Legendary Sunset Strip Hangout Taking Over Former Locations of Kilkenny’s and Breakwall
Not even Jon Taffner could rescue Kilkenny’s.
But perhaps Barney’s Beanery can do it.
Taffner featured the struggling “Irish” bar (it wasn’t really an Irish bar, just had the name of one) on his Spike TV show “Bar Rescue.” He trained the staff, made them friendly, upped the quality of the food and even changed the name of the place to Breakwall.
But it never caught on and now the building at the north end of the Redondo Beach King Harbor Pier, above Brixton, is going to become a Barney’s Beanery. Finally, some corporate muscle behind it, and it may succeed. It’s due to open in the spring of 2013.
It’s good for the location, good for Redondo Beach, good for the Pier and good for the South Bay party residents.
The Pier desperately needs some new energy and enthusiasm. Those same old run-down places that have been there for decades don’t appeal to barflies. Well, with the exception of the occasional trip to Old Tony’s for a few Fire Chiefs at sunset.
Naja’s is the only regular place, and that’s just for a couple of beers after a bike ride on a sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon. And Naja’s really needs to clean up its act, put a fresh coat of paint on the place or something.
Because of its success in West Hollywood, and then expansion to Santa Monica and beyond, Barney’s Beanery brings the promise of not just an afternoon place for a beer, but a nightlife destination. It’s famous for its chili and big beer selection, but mainly, it’s a cool place to hang out with a fun vibe.
With the success of Brixton below the building, I’ve long said that the location has great potential. Perhaps Barney’s Beanery can make it realize that vast potential.
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