Golden Ace Irish Bar2533 E Washington St IndianapolisIN46201
Tel: (317) 632-0696
McGinleys' Golden Ace Inn first opened on March 1, 1934, but actually its' story began twelve years prior to that. That is when two young immigrants, from County Donegal, Ireland, John McGinley and Ann McNulty, separately came
over to America to live with family in Indianapolis, Indiana. Although they lived only five miles apart in Ireland,(John was from Carrick, Ann from Kilcar) they never met until a fateful night in 1931 at a local Indianapolis dance. John and Ann wed just two years later. Sometimes the time is just right to take a chance. For John and Ann McGinley that time was 1934. Prohibition had just been repealed, a baby was on the way
and they had just enough money saved up to open their own public house. It also didn't hurt that they lived close to a main thoroughfare, Washington Street (aka US 40), in a nice working class neighborhood of Indianapolis. The only problem to this great plan was that neither had any knowledge as to the
bar business. In Ireland both John and Ann's families were farmers and prohibition had been in effect since they came over to the States. So, in an effort to learn what beers the local patrons preferred, John and Ann would watch as the beer trucks rumbled down Washington Street with a pen in one hand a piece of paper in the other. Ann also helped out at the Golden Ace Inn, especially when her children were grown. Their children also took an interest in the family business, helping clean on Sundays when they were younger and helping behind the bar when they became older. After John and Ann passed away, their seven surviving children took ownership of the Golden Ace Inn: Jack, Mary Ann, Jim, Chuck, Joe, Mike and Dan. Whether it be taking pride in their Irish heritage, frying up delicious cheeseburgers, or serving ice cold beer, McGinleys' Golden Ace Inn has continued the traditions that John and Ann set forth. Now, it is the next generation of McGinleys', who are helping out their parents and learning the Golden Ace Inn's
story along the way .
Without a doubt, best atmosphere, best food and drink , and best family bar that Indy could offer; and I would challenge anyone that has celebrated St. Patty's Day but has not been to the Golden Ace-you cannot even know the real zest of the celebration until you stop by the Ace's party...
The Ace is a warm, friendly place and the only bar if its kind that truly transports you Ireland and exudes such a strong sense of community, family, music, and joy. It's family ownership and welcoming feel sets it above and beyond any other bar in the city. I have had many great times at the Ace with the McGinley extended family, and can't wait to have many more. Long live the Ace!
This bar is amazing. I always have a great time surrounded by great friends and family members. I love the live Irish bands, and on St. Patty's Day, there is absolutely no better place to be other than The Golden Ace!
Best Neighborhood Bar in Indianapolis
