Conor Byrne to get a facelift

Geeky Swedes Ballard

For about 15 years Conor Byrne Pub has looked the same, but starting this weekend you’ll start seeing changes to the Irish bar on Ballard Ave.

“This place is kind of a cave,” owner Diarmuid Cullen says. This weekend they plan to move the refrigerator unit away from the window to the other end of the bar, which will let more light in. And that’s just the beginning.

Cullen plans to lighten and brighten the facade. The entire front will be windows and instead of the single door, he’s adding double doors. The interior is also getting an upgrade with new carpet and some fresh paint. Cullen moved to Ballard 20 years ago from Ireland and bought the pub a year ago with a couple friends after managing it for four years. “I’m kind of excited about it. It’s kind of a way to make it mine,” he says with a smile. Conor Byrne will be closed Saturday, July 4th through Tuesday, July 7th as they start on the interior changes.

Geeky Swedes

The founders of My Ballard

13 thoughts to “Conor Byrne to get a facelift”

  1. Hey, it's his bar. But isn't a Pub supposed to be dark and gloomy?
    Ah, well. So long as they never get rid of the warm nuts. So few pubs and taverns have them anymore.

  6. If you know anything about the Ballard Ave Landmark Board guidelines, then you'll know that the proposed facade changes fully comply with the guidelines.

    Furthermore, take a look at the historic photo posted on the building. It shows a glass storefront just like every other building on the Ave. The existing solid wood storefront was cobbled together back in the 80's. The 1980's. From what I've been hearing, the bar requested the renovation and scored a fat lease extension as part of the deal. So all you Conor Byrne fans should breath a sigh of relief.

  8. It took me about a year to forgive them for ripping out half of the wall bench seating. The changes proposed here don't bother me at all compared to that. Go for it.

  9. lol, it happens, really.
    Sounds like a made for tv product…
    (Call now, and we'll double your order! Yes, TWO chipper Choppers, but wait, there's more!….)

  10. What's funny is that you obviously know nothing about Diarmuid, his partners or the reason behind the changes at the bar. I know Diarmuid to be a really nice guy who cares for his employees and in turn the future of the the bar. The remodel of the bar was not a decision Diarmuid made on his own but with his partners as a way to ensure a long future for Conor Byrne Pub. I see nothing pretentious about this and look forward to spending many years to come at a great bar run by great people… and if you're not a fan maybe you should just find yourself a new watering hole.

  11. GimpyGinty……Get a grip! They are updating the look and feel of the place to respect the design asthetic of the street and at the same time have a more attractive place for customers to enjoy a cold pint and listen to music. Thats how you stay in business. The news lately is full of other ballard businesses that refused to adapt and change and they are now out of business where they belong.

    Take your personal grudge against the bar owner elsewhere. They should be applauded for this move not criticized. I cant wait to have a Guiness in the new Bar!

  12. Gmer, I would think the same thing but for the record my partner Patrick, and landlord Joe were elected to be on the Ballard Landmark District Board on June 18th. We were granted approval for the proposed changes 2 weeks earlier, at the June 4th board meeting.

  13. More windows in a bar is not a bad idea. If I'm by myself and don't know a place, it''s good having windows to peek into before wandering inside.
    Natural light doesn't seem to bother anyone at the Lock & Keel.
    Got a question, though. Is the area in back ever going to be re-open as an outdoor drinking area? I heard a rumor it was once and so I wondered.

Leave a Reply