McHale’s Pub will soon pour pints again, as it makes its highly-anticipated comeback to the Queen City. Opening along North Davidson Street by mid-July, the pub’s owners say they want to create a vibrant third place for the community.
“I wanted to do it right,” McHale’s owner Brendan Kuhlkin told CLTtoday. “I believe the neighborhood deserves to have its own neighborhood pub and hangout, just like Plaza Midwood has Workman’s (Friend) or South End had Tyber (Creek).”
The concept of becoming a neighborhood staple is not new to Kuhlkin. Two McHale’s locations — in Fort Mill and Rock Hill, SC — operated for nearly 20 years, becoming a community gathering spot with live music and events.
CLTtoday got a full tour of the new space that features:
- A restored church pew for seating near the bar
- Restored antique light fixtures
- An outdoor bar and seating
- An expansive backyard
- An Irish-inspired menu
- Two snugs
What’s a “snug,” you may ask?
“In Ireland, they’re like confession boxes,” explained Kyle Kennedy, Kuhlkin’s business partner. “They are private rooms where you get service, and they grew into being a staple in pubs.”
You’ll also find family photos along the walls, something that pays homage to Kuhlkin’s family.
“It was always a family endeavor,” said Kuhlkin. “It was creating that space where we may not be blood relatives, but we feel like family — from the staff to the person who walked through the front door for the first time.”
We’ll let you know of an exact opening date, but you can also keep an eye on McHale’s social media.
