Sept. 5, 2017 Staff Report
A pair of new proprietors of the Shillelagh Tavern at 47-22 30th Ave would like to see the long-standing Astoria bar turn over a new leaf.
Tim and Kaitlin Stebbins took over the helm at the bar in early July and began introducing a slew of changes that ranged from adding decorative flowers by the entrance to installing security cameras throughout the bar.
“We wanted to give it some tender, love and care when we first came in, so that included a deep clean, fresh paint and cleaning out the beer lines,” Kaitlin said. “We’re clean freaks, so we’ll be cleaning those lines at least every other week.”
The husband and wife duo have begun adding a diverse selection of craft beers and bourbons behind the bar, with the intention of adding wine and cocktails to their drinks menu throughout the month.
“In addition to more bourbon and whiskey, our plan is to have two reds, two whites, a sparkling wine and a rose available for our guests,” Stebbins explained.
Although this is the first bar the husband and wife duo have owned, the pair have over 12 years of experience working in the food and hospitality industry.
“We understand Astoria is the next big neighborhood, and as it grows exponentially, we want the bar to grow with it while still keeping everything that made it so great,” said Tim Stebbins.
Tim elaborated by saying that they decided not to change the name of the bar out of respect for its long-standing presence in the community.
Promotional flyer
Additionally, the new owners will double down on servicing sports fans in the area, making new and special accommodations as they go along.
“The Shillelagh Tavern has always been a sports bar for as long as locals have been coming here, and we’re huge sports fans so we wanted to keep that tradition alive,” Stebbins said.
The pair explained that they have begun airing English Premier League games and opening on Saturdays at 7:30 am and Sundays at 8:30 am for local fans.
Guests who arrive for the early weekend games will be treated to free coffee and bagels, as well as $5 IPA and Bloody Mary specials.
“We’re keeping the NFL Ticket so we’ll be able to offer every game across all of our 10 TV’s, and we’re going to offer a free spread of food on Sundays,” said Kaitlin.
A small snack menu for patrons will be introduced later this fall that will include paninis, grilled cheese and other light bites.
Lastly, the new owners intend on welcoming new musical acts onto the 40 square foot stage located in a separate room at the back of the bar.
“Our idea is to use the venue to promote new and upcoming artists,” the duo explained. “We want people who can tap into new music genres, and give them a chance to perform at the Shillelagh Tavern, ven if they felt like it wasn’t the right venue for them before.”
More information can be found on their renovated website.
Tim, who will be running the day-to-day operations at the bar, can be reached at tim@shillelaghtavern.com.
New owners Tim and Kaitlin Stebbins
