New speakeasy-style bar to open above Jacoby’s with absinthe service and more

Libations will flow once again above historic German bar and restaurant Jacoby’s with the opening of Room 1904 later this month.

Described in a press release as “an elevated experience featuring fine cocktails paired with tantalizing small bites,” the new lounge is set to debut Oct. 30. Among the attractions at this completely renovated space are personalized absinthe service, the expertise of a “whisky sommelier” and a small, intimate setting.

The name of the lounge, Room 1904, refers to the year Jacoby’s originally opened on Brush in Detroit by two European immigrants, Albert and Mina Jacoby. The building and bar have been sold a few times since the original owners.

This is the first time the upstairs space has been open to the public since the late 2000s when it was a small, anything-can-happen type of rock club called 313.jac.

There, promoters Sue Summers and Stirling booked a variety of acts that lured scenesters and fans of pop punk, rock, Americana and other genres to Jacoby’s second level from the late 1990s until 2008 after Jacoby’s was sold to new owners.

During its 12-year run, 313.jac hosted bands that were both established and up-and-coming, including the Muggs, Ty Stone, the High Strung and acoustic nights with late Detroit songwriter Blair. Barflies had a memorable night in August 2008 when the cast of the movie "Whip It" crashed an indie rock show and rapper Eve and Juliette Lewis got up on stage to sing "I Will Survive" with the band while Drew Barrymore and Zoë Bell took turns on the drums.

Room 1904 is set to open Oct. 30. Jacoby’s is open daily at 624 Brush in Detroit.

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

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