The Brown Jug

The Brown Jug Restaurant has been a part of Ann Arbor and The University of Michigan tradition since 1938. The Brown Jug is named after the Michigan vs Minnesota football trophy, which is the oldest in college football. The story goes that in 1903 the Michigan wolverines traveled to Minnesota to Play the Golden Gophers.

This was a big game in its day because the Wolverines under Coach Yost had racked up a 28 game winning streak and the Gophers, with the best team they had fielded were hoping to break the streak. After a hard fought battle the game was ended in a 6-6 tie when a thunderstorm rolled in. In the rush to get out of the lightning and rain the Wolverines left their 5 gallon water jug behind. When Yost called to retrieve the Jug, L.J. Cooke, the Minnesota Head Coach replied you’ll have to win it back. And so the tradition began!

Here at The Brown Jug we take pride in having a welcoming atmosphere with an expansive food menu and an equally impressive bar menu.

If you are looking for good food, good drinks, and good friends The Brown Jug is the place for you. We are open seven days a week and if the Wolverines are playing come in a little early!!!