McKiernan’s Lawton Street Tavern
by Don Geyra
Don Geyra is a third generation New Rochellean whose grandfather, Dr. Dominic Dell’Aquila, delivered 10,000 babies in New Rochelle. No wonder he is passionate about our local history and community. He is an accomplished fine arts painter as well as a successful decorative and scenic arts artist working in stage (Billie Elliot, Phantom), film (Sex and the City, Sherlock Holmes), and television (Sesame Street, White Collar). Given his busy life, he enjoys relaxing over dinner downtown with his wife Theresa McClure, who as a nurse practitioner also has a busy schedule, as well as with friends and family. He has found his special place, McKiernan’s Lawton Street Tavern.
As a lifelong resident, I love New Rochelle for its extensive history and its strong sense of community. My wife Theresa shares these passions, and together we also like dining out. We both enjoy our careers and as a result, spend a lot of time working, so it is important for us to have a place that we can go to for a relaxing dinner, with great service, in a friendly atmosphere, and at reasonable prices so we can afford to go often.
The newest revival of a New Rochelle landmark, McKiernan’s Lawton Street Tavern, has it all: history, community, great food, relaxing environment and reasonable prices. Founded by Frank McKiernan Sr., who passed away earlier this year, an immigrant from County Caven, Ireland, McKiernan’s Tavern opened in the 1960’s on Huguenot Street where Library Green now welcomes the community. The tavern moved across Huguenot Street in the 1970’s to make way for the New Rochelle Public Library. Then in 1989, to make way for Avalon on the Green, the City moved the tavern to its current location at 47 Lawton Street where it remained until it was sold in 2006. Frank McKiernan Jr., who together with his father ran the tavern for years, opened McKiernan’s East End Tavern until he sold it in 2007.
Then to our good fortune, Frank bought back the original family pub, remodeled it, and opened it as a neighborhood tavern, where everyone is welcome. Talk about history. I love this town.
First and foremost, McKiernan’s is a family friendly restaurant as well as a tavern with a strong sports atmosphere. Depending on your mood there is intimate couch seating, an inviting long bar presided over nightly by Frank himself, and a large dining room with comfortable seating for a friendly gathering or large families and parties. And, as befits an Irish tavern, there is an area for darts. High end flat screen monitors are well placed along the bar and in part of the dining room so that sports, and viewing requests by patrons, can be seen from all seating. Part of the dining room has been reserved for quieter dining.
The staff is friendly, engaging, and attentive, important qualities for a neighborhood tavern. We admire a restaurant where the owner is always there, and Frank has always been there during each of our now frequent visits, maintaining its quality and creating a personal ambience. If Frank doesn’t recognize you by your second visit, he definitely will by your third.
The food is classic tavern fare, tasty, carefully prepared, cooked to order and given Frank’s attention to all details, with inspired new twists. The appetizers are delicious and generous. My favorite, barbecued chicken wings are large, well seasoned, and meaty. We both recommend the clam chowder which is hardy, filled with clams, and perfect for a winter starter.
Theresa’s favorite dish is the perfectly grilled chicken with gorgonzola cheese salad embellished with tomatoes, onions and olives. My favorite, the barbecue rack of ribs is phenomenal and often served with fresh creamed spinach, a combo I would not have thought of but I find it amazing. Remember I said Frank’s attention to food is inspired. There are beautiful pasta dishes and Italian entrees: a la Marsala, Francese and Parmigiana. There are also many vegetarian selections, so there is something to appeal to very one. For more casual meals, my favorite is the grilled chicken sandwich served with bacon, cheddar cheese and honey mustard. The pulled pork is phenomenal and the balboa, made with sliced roast beef, sautéed onions, Swiss cheese and brown gravy served on garlic bread must be eaten to be believed. All sandwiches are offered on a choice of bread, or as a wedge or a wrap. All are served with French fries or onion rings, and a choice of an additional side. And what would a neighborhood tavern be without hugh, juicy hamburgers? They are here in great variety and all are a full meal, served on an ample roll to support the generous choice of topping combinations.
The desserts are great. My favorite is apple pie ala mode. We are both coffee drinkers and find the coffee here rich and flavorful.
Of course, being a tavern, there is beer on tap and a full bar, and the pours are generous. Frank welcomes inventive mixed drink requests and he is building a wine list and always introducing new labels. The camaraderie at the bar is contagious and makes for many a fun evening. Frank is even starting specialty evenings from ladies night to jazz jams.