The former location of the Library Bar and Grill is currently under construction in preparation for O’dwyers Pub to open in its place.
Although many residents were unhappy with the relocation of The Library Sports Grille and Brewery, the discontented grumbles have turned into an excited buzz as anticipation builds for the opening of O’Dwyers Public House. The grand opening for the new establishment is tentatively set for the first week of March.
“O’Dwyer is a family name,” said Deidre O’Dwyer, “One of the big reasons that we selected is the name, O’Dwyers Public House, is that we were very interested in creating an establishment that is about the community. In Ireland, a public house is where sports, music, arts and family are all celebrated and is a community center. That is what we wanted to expand on. It is just to be a Wyoming-American take on that.”
The blending of the two cultures will be evident in the restaurant’s atmosphere and the menu, creating a feeling described as “familiar but different” by the family. The dishes offered at O’Dwyers will include staples such as burgers and pizza but Irish dishes will be mixed in for patrons to experience.
A few of these dishes include corned beef and cabbage and a pasty, a meal that originated with miners over in Wales. James Grimes, owner of O’Dwyers Public House, nicknamed the dish “a fancy Hot Pocket.” It contains meat and potatoes wrapped in pie dough and baked. Four varieties of these will be available on the menu.
Grimes, a Laramie native, got his start in the restaurant business at The Library washing dishes when he was twelve and later worked as a line cook. He gained more experience during college when he worked as a line cook and restaurant manager in Montana. Now, the owner is continuing a family tradition in his hometown.
“It is going to be a family tradition again and I am excited to keep that going,” said Grimes, whose aunt and uncle opened The Library in 1994. In 2008, the business was sold to a co-worker.
The new tradition will embody a casual style that will facilitate all parts of the community, both families and college students, with the grill atmosphere that was there before. Although O’Dwyers will not be brewing their own beverages, a broad selection of microbrews will be available on tap for patrons.
“No one is more upset about The Library moving than us,” O’Dwyer said. “But an opportunity presented itself and we have a great new thing coming in.”
