A one-eyed wink on a Facebook profile picture is not the kind of origin story you expect for a beer bar, but that’s exactly how One-Eyed Betty’s got its name, borrowed from owner Beth Hussey’s squinty snapshot. Since opening in February 2012, this Ferndale mainstay has built a reputation as the neighborhood’s go-to spot for craft beer, gastropub cooking, and a brunch menu people plan their weekends around.
What started as an answer to Ferndale’s noticeable lack of a proper craft beer bar has grown into a full-blown local institution. Between the 44 rotating taps, a kitchen that takes its pub food seriously, and a lineup of pinball machines in the corner, One-Eyed Betty’s manages to feel like a dive bar and a destination restaurant at the same time.
Food and Drink Highlights
The beer list is the backbone of the place, with 44 rotating taps pouring pilsners, IPAs, stouts, and porters from breweries across the country, plus a “Secret Stash” list of sour ales and fruit lambics for the more adventurous drinker. If you can’t decide, flights come in sets of three or six pours, giving you a low-commitment way to sample your way around the tap wall.
On the food side, the Betty Burger gets brought up again and again as the thing to order, alongside pork belly poutine and crispy Brussels sprouts as reliable starters. The kitchen also turns out a Philly cheesesteak, a Cuban, fish and chips, and steak frites, so there’s plenty of range beyond typical bar snacks.
Weekend brunch, served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is arguably where One-Eyed Betty’s shines brightest. Omelets, scrambles, Benedicts, and French toast round out the classics, while the Croissantinly Betty Sandwich and Mexican Hash give the menu some personality. Save room for the homemade donuts, which come up constantly as a must-order, whether you’re there for brunch or just stopping by for dessert with a beer.
A full craft cocktail program and a whiskey collection that stretches well beyond the basics round out the bar, and happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. for anyone looking to grab a deal before the dinner crowd rolls in.
Atmosphere & Décor
The space reads as classic gastropub: exposed brick, warm lighting, and a long bar that anchors the room without making the dining side feel like an afterthought. It’s the kind of layout that works equally well for a solo pint and a plate of poutine or a full table of friends splitting appetizers.
The pinball machines scattered through the space add a playful, nostalgic touch that keeps things from feeling too polished or precious. It’s casual and a little loud in the best way, the sort of bar where conversation flows easily and nobody’s fussing over dress codes.
Weekend mornings shift the mood considerably, with sunlight and brunch crowds replacing the after-work beer rush. The same room somehow works for both a lazy Sunday plate of eggs and a Friday night deep into the tap list.
Other Considerations
What are the hours? One-Eyed Betty’s is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight, with weekend brunch running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Is it kid-friendly? It leans more toward an adult crowd given the beer-and-cocktail focus, but the food menu and casual setup make it workable for a family brunch outing earlier in the day.
Do they take reservations? Yes, reservations can be booked online through platforms like OpenTable, which is worth doing for weekend brunch since that window tends to draw a steady crowd.
What if I can’t decide on a beer? Order a flight. Three-beer flights run $10 and six-beer flights run $18, giving you an easy way to taste around the rotating tap list before committing to a pint.
One-Eyed Betty’s
📍 175 W Troy St, Ferndale, MI 48220
Website: https://www.oneeyedbettys.com
