THE RECOVERY ROOM is history. The Wild Rover is distant history. And Kildare Irish American Pub is the future.
Yep, Kildare is setting up shop where the Recovery Room just closed down, and there will be a distinctly Irish flair to the place once again.
“Look at it,” says Rick Overby, the new owner and general manager, as he points to the bar. “It looks like an Irish pub. That’s how it was designed, and that’s what it’s going to be.”
In other words, a friendly bar and restaurant offering lots of Guinness and menu items such as Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Guinness Beef Stew and Irish Nachos (Tater tots topped with corned beef and Guinness beer cheese).
No major changes in the interior. Still looks the same. Attractive. Pubbish.
Overby is a local, the former manager at Hudson’s out on the highway. He knows the market, and he knows that it’s competitive, what with Digs, the Delft, Lagniappe, the 906 Sports Bar, and Donckers all within a 30 second walk of each other.
“It’s going to be a nice mix here,” says Rachel Urdiha, the bar manager. She’s another Hudson’s alum. “We’ll be family friendly in the daytime with great food and then at nights, we’ll do well with the younger crowd, the college kids.”
Initially, they’ll be open five days a week–Tuesday through Saturday–with the possibility that they’ll extend the schedule when summer arrives.
Now, when exactly will they open? (This is known in the journalism business as burying the lead) Uncertain, according to Overby.
It all comes down to the four L’s. Liquor License, Lawyers, and Lansing.
Could be as soon as Tuesday, though that seems unlikely. More likely, within a week or two. Definitely before St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th (even though it’s Sunday, Kildare will, of course, be open that day).
In the meantime, the kitchen is ready–it’s passed inspection, the seventeen member staff is ready, and Overby is ready. Waiting to pour that first Guinness.
You got news? Email me at briancabell@gmail.com