Wednesday, 26th October, 2011
With over 275 Irish pubs and restaurants in Chicagoland the competition is tough when it comes to picking the best one. The Irish Times Pub & Restaurant is certainly in the running. After 20 years of leadership and innovation young owner/operator, Martin Lynch, who has owned the Irish Times for about three years now, continues the quest to be the best.
The Irish Times celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and you are all invited to celebrate with owner Martin Lynch and his friendly, hardworking staff on the weekend of the 18th and 19th of November 2011. This month’s events will commemorate two decades of this landmark establishment. There will be live Music all weekend with some of the best musicians and talent Ireland has to offer. Friday the 18th kicks of the party with Paddy Homan and friends from 9.30 pm and on Sat the 19th there will be Irish Dancers from 8pm followed by live music with Kara Eadie and Gerry Haughey. All are welcome for what is sure to be a memorable weekend and a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make some new ones !!
Twenty years ago an adventurous Irishman from Co. Galway arrived in Brookfield to look at a closed down pizza parlor, south of the tracks across from the BNSF Chicago to Aurora Metra station. Martin Cosgrave who owned the popular pub “Molly Malone’s” in Oak Lawn at the time was impressed by the building and location, but uncertain about the prospect of opening an Irish bar in an area, that at that time had a relatively small Irish community. However he signed on the dotted line, and so began the journey that has made The Irish Times the most beloved Irish bar and restaurant in the western suburbs.
The early years were challenging, but Martin was a creative operator and gradually business improved, aided by an authentic Irish menu and a fine selection of Irish whiskeys and beers, served with a wink and a smile by the skillful and welcoming staff. The interior evolved into a warm, richly decorated space sprinkled with treasures ranging from Charles Vickery seascapes to ornate eclectic pieces harvested from places as far away as Ireland, to the neighboring Antique stores. Under the stewardship of Galway man, Michael Conneely, who managed and ran the Irish Times for almost 10 years, The Peter Cosgrave room was added in addition to Phelan’s cove and The Cottage, now the first choice for parties of all kinds.
In 2011, The Irish Times continues to prosper and expand under new owner, Martin Lynch, nephew to the founder. A native of Athenry, Co. Galway, who purchased the property and business in 2008. Martin brings youth, energy and an appreciation of the role of technology in developing the modern restaurant and bar. Under Martin the food and beer menus have expanded, with great daily specials like Monday night’s $5.00 ½ pound Angus Burgers. The Friday night All -u-can eat Fish-Fry remains the most popular weekly event. The annual Guinness Oyster Fest, Halloween costume party, Superbowl party, New Years Eve, St. Patrick’s week events and summer Pig roasts continue to set new records and standards each year and the quarterly village wide “Trolley Nights” are hugely popular and bring people from near and far to enjoy them all.
Martin’s goal is to oversee the improvement of the Irish Times experience for the benefit of all its loyal customers and to make new friends along the way. Named after Ireland’s most highly thought of newspaper, Martin intends to make his establishment the most highly thought of Irish pub and restaurant in the Chicagoland area.
Source: www.irishamericannews.com
Irish Pubs Global 