Today's MOZEN: O'Donoghue's Tavern - A Reflection

All words and photos F LoBuono/O'D's, May, 2020

When I heard that the legendary O'Donoghue's Tavern in Nyack, NY was the latest victim of the scourge we call COVID-19, I, like most long-time denizens of this wonderful village, felt like I had just lost an old friend. Memories washed over me like a rogue wave. I had made more of them there than I could ever hope to recall.

With Kevin O'Donoghue, circa 2018

But, in reality, the O'D's (as it was popularly called) of legend passed into history a little over 4 years ago when Kevin O'Donoghue, oldest son of Paul O'Donoghue, Sr. from whom the tavern derived its name, leased the business to Dianne Walsh and Geoff Torrens. In fact, I wrote about it then, too (https://talk-frank.blogspot.com/2015/04/todays-mozen-meditation-on-death-of.html).

Paul O'Donoghue, circa 2010

Walsh and Torrens had their own, new vision for the place that was quite different from the more traditional Irish Pub/Speakeasy it had always been. However, from my understanding, although the place would have a completely different vibe, it was contractually obligated to continue to use the O'Donoghue name. Still, in an effort to make it their own and create a new identity for the place, they renovated the interior (which was MUCH needed), cleaned the vile bathrooms that were almost as infamous as the place itself, and instituted an entirely new food and drink menu making it more of a restaurant than merely a tavern that served food.

Monday night traditional Irish music, circa 2012

But, the association with the very name, O'Donoghue's, i.e. O'D's, and remaining in the location were it had ALWAYS been, proved to be a burden rather than an advantage.  It was like a new baseball player trying to replace a legendary one - few succeed. And, in my opinion, the new place, despite herculean efforts by the current owners, struggled to find its own identity. People, especially the backbone of the place - the locals -  expected to find the same shot and beer joint, with the great characters and conversation, it had always been. But, it was not. Featuring organic local food and booze, the new O'D's was a far cry from the burger and Bud beer joint it had become famous for.

Dianne and Jeff tried hard and had their moments. But, rumor had it that they were struggling even before this catastrophe. Despite their best efforts, they simply did not create enough momentum to sustain the tavern through this challenge. Still, the village thanks them for their love and devotion to keep the place going. They are talented people and, I'm sure, will land on their feet.

Kevin and Paul O'Donoghue, circa 1988

As for the so-called Old O'D's, it had earned it's exalted status. 

When I moved to here in the early 80's it was already a Nyack (and, beyond) legend. I had heard the stories so, as soon as possible, I went to see for myself if they were true. It did not disappoint.

Pat Keating and Sal "Tucky" Cordaro share a laugh at the old bar, circa 2012

In those days, it formed one third of a triumvirate of fine drinking establishments, the other two being The Old Fashion and Eastwick's. Each had their own character and colorful owners - Kevin O'D at O'Donoghue's, Drew Eastwick at Eastwick's, and Joe D' at The Old Fashion. I patronized all of them with regularity, often on the same night. However, O'D's was THE watering hole for me.

My perch of choice was a seat at the end of the bar, near the main entrance. From there I could sit with my back to the wall and observe the incredible cast of characters that regularly frequented the place. In addition to the parade of eccentric locals, you could find writers like Terry Southern or celebrities like Academy Award winners Jonathan Demme and Ellen Burstyn, as well as actors William Hurt and Margot Kidder. Grammy Award winning singer/song writer, Harry Nisslon, whose drunken escapades there were would make a tabloid reporter blush, was an institution at O'D's. There would also be defrocked priests, NYPD captains, scientists, sailors, brigands, miscreants, doctors, politicians, lawyers, journalists, carpenters, steel workers, teachers, musicians, singers, bikers, hikers, truckers, salesmen, cooks, policemen, firemen, communists, socialists, democrats, republicans, bouncers, nurses, liars, thieves, freaks, geeks, sinners, and saints, all contributing to the bohemian vibe. There was even a 90 year-old, former Marine named Butch who had his own, reserved barber's chair at the bar.

Long time bar manager, Barry Koch, sitting at one of the corner tables, circa 1988

In my opinion, it was the best drinking bar in town. And, it had an impressive history established decades before I had arrived. It is so involved and interesting that it must be a story for another post.

My brother Joe and Nathan

Perhaps, what gave the place its true character, it's zeitgeist, if you will, were the staff and Nyack natives who provided the foundation for the legend. Each was unique and contributed in their own way to that special O'D vibe. I remember them, all of them, many of whom are not with us any more: Kevin, Paul, Jr., Ann, Mary, Noreen, Barry, Tucky, Phil, Kenny, Tason, Nathan, Duffy, Tim O, Sam, LeAnn, Ginger, A.O., Pierre, Peggy, Drew, Jerry, Sean, J.J., Siobhan, Butch, Jane, Susan, John, Manny, Doc George, the Kiwi sisters, Will, Dr. Mo, Loren, Pat, Dan, Roberta, M.A., Jim, Mark, Shawna, Leslie, Eddie, Jimmy, Joe, and, too many more to list.

Kenny Callanan in the kitchen at O'D's

O'D's (both of them) is gone now. In reality, THE O'Donoghue's has been for a long time. But, it is all still with me, whenever I have a shot of Jameson and a beer, burned into the subconscious of my memory, just as real as if all of them were standing before me today. And, they are - if only in my mind's eye.