No, I’m not opening Pat’s pub in Geist…but, I do know who is!
Pat’s Pub is the dream of Pat Lair--a man who's been with the Indianapolis Metro Police Department for 23 years! Lair left last August, after being injured on the job.
“I thought it was time for early retirement,” says Lair. “And now, it's time to follow my dream!”
Lair is tapping into his Irish heritage and opening Pat’s Pub at Olio Road and 104th street next to Dockside Dental and Sonata Music Studios. “There’s nothing like it around here!” says Lair.
Construction was still underway on the day I stopped in, but, the bar was nearly done in a dark wood in the right hand corner--and the floor--which is the color of spilled cola--is covered in a tough epoxy coating.
Incidentally, the address was still up in the air—they thought it was in Fortville, but, shockingly, Fishers wants it!
One detail that is certain is the target atmosphere of Pat’s Pub. Business consultant Charles Fryman –who has helped open several restaurants across the US—says it is designed to be a “gastro pub” –a British term for a spot which specializes in high-quality food. It's a step above the more basic "pub" grub.
That translates to gourmet burgers, salads, beer-battered fish and a complete line of…well, Irish ales!
It is a pub atmosphere, but families are welcome.
“It would be an ideal spot for parents to bring college kids when they come home to visit,” says Lair.
Fryman and Lair say area residents have been stopping in every few days to see how they are coming along. “It seems like such a friendly area, “ says Lair, who lives in the Lawrence area.
Pat’s Pub is planning a mid-February pre–opening party with an official grand opening to follow. They plan to be in full swing for St. Patrick’s Day. And with five new plasma TVs, they are ready to go for March Madness!
Pat’s Pub plans to open an outdoor patio this spring, and they'll have live music, as well. They also are looking into having golf cart parking since so many neighbors have made the request! Now that’s a Pub that's trying to please.
Pat’s Pub promises to be an inviting, unique addition to the Geist area. So, from one Pat to another, welcome -- and may the luck of the Irish be with you!
