Photo by Jim SlosiarekAngie Nissen, 28, Cedar Rapids
Manager @ Mahoney’s
You just got back from Las Vegas. More business or pleasure?
The owner of Mahoney’s and I attended the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas. It was awesome! We’re always trying to stay ahead of the curve, see what’s out there, and this conference gave us some incredible ideas.
It’s obvious you have a lot of love for this place. How would you describe Mahoney’s to someone who’s never been?
Any place can serve you a drink. Mahoney’s is a fun, happy bar with great personality. Due to its smaller size, the staff is able to open up and build a rapport with customers. You can’t get that at the bigger places. Mahoney’s attracts an eclectic group of patrons and our staff responds. They really bring the party to life! We all add our own personality and style. Customers appreciate that.
I imagine St. Patrick’s Day takes everything to another level.
We ARE St. Patrick’s Day! Mahoney’s is in the heart of the Irish District, so of course St. Patrick’s Day is the biggest day of the year for us and we go all out. We open at 9 a.m., rearrange the bar set up to maximize space and kick off specials that run all day. There’s a barbecue pit in the back, beer tubs in the front, the staff gets to dress up, we’ve got our leprechaun…
What? Seriously! A leprechaun?
Every year this patron volunteers to dress up in full leprechaun attire, sit in a little cubby hole and throw out beads and other trinkets to the crowd all day. It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without him.
It has to be an exhausting day for the bar.
It’s a crazy day, but we’re prepared and it’s a great kick off to spring and summer. Be ready for an all-out party.
Details: Mahoney’s, 1602 E Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, (319) 364-5754, http://www.mahoneyspubcr.com
