Hell’s Kitchen has welcomed a promising new addition to its vibrant bar scene with the opening of The Yard’s Pub on 9th Avenue.
This establishment, a tribute to the neighborhood’s rich history and its bright future, occupies the space formerly known as Thai Select.
Co-owners Maggie Riley and Finola Lynch, both seasoned in the hospitality industry, have set their sights on creating a welcoming environment that caters to the local community and sports enthusiasts alike.
Maggie, who has made a name for herself with her first venture, Maggie Riley’s, opened her initial pub in 2013 and witnessed firsthand the evolution of the Hudson Yards area.
“When I opened, it was essentially a construction site,” she reminisces.
Despite initial hesitations from others to venture toward Hudson Yards, Maggie’s foresight allowed her to cater to the workers building the area.
As her first bar thrived, Maggie aimed to create a larger space with an expanded menu, leading her to The Yard’s Pub.
Chef Paul Loftus, previously of Peachy Keen, heads the kitchen and offers a delectable range of dishes, including a traditional Irish breakfast loaded with sausage, bacon, and blood pudding.
Other popular menu items include crispy buffalo wings and oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, which are garnished with bacon and a ginger lime honey glaze.
The bar is committed to quality, sourcing its vegetables from a nearby farmer’s market.
Maggie expressed her passion for hospitality, stating, “I like to create a vibe that is welcoming, comfortable, with good food and drink.”
The drinks menu is equally enticing, featuring traditional Irish drafts like Guinness alongside The Yard’s House Ale, a selection of wines, and signature cocktails such as the espresso martini.
Finola Lynch, Maggie’s business partner, brings invaluable experience from her 30 years at the renowned Upper East Side bar, Finnegan’s Wake.
Having owned the establishment for the past five years, Finola looks forward to this new venture.
“It’s all positive — new people, a new adventure,” she enthused about The Yard’s Pub.
What sets The Yard’s Pub apart is not just its menu but also its distinctive decor, which was personally curated by the owners.
The bar is adorned with wallpaper featuring black and white photographs that tell the story of Hell’s Kitchen, the Garment District, and Hudson Yards as they appeared from the 1940s to the present.
A striking mix of art from notable New York artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat and Edward Hopper, adorns the walls, enhancing the venue’s atmosphere.
For sports fans, the bar is equipped with ample televisions, including a projector set up in a dedicated back room for significant game nights.
Maggie and Finola are excited about the possibilities that The Yard’s Pub offers, despite the challenges of operating another bar.
They are motivated by their desire to meet new people and share stories, emphasizing the joy that hospitality brings.
“We like to challenge ourselves,” Maggie reflected, highlighting the fun they find in their shared venture.
With a combination of good food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere, The Yard’s Pub is poised to become a staple in Hell’s Kitchen, bringing together the community and offering a taste of the neighborhood’s past, present, and future.
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