If you’re pub-hopping, keep your eye on the bar signs. Here’s how a few local Irish bars got their names:
The Dubliner, 1205 Harney St., 342-5887.
A downtown landmark that’s been around for nearly 30 years. The original owner, Paul McGill, called it Horbach’s. The story goes, a cute Irish gal working for him sweet-talked him into naming the place Dubliner.
Sullivan’s, 3926 Farnam St., 933-7004.
Sullivan’s, now owned by Dan Houlihan, got its moniker from a previous owner named you guessed it Sullivan. The bar also pays tribute to John L. Sullivan (left), a famous Irish bare-knuckle boxer. There’s a statue of him and a ton of memorabilia hanging in the bar. Sullivan’s interior has looked the same since 1954.
Brazen Head Irish Pub, 319 N. 78th St., 393-3731.
Although the Omaha pub opened in 1998, making it fairly new compared with its peers, Brazen Head is the name of the oldest pub in Dublin. The menu explains further: “Built in 1198, precisely 800 years before its Omaha namesake, the establishment stood, and stands today, at the head of the River Liffey.”
Barry O’s Old Market Tavern, 420 S. 10th St., 341-8032.
The owner’s name is Barry O’Halloran. We’ll leave you to think about that one. From the time his business starts serving breakfast at 6 a.m. until closing at 1 a.m. Wednesday, O’Halloran will keep busy. Almost too busy.
O’Connor’s Irish Pub, 1217 Howard St., 934-9790.
Katie O’Connor opened the Old Market pub in 2003. Another last name we’ll let you ruminate on.
Clancy’s Pub and Club Patrick’s, 777 N 114th St., 498-6400.
Patrick Vondra, whose family owns several Omaha bars (there are also Clancy’s at 72nd and Pacific Streets and 168th Street and West Center Road) and one in Scottsdale, Ariz., said Clancy’s draws families for its pizzas and burgers. Most of the diners are usually gone by 9 p.m., when clubbers drop into Club Patrick’s to party. On St. Patrick’s Day, all of their bars stay busy. Shuttle and band schedule: http://www.clancysomaha.com/st_pats_2010.htm
Two Fine Irishmen, 18101 R Plaza, 933-3990.
The bar and grill, named for the two brothers who opened it on St. Patrick’s Day 2007, featured Irish food, drink and a leprechaun who sold shots and gave Irish toasts. Todd and Ronda Hatton acquired the business in October. They kept the Irish food and drink but ditched the leprechaun. They’ll open the spot at 6 a.m. Wednesday with green bagels and beer, later in the day they’ll serve corned beef and cabbage.
Uncle Mike and Maggie’s Irish Pub, 319 N. 16th Street, Council Bluffs, 712-323-3275.
Peggy Arnold bought the bar in July 2008. It’s the spot where her brother Mike Davis took her after she had lost her husband of 35 years. The name is a combination of her brother’s name Mike used to own a bar called Uncle Mikes, a reference to the 17 nieces and nephews he takes pride in and Maggie, a nickname Peggy’s brothers called her when she was younger. Though she doesn’t like the name, she didn’t want to see her own name, Peggy, on the bar sign. The pub will open at 6 a.m. and offer green Irish biscuits, potatoes and omelets. Papa John, an older guy who dresses all in green like a big leprechaun, will perform Irish music from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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