Two Way Inn

Apparently the oldest continuouly operating tavern in the State of Michigan. Does not have a beer tap. Lots of interesting decorations.

Time capsule establishment. At one time a town hall, post office and jail! Supposedly haunted...wonderful. great for small groups

Friendly atmosphere. Great nostalgia. Not much for food selection. Needs to step the Bar game up. Had too many substitutes for the Top Shelf stuff. The cheap stuff gives me headaches moments later.

No food menu other than a soup of the day made by the barmaids mother. Whatever she feels like cooking, the day we visited is split pea, and not a fan of peas, this was loaded with chunks of ham and potatoes. Very stick to your ribs soup. A shot and a beer rounded out the “meal” the bartender was super friendly even had us sign her up”out of towners” book as we were from Alabama. When you search dive bar this is a go too place. Don’t let the doorbell deter you, or the seedy neighborhood. Stop in and see the “Oldest Bar in Detroit”

If you like cool old dive bars with tons of history this is 6 stars. If you don't like cool old dive bars it's time to learn and get some taste. Still 6 stars.

Talk about a long and storied history! This place traces its roots all the way back to the middle 1800s! It once served as a stop over of sorts, when prisoners were being transported from one location to another, usually over long distances. As the story goes, jailers would stop over and spend the night drinking, as their prisoner was locked up in a cell under the bar. The bar and back bar were ordered through a Brunswick Company catalog and delivered complimentary with the agreement that the bar was only going to serve Stroh's beers and ciders exclusively. The bar is gorgeous and still complete. At one point, the bar had a urinal rail that allowed patrons to not need to leave their seat (no women allowed), thankfully, that feature has been removed! Taller patrons beware! There is a brass bell hanging above the bar. If you ring it, you have to buy a round for the entire bar, and you will not leave without doing so! Cold beer and great history is what you will get here, and really, what more do you want from a local watering hole? Take a trip into the past, and hoist a pint to old Detroit, a city on the rise once again! You can feel the history and you can tell the family atmosphere is genuine.

I enjoyed the old style the bar has. We went here on the Drunks of Antiquity bus tour, so it was a fun stop while learning the history of the place.

My son and I stopped for a beer last Saturday afternoon. We were the only people there. Mary sat with us and gave us a detailed history of the place—which I’m sure she’s done hundreds of times. She is so nice. Loved the place. Stroh’s beer are very inexpensive, too. No food but Mary recommended another bar for lunch in nearby Hamtramck, which turned out to be a great place. There are a few parking spots behind the bar, otherwise it’s street parking.

Loved the down home atmosphere. Great local watering hole. Have to ring the bell to be let it. Additional security.

I went to the Two Way *after they were already closed.* Their hours are *clearly listed!* Why did I do that lol. The Two Way is 10/10 *amazing,* but I give *myself* 1 star for deciding to go there when they were closed already and trying to demand service anyway. Why do I do ridiculous nonsense like that? Smdh I need to do better. Wtg Two Way for consistently being awesome and having clearly stated hours and sticking to them and being the best place in the world to go *when they are open!!*

Can you say DIVE BAR TOUR!!!!!!! What an amazing time we had the Two Way Inn! Friends of mine wanted to do a Dive Bar tour of the city. I've been to the Two Way Inn a few times, this is my friends most favorite Dive Bar. I asked him to put together a tour for us in Detroit. He has been to so many places in the city, he is the perfect tour guide! lol The Two Way Inn has such a unique history and everything about this bar screams Dive and Fun....you truly need to go no further. I think we could have stayed here all night, but we had many places to go. We decided to play a few games of pool, played some music, and drank quite a few beers! Lets just say we need a rematch on our pool game. I think the boys were making up rules as we played along. lol Our bartender was great and we had an absolute blast at the Two Way Inn! On to the next one.....

My family does an annual party bus every year and we always make the Two-Way a stop to try and help support smaller businesse. We went on Saturday and got to the bar at midnight. The front door was open so we walked in. the owner was sitting at the bar along with 3 other people and yelled at our group saying that they were closed. She then proceeded to laugh at all of us saying "Try making better reservations" and was extremely rude to our group. This is very sad because like I said we like to support small businesses. We will never be back and we will just spend more time at Abicks!

Back at the Two Way Inn on Twosday.. Great bar and great people, we love this place. You wait for the Purple Gang to walk in at any moment.

We stopped in at the two way inn for their tarot reading event and loved the place. The people working were the nicest people around the drinks were good priced and awesome. The place is a bit of a dive but in the best way. I plan on stopping in many more times

Great place to get a few drinks. Extremely friendly and they are proud of their history. Very interesting information. Everyone that entered the place was happy. This is a MUST stop place. We parked on the street about 2-3 houses down. Found out you can park in the back as well. We will definitely come back. You ring the doorbell to get in.

This was my first time and I had an AWESOME time.... When I walked in which was extremely early for a Friday -- I was greeted by the bartender, random people, and even the owner. The owner also gave me a FREE shot. As the night continued -- more people entered but it was still a great vibe and everyone was socializing randomly. Hey this isn't no downtown fancy bar which you need to dress up and pay a door fee for pricey drinks.....NO! This is a true bar -- relaxing, cool bartender (he goes by T-Bone but I called him "Steak"), people playing pool, something weird playing on TV but you wouldn't want to watch it (Lol!), and low prices for drinks.

Everything you expect in a neighborhood bar...cold beer and friendly people. My friends and I stopped in as part of our "Tour of Detroit" while attending the Woodward Dream Cruise. Jennifer, the daughter of the owner, greeted us at the door and made some of the regulars make room for us at the bar. We were then given all of the history and lore of the bar and the area as well as being given tips for other places to try. If stopping by once a year makes us regulars, we will proudly accept that mantle as we intend to stop in each year. PS, the picture on the lower left is Tina Louise (you have to go there to understand).

My husband and I enjoy going to historical and/or "dive" bars and we were excited to try the Two Way Inn. My only complaint is that we don't live closer! The bartender was delightful and even tolerated my nosey questions about the spirits that protect the oldest bar in Detroit. I'm sure she gets asked the same questions every day, but she was gracious enough to answer the curious patrons, including myself. She makes a perfect drink too! We will certainly be back again someday.

Really cool old dive bar. Make sure you buy a round as its a tradition and they put your name up. Fun times... its also supposedly haunted

I was here in April. Great bar & better people. Buzzer system to get in. The surrounding area is rough part of motor city but inside is fine. Extremely friendly bar tender & regulars. Btw it's not a dive bar. It's an old school bar with old timers & middle age people people. Don't ring the bell unless ur ready!

One of my favorite places in the not quite the city. From ringing the buzzer to get in like a secret only you know to the cigarette machine that decorates the room like a drunken uncle who is a little too handsy. Reasonably priced shots... Even more reasonably priced beers... And a clientele that is just as much fun to watch and eavesdrop on as any nightime soap opera. Get there a bit earlier to beat the hipster influx.

The Two Way has stood proudly on the corner of Mt. Elliot & Nevada since 1876 - and is still open and operating as the oldest bar in Detroit (yes you heard correct - the Two Way holds the oldest Detroit bar title, NOT Jacoby's...although they like to say they do). The neighborhood is somewhat of a no-man's land these days, and chances are you won't just happen upon the Two Way unless you come looking for it. That being said, you SHOULD come looking for it. There is such history and character in this place - I'm talking, bulletholes in the walls from back in the speakeasy days, and more than a couple accounts of ghostly encounters. Along with that, there's also a pool table, video games, plenty of old crap on the walls to ogle, and friendly patrons with stories to pass the time. The Two Way occassionally books bands (usually punk) or hold special event nights (which usually include homemade Polish food) - this info is always communicated on their facebook page. The first Friday of the month is where the real party is at - Tony and Aaron (from Whiskey in the Jar, Hamtramck) come in as guest bartenders, and draw an eclectic, sizeable crowd of young and old. The First Fridays have even gotten attention in a Free Press article a while ago. Did I mention the drinks are CHEAP? I can't speak for the price of the beer, but if you're a liquor drinker, you'll get poured a stiff one for only a couple bucks. Without fail, my tab at the end of the night is always at least $10 cheaper than I expect it to be. Should be noted that they are cash only. Also, the bathrooms are well lit and CLEAN! Much cleaner than I've seen in bars 100 years younger... The Two Way isn't fancy, but it's got heart. If you're looking for a truly historical, truly Detroit bar...awesome patrons and staff with a passion for preserving this gem of a spot...and ridiculously cheap drinks..it's definitely worth searching out. *CASH ONLY*

How did I not review this place yet? It's a cool old spot with a long backstory, if you ask they'll tell you about it. Cold beer, potent drinks, and a great general environment always makes this place worth the trip. If you're there at night they get wave after wave of party busses swinging through so the place fills up and empties out multiple times a night which I also think is cool

I like to frequent local spots (shopping, eating, etc.) so this was pretty interesting. The UYE was a reason for me not to be afraid to hit this Mt. Elliot spot alone. But now that I've been I will come back (after a nice dinner since they don't have a food menu). I liked that I could get a drink for under $5 that wasn't some off brand well liquor. The Two Way Inn is a small quaint spot with a lot of nostalgia. It didn't feel like the normal crowded, stuffy bar. I like the fact that they you have to be buzzed in and there is a WORKING camera watching the door! I enjoyed the conversation, the specialty night with corned beef & swiss (YUM!!), & the Apples to Apples throw down. I felt at home at this spot and the family vibe was there. A little known chill spot to have a drink and relax. Next time I have to try the pool table out and the jukebox. NOTE: Not wheelchair accesible.

Fantastic local bar where we always have the best of times and make new friends. There's always something neat going on- whether its a spontaneous Sunday BBQ grillin' in the back patio, or a birthday party with music. The jukebox is always available - and usually alive with queued requests of everything from rock to motown. Bartender Hannah is a reason to come alone! She's so freakin cool and super savvy behind the bar!

This place is a must if you're visiting or never been. It's a piece of Detroit history and just a really great bar. Family owned and operated, they're the nicest people you'll ever meet. The craft beer selection rivals any beery place in the burbs & there's really just no place like it. Make the trek!

Had the place to ourselves this afternoon. Mary was very accommodating. She recommended going to lunch at Krakaus, which we did. Great recommendation as Hamtramck was all busy with the Paczki day run. We'll be back.

Such a fun and HAUNTED place. It was my birthday and the owner came over to talk to me and gave me a little gift pack. She took our picture and helped us find orbs. Super super cheap drinks. Would recommend.

This place is just amazing! We went around 2pm on a Saturday to check out the oldest bar in Detroit and we were not disappointed. Family ownership and community pride really highlight how special this place is. They have a great beer selection, good pours, and just a great vibe. We plan to come back as often as we can, really wish there were more places like this! Truly one of a kind!!! Thank you so much for having us!

The best of the best! Two way Inn has been in my life since the mid 1980's I always enjoyed the old style feel and the fact that it's a great hideaway. The staff is wonderful, the atmosphere is just great! They even have an old phone booth inside!! You can't go wrong here. My Dad turned me on to this place many years ago as he used to hang out there way way back. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed

This little hole in the wall bar was once the residence of Civil War Col. Norris, whose ghost is said to inhabit the building.

Ridiculously good Bloody Mary's, everything is made from scratch. Homemade infused vodka, homemade Bloody Mary mix, home made seasoning for the rim, everything done right and everything delicious. Awesome Brunch the first Sunday of every month, and excellent random food on Wed and Thurs (home made italian meatball subs, sloppy joes, soups, etc.). Great little spot.

I hate to be the downer here, but I just can't squeak out a 4th star for Two Way Inn. All the things people said about it having history is true. It's not a bad place, but it's not one of my favorite dive bars in Detroit. I have to preface that by saying we were there with a large group on a weekend afternoon, so based on fellow yelpers recommendations, we need to get in on the 1st Friday of the month. Good things - history, friendly bartenders, really great homemade bloody mary mix, cheap drinks, local crowd. The Not-so-good - dark and dingy (I guess that comes with being the oldest bar in Detroit), kind of funky smell like my grandma's basement, weird black velvet paintings on the wall (may seem 'charming' but were honestly kind of creepy), limited beer selection.

One of Detroit's off the beaten path jewels. So much history here it'll make your mind spin. It's one of only a couple of bars that have the original Strohs bar. Made with wood that's now extinct, the bar was installed by the original Strohs company. If you go during the day make sure you chat with Mary. You might, however, end up staying longer than planned, but that's not a bad thing. Follow them on Facebook for their random lunch menus.

This is a really cool place. I got to take in the First Friday celebration in February and intend to do so again in March. Two Way Inn is a great old building in an area that I haven't frequented in a very long time. I'm not quite sure what it reminds me of more when you have to knock on the front door for admittance; an old speakeasy or a hip club. Once inside you're surrounded by style. Sure the bar is over 100 years old, but you need to appreciate how many different people must have sat in the same place that you're sitting in now. The place has a great selection of beer and booze and very good prices. It draws a mixed crowd, and you can either take in a retro video game, play some pool, or just sit at the bar and have a conversation with the bartender or friends that you're bound to meet. I can't wait to get back here again.

Not what I was expecting and in a good way! I guess wine isn't a common item on the menu and since I'm not a beer drinker, I thought I'd be confined to hard liquor... but a little birdie told the bartender that I like to drink Riesling... and he went out an bought a bottle! How sweet?! The shots were yummy and strong. Our group got a little history lesson from the bartender. Ghost Hunters needs to come and do a show there because I heard it was haunted! We even ended up playing an impromptu game of Apples to Apples with the owner's son-in-law. I'll be coming back.

Absolutely in my personal Top 5 Bars...anywhere! This place has it all! Great History, great Atmosphere, great Prices, and, most importantly, best damn Staff in town! From the first time I wandered in they've treated me like a regular. If you're even remotely interested in the history of our great city I strongly urge you to have a seat at the bar and strike up a conversation with the bartender. Before you know it you have received a lesson on not just a great bar but essentially one of the city's founding fathers. I cannot say enough about this place so I'll just say this: you owe it to yourself to check it out! Now, if you'll excuse me, it's the first Sunday of the month and it's now 11am which means Sunday Brunch has just been served... Off the The Two Way for me!!!

You're only a stranger once.... If a bartender tells me this as he pours a stiff drink -- then he's just got one brand new drinking buddy. I headed out here for one of Tony's First Fridays. Tony was super friendly, welcoming and willing to share the history of the place....all while making sure my vodka tonics had a kick to them! Yes, the bar is small. Yes, you have to be buzzed in. and Yes, this place is a dive. But, dive bars rock! And the Two Way Inn is no exception. Just sip your drink, play some pool and think about all the crazy things you would hear if the walls could talk.

This is a place everyone needs to check out. Mary the owner will share stories on the history that are fascinating to hear. I want to go back for Sunday brunch in the fall and the St Patrick Day party in the spring.

I've been to the Two-Way several times, and was there most recently for an event they hosted. The bar has an amazing history and great character, and this alone makes it worth a visit! They also have a good selection of beer and liquor, all of it reasonably priced, and Mary makes delicious food on Sundays (for brunch) and Wednesdays (lunch/dinner). Check it out--you will not be disappointed!

This place is awesome. Came here as part of a "hey, let's roam around and hit dive bars tonight" thing, and this was definitely an add-on to the fun. Full of history and mystique, this place holds the oldest liquor license in the city. If you get the chance to sit down and chat with them about the history and what that place has seen, do so. Beyond that, it's a typical divey bar in a sketchy neighborhood, but it's completely worth the adventure to get here, I assure you. Go ahead...ring the bell. Double dog dare you :)

I just love this place. I've been here several more times since my first review here in 2011, and EVERY time it's just the best. Friendly owners, cheap drinks and great company. My friends and I enjoyed NYE here last week and had THE BEST time. Everyone needs to support this place because it's a gem!

The best dive bar around hands down. Awesome staff and cold beer and loud jukebox. Try it out for yourself.

Two Way is very historic. Very rustic. It is a perfect example of old neighborhoods bars, an endangered species for sure. Two Way is a must-visit spot.

Went to this spot for the first time ever last week and boy have I been missing out. Mary is the best. My cousin and I walked in one afternoon for an early cocktail and May buzzed us in. She is so knowledgeable, friendly and gave us a great history lesson on the Two Way Inn as well as the local neighborhood. Being a veteran of Detroit, I was shocked I never heard of this place until it popped up on my yelp. On Wednesdays/Thursday Mary cooks dinner for the locals, and in the fall/winter has Sunday Brunch. I can't wait to go back here and see it when it is live and in full swing.

I've been back here since the initial review and I will continue to go back. Dive bars are much more my speed. I love everything about them. I love the history that encompasses the Two Way. I want to thank my friends for introducing me to this gem. I fully support local businesses and I like that I can catch a buzz with friends while doing so!

The Two Way to me is like the Old Miami in that when you are drinking there you feel at home making this the perfect bar for low key nights, and friendly conversation. As you have probably guessed the Two Way is not fancy, and has no frills but these same attributes are the same thing that makes it feel so comfortable.

This place fucking rocks - friendly people, cheap drinks, good music. I'll be back asap

Cool place -- I felt like I was hanging out in a friend's basement. Good conversation and attentive service. Great atmosphere and fun times. Very secure, also -- you have to be buzzed in and there is a camera at the front door. As always, I love a good dive bar!

2 words.. DIVE BAR! Went with a large group on one of the Detroit Bus Companies bar tours. From the pictures you can see it appears to be an old house turned into a bar a LONG time ago (Nancy Whiskey or Three Aces type structure). Staff was really nice and the drinks were good, strong, and fairly cheap. We didn't eat so can't comment on food. The location is on the edge of Detroit and kind of in the middle of nowhere. I would say you should add this to your must stops if trying to do some different bars in Detroit. Specifically if you like the Beer\Shot type bar. I was gald we went and will probably go again but not a place I would probably spend the entire night. The have a pool table, decent juke box, and you could tell some great times have been had in this place. I believe it's the oldest bar in Detroit, or thats what I was told anyway.

You must go here. The history, the stories Mary tells, the experience. It's pure detroit, no pretentious here. Just a great experience.

Very cool old bar. I hear it's haunted but are yet to be lucky enough to meet the ghost. The place is like a private club, ringing the doorbell makes me feel special.

I was in Detroit, visiting from Washington, DC for Thanksgiving. My brother brought me to two way inn for a drink during our annual day-on-the-town. I was very impressed by the bottled beer menu. The bartender, Danielle even gave us a personal history lesson on the bar itself! I will definately be returning to the 2-way Inn next time we visit Detroit.

It's like being at home with your friends. The regulars are all cool, and the people that just happen to stop in are pretty cool as well. Cheap pool, $2 Stroh's and PBR make it a cheap date-night. If you're not careful you might learn some history as well!