Seasoned restaurant industry professional Arthur Paula, however, is stepping up to the plate to give St. Pete new eats and a refreshed vibe when he launches McArthur’s Irish Pub late next month.
Paying homage to his Irish roots, McArthur's menu is set to be loaded with Irish fare including corned beef and cabbage, curry chips, Guinness stew and Irish soda bread. Guests can also expect other typical pub appetizers including a tribute to the addresses' old resident (Babalu's signature wings, tossed in house sauce appears on the McArthur's menu.)
McArthur's will also focus on the art of a proper pour when it comes to a pint of Guinness.
Wouldn't be the 'Burg without brunch, on the weekends, so the pub will serve traditional brunch items like Irish Benedict served with Guinness gravy, scotch eggs, and a “Full Irish Breakfast”—loaded with bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes and mushrooms. On Sundays the restaurant hosts live music during brunch while serving $13 bottomless mimosas. Can't make it on the weekends? Slide by for daily lunch specials and weekday happy hour.
Locals can also enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night provided by rotating Irish musicians.
The pub hopes to carry Babalu's touch as a neighborhood family-friendly hangout.
When it comes to decor McArthur's is a shooting for a "typical cozy Irish pub with snugs and authentic decor/art from Ireland," according to a release.
The grand opening for McArthur's is going down on March 6, just in time for St. Patrick's Day, which will feature all day entertainment. More details to come as the opening date approaches.
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This article appears in Jan 30 – Feb 6, 2020.