The history of jacoby’s
Over 120 Years in the making
From our origins as a bartender’s dream, the history of Jacoby’s has been shaped by the unwavering spirit of our patrons and owners.
Late 1800s – 1904
The Origin of Jacoby’s
Back in the late 1800s, Albert Jacoby made his move from Luxembourg to Detroit, carving out a spot as a bartender at the prestigious Pontchartrain Hotel on Woodward Avenue.
Meanwhile, down the street at 624 Brush Street, there was Jake’s Tavern, run by the Voight Brewing Company. Word on the street was the brewery wasn’t too keen on Jake, and, coincidentally, they were impressed by Albert’s bartending at the hotel.
The brewery asks Albert: “How about taking over Jake’s?” Albert was all ears, and he had a plan. See, this fabulous and talented German cook named Minna was working at the hotel. Charmed by Minna, Albert made her a proposition: “You’ll cook, I’ll handle the drinks, and hey, why not tie the knot while we’re at it?” Just like that, Al & Mina were in business, and Jake was out.
Three months later, Voight Brewing was history too, and the dynamic duo hung up their own sign. That was October 1904, and with Minna’s mouthwatering cooking and Albert’s belief in beer as the working person’s go-to, business took off.
1904 – 1989
Albert Jr. and the Irish Influence
Fast forward to Albert Jr., injecting some Irish flair into the scene. His Dublin-born wife brought in Irish staples like corned beef & cabbage, while Albert Jr. stocked the joint with Irish brews and decked it out with shillelaghs.
Meanwhile, the neighborhood was evolving, attracting lawyers, politicians, and movers and shakers. Plus, with the “Irish Mafia” in town, Jacoby’s was at the heart of it all.
1989 – 1995
Transition and New Beginnings
Then came Edmond, the third-generation Jacoby, brimming with energy and charm. He held court behind the bar from the ’60s to the ’80s.
down Jacoby’s
After the fire, Ed had had his fill and passed ownership to his kids, but they could not make the business profitable. Ed stepped back in, determined to find a buyer and keep the legacy alive.
1995 – 2006
The Bell Era and Renewed Vision
Enter Michael Bell, a bright-eyed 26-year-old with big dreams for downtown Detroit. He saw potential where others saw a run-down joint. With his dad by his side, they took over in ’95, breathing new life into Jacoby’s. It wasn’t easy, but their hard work paid off, and Jacoby’s was back on top.
2006 – Present
Passing the torch
In July 2006, Chicago investor Wally Wolff swooped in and snapped up Jacoby’s Bar. With help from Monica Boynton, they kept the tradition going strong until September 2016, when the bar changed hands once again.
To this day, Jacoby’s Bar respects its turn-of-the-20th-century German roots.