Two James Spirits

Two James is a solid stop for cocktails.

Tucked into Corktown, basically right there near Cork & Gabel, this is one of those places where you walk in and immediately know they take the booze seriously. Which makes sense, considering they make their own. Obviously.

The bar has a cool setup, though it can get a little awkward depending on where you sit. There’s something funny about sitting in a circle, accidentally locking eyes with the person across from you one too many times, and then realizing maybe that’s the point.

It forces a little interaction. A little Detroit storytelling. A little “alright, I guess we’re talking now.”

Depending on your seat, you might catch a glimpse of Michigan Central in the back, or people-watch along Michigan Avenue when the garage door opens up in the summer.

The cocktails were good. I enjoyed them. But if I’m being brutally honest, I’d probably still lean Sugar House or Bad Luck when I’m chasing that next-level cocktail experience. Just my opinion.

Now, the restrooms.

They’re located toward the back of the bar, not too far away, which some people might consider a plus. For me, they felt a little too close to the action. Depending on how busy it is, the whole thing doesn’t feel quite as private as I’d like.

The restroom itself was clean. One stall, one urinal, basic amenities, and pretty simple decor. Nothing bad, nothing special.

A perfectly fine restroom, but not enough to push it higher.

Two James lands at a 6/10.

Either way, I enjoyed the visit.