Local Voices
Oxford’s Newest Restaurant Hosts Grand Opening This Weekend
Oxford is home to a new Irish restaurant. Brennan's Shebeen Irish Bar and Grill opened in the former Oxford House space.
The luck of the Irish is in Oxford! The town’s newest restaurant, Brennan’s Shebeen Irish Bar and Grill, occupies the newly restored Oxford House.
A ribbon cutting will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at 441 Oxford Rd. First Selectman George R. Temple will be on hand to welcome the new business to town.
The Alpaca Gnomes will play live from 3 to 7 p.m. Kieran McAlinden, who owns the restaurant with partner Michael Brennan, invites everyone to stop by for the grand opening.
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The Menu
The Shebeen Irish Bar and Grill website features tap and menu info on its Bridgeport and Fairfield locations. If the offerings are the same in Oxford, here’s what you will see at the Shebeen:
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- Mac n' Cheese Bites
- Steak and Gorgonzola Salad
- Wings
- Brennan's Angus Burger
- Fish & Chips
- Irish Pork Sausage & Chips
- Irish Bangers & Mashed
What's On Tap
- Blue Moon
- Guinness
- Harp
- Harpoon IPA
- Miller Lite
- Sam Adams Seasonal
- Smithwicks
- Stella Artois
Rooted in Tradition
The word “shebeen” has its roots in Ireland.
“In Ireland, a shebeen was an illicit drinking establishment (usually a converted barn), a speakeasy where once inside, you could find good conversation on sports, politics, local events and the like, while enjoying food and drink,” the Brennan’s Shebeen website states.
But that’s not the only tradition upheld. The historic Oxford House, built in 1795 and used as a hotel, was recently restored by local developer Jay Borkowski and houses the restaurant and offices upstairs. The Oxford House restaurant closed in 2011.
“I’m also pleased that the new owner has kept the historic tradition of the Oxford House in both character and structure,” Temple said.
He is delighted that a new restaurant of this caliber is coming to Oxford.
“Brennen’s Shebeen has a friendly environment that is welcoming and warm and promises to be a great addition to Oxford’s entertainment,” said Temple.
For more info on Brennan’s Shebeen Irish Bar and Grill, visit its Facebook page.
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