Brennan's in the Central West End reopening July 30

Photography by Kevin A. Roberts

Kevin Brennan had already had quite a year by the time last December rolled around. It had been tumultuous, but he finally found himself just hours from opening his stunning, relocated bar, Brennan’s, to the public. Then, at 6:30 a.m. on opening day, Brennan received a call. When he arrived, the fire department was extinguishing the fire that had destroyed half of the new space. After much anticipation, however, Brennan's is slated to reopen to the public this Friday. Here's what to expect.

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Photo by Holly Fann

The Atmosphere

The space has been fully restored, with the majestic bar glistening once again and hundreds of bottles of spirits and wine available. A white painted tin ceiling was installed. The handsome wall-length black leather banquette has been restored, as have the white marble tables and vintage chairs. Original artwork and antique signage now hang on the walls, and the chalkboard behind the bar is updated with a succinct message: “soot happens.”

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Photo by Holly Fann

R. J. Hartbeck

Two heavy glass barn doors separate the bar area from a lounge space that features mirror-backed bookshelves, which climb all the way up to the high ceiling. Lights built into the shelves illuminate original artwork and the owner's curated collection of photos, books, and mid-century barware. Beneath the bookshelves, a caramel banquette and tables stretch along one wall. Across the room, grouped velvet loveseats offer intimate seating.

Courtesy Brennan's

Like the previous Brennan's, the new location has multiple floors. The upstairs space will soon serve as The Cigar Lounge at Brennan's. It is still under construction but will be available for private tours beginning August 17. The handsome space features three carbon-filter air-purification systems, personal Boveda humidors, an exclusive cocktail menu served in vintage midcentury barware with craft ice, and such noteworthy offerings as an absinthe fountain. Brennan plans to announce the opening date on social media in August. (Years ago, Brennan developed his own line of cigars, Durango Pipe Tobacco Cigars, containing long filler cigar leaf mixed with a bit of pipe tobacco.)

The Menu

R. J. Hartbeck

The extensive spirits, wine, and beer list that made the previous Brennan’s so popular are available at the new location. An eclectic cocktail list features 24 libations. For instance, the striking ruby-red Beets by J cocktail, created by operations and events manager Jentri Weis, is composed of gin, fresh beet juice, ginger jalapeño syrup, and lime.

Longtime chef Bernard Willis will serve up small plates, including a selection of boards, such as charcuterie and a vegetarian Mediterranean option. A variety of flatbreads will be offered like the smoked trout with dill and creme fraîche served and a smoked salmon toast with truffle oil and honey (pictured below). Several items including hummus, specialty breads and dips, and roasted almonds, are perfect for those wanting to nibble on a snack.

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R. J. Hartbeck

The Hours & Capacity

In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and the recently reinstated mask mandate, Brennan’s will limit the number of indoor guests to about 20 people at a time. Both the bar side of the space and the lounge side normally seat approximately 50 people each. The mask mandate may also impact the operating hours, which Brennan said “are not set in stone”; for now, it will be open seven days a week, from 4 p.m.–1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 4 p.m.–midnight on Sundays.