After a location switch and a destructive fire, Brennan’s has finally reopened in Central West End

The past year and a half have been difficult for the entire restaurant industry, but few stories have been as wild as that of Brennan’s. The beloved local bar closed its original location (4695 Maryland Ave.) in 2019 after 17 years to move to a new spot down the street (316 N. Euclid Ave.). After spending almost a year renovating, on opening day, it suffered a disastrous fire that kept it closed for almost another year. Yesterday, Monday, Aug. 2, Brennan’s finally reopened for service after repairing all of the fire damage.

“We kind of feel like this is the newly updated version, with some little twists. I like everything about it,” owner Kevin Brennan told us at the end of 2020, shortly before the unforeseen eight-month renovation. Now, standing in his brand new space yet again, he still likes what he sees. “There are a few kinks,” he explained. “We’re looking forward to finally seeing people we haven’t seen in a long time.”

Most of Brennan’s 3.0 is the same: new floors and banquettes, leather seats, beautiful photography and art, books available for perusal. A long, white ash bar is the centerpiece of the main floor bar room, while the adjoining lounge is darker, more relaxing, with plenty of tables and seating. The upstairs cigar bar is still a month or two from opening, but Brennan assures customers that it will be very much worth the wait.

The menu remains mostly unchanged, save for three new dishes: a faux gras (vegan, made with walnuts), tuna tartare and a potato and ricotta pierogi. Previous menu items like the smoked pork and gruyere flatbread, pan-seared chicken dumplings, smoked salmon toast, and various boards and dips still remain. In additiont to the long list of cocktails, beer, wine and spirits, batched, bottled cocktails are also still available.

Check out the slideshow below for photos of the new new Brennan’s, with information about hours, capacity, and a couple of their fresh tricks.