Irish Pub Still Closed Missing St. Patrick's Day and "Bag Day"

One of Atlantic City’s most beloved bars and restaurants, the Irish Pub at 164 St. James Place, has been closed for more than 10 weeks, leaving locals and visitors wondering when — or if — it will reopen.

The pub, known for its 24‑hour service and historical charm, closed in early January with an announcement on its Facebook page saying simply: “We are closed for renovations and will keep you posted.”

But as of mid‑March, no official update has been released, despite growing speculation online and in community forums. Local residents and regulars have shared mixed reports. Some neighborhood discussions suggested the closure may involve sprinkler system updates and fire‑code work required to meet current building standards, a process that can be costly and time‑consuming in older structures.

On Reddit, one commenter reported hearing from a pub employee that the sprinkler system upgrade was the cause of delays, saying owners “are working and it will be open soon.” Others, however, cited the absence of visible construction equipment or contractor activity at the site as a sign that progress may be slow.

The Irish Pub has been a staple of the Atlantic City nightlife scene for decades, drawing locals and tourists alike with its lively atmosphere, pub fare and drinks.

With St. Patrick’s Day — typically one of the pub’s busiest days — having just passed, hopes for an imminent reopening have dimmed for some, though many regulars remain optimistic. As one local wrote in an online thread: “I hope the Irish Pub comes back. I’d miss the atmosphere and my favorite bartenders.”

At this time, no reopening date has been confirmed and owners have not issued any recent public statements. The community continues to watch and await updates from the long‑standing Atlantic City landmark.