With a unique and cozy Irish pub atmosphere, McMahon’s Brownstone Ale House is one of the best nightlife spots in the mile-square city’s uptown section.
Francis McMahon, McMahon’s owner, works hard to create a friendly atmosphere at his bar at 1034 Willow Ave. The efforts seem to have yielded results.
"We’ve had at least two marriages come out of people meeting here," said McMahon as he prepared his bar for another busy night.
One couple was so pleased with the fact that they met at McMahon’s, they invited Francis and his wife Eileen to their wedding.
"We had a party for them after the wedding at the bar," he said.
McMahon has operated McMahon’s Brownstone Ale House since 1995. Before coming to America, McMahon was a professional soccer player in England, playing for teams like Coventry and Lincoln. Arriving in America eight and a half years ago, McMahon worked at a few Hoboken bars before opening his Brownstone Ale House.
Featured at McMahon’s on the last Wednesday of the month is the Willy Lynch Trio. The Trio’s play list includes classic rock, pop tunes and traditional Irish music. There is no cover charge during the Trio’s performances, and Guinness, Harp, Caffrey’s and Killian are on special for $3 a pint.
"We have other bands come in," McMahon added. "But that’s only occasionally."
The Willy Lynch Trio is part of McMahon’s efforts to create a friendly environment at the well-known bar.
"We’ve got pool tables and a league, but it’s mostly just for fun," said McMahon. The Brownstone Ale House has contributed two teams to the Hoboken Pool League. According to McMahon, one of the bar’s two teams has won titles in competitions during the last six years.
McMahon’s also hosts its own men’s soccer team. Currently playing in the Garden State League B Division North, McMahon’s soccer team competes against teams like Maplewood and the Hudson Liberty/Parsippany Pumas. Home games are played on River Road in West New York, opposite Arthur’s Landing restaurant. The team features players from both Europe and America. For more information on the team contact Dan Sheehan at dsheehan@westminsterresearch.com.
On Sundays, McMahon’s provides grilled hot dogs and hamburgers during Sunday night football games, which keeps the festive atmosphere alive during the weekends.
"What I want to have at my bar is a friendly atmosphere,’ McMahon said. "We have the atmosphere of a neighborhood bar. This is a place where women can come in by themselves and not worry."
McMahon’s Brownstone Ale House features a number of draught beers, including domestic brews like Yuengling, Budweiser and Sierra Nevada. Imported beers include Harp, Boddington and Killians.
Regular customers at McMahon’s often describe the Guinness served there as the "best in Hoboken."
"And those claims are made by people who have drunk Guinness all over town," said McMahon.
The proud owner said the quality glass of Guinness is created through proper pouring and storage temperature. His Guinness is stored at 39 degrees Fahrenheit and is properly drawn to keep away a large head of foam known as "the bishop’s collar."
McMahon’s has a staff of handpicked bartenders, chosen by McMahon as much for personality as well as bartending skill.
"Most of the job is 99 percent personality," McMahon commented. "The same people who work here, live here. They know about the community."
McMahon’s Brownstone Ale House is located at 1034 Willow Ave. It is open Mondays through Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fridays from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m., from noon to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2 a.m. McMahon’s also accommodates private parties. For more information call (201) 798-5650. q