Not Just a Trendy “Irish Pub”

By Cindy Hemper

This week’s edition of the Sidewalk Series takes us down the street and around the corner to Erie’s oldest tavern; Sullivan’s Pub & Eatery located just at the corner of third and French in downtown Erie, 301 French St.

Sullivan’s is and has always been locally owned and operated since it first opened its doors way back at the turn of the century. Currently Erie’s former mayor Rick Fillipi along with his two brothers Ron and Dave own the pub since 2001. With deep ties to the Erie community and the restaurant business, the Fillipi family for decades owned Hector’s Italian Restaurant. One of the great things about Hector’s was the nostalgic candle lit wine bottles in the center of the tables that instantly made you feel that the hands of time rolled back to the 70s.

I decided to walk into this place randomly this past week, earlier in the evening and grab a bite and a cold drink. The server looked a little busy, but she was really friendly and helpful.

Only a very short time after ordering my pizza, I was served and realized that the portions were ridiculously huge but delicious. The bartender was great and the food was awesome and priced within reason.

Sullivan’s is not your regular, run of the mill trendy “Irish Pub,” it has been Irish since 1905 when it was established, and the tile mosaic floor and pressed-tin ceiling and walls prove it. Nevertheless, they have proven to be adaptable, with 16 taps and a good selection of beers and 5 Irish whiskies, four more than most places.

Sullivan’s Pub features a small dance floor and large front bar, as well as a smaller back bar with additional booth seating and unlike many of your corner bars they offer live entertainment several days a week with D.J. Diddles on Wednesday night and DVDJ Johnny B every Friday and local radio personality Bill Page hosting a Sunday night karaoke.

Other than finding a place to park on that block, Sullivan’s Pub is a great place to hang out with your friends, have a cold one and grab a bite. If you’re looking for something to do after dark, with great drink specials and top notch DJ music Sullivan’s is certainly one of Erie’s off beat hot spots worthy of a visit.