Metro Detroit: Howell’s 2 FOGS
We love the Speakeasy vibe in restaurants and bars. We have been to several, (including some that are no longer with us due to COVID, and are always looking for new ones. We had heard of this place, from many people, but since it is located in Howell it is not something we can just pop into. We recently had a client that bought a condo in the Wixom area, and the management company didn’t receive some of his paperwork so we offered to hand deliver it . . . and what do you know, it is in the same building! We, we made sure to leave time to stop in and enjoy while we were in the area. Located in the basement of the Heart of Howell building, this place with a serious Speakeasy Vibe, opened its doors in 2015. We are talking about 2 FOGS. The name, 2 FOGS, is an homage to its 2 original owners– 2 Friendly Old Guys . . . but we’ve been told the “F” can stand for something else as well 😉
2 FOGS was originally opened in 2015 by Brian Atkinson and Joe Parker and sold in 2020 to Chris Stone, Winfred Dahm and Holly Fletcher. Stone and Dahm are also the owners of the very popular and successful New Hudson Inn in New Hudson. They refer to themselves as the “Uptown, downstairs pub”. While there is a sign out in the front of the building, you have to enter through the back of the building off the alley. When we walked in, it immediately gave us the feeling of walking into a basement. It is very similar to a bar in Louisville that we love to go to when in Kentucky, The Troll Under The Bridge. Brick and stone walls, a lot of vintage wood as well as exposed pipes and wood beam ceiling gives it that speakeasy, prohibition like feeling. Their 30-foot bar was specially made for them and is complemented by the handcrafted tables and chairs. There is a lot of room and I am sure it can get packed when they are busy. They have a big banquet room in the back that can be separated off with curtains if you are having a private event or intimate dinner.
The menu isn’t large, but has something for everyone. They have some nice looking apps on their dinner menu we are going to have to go back for. The one that caught my eye was the Wild Mushroom Toast. There are also quite a few reviews online raving about the Bruschetta. They also have salads, burgers (including a Portobello burger for the vegetarians in the crowd) and some nice sounding entrees and pastas as well. They also have a brunch menu on Sunday serving up some delicious brunch offerings.
We were there between the lunch and dinner crowds, so it wasn’t busy and they were still serving off the lunch menu. We ponied up to the bar and ordered a pour of bourbon and flight of beers…I know shocker, right? They offer a nice selection of bourbons as well as a full bar and a selection of primarily Michigan craft beers on tap. A 4 beer flight was only $10. We opted for the Classic Cuban Sandwich, which is only on their lunch menu. The dinner menu doesn’t offer many sandwiches other than burgers. It was really good. There was a nice slice of ham on the bottom and some really tasty roasted pulled pork, lots of pickles and mustard on a roll that was pressed enough to give it that crispiness when you bite into it yet still get the softness of the bun.
We really liked what they had going on here, and will definitely be going back. We have to try the mushroom toast! If you know anyone who wants to buy a house in Howell, we could meet up there for lunch! They also recently opened 2 Fogs golf in the former Yoga studio upstairs. It offers Trackman 4 golf simulators with over 100 courses to choose from. They also offer full access to the 2 FOGS food and beverage menu.
2FOGS is located at 118 W Grand River in Howell. It is the NE corner of Grand River and Walnut. Don’t forget you have to enter off the Alley. They are open M-Thurs 11AM – 10PM, Fri 11AM – 11PM, Sat 12PM – 11PM and Sun 10AM – 7PM.
Until next time…live well, eat well and enjoy life!
- Keith & Teresa Becker