Beer, wine and "spirits": The oldest bar in Detroit may also be the city's most haunted

DETROIT (WWJ) -- When it comes to having dedicated regulars, the Two Way Inn really rises above the rest.

The oldest bar in Detroit, the Two Way has sat on the corner of Mount Elliott and Nevada for nearly 150 years, and its deep history can be felt…and often seen…in more ways than one.

On this special Spooky episode of The Daily J podcast from 2022, WWJ’s Zach Clark and Annie Scaramuzzino sat down with the family who owns the bar, as well as writer Mickey Lyons, to talk about the Two Way’s spirited history in Detroit, and its long track record of paranormal encounters.

The Two Way Inn has had many purposes since its inception in the 1870s, serving as a saloon, dance hall, hotel, general store and even the village jail at one point.

If you hang around long enough, there’s a chance you could catch a glimpse of Colonel Philetus Norris - a Civil War veteran, surveyor and poet, among other things, who founded the Two Way in 1876, and seemingly never left.

Norris has often been spotted walking the floors of the Two Way, and the owners, staff and bar-goers alike have all had experiences with the colonel, who is sometimes referred to as “The Cowboy” because of his wide-brimmed hat.

Owner Mary Aganowski, who’s father Harry Malak purchased the bar in 1973, has had many experiences with the spirits of the Two Way, including Norris and the “Lady in White,” who she believes to be one of his daughters.

There are also many reports of a little boy appearing around the bar and the connected residence where Mary and her family have lived for decades.

During the Prohibition era, the Two Way operated as a dentist office, as doctors were still able to “prescribe” alcohol for medical purposes.

The dentist’s son is said to have passed away during that time, and many believe the spirit of that little boy remains in the building.

So why does the Two Way Inn keep so many coming back — both living and in spirit?

The bar’s warm family atmosphere is palpable from the moment you walk in the door, with owner Mary and her daughters Danielle and Jennifer making everyone feel like part of the family — even the spirits.

In fact, Jennifer told Mickey Lyons in Hour Detroit that they prefer to say the bar is not “haunted” but “spirited,” because they live in harmony with their other-worldly friends.

From the cozy decor, to the home-cooked food, the beautiful original bar — which was one of the few installed by Stroh’s many years ago — it’s easy to see how those who discover the Two Way become hooked for life…and sometimes, even the afterlife.