This piece is part of our INDYtoday Q+A series. Do you know someone we should interview? Nominate them here.
Jim McGinley is the grandson of Golden Ace Inn founders John + Ann McGinley. The spot on East Washington Street is the oldest Irish pub in Indianapolis and opened right after Prohibition ended.
We asked Jim 10 questions about the pub’s history, his go-tos around the city, and the ever-changing landscape of Indianapolis. Keep reading to find out how the family has kept their Irish traditions alive.
How did the Golden Ace get started?
The Golden Ace started March 1, 1934. So it’s three months after Prohibition. And my grandparents were immigrants from Ireland and they came over here because they could find jobs. My grandfather worked on the railroad. At the time, the Depression was in full swing and they cut back his hours. Bars were just opening so they thought “Hey, this goes over pretty well in Ireland!” So that’s kind of how it got started.
They both came over during Prohibition — they didn’t know what beers were popular in America because they were in Ireland. So my grandmother would look down the street, watch the beer trucks go by and count how many times, let’s say Budweiser drove by or PBR or some of these older names. That’s how they found out what to get.
What’s something that every Hoosier should know?
Real Irish bars? They don’t serve green beer.
What kind of traditions have you kept in place from the beginning?
It’s really kind of neat, we have things all over the place that you may wonder about, but they all has a purpose. The “V” was put up in World War II in ‘42. It’s “V” for “victory” and shows your patriotism. You still see those once in a while but I’ve never seen a neon one like ours.
Name a few other local businesses you’re watching.
Tlaolli is a neat little Mexican place and it’s delicious. I’ve told so many people about [it]. The owner, Carlos, is the nicest guy ever. For the Irish scene, O’Gara’s Irish Pub — he’s a cousin of mine. His grandmother was a McGinley as well. We’re usually talking to them about everything because they get it.
What’s a pro tip for those wanting to visit on St. Patrick’s Day?
We’re cash only!
What keeps you going as a family business?
The older generation. My father and my uncles are the ones that deserve all the credit. They’ve been in this business for sixty years. They’re in their 80s now and they helped their father when they were younger.
What’s your go-to recommendation for a Golden Ace newbie?
It would have to be the Irish Flag. It’s a three-layered drink. The bottom layer is green, which is crème de menthe. The middle layer is Bailey’s Irish Cream for the white, and you have to use a little bit of imagination, but the top layer is orange and we like to use Irish whiskey.
We didn’t necessarily invent it — it was invented in Ireland. One of our bartenders came back from there and told my father and they decided after a few test runs that the top layer, which was originally French liqueur, didn’t fit. They needed to put Irish whiskey in it. So if you go anywhere else, it’ll be different.
What’s changed since you started coming here as a kid — both the neighborhood and the pub?
We try to keep the barroom and the entertainment room the same as it was back in the 30s. We don’t like to change those just because it’s historic. You want to have that constant and that one place where you can walk in and things haven’t changed. It’s still the same as what you remember. The back of the Ace heading out to the outside patio is all fairly new. We remodeled that area and we put in the patio just last year.
The neighborhood change is amazing. I grew up in the 80s and 90s and the neighborhood was going downward at that time and it’s amazing how much nicer it is now than what it used to be. The near east side of Indianapolis has some really strong CDCs (community development corporations) and good people who are involved.
What are other events that draw people to the Golden Ace?
My grandfather was a musician so Irish music nights are always big here. We also have trivia on the last Friday of the month and of course, Notre Dame games.
What makes this place special to you?
It’s the Golden Ace family. The people here are terrific and that’s what you see. It stems from generations. You may know someone’s grandfather, but the grandchildren will also come in.
