Danny's Irish Pub

By Mary Meldrum

Danny's Irish Pub

Danny Reedy has owned Danny’s Irish Pub in Ferndale for over 40 years now. Danny attributes his longevity and success to a great location on Woodward Avenue, and his loyal staff and customers.

Additionally, he gives big credit to the Downtown Development Authority of Ferndale, which has provided the city with a robust schedule of festivals and community activities.

Danny’s family moved to Ferndale in 1946. Back then, it was a quiet community where everybody knew everybody. Kids played outside all summer until the street lights came on. 

Reedy has lived in Ferndale his whole life. Right now, he is in charge of ordering and bookkeeping for Danny’s Irish Pub. He currently has seven bartenders, but two are leaving soon to open their own bars, so he will be left with five – and he is good with that number. Some of his staff have been with him for 16 to 20 years, which speaks to the success of the business.

While Danny has entertained the thought of selling the bar and retiring, he informed me that one of his four children is thinking of stepping up and taking over the business, which would keep it in the family. Reedy doesn’t own the pub building, they pay a landlord monthly to stay there. They have been there for so many years that they have seen many floods, fires, snow storms and even tornadoes. They have also participated in most of Ferndale’s festivals.

Danny’s has this great, “come-as- you-are” vibe that makes it no surprise that the club has been going strong for four decades, earned the return business of many loyal fans, and piqued the interest of first-timers, all without having to change a thing.

BEFORE DANNY’S IRISH PUB OPENED ON WOODWARD AVENUE, Danny’s father built a restaurant 76 years ago on Eight Mile Road in Ferndale. After his father passed away, Danny’s older brother ran the restaurant, and then Dan stepped up to do it.

Danny tells me that the Pub has a very good hamburger, and that it is the Irish cheese that makes it a standout. The wings are a favorite for customers, too.

Some of the busiest times for the Pub are St. Patrick’s Day, naturally, and also the Woodward Dream Cruise. Danny says that these crowds are a little older and more mature than the regular bar crowd.

22824 Woodward Ave, Ferndale

(248) 546-8331