Full Speed Ahead: Gettin' Irish In The Cobblestone District
Things are moving along at breakneck speed on Mississippi Avenue in an effort to get the Guinness flowing and the whiskey in rows in time for St. Patrick's Day weekend at Buffalo's newest Irish pub. The plan is to have the doors of W.J. Morrissey's Irish Pub open by noon that Saturday, owner Dennis Brinkworth said, so Buffalonian's can check out the authentic Irish pub on the one day a year when truly everyone becomes Irish.
The backing of the beautiful mahogany bar (above), a salvaged 200-year-old peice from Ireland, provides a glimpse at the deep wood which will overtake the space - which I can only imagine to be a warm, jovial place where the whiskey flows like, well, whiskey in Ireland. I'm particularly excited (since we do work nextdoor, after all) about a cozy nook to the left of the bar, which will feature a fireplace and drop ceilings, and will likely be the setting of many long lunches (complete with wifi).
Brinkworth said the bar will be a funky place that blends the feel of a traditional Irish pub with the modern feel of the reused terminal - the former loading dock will feature an expansive patio. The pub will take a lot from its Irish heritage - chef's were trained at a sister pub in Dublin, the furniture was handcrafted in Northern Ireland, and varieties of whiskey will be a focus (amen). After St. Patrick's Day weekend, which will be open for drink service only, Brinkworth is aiming to open the bar and restaurant for full service by March 23rd.
What Others Have To Say
What Do You Think?
Related Articles
-
Science Firsthand - Partners in Discovery
At an after school program recently, some kids were doing homework, some were on computers and some were in the gym. But a small group of fourth-graders were designing and building boats out of household products- plastic cups, construction paper, and tape. They had been building and modifying their boats throughout the week, trying a few different design and construction plans. Now they were ready to race them across a tub of water, using a fan to power them across. After deal … - Today, 8:00am
- Continue Reading
- Join the conversation
-
Griffis III Latest Sculpture - A Polarizing Piece
Larry Griffis III is a well-known Buffalo figure whose experience with steel is not only his passion, but his birthright. Some may know of his father’s sculpture park in South Buffalo, founded in the 60s, but his son has taken up the torch and is now a world-renowned sculpture. What started with the father has continued with the son. Griffis III’s work is starting to appear in spots in Buffalo and now, to see one of his works, you need look no further than Forest Lawn Chapel.
… - Today, 7:07am
- Continue Reading
- Join the conversation
-
Christmas With Vocalis at Karpeles
Though they only began in 2002, the 18-person Vocalis Chamber Choir have already made a name for themselves. Vocalis’ first CD was praised by the Buffalo News, is played regularly on WNED-FM, and they perform regularly through WNY, Toronto, and Pittsburgh. Their 2008-2009 season, which only includes eight or nine performances in WNY, will begin at Karpeles Manuscript Museum with their holiday concert dubbed, “Christmas at the Karpeles.”
This Saturday, December 6th, at 8PM, … - Today, 7:07am
- Continue Reading
- Join the conversation
-
So Long Elmwood, Hello University District
Ever since the Falafel Bar opened on Allen Street, it was only a matter of time before the Elmwood location was no longer for this world. I spoke to owner, Oded Rauvenpoor, who told me that the decision to close came when he was at a crossroads. He found himself happy with his Allentown diggs, but began eying another part of the city for the Elmwood restaurant. In the end, Oded decided that he wanted to try his hand in the University District (3476 Main Street). I guess there was … - Yesterday, 8:41pm
- Continue Reading
- 7 Comments
Comment Options
MRodgers
So cool! So, after I buy an old stand up radio at the new market proposed for the DL&W, I can walk over there for lunch!
Report this
WilliamZabkaAllStars
Great news for this part of town. I hope the bar can find its niche beyond Sabres season!!
Once the bar/restaurant opens up, the bold Savarino project is all but complete. All that remains is - in my opinion - the cornerstone of the project, the Cobblestone Lofts. During the Old Home Week housing tour, I specifically remember someone at Savarino telling me construction on the lofts would be full-speed-ahead by this time, yet there appears to be little-to-no action in the old warehouse.
Can anyone supply some sort of update?
Also, can anyone from BRO tell us if the final floor in your building has been leased yet?
Kudos to the people who made this happen. Looks like going out on a limb is going to pay off.
Report this
RateMachine
Agree with William Zabka All Stars. Can anyone provide an update on the condos?
(And is William Zabka the same person as Karate Kid star Billy Zabka?)
Report this
sm1974
Maybe they can play Irish music like they do in real irish pubs instead of the hip hop and dance music that was played at Darcy McGees.
Report this
ereizi
William,
I have been looking forward to the lofts because I want to buy one, it was supposed to begin last year, then it was pushed back to February (last monht), and this is the last e-mail I got from them when I asked for an update:
"Unfortunately, our construction date has been pushed back to Spring of 2008. Filing for the Attorney General approval necessary to build/sell condominiums is a new process for us and we were not aware of how long it would take."
So it will take some time... unfortunately.
Report this
Martin
The project looks great! I think this area will really pop! On another note, anyone would be hard pressed to find "authentic" music in any pub in the Brtish Isles. The last time I heard Irish music at a pub was at Epcot!
Report this
NSphere
The place looks wonderful. I got an opportunity to stop in and take a peek. That mahogany bar is gorgeous and the place looks like its going to be very nice. I heard it may be used as a coffee bar during the day. I can't wait to stop in for a nice pint of Guinness.
Report this
fill
Martin just wrote what I was thinking - I suspect that most Irish music found there would be Irish rock bands !
Report this
thinkBuffalo
You can hear 'authentic' Irish music almost every weekend night at the Buffalo Irish Center.
Report this
NewGuy
I look forward to seeing a brand new Irish Bar in this part of town. And just in time for St. Patricks Day Weekend.
Report this
scooter
I wish we could fast forward to that entire area.....like 5 years from now.
I'd start my day at the DL&W...grab a fresh cup of joe, buy some local fruit...maybe look at some locally made art!?!?!
Then i can wander over to the canal or a pier...maybe fish for a bit.. or for a few bucks take a boat ride.....
Maybe stop in at a Bass Pro (or not)....
I'll need more coffee at this point.....so i'll grab another at the new Spot coffee (?).... and head over to the skate park and watch the kids.....
Stretch my legs out on a nice park path...
I'll be hungry at this point so i'll stop in to this irish bar or another area restaurant for a bite to each and a drink...
Sounds like a nice place.....sounds like a place that might attract some non city people....maybe even some non western new yorkers....
Report this
BuffaloFalling
I can fast forward five years from now and give you a cold dose of reality...
-The Aud will still be boarded up, and sitting like a big eyesore.
-Canal Side will have all the quaint cobblestone streets and old fashioned lamps in place, and not a single business or retailer anywhere to be found.
-The Irish Pub will long be gone, a victim of lack of business... big FOR LEASE sign in the window
-Cobblestone Lofts will announce another delay in construction, stating difficulty figuring out condo rules with the departmenr of state, and promising a 2014 opening.
-Webster Block will still be a parking lot, Skyway still be a Skyway, no new bridges to the Outer Harbor, land across the river still a wasteland.
-5000 sf blue tin trailer doing a land office business...why build a signature casino when things are going so well with the crappy building.
-Old Home Week housing tour now in its 8th year, and not a single new residential complex to show other than the collection of rentas presented way back in 2006.
Still hungry or thirsty Scooter? Hop in your car and head out to the Cheesecake Factory at the Walden Galleria... now THAT is Main St Western New York!
Report this
nicoleshoe
Buffalo Falling--why do you still live here?!
Report this
nicoleshoe
AND i am extremely excited for a new bar right NEXT to the arena! New Sabres venue!!!!
Report this
MichaelB
Carmina & Wood, P.C. was proud to be part of the process in creating yet another great addition to the Mississippi Street Urban Redevelopment.
The existing architecture of the terminal building lent itself to the high ceilings, exposing the structure which was painted out, and the use of more exposed mechanical systems. This in combination with the very well executed millwork creates an excellent environment. Also, the existing overhead doors were entirely replaced with windows allowing for the natural light to pour in both at the patio level and clerestory height. The canopy was left intact and exposed, it was part of the character in the building's design; repainting and relighting it was all it required.
The bar millwork was flown in from Ireland direct (as stated above), and was installed in what I would consider record time for any installation I have seen. The irish "snug" part of the pub, smaller area in the overall space, has a bar back that is over 100 years old, and the seating area has an old cast iron fireplace surround. These little (and big) items have surprisingly given this bar a very authentic feel.
We are very excited to put down a few pints in the near future! Congrats to W.J. Morrissey and Sons and Savarino Companies! This part of the Queen City is ON THE MOVE again.
Oh...and GO SABRES!!
Report this