Publicans, the pub made famous by J.R. Moehringer’s 2005 memoir, “The Tender Bar,” reopened in Manhasset last week.
The menu features traditional pub fare like buffalo wings and half-pound hamburgers as well as gourmet offerings like seared striped bass and kale and quinoa salad.
Appetizers range from $7 to $18, while entrees cost $23 to $31.
The restaurant also serves wine, beer and cocktails. Beers bottled and on draft range from $6 to $9, and wine costs $9 to $14 per class. A cocktail called “The Manhasset” costs $13. It includes bourbon, carpano antica vermouth, bitters and orange.
Last March, restaurateurs Johnny Heil and Sean Peters bought the property, which had been vacated by Edison’s, a bar that operated on the site for 15 years. Before Edison’s, Publicans sold food and drinks at the 500 Plandome Road location from 1970 to 1999.
During property dealings, Peters, a Manhasset resident, said he and Heil wanted to be sure a reopening of Publicans was something those connected to the bar wanted. Luckily, Georgette Schnitzer, wife of the late Publicans owner Steve Schnitzer, is Peters’ neighbor, he said.
He met with Schnitzer, and over a bottle of wine, he said they laughed and exchanged stories about the bar during its hey-day. She gave her blessing, he said.
While its original bar top remains, Publicans’ white-washed brick walls and cedar wood tables add a contemporary twist.
“We respect the past but we also want to bring things forward,” said Mike King, the restaurant’s general manager. “We’ll do what we can to serve the best food possible.”
The bar’s 11 televisions will show sports year-round.
Asked in January if Moehringer would ever visit the bar, Heil said “if his schedule allows.”
“He’s definitely getting a VIP invite,” he added.
