(Google Maps)
Taco Tavern, which was called Barnacho until the Mexican spot decided to rebrand about a year ago, has closed its doors at 480 Amsterdam Avenue on the corner of 83rd Street.
Barnacho was JG Melon’s replacement. Before JG Melon, the space was occupied by a place called Joe’s, which also had really killer burgers.
And before Joe’s, it was home to Soldier McGee … (anyone want to keep going? Comment section below!)
(Google Maps, December 2014)
Now, Upper West Sider Colum Flattery is bringing The Avenue Bar & Kitchen to the space, which he tells us will open on May 1.
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The Avenue will offer Irish fare with a southern slant, and while the menu is not yet finalized, Colum mentioned possible plates like cajun prime rib with cornbread stuffing, vegetarian jambalaya and baby back ribs. You can also expect Irish classics like fish and chips and Shepherd’s pie.
The bar will also come with eight cocktail taps (cocktails on tap, for the layman), and frozen Irish coffee and margarita machines.
Several cosmetic upgrades are being made in advance of the opening. The exterior will be green and black, the interior is being painted, and some flower beds are going to be placed outside. New booths will also be installed.
Flattery currently bartends on the Upper East Side, and was previously a partner at a bar in White Plains. He’s also working on his very own Flattery’s Fiery Irish Hot Sauce, which he’s hoping to get into Trader Joe’s. Some of his favorite neighborhood spots include Malachy’s and St. James Gate.
More info coming soon.
The raccoon lodge had been in that location prior for a good decade
I was just going to say The Raccoon Lodge! However, I don’t remember what was there before that.
Tough location, for some reason. I wish Colum well in his new venture!
Never too many Irish bars! Looking forward?
It sounds like a great menu. I am especially intrigued by the frozen Irish coffee. While I love tacos, Taco Tavern never looked that appealing to me. Among other things, when it first opened they were blasting the music, even outside. I don’t like going to places that require you to shout to your dinner companion.
Raccoon lodge was fun- George Keeley is too close for another craft beer place – there was always 1-2 bats on every block of Amsterdam between 85 and 79th- Remember Bourbon Street and Moonlight lounge? Velvet rope style late 90’s across the street
And Amsterdam’s.
And just what we need, another Irish Bar. 🙂
if neither a taco joint or legendary burger spot can’t survive there lets instead try … vegetarian jambalaya!
Given the menu I’m not sure I’d really call this place an “Irish Bar” which brings with it local, sometimes “divey” connotations. I’m looking forward to the Cajun fare – can never have enough of that. And along with Cajun comes the promise of some potentially amazing Brunch entries as well. Here’s hoping!!!