Slàinte. It’s the Irish greeting for “good health.” Concord Township, Pa., is officially bestowed the Celtic blessing as it introduces Sligo Pub and Restaurant on Monday, November 24.
Ed Lawlor, successful Media attorney and restaurateur, is realizing his dream of opening a second location, this one at Concordville Town Center. The site at 200 Town Center Drive is the former home to Chubby Balboa’s Sports Grille.
Lawlor introduced Sligo to Delaware County in 2005 when he unveiled the Media location. The State Street spot has since grown into a neighborhood destination for everyone, including regulars, diners, newcomers and families alike.
Lawlor, an attorney with Irish and American dual citizenship, prides himself in creating authentic, traditional pubs that are tributes to the rugged and picturesque County Sligo on the western coast of Ireland.
“What I’d like to accomplish is to create a real pub atmosphere that you’d find in modern day Ireland,” Lawlor says.
Sligo in Concord and Media share some similarities, including the same welcoming look and comfortable feel. The furniture in both locations was imported from County Armagh. The centerpiece of the new location, though, was custom-built in Chester County. When you walk through the doors, your eyes can’t help but land on this breathtaking piece located behind the bar. Handmade with antiqued cabinetry, intricate glass and perfectly placed lighting, it will both functionally and aesthetically display the liquor bottles.
“The differences—the new Sligo has a more modern feel and it’s a brand-new building,” he says. “The menu is also different. Ireland is currently undergoing a culinary innovation, which reflects a lot of local ingredients and farm-to-table concepts.”
Sligo chefs Kevin Diskin and Zenon Hydrick take great pride in their culinary skills and strive to provide delicious, hearty meals that celebrate the Irish tradition. The menu will include Irish favorites such as shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and bangers and mash.
Chef Diskin says this menu will offer other unique options as well. “We’ll offer bar snacks and shared dishes, like sliders, all for under $8. We’re working on healthy options and eclectic items too, like the pomegranate barbecue short ribs over smoked Gouda Mac and cheese,” Diskin says. “No entrée will be over $20.”
General manager Mark Lopez adds, “Everything will be made fresh daily and nothing will be frozen. The dishes will be a step above.”
Traditional Irish dishes, of course, are complemented by Irish beers. The bar boasts 32 taps total, with 16 products flowing. Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s and Magners Irish Cider will always be on tap, while the remaining dozen will rotate. You can bet the beer will be served fresh at the perfect temperature since Lawlor gutted the old beer system and had a high-end system installed. In addition to the brews on tap, there will be bottled beers and a full bar offering nightly specials.
While dining and drinking, visitors can also enjoy the entertainment Sligo will offer. Catch football games on the 10 hi-def TVs, listen to the traditional Irish sessions, dance to the house music and bands and throw your hat in the trivia ring—Quizzo is coming to Sligo Concord too!
From the live Irish tunes, authentic dishes and beers to décor reminiscent of the Emerald Isle, Sligo Concord will likely offer a special experience for everyone.
Lopez says, “You’ll think you stepped out of the United States and walked right into Ireland.”
Find Sligo Pub and Restaurant in the Concordville Town Centre at 200 Town Centre Drive in Glen Mills.
Photo credits: Lauren Avellino Turton.
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