Atmosphere: What makes a place special is typically not something that can be pinned down with words. It’s a feeling, an atmosphere, a vibe. It’s the din of jovial conversation that teases your ears when you walk inside, the perfect balance of light that casts a hint of mystery, the comforting aroma of food tempting your palette. It’s the friendly smiles, lively laughter and upbeat tunes being played by a smattering of patrons. It’s the hush that engulfs the bar when someone breaks out in song. It’s a sense of belonging: a feeling that you fit in, that you can be yourself, that you are welcome.

Mission: To create a welcoming space for dancers and musicians interested in perpetuating the traditions of Irish culture to engage in performing, teaching, learning and sharing.

                                                                    Above statements written by Marlene Mathews

Some History: October - December 2010

McGraw’s Irish Pub & Restaurant started from the vision of John McGraw and Tom Benner. The idea started to take form in the beginning of 2010 when the search for a suitable venue started in ernest. After evaluating several sites, the lease for the building in East Rochester at 147 W. Commercial St. was signed in October of 2010.

Ted started to check out the sound equipment on Oct. 18th. We found that the cd player, mixer, and amplifier were still in working order. Soon, with some rewiring, we had a sound system with 4 speakers in the bar and 4 more in the dining room, on separate volume controls. An ‘on line’ search turned up the specs and operating manuals of nearly all the electrical equipment which saved a hugh amount of time.

Meanwhile the painting crew had started covering the red interior. All the walls and ceiling needed painting and got 49 gallons. New floors were needed. Materials evaluation and vendor selections were in high gear. Old floors and carpets, including the Leopard skin rug in the bar, were removed.

The piano arrived before the floor was down. Now that’s serious dedication to this being a music pub!

Pondering the next move! “There’s just too much going on around here all at once.”

Working in the bar area - bring on the new tiles! Ooops! Darn, still have to fix that leg under the sink.

The new wood floor has arrived! It’s in the boxes back of the workers lunch table.

It seemed that there were miles of unused coax from old TV systems that needed to be sorted and either removed or labeled. A problem with one of the beer cooler compressors was correctly diagnosed and the compressor was replaced. Some light fixtures were replaced and all the flourescent tubes were covered, the exit signs were fixed, and the red rope lights above the bar were replaced with clear lights. You couldn’t have imagined a more fun playground in which to spend your time!

The sign went up in mid December. Now the business is official, from the outside!