Changes Arrive At Shillelagh Tavern

 

Changes are underway at Shillelagh Tavern, an Astoria mainstay that’s been in the neighborhood since the 1920s. New owner Kaitlin Griffin shared the scoop with us, and we’re very interested to check out the new vibe.

First things first: the name will stay the same. Kaitlin and her husband, whom she purchased the bar with, are big fans of the history and legacy of Shillelagh Tavern, so the name isn’t going anywhere. The new vibe will aim to “transport you to an old pub in Ireland,” with new decor that will include fresh plants and flowers, fresh paint, and new pictures, signs, and memorabilia.

Local fans of the English Premier League will be happy to learn that the bar will now be open Saturdays at 7:30am and Sunday at 8:30am to broadcast the games. (An excuse to get up early and have a few beverages? Sounds good here!)

Perhaps the biggest news: a food menu is happening! They’ll be offering complimentary potato chips for patrons, and are introducing a small bar snack menu that will include items like hot dogs, grilled cheese, etc. New drink options are also in the works: the liquor menu is getting an update, with an array of new whiskeys, bourbons, ryes, vodka, gins and rum joining the roster, and a cocktail menu is being developed. You can expect all the classic standbys, as well as some more inventive offerings. (Like cocktails made with beer!) New specials will include new Beat the Clock deals on Tuesday nights, as well as 2-hour unlimited drinks on Sunday for $30.

Folks who enjoyed the live music at Shillelagh Tavern can still expect see great musicians performing in the venue, with a new focus on “fostering the experience of an intimate show.” The new vibe will aim to welcome both traveling bands and performers from the neighborhood in a fun, supportive setting.

Kaitlin is excited and confident that these changes are already making a positive impact on the bar, and the neighborhood. She says, “Already the local crowd has been so receptive to the changes made and made us feel incredibly welcome and we couldn’t be more grateful. We are hoping the changes we make will give locals a new reason to want to stop by The Shillelagh, bring in new customers that haven’t been and encourage people who haven’t been there in awhile to visit us again.”

What do you think? Are you excited to check out the new Shillelagh Tavern?

Shillelagh Tavern, 47-22 30th Ave, Astoria. (718) 728-9028
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3 Comments

Steven Williams September 11th, 2017

Hopeful the new changes will be for the better. Maybe it will get rid of some of the lowlifes that come in there and cause fights as well as the ones that do coke in the bathroom. Some of the band’s in the past really sucked, hoping for some good ones. I will agree the staff is great.

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NatDawg September 14th, 2017

I will never stop doing coke in anyone’s bathroom

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Jon Rose September 10th, 2017

Been going here for a very long time. The Tuesday open mics are a lot of fun. I love Rusty, Red and the rest of the crew! Looking forward to the changes… and food!

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