Traditional N. Corktown pub, Nancy Whiskey's, reopens

After a devastating fire forced husband and wife co-owners Eva Reyes and Gerald Stevens to close their bar, Nancy's Whiskey's, they chose to rebuild and reopen. It took them nearly a year -- unsurprising considering that they were forced to tear "the whole bar down to the studs," says Stevens. "The only thing that remains from the first floor is the outside shell, but we worked really hard to keep that same old feeling."

The two most noticeable improvements are to the small bathrooms -- "which were sorely needed," says Stevens -- and kitchen, which Reyes will utilize to make homemade lunch specials, including regular appearances of corned beef.

Construction and permitting issues notwithstanding, the couple, who bought the historic pub in 2006, is thrilled to be back in business. "We're happy to be back, happy to be a part of things going on down here," says Stevens. "We're pro-Corktown, pro-Detroit (and the fire) hasn't swayed our outlook on what's happening down here. We're upbeat about what's going on."

There will be a grand re-opening celebration after a few weeks of a soft opening. The bar is open noon to midnight on Sundays and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. the rest of the week.

Nancy Whiskey's is at 2644 Harrison at Cochrane in N. Corktown. Call 313-962-4247.

Sources: Eva Reyes and Gerald Stevens, Nancy Whiskey's
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh