WRIGLEYVILLE — A former Clark Street restaurateur is bringing some spice into Wrigleyville with plans for a new taco restaurant and pub.
Pepe O'Shea's won't offer a full Mexican menu, but instead focus on specialty tacos like duck, pork belly and fish. It would also feature "fresh, locally sourced and uniquely presented comfort foods," developer Kyle Begley said in his proposal.
The proposed eatery at 3441 N. Sheffield Ave. would replace shuttered bar The National. The spot has gone through three iterations in as many years, previously operating as Black Sheep Beer Garden and The Yard.
Pepe O'Shea's would operate from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays. An outdoor patio is also in the plan.
Seasonal selections and daily specials will add vibrancy to the menu, along with weekend brunch and craft beer poured from a state-of-the-art draft system. A full service bar will offer classic cocktails and a signature drink menu. Sam Stone will manage the beverage program.
"The frustration we feel visiting other establishments, ordering the same cocktail, appetizer or entree and having the taste profile vary is a constant reminder of why consistency is such an important factor in our methods," Begley wrote.
In his proposal shared with Triangle Neighbors on Wednesday, Begley touted his success with Roadhouse 66, which he opened at 3330 N. Clark St. in 2008 before selling the restaurant in 2013. Four months later, the building was destroyed in a fire.
Roadhouse 66 reopened a block north nine months later, while Begley moved on to operating Fizz Bar and Grill at the corner of Belmont, Lincoln and Ashland avenues.
"I took over a sinking ship. I realized a change in culture was needed, as well as a complete revamping of the food, liquor, wine and beer offerings," he said in the proposal.
Even with a successful track record, Begley knows he's got a short window in which he can win over neighbors in a crowded Wrigleyville bar scene. He said he's prepared for the ebb and flow of baseball season, too.
Begley stresses that he also wants O'Shea's to be a good neighbor, offering to partner with community organizations and local sports leagues if his plans go forward.
"We are fiercely proud of our neighborhoods, our food, sports teams and blue collar work ethic. We live in this community, and we will do everything we can to add to the quality of life in it," Begley said.
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