Drinking history has a bus route. This 3-hour Detroit bar tour strings together stories of the city’s drinking culture—from frontier revelry to the Purple Gang era—with stops at some of the oldest bars still pouring drinks today. You’ll ride with a Detroit history expert as you hop between legendary rooms, all tied to the kind of local lore that usually only shows up after a few pints and a good conversation.

I love the private transportation part. You’re not trying to map out a night of old neighborhoods, and the ride keeps the pace moving so you actually get time in each bar. I also like that you get free admission at the stops, which helps you budget since the big variable—your drinks—comes out of your pocket.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour runs about 3 hours, and the final stop is known for being packed and loud. If you want a calm, sit-and-stare kind of outing, plan your expectations before you go.

Key points before you go

• Three historic stops, each around 45 minutes so you get real time at the bar instead of just a quick photo stop.
• Free admission at every stop helps you control costs and focus on choosing your drinks.
• A Detroit history expert guides the stories, connecting local characters and eras to what’s in front of you.
• Private transportation keeps the tour easy, especially if the roads are messy or you’re not local.
• Small-ish group max of 42 keeps it social without feeling like a stadium event.

A 3-hour hop through Detroit’s drinking legends

This tour is built around a simple idea: Detroit’s identity is tied to its bars. The background starts early, with the city’s days as a French missionary outpost, then moves through the eras where alcohol shows up in big ways—frontier day chaos, the freewheeling years linked with the Purple Gang, and the long shadow of National Prohibition. It’s the kind of timeline you’ll remember because it’s grounded in actual rooms you can stand in.

What makes the experience appealing is the structure. You’re not just wandering into old places; you’re getting stories on the way, and the guides are connecting those stories to the bars themselves. It gives your evening direction, and it also gives you context when you spot details that would otherwise just look like décor.

The total time is about three hours, and you’ll spend roughly 45 minutes at each stop. That pacing matters. You’ll have enough time to settle in, ask questions, and enjoy the atmosphere, without the night turning into a marathon.

Picking up in both Ferndale and Detroit

You can join the tour from Ferndale and Detroit, which is a big practical win. Detroit is wide, and bar tours can turn into a logistics puzzle fast; having two pickup options makes it easier to match the plan with where you’re staying.

The ride is private transportation, which means you’re on the tour’s schedule rather than chasing multiple rides. The tour is also listed as near public transportation, so if you’re coming from elsewhere, you should be able to make it work even without a car.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, so you won’t be scrambling for paper printouts. I like that for nights out, because it keeps check-in simple and reduces the “where is my ticket” stress right when you’re trying to enjoy the evening.

Stop 1: Two Way Inn and the bell ritual

This first stop, Two Way Inn, is reportedly the oldest operating bar currently in Detroit. That alone makes it worth your attention, but the real hook is how the place is described: the owners are a total trip, and they clearly know how to make people feel part of the evening.

You’ll be there for about 45 minutes, which is a comfortable chunk of time to take in the vibe without feeling rushed. There’s also a playful detail worth remembering: there’s a bell, and you only ring it if you want to buy everyone a drink. It’s the sort of local “rules of the room” moment that turns a bar stop into a story you’ll tell later.

Admission for this stop is free with your ticket, so you’re not paying an extra cover just to access the space. That’s a small thing that adds up. It also means your spending stays focused on drinks rather than surprise fees.

Potential drawback to note here: because the focus is on history and atmosphere, don’t show up expecting a quiet museum-like experience. This is a bar first, and the fun element is part of the package.

Stop 2: Abick’s Bar, Detroit Police roots, and that backyard

Second stop is Abick’s Bar, described as a southwest Detroit tradition. It’s not just old—it’s personal to the neighborhood, with family running the place for generations. That kind of continuity usually shows up in the details: the feel of the room, the way people treat newcomers, and the way the bar holds onto its identity over time.

Here’s what makes it extra interesting: Abick’s is described as a former and current Detroit Police Department hangout, with special features tied to that connection. Even if you don’t know the details ahead of time, that police-linked angle changes how you look at the space. You’re not only seeing a bar; you’re seeing a local institution used by real community roles.

You’ll have about 45 minutes here too. And you’ll want to check out the backyard, which is called out as spectacular. Backyard time is where a lot of bar crawls either shine or fall apart—too crowded, too loud, or too cramped. This one sounds planned, like a place built for conversation and hanging out.

One practical consideration: backyard spaces can get busy during lively nights, so if you prefer quieter corners, you may have to claim your spot early.

Stop 3: Nancy Whiskey Pub, live music, dancing, and horse lore

Final stop is Nancy Whiskey Pub, and it’s described as an absolutely wild time. This is where the energy ramps up: live music, dancing, and a killer backyard are all part of the picture. If your goal is to end the night on a high note, this stop is designed for that.

There’s also a specific conversation starter: ask about the time the owner came in riding a horse. That’s the kind of anecdote that usually turns strangers into instant storytellers, and it’s also exactly the style of local lore that makes bar tours memorable.

Expect it to be packed and lively. That’s great if you’re in a social mood, but it also means you’ll want to decide what you’re drinking ahead of time rather than spending your first five minutes hunting for a menu or trying to get noticed. You’ll have about 45 minutes to enjoy it, so quick decisions help.

And since drinks aren’t included, your spending will be highest at the end—when the scene is most tempting. Not a problem, just plan for it.

Price and value: what $64.99 covers in real terms

The price is $64.99 per person for a tour that runs about 3 hours. That’s not just paying for a driver and a vague walk-by. The cost includes private transportation, all fees and taxes, and a guided tour by a Detroit history expert.

The most valuable piece for many people is that admission at the stops is free. That matters because some bar tours quietly sneak in extra covers. Here, the tour price is structured so your main variable becomes what you choose to drink, not whether you’re also paying entry fees at each location.

What isn’t included is important: alcoholic beverages and dinner. So if you’re hungry, eat before you go (or plan to grab something on your own before the tour ends). If you’re budgeting, remember you’ll likely spend more at the lively final stop than at the earlier, more story-focused bars.

Timing also affects value. The tour is commonly booked about 31 days in advance on average, so if you’re aiming for a specific night, you’ll want to lock it in early rather than treating it as a last-minute option.

What the history expert and pacing really do for you

This tour’s biggest strength is the way it treats drinking culture as a window into Detroit life. The stories aren’t random pub trivia; they’re framed around major moments and characters tied to the city’s relationship with alcohol. When you hear that context while standing in an old room, you’re more likely to remember details—and you’ll understand why certain places feel the way they do.

Pacing helps too. With three stops, each around 45 minutes, you get enough time to settle in and actually talk. And because transportation is included, you don’t lose energy to navigation or delays between neighborhoods.

Group size is another quiet advantage. The tour has a max of 42 travelers, which is big enough to have a lively vibe, but small enough that conversation can still happen. That balance is often where bar tours win: you feel like you’re part of the group, not stuck behind a wall of people.

There’s also a practical comfort factor tied to who’s running the ride. The driver gets strong praise, including for handling snowy, icy roads. That matters if you’re traveling in colder months, because a smooth, confident drive makes the whole night feel safer and calmer.

How to plan your night around drinks and the lively final stop

Since alcoholic beverages are not included, your best planning move is drink strategy. If you know you want a certain beer or cocktail style, decide early, especially for Nancy Whiskey Pub where the scene is described as packed and lively. In a busy bar, ordering can take time, and you don’t want to lose your 45 minutes waiting.

Bring your own pace expectations. This tour includes live music and dancing at the last stop, so it leans toward a night out rather than a quiet dinner-and-history schedule. If you prefer conversation over clapping and movement, you might focus your energy on the first two stops and keep your expectations for the final stop in line with a party atmosphere.

Also, think about food. Dinner isn’t included, and bar crawls can sneak up on you. If you want to avoid feeling wiped out, eat earlier and drink water between pints when you can. It will help you keep enjoying the stories, not just surviving the night.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want a friend-friendly night with guided storytelling and classic bars. It also works well for history-minded people who don’t want a lecture. The eras connected to the bars are meant to be felt, not just memorized.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you like:

• Old-school bars with real character
• Getting context while you’re in the room
• A guided plan that still leaves room to enjoy the atmosphere

You might want a different option if you’re looking for quiet sightseeing, limited noise, or a more relaxed pace. Nancy Whiskey Pub is described as energetic and packed, so the tour isn’t designed for a low-key evening.

Should you book Detroit Drunks of Antiquity?

If your idea of a great night is guided history plus real bar atmosphere, I think this one is worth booking. The value is in the structure: private transport, a Detroit history expert, free admission at the stops, and a time plan that gives you actual time inside each place.

Just go in with two expectations set: drinks and dinner are on you, and the last stop runs lively. If you can work with that, you’ll get a fun, story-led pub night that shows off Detroit’s drinking culture through three places you won’t forget.

FAQ

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

The tour is about 3 hours long.

Where does the tour pick up?

It picks up in both Ferndale and Detroit.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $64.99 per person.

What’s included in the tour price?

Your ticket includes private transportation, all fees and taxes, and a guided tour by a Detroit history expert.

Do I have to pay for drinks or dinner separately?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages and dinner are not included.

How do I get my ticket?

You receive a mobile ticket.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 42 travelers.