(Posted January 2010) There's an interesting story as to how this concept came to be . . . and though it's still a ways away from actually being finished and open for business, I will share with you the steps that led to the idea, the acquistion of the building and everything that's happened since that time.  However, this will be a story for a later date once I have a bit more time to get it all down in writing.  Your patience is appreciated.

Thank you!

Bryan McGonigal

A bit about the concept...

McGonigal’s Pub (105 S. Cook St.) will occupy both levels of the building, with the first level being a traditional Irish Pub...providing the type of experience these establishments do best. Besides an expansive variety of libations, there will be a full kitchen offering a menu of traditional Irish food along with many pub favorites - in fact we’ll aim to serve the best burger in the area.  The second level is a welcome extension of the pub that can seat roughly 100 patrons.  It includes its own bar and will be used for extra seating for diners, banquets, private parties, special functions and of course plenty of extra space for the pub during busy times. There will be enough HD televisions upstairs to satisfy all sports fans, plus we plan on regularly offering live music & entertainment on both levels.  Overall, McGonigal's Pub will present to its patrons a warm, inviting, fun atmosphere, and you won’t even need to be Irish to enjoy yourself here! 

This building was originally built in 1913 as the First State Bank of Barrington, but since the 1940’s has a rich history of being popular restaurants. For the past ten years it has been used for retail purposes, best known in town as the Wolf Camera building.  We still have quite a bit of work to do to get it back into bar/restaurant form, but I can promise that once done you will not be disappointed!

If you’re familiar with downtown Barrington you’ll know exactly where the new businesses (the Pub and Park Avenue Wine Bar) are located.  If not, suffice to say it’s probably one of the most visible spots in town – off of Cook Street a block east of Rt. 59 (Hough Street), a block south of Main Street (Lake-Cook Road) and on the south side of the Metra train tracks just a couple blocks west of the Barrington train station. Easy access, a ton of public parking and surrounded by shops and other businesses.

Ted Stay Executive Chef Ted is fully responsible for running a shared kitchen that services both McGonigal's Pub and The Annex (formerly Park Avenue Wine Bar).  There have been nothing but rave reviews about the outstanding food that Ted and his team put together on a daily basis - please stop in and see for yourself!  Outside of work Ted enjoys spending time with his family throwing a fishing line with his youngest son (Casey 4), racing snowmobiles with his oldest son (TJ 9), and taking his daughter (Lyrik 7) on shopping sprees.  Ted also enjoys working out and testing new menu ideas with his wife.  And, of course, Ted is thrilled to be working at McGonigal's Pub. Email: ted@barringtonwinepub.com Phone:  847-277-7400

Prior Work/Other Info Ted began his Culinary Education at Johnson and Wales University in North Miami where he earned his degree in Science and Culinary.    In 1995, Ted returned to the Chicago area where worked at the Four Seasons Chicago, Deer Path Inn (Lake Forest), D&J Bistro (Lake Zurich), Grand Geneva (Lake Geneva) and as Executive Chef of Stonewall Orchard Golf Club in Grayslake.    Ted was also a Culinary Instrustor at the College of Lake County for three years where he taught Culinary 2.

	Ismini Walsh Front of House Manager / Events Coordinator We are excited to have Ismini join the pub family!  She came on board with us in late July 2011 and functions as both our full-time FOH manager and our primary contact for events planning.  Ismini brings a wealth of industry experience with her, putting in over 20 years in the business and comes from a family that's always been involved in this industry.  Most recently she was managing the Curragh Pub in Edison Park.  Ismini  joins her husband, Declan, at McGonigal's... a true husband-wife superteam! Email: ismini@mcgonigalspub.com Phone:  847-277-7400 Cell:  773-934-5895
	Declan Walsh Bar Manager / Bartender Declan was born and raised in Ireland but has been in the states for over ten years now...and we think he likes it here!  He's one of our true bartending superstars, and in May 2011 has stepped up to assist with evening managerial and supervisory duties.  More info on Declan soon... or better yet just ask him yourself! Email: declan@mcgonigalspub.com Phone:  847-277-7400

© 2009-2023 Chicagoland Engtertainment Group LLC      All Rights Reserved.