Jacob Wirth is Reopening in the Theatre District
A Boston institution for a century and a half, Jacob Wirth is reopening after a half-decade hiatus in Boston’s Theatre District.
The Jacob Wirth traces its Boston roots to 1868, when the German-style restaurant was founded on Stuart Street in Boston. According to the restaurant’s Wikipedia page, the Greek revival-style building that the restaurant called home was built in 1844. Jacob Wirth was designated a Boston landmark in 1977, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
What’s more, while it was open, Jacob Wirth was the second-oldest continuously operating restaurant in Boston, next to the Union Oyster House, which opened in 1982. And here’s another interesting fact: Jacob Wirth was the first Boston distributor of Anheuser Busch beers, way back in the 1860’s. Because the Wirth family and the Anheuser family are both from Kreuznach in Germany.
Jacob Wirth is Reopening in the Theatre District
The restaurant was at first put up for sale and then closed after a fire in 2018. And there it has sat since: a legendary Boston landmark, empty. But Boston Restaurant Talk reported last week on a recent piece by Boston Business Journal that Jacob Wirth is eyeing a reopening in early 2024. And if the reports are to be believed, it’ll pretty much be the same Jacob Wirth we all knew and loved.
“Extensive renovations” are underway, with a plan to bring back the classic menu of German food and brews. Regulars who used to belly up to the long, mahogany bar for the occasional piano singalongs will be pleased to know those are in the plans, as well as updated lighting and more accessibility throughout the restaurant. I for one can’t wait to go back and fill my stein.
Read more here in Boston Restaurant Talk, and keep on scrolling to take a look at some more historic properties in Massachusetts and throughout New England.