the stage is now was once a barber shop. The wall was knocked out and men could get a cut, shave and a drink. Genius! We got some chicken strips, mini tacos, and shrimp. The food was really great. The drinks are strong. I wish I lived closer. You'll love it!

A D

Google
This is definitely the kind of place that has regulars, and I respect that. I felt kind of awkward talking with the bartender but had a great conversation with someone sitting at the bar which helped put me at ease. Kudos to A for being so nice to a complete stranger.
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Matt W.

Yelp
Kathy treated us to a wonderful historical tour!! Outdoor patio was a spectacular surprise. Great Union history here.
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Christie L.

Yelp
When I travel, I always look up the oldest bar in town and try to visit. Well, I literally could not find the oldest one (I found out later we were right there. It was a house-front-looking building), so we visited the second oldest, and I am sure glad that we did. I went in and immediately felt like an outsider! This looked like the local pub for the surrounding area. It was not more than 2 minutes before we were invited to the bar and asked about ourselves. We felt at home within 5 minutes. We learned that we were virgins to a shot of alcohol that you must have, which was served to us, and we enjoyed talking with everyone. It turns out we were sitting next to a band member who plays at Cliff Bells (we were at the night before), and then he had played in a local jazz bar in Indianapolis, where we are from! Small world!!!! We made lots of friends and enjoyed this place so much. Glad we missed the oldest bar since we found the one we should have been at anyway!
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Doug T.

Yelp
Always a good time. Cheap drinks and loud music. The ultimate dive bar. It has a dark past but it is a part of Detroit history.
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Jim O.

Yelp
Had a fun time. Looked for a different place to try- pre game .didnt disappoint! Waitress was good , cheap drinks and some really decent sliders. 2 for $6 good sized and tasted great!

David W.

Yelp
Drinks, People & especially the music were Good & Strong. Would go back Dailey if I lived here.
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Mj J.

Yelp
We finally made it to Nancy Whiskey! I've been wanting to come here forever and St. Patty's Day was a perfect time. My friend has been here before and describes it as a classic. The weather was absolutely beautiful and the crowd was enjoying dancing to an Irish Band. We had an absolute blast. We will most certainly be back!
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Karina K.

Yelp
We went on a bar crawl for my friends 40th birthday and we had such a great time visiting this super old bar and learning about the history. They had a really cute outdoor area as well.

Kathy L.

Yelp
This is a Detroit neighborhood bar with a friendly atmosphere. Service was fast & prices compared to any other small "corner bar". They also have Nancy Whiskey t-shirts for sale, if you're looking for a Detroit souvenir!
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Melissa A.

Yelp
Nancy Whiskey is a cool spot for what it is: a shot and a beer spot, sometimes they serve hot food, decent prices, and excellent outdoor area that is also dog friendly. I could see how it may come across as a "regulars only" type place but I was with a group and it was early so I didn't really get that vibe but your mileage may vary.

Kathy H.

Yelp
Best detroit bar good bar food especially the fish fry. Always enjoy the music on Friday and Saturday I just wish their website was updated regularly
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Sal L.

Yelp
Phenomenal neighborhood spot with great music and an amazing vibe. It felt like everyone knew each and they were very welcoming to the new faces. It is worth a visit if you are looking for a good night out in Detroit
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Jeremy N.

Yelp
This place definitely has some history to it. If you like that, this bar is for you! Hard to miss bar since it's right near a neighborhood and nothing is really around it (other bars, restaurants, etc.). It has that "old fashioned" look to the outside of the building, let aloe the inside. When we walked in there was nobody in there really other than the barkeeps. The weather was poor outside so that was expected. They carry your typical alcohol here, nothing crazy. I'm sure that if we went in on a Friday or Saturday night it would have been a lot busier.
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Derek F.

Yelp
If you're not a regular don't bother. They will ignore you. Bummer because I really wanted to like this place and was excited to go. Drinks and service was weird, it was like we were intruding, taking up the place that was for the regulars and they so did not want to help us. Went for fish on a Friday and it wasn't bad, but the hole vibe we got made us not want to return. And that sucks cuz we were paying customer and probably won't return. But they won't care.

Cindy W.

Yelp
Fun Detroit place to go. We saw a live band and had a great time! This place never ceases to amaze me.
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Jill H.

Yelp
Neighborhood "hole in the wall" bar, laid back but can have a big party atmosphere on game day and locally celebrated holidays. Fish and chips are excellent.
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Kenneth O.

Yelp
I apologize for being this guy. It has been several years since we have visited Detroit and I wanted my first night to be in Corktown to show off my Irish roots to my wife. After an amazing venture throughout the restaurants and bars in Corktown we decided to make Nancy whiskey's our last stop. When arriving we were harassed at the main entry. When inside, the music (hip hop, pop) was at a decibel level of not even being able to give our order to the lady behind the bar. After we made our way onto the back patio to relax, the conditions were anything but relaxing. There was litter (cups, cans, etc) on every table and on the ground. The seats we found had liquid spilled on the tables & chairs. We decided to make a night half way through our drink. I understand we are coming back from The stressful times of the pandemic and trying to adjust. On that note, I remember Nancy Whiskey's being a cool place to hang out and maybe get a little rowdy from time to time, but had no idea it had become an 80's freshman frat house. This is a black eye for Corktown and the wonderful people of Detroit.
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Kelly B.

Yelp
Atmosphere!! Cool ambiance!! We had the entire bar to ourselves!! Very nice bar and the bartender answered all my questions without hesitation!! We just had a quick drink since it was a "school night!" Ha!! So yes go if you have the chance!!
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Colette N.

Yelp
Well, I couldn't be happier Nancy Whiskey's is back open and in full swing after a fire that had them closed and rebuilding for almost a full year! They are back to business and I couldnt be sadder that some of the greatest memorabilia in the city went up in flames, but NW is slowly regaining their old-school dive bar charm. Weekends you will find live blues (no cover), Thursday is open mic night, every night there are cheap drinks and the bartenders, staff and owners are great. Don't miss St Patty's parade day, St Patty's Day, Tiger's Home Opener and the Friday night before the parade (St Patty's practice) as they are probably the craziest and wildest times of the year. Tents are up in the back for added space. Also Nancy's is a GREAT spot for bar crawls but keep in mind its hard to find a worse neighborhood in the middle of nowhere (actually, they are across the walking bridge - I75 - from old Tiger Stadium, God Rest Her soul). The new backyard is sort of a part of the bar now, and you can go back there for fresh (ok, smoke-filled) air. Also, Nancy virgins are treated with a welcoming gift. Be sure to tell em I sent you :)
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Troy S.

Yelp
Nancy Whiskey was a exactly what I expected and then some. Don't think you're going to a hipster area to have a drink in an old, classic Detroit bar. This joint sits in a semi-rough lookin' neighborhood with little street lights to highlight what you may not think is a safe place to be. We rolled up and there was a gaggle of bikers out front which made us question whether we should roll out in our touristy looking garb. Nonetheless, these guys ended up being firefighters doing a charity ride for burn victims...awesome crew of guys! The bar...we walked in to be greeted by two friendly bartenders and a jammin' blues band on stage. Two drinks deep and we knew we landed in the right place at the right time...this was the first place we hit after getting off the plane. If you want a bit of history coupled with cheap drinks and a real atmosphere...definitely get your butt over to Nancy Whiskey!
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Jessica N.

Yelp
Nancy Whiskey is one of the oldest standing bars in Detroit, surviving through Prohibition when they used to smuggle alcohol across the border from Canada. A friend of mine went there for a historical Detroit bar tour and it's said to be haunted. When the bathrooms are empty, you can supposedly hear ghosts turning the water off and on, but maybe that's just the whiskey talking. Classic no frills dive bar. When you're driving up, Nancy Whiskey is located in a shady dilapidated kind of seedy looking area. But don't let that deter you, this bar is pretty cool. Inside there is a large bar to the right decorated with lots of old nick nacks, such as rifles, and lots of hats, sailor hat, helmets, etc and nostalgic photographs of the bar's history. There are tables across from the bar that seat 6-7 people each. There is also an outdoor area with picnic tables and a giant Connect Four. It's literally a fenced in backyard right in a neighborhood. They have a fully stocked bar and they make a pretty decent selection of mixed drinks for a dive bar. We ordered jack and gingers, Moscow mules, seven and sevens, sex on the beach, etc. They also had a few drinks promoted on their marketing for the MoPop fest, with various flavors of Deep Eddy Vodka. Drinks were reasonably priced, $4-$8 depending on what you order. They also had several bottled beers as well. I believe the bartender said they had close to 80 or so bottled beers to choose from. Just a shame they don't list what their bottled beer selection is anywhere. They had bottled Busch beer on special for $1. They have live entertainment on the weekend. We came on a Friday night for a friend's birthday and they had a cover band playing inside on their small stage playing covers of Van Halen, Journey, Tom Petty, etc. Great band, playing fun music and took requests. They have a jukebox when there isn't a band playing and it's free on some nights. Fun people watching here too. Came here after a concert once and a lady was dancing on top of the bar. Lots of people were dancing and having fun when the band was playing too. Seems like this is a destination on quite a few pub crawls so a few large groups came in and out. Recently came for a friend's birthday and we brought in a cake and the band and whole bar sang Happy Birthday to my friend. Definitely a cool, fun place and well worth stopping in. I'm sure it's a blast on St. Patty's Day too, albeit busy. Right on the outskirts of Corktown. I'd definitely stop in again for a late night drink, conversation, people watching, and live music. Not a bad way to spend a night.
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Jacob F.

Yelp
I love dives. There's something so cozy and familiar about them. We've been here a couple times now, and it seems this place is no different. It's a little secluded from the action of Detroit, which is kind of nice, but the area isn't too sketchy so no worries. The only thing on tap is Guinness, but they've got all the typical bottles plus a handful of nicer options. Prices aren't dirt cheap, but very reasonable. The bartender was chatty and pleasant, and made us feel welcome. Not sure how strictly the $10 CC minimum is enforced, but it seems reasonable enough. I'll definitely be back. And judging by other reviews, it looks like I need to come for the fish dinner or live music next time!
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Zoe B.

Yelp
Classic dive bar tucked into Corktown adjacent neighborhood. Nancy Whiskey is the epitome of a Detroit dive bar. It's dirty, cheap and loud. When I was in I was there to see a live blues band, which I must admit was very entertaining. The bar itself was decked out in Halloween decorations, covering nearly every inch of the bar. It was actually a pretty popular place and people were just starting to dance a little bit when I left. I wouldn't recommend anyone go there on a search for a great whiskey drinking experience, but it is a good spot to grab a cheap beer and listen to some live music. Quick notes: -Check out their events page of their website to see when and who is playing there!
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David P.

Yelp
Another dive bar that I feel a gravitational pull towards whenever I'm floating around downtown. From the phone booth where Hoffa once conducted his business to stories about bullet holes, the place that holds the 2nd oldest liquor license in the city is about all you'd expect it to be. Remodeled after a fire, it's well done inside while still staying true to the original concepts and feel. Hat tip to them for that. A good burger, cheap beer, and whiskey available. What else do ya want?
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Jimmy R.

Yelp
Very cool, casual place. Friendly people and a great hang out for a less tourist but more local feel. The, Down River, Dan was awesome! Had the whole joint jumpin....... Stephanie the waitress was super cool and very helpful.
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Steve V.

Yelp
I don't give a shit what anybody says, this is the greatest bar in Detroit. This is where the locals come to drink. It's a short walk from the Motor City Casino. If you want to drink, take the trip. It's well worth it.
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Nykol M.

Yelp
Nice, little hole-in-the-wall dive. I had been here only once before--and that was around ten years ago. I forgot how small it was. Not a problem for me thoughp; I like small, dark spaces. One thing though: my boyfriend and I stopped by, expecting to hear Blues, but we heard a variety of R&B, Oldies, some Blues and rock. I won't complain about the quality of music--it was good--but I was expecting Eric Clapton, BB King, Muddy Waters, etc. Ah, well, you can't win 'em all, can you?
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Slip M.

Yelp
I made my first visit to Nancy Whiskey this Saturday. This joint has been on my radar for years. I really like this place! I never liked the term "dive bar". I would call it a vintage urban Irish bar. It was exactly what I expected. The bar maid was a sweet lady named Jessica. I told her it was my first visit and I thought I should have a pint of Guinness and a corned beef sandwich. She smiled and readily agreed. While I waited I took a stroll around. If you removed the flat screen TV it would have been like walking back into 1962. The corned beef sandwich was generous in size and tasty. I hope to be back soon.
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Jimmy M.

Yelp
I've only ever been here for the fish fry and it really is amazing. The batter and fish are absolutely perfect, the portions are large and the fries are good too. I can't speak highly enough of their fish fry and I'd highly recommend that you try it out. It's from 12-8pm on Fridays. I have no affiliation to this place. They just make really good fish and the staff are usually attentive and polite.

Daniel S.

Yelp
One star, only because zero is not an option. On more than one occasion we have been here with crowds- once with a 10 person historic bar your and one with a Christmas pub crawl, the bar tender is RUDE and dismissive. If you are not capable of dealing with crowds- maybe you shouldn't work at a crowded bar. Lame, unpleasant, won't be back.
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Ely H.

Yelp
Wow. Just wow. I'm reading these reviews...and a lot's been said. So let me just respond. To those who say: "Nancy's is in a rough neighborhood." Screw you. This is my neighborhood. If you want a nice neighborhood then stay the F in Oakland county and go to the Somerset Collection. "Nancy's draws a yuppie/frat crowd." Yeah, ok. It's true. I don't get along with everyone at Nancy's. It tends to draw a pretty young, white crowd. But there are people of all ages. And I'm there half the time, and I'm awesome. I always meet other cool locals or strangers or whatnot and have a good time. This isn't Ye Olde Taproom for Christ's sake. Be cooler. Make fun of the hipsters. Befriend the friendly locals like me. "Nancy's was better before the fire." Yeah? So was Chicago. I still enjoy a good Goose Island Honker's ale every now and then. I still like Wrigley. Ugh. Things change. Nancy's still has more personality in its bathroom urinal then the entire city of Farmington Hills. "Don't order the such and such." Doy. It's a dive bar! I'm sure their mint julep isn't exquisite either. Drink beer and stiff drinks. "It's not an Irish Bar!" Ugh. Yes it is. It's in Corktown--or at least, Corktown before it was split in half by the Fisher Freeway. Nancy was Irish. There's a picture of JFK hanging above the bar. They serve Irish Whiskey. It's a mostly white crowd (not saying it's a good thing). The bands on the weekend are almost always legit Irish bands. And Jacelyn--stay the hell in Royal Oak. "Not that kind of place." Are you kidding me? I'd make fun of you too! You're not in a F'ing Cheesecake Factory. What are they supposed to do? Write $20 on the back of a business card and have Nancy kiss the front of it with a lipstick seal? I'm guessing the Marathon gas station next to my house doesn't sell gift certificates either. Nor does my mechanic or my dentist. The difference between you and I is that I would never think to assume my gas station would "make an exception" and "do me a solid." Just because you're from Royal Oak doesn't mean the world starts and stops at your F'ing convenience. Stay in Royal Oak, sweetheart. Cheers, Nancy's. And Cheryl, Jarrod, Pat, Paul, et all--thank you for joining in and "encouraging us." *post note: I'm glad people have found this post humorous or whatnot, but I have one thing to add---if anyone, ANYONE ever brings a fucking party bus to nancys, parks it outside, drinks in the middle of the street, throws their beer cans on our street (I live on spruce), never buys one (ONE!!!) single drink, and simply comes in to use the bathroom, I swear to god we won't be as nice next time. This time you only got told to get the hell out. Next time I'm slashing tires. Find another bar, because we will destroy you. That behavior is an abortion. That is some of the lamest, weakest, fucked up chokeland county shit I've ever seen. Any guesses where they were from? You got it--Royal Oak. Let that place burn.
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Nina M.

Yelp
Nancy Whiskey is a dive bar with plenty of regulars. They have live bands play often and in those cases expect a 2 drink minimum. I have been twice. The first time I didn't get service of a greeting from the bar for about 5 minutes, so I left. It is something about dive bars and Tiger games that leave me like an outcast. This night I came in and the bartender was attentive with getting me a drink. They took forever to cash me out and that was a turn off. I ordered the mini tacos, which were 7 mini tacos deep fried with sour cream and salsa for $3.50. They were the best part of my visit. I can tell that they have regulars because of the attention they give them. It is cool that they know their drinks and have a nice relationship. I didn't get that there and the gentleman at the bar attempted to overcharge me for the mini tacos. I think that a bartender should know the pricing of the menu or at least read it first.
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Jeff H.

Yelp
I got really drunk here one time about eight or nine years ago. Then I went off to see a show across town at the Majestic. Then I came back to Nancy and proceeded to get exceptionally drunk until way past the time that anyone has any business being out drinking. It was a fun night. The multi-day hangover that followed was not so fun, though. Great little old-school neighborhood dive bar in a cool little old-school neighborhood. Definitely worth stopping in and becoming well acquainted with Tullamore Dew, if you are ever in the area.
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Kim L.

Yelp
It's a dive bar in a sketchy part of Detroit with frequent live bands. You're either going to love it or hate it. It's not very large inside and can get pretty jammed on nights with good music - so get there early or be prepared to stand. My last visit there we sat with 2 random people who were interesting and fun to talk to, they left after the first set and 2 guys took their spot - and again - we all hit it off and had a great time bs'ing. That's pretty much my experience every time I come here - friendly people out having fun. And did I mention a diverse crowd? Young / old / black / white / fancy / not so fancy... This is a real slice of Detroit in here. The band is right in your face and the tiny dance floor means close contact to fellow dancers and the band. Drinks are reasonably priced - it has working bathrooms that aren't too gross - what more could you ask for?
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Eve B.

Yelp
Once again I found myself saying "How did I not know about this place?" upon entering Nancy Whiskey's. As this was my first visit, i can't really say what the place was like before the big fire, but i can say that the decor definitely exceeded my expecations and really almost pushes it outside of the label of "dive bar". Either way, the bartender Patrick was super friendly and offerred us up a free shot of whiskey for being first time patrons which was accompanied by nice little story about Nancy Whiskey's history, oh so charming and fun. I really liked the fact that the bathrooms were clean, the bar looked well kept and the drinks were cheap! The bartender informed us that they also have live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and the jukebox is free before midnight on Saturday night! nice! It's in kind of a weird location, which is really the only drawback, but i guess that's what helps keep a dive bar's allure, right? I loved it and will certainly be back!
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Maria B.

Yelp
Nancy Whiskey is an awesome Irish pub!!! Great atmosphere here, live music on the weekends (we went just before St. Patty's day so they had a band playing traditional Irish pub anthems, which was awesome), good drink specials, and great pub grub! : )
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Becky S.

Yelp
The Nancy Whiskey is clearly a neighborhood dive bar and is being reviewed as such. This is a pretty small place that culturally lends more towards sitting rather than standing around, though people do. The crowd is a good mix, but almost all older white folks or neighborhood regulars. I brought a party bus of Ann Arbor folks here with some fear they would not like it, but everyone had a great time dancing to the live music and drinking. Speaking of drinks... they aren't dive bar cheap so don't expect that. You are kind of paying for the entertainment and everything else I guess. The bathrooms are good too. The food looks pretty good even though I have not tasted it yet. They do have a legit kitchen though and you can see the cook peeping out when he isn't making your food. If you drink too much you can saunter on down the street to Hostel Detroit for a cheap bed.
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Joey J.

Yelp
How many $1 cans of PBR can I drink on a Wednesday? Apparently quite a few if I'm not working the next day. My friends should feel lucky I decided to forgo the $3 Jameson shots. It's not in a great neighborhood. The week before my friends witnessed a zombie attack first hand while attending the same $1 PBR night. But hey, cheap drinks and a good group of people in attendance isn't worth complaining about.
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Anjelica A.

Yelp
Nancy Whiskey is hit or miss. I used to come here a few years back, when there was jazz music. It was excellent then. But lately? I've been several times and it's a toss up as to whether it'll be a bunch of sweaty hipsters in tanks or pseudo-hipsters in newsies, or whether it will be an almost frat crowd. There is sometimes a cover but it's easy to just walk past the door people. The bartending is really hit or miss; there is a guy there during the week who is pretty good and really nice, but then there's a woman there on the weekends who acts super frazzled as she pours drafts and navigates the register. Don't EVER get a whiskey sour here. It tastes like straight Sunny D. In general, I would say that Nancy is the kind of place where you should already be in a good mood when you arrive. If you're even neutral, it might be better to just get a sixpack and watch a movie at home.
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MacKenzie B.

Yelp
The bartender was amazing, the drinks were strong, but it lacks a little bit on the inside. The outside is awesome though!
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Scott M.

Yelp
I adore the Nancy Whisky. It's a Detroit icon and some can make the argument that it can be an American one too. This place has been around Detroit for a very long time and I wish I could hear all of the stories these walls can tell. It's been around for over 100 years I believe. The bar itself reminds me a lot of the bars you'll find in Pittsburgh local. Great dives on the street corner that welcomes everyone. That's what Nancy Whisky means to me, a place for everyone. One night I was at the stools sitting next to a firefighter, a guy with beautifully manicured nails, and some bridesmaids I was too unconfident to even make eye contact with. The staff here is really kind. I love the staff here. They treat you like family. Everyone gets treated like family. I remember coming here after a casino trip. Man, there was nothing more the gentleman tending bar wanted more than to hear someone walk out of there with a lot of winnings. I like places where you go and the staff is rooting for you, that's what this place is, great people, wanting to see people have great Detroit stories and to celebrate them. The whiskey selection, of course, is solid. Heard the fish is great - I personally haven't tried it, but that will happen very soon. My usual here is a Strohs & a shot of Jameson. Perfect shot and a beer joint. The atmosphere is great. I love the green door in the front and the classic stools. I like to sit on a stool near the TV so I can catch a glimpse of the Tigers game. Behind my favorite stool area near the TV you'll find an old phone booth. Rumor has it, that in that very phone booth, a Detroit "Union Boss" named Jimmy Hoffa conducted business there. I'm not 100% if that rumor is true, but one thing that is true was that this place was bumping during the bootlegging days. I get goosebumps thinking about the history inside. In the back you'll find a massive outdoor area with plenty of places to sit or have a nice chat or even neck with a gal if you are lucky enough that day. The Nancy Whisky has something for everyone. If you like sports, they have them on TV. If you are here for a nice whiskey drink or a cold one - they have those. There's a nice yard, history, and even a live band on the weekend. This is truly a bar one must visit to get that full Corktown Experience. I love this place. It's one of those institutions you must see at least once, in order to fully get that Detroit experience. Iconic.
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Jeremy B.

Yelp
This place is really a 2/5 now, but they were so good before the fire - out of respect I'll give them a 3/5. Also - there is nothing "Irish" about this bar, so please stop with calling it an Irish Pub. Just because I can order a Guinness doesn't make it an Irish Pub. The best thing this place has going for it is the off the beaten path location in what is essentially an old house in a Corktown neighborhood a few blocks off of Trumbull. I have seen some really good bands here before the fire, but I've only been back twice since they reopened so I don't know if they still have that going for them. It's unfortunate, but all of the character of this place burned up in the fire, and all that's left is the shell of what it used to be. If you never had a chance to check them out before the fire, do yourself a favor and check out The Ivanhoe (AKA - The Polish Yacht Club) on the east side for a similar experience.
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Nickie G.

Yelp
Yes, another dive on my trip to Detroit. This time, Nancy Whiskey. Walk in to find a Irish bar with paneled ceilings, plenty of room at the tables or bar, locals sitting and shooting the shit. Perfect neighborhood dive. Beer and full bar. Me likey. Got a rum and diet, no frills, the way you should order at a dive. Friendly bartender and super cheap prices (we were there around happy hour). Music playing from the jukebox was all over the place which was fun. Not very busy, but again, it was early. I think they may have bands there at night. Solid neighborhood joint, what's not to like? I'd definitely go again if I lived in Detroit and lived nearby.
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William G.

Yelp
As an Detroiter thats been out of the area for years now, I'm always fascinated by divey hole in the wall places I've never heard about. This long time neighborhood bar is one of them. As part of my birthday festivities and after a great Detroit City Football Club win, me, my wife and bro in law decided to take the after party a few blocks west of Cass Tech. Nancy's is the way a dive bar should be. Old school paneled ceiling, no frilly froo from drinks, just Guiness on tap. Let me tell ya, the libations hit the spot. Nancy's didn't feel like a a Locals only bar even though it was clearly in a neighborhood in Corktown that Im sure many people wouldn't travel out of their way to get to. But hey, its clean and the clientele and workers are friendly but not in the annoying "lets make small talk" sense. After talking with the bartender, he thought it was awesome that we are Domers now as his father was a big time fan of ND. I thought it was cool how Nancy is still alive and kicking and still frequents the joint. After seeing her old photos on the wall she was and probably is still a stunner. We'll definitely hit this place up again when I start getting annoyed with the trendy bars around Foxtown.
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Jenny S.

Yelp
Great dive bar and live music venue! Definitely go to hear Big Ray and the Motor City Kings! AWESOME!
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Charlotte S.

Yelp
Scheduled my father's memorial service there. He's a retired Detroit firefighter...Nancy's is a firefighter hangout. The food was perfect. Wings and mini tacos and fries and rings. When I tell you we got PLENTY if food, we got plenty. Firefighters are notoriously picky about food. They were going back for seconds and thirds and raving about the menu. Michelle assisted us and she was a dream! She took care if everything. The entire bar (which was also hosting a birthday party) became silent when I gathered our guests to say a few words about my dad. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. This is the classiest dive bar ever. Uf you want good food and great drink prices...Nancy's is your spot. Free street parking. It's smack dab in the midst of a neighborhood and has that neighborhood bar feel. There were games on the tv and the juke box was playing...couldn't have asked for more.
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Mark M.

Yelp
Probably my favorite dive in Detroit! Great bartenders, good beers for cheap, food so greasy you'll feel sick and great bands! Big Ray plays here often...bonus! Great place to hit after a game, gets packed at times but always FUN!

Amy L.

Yelp
Who doesn't love this place???? I guess if you are partial to upscale ambiance then maybe this wouldn't be the place for you. But if you're looking for a great "seasoned" atmosphere, comradery, good drink specials, and being in a place that makes you feel welcome, then this is the place for you! The mere mention of Nancy Whiskey" makes me smile
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Ben C.

Yelp
Good place for a few beers. Haven't had any food here, but this is a great place to hangout and have a drink.

Cherie H.

Yelp
A great hidden spot. Really great Taco Tuesday. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. It's tucked into a neighborhood keeping this gem feeling hidden and intimate. Great Vibes. Great people. I can't wait to go back!