Bringing the Irish to Houston’s Pub Scene
Locally owned Irish rooted pubs are hard to come by. Fortunately for Houstonians John “Max” McElroy a Dublin native is one of the best in the local pub scene. Starting young in Dublin, Max spent many days after school and at the weekends working in his father’s pub growing up. This developed his love pouring pints, meeting patrons and pub life. A second-generation pub owner, Max brought his considerable skills to Houston and joined by his wife, Valerie began creating Irish pubs in Houston which today still serve their local neighborhoods.
It All Started on Sandman
In 1994, Max and Valerie McElroy opened their inaugural pub on S. Sandman, close to the Medical Center, Southampton, Museum District and Upper Kirby. Today they still serves patrons from the surrounding area and the bar is a staple of the community.
Establishing Presence at and Partnership with the Historic Rice Hotel
The late 90s saw the couple turn their sights on the historic Rice Hotel, the hotel completed in 1913 on the site of the former Capitol building of the Republic of Texas. Celebrities and pubic figures visited the hotel in its heyday, most notably, President John F. Kennedy on November 21, 1963.
The Rice Hotel closed in 1977, and while most of the furniture and fixtures were auctioned, the Capitol Club furniture was spared, then forgotten. Acquired by developers in 1995 to be redeveloped for mixed use apartments and businesses. Enter the McElroys, who were scouting historic venues for vintage furniture typical of the rarified pubs of Max’s hometown, Dublin. They found what they were looking for in the Capitol Club and purchased the lot. Today you will find red Moroccan leather furnishings throughout their many pubs.
The Iconic State Bar and Lounge at the Rice
In 1998, Max and Valerie developed the iconic bar in downtown Houston, State Bar and Lounge. Located in the old Capitol Club of the Rice Hotel, this luxury bar served the crème dela crème of Houston’s power broker. State Bar earned the reputation as one of the most storied watering holes in the city, hosting patrons and events far and wide including Super Bowl XXXVII official parties.
The McElroy’s designed the bar using furnishing from the Capitol Club and other antiques. The old world ambience was swanky and the second story terrace patio offered panoramic views of what was happening downtown.
The bar served Houston’s downtown elite for 18 years before closing in 2014.
New Era with the Establishment of
Shay McElroy at The Rice
In 2003, the McElroy’s again looked to downtown and the Rice when opening their third bar, Shay McElroy’s Irish Pub. Patrons can enjoy pints outside on the now pedestrian part of Main St. This pub is the perfect location for afternoon happy hours and a go to venue for those attending any number of sporting events, from baseball to soccer and basketball.
The pub and patio are located on Main St. with the pub and building remaining an iconic part of Main Street Square Historic District.
Cozy Pub with Expansive Patio
for River Oaks Montrose Area
In 2016, the McElroy’s were back at it, opening Johnny McElroy’s Irish Pub & Patio. This bungalow turned pub with its large wraparound dog friendly patio is a staple of the neighborhood and today serves up a wide selection of craft beers and with 15+ TVs more sports than you could want. With a complete kitchen, patrons enjoy sampling the many items on the menu, including a weekend brunch and the highly popular Steak Night Tuesday.
Today these three neighborhood pubs are staples in the areas they serve.
