PJ Horgan’s at 49-02 Skillman Ave. (Photo: Nathaly Pesantez)
March 19, 2018 By Nathaly Pesantez
P.J. Horgan’s, the Irish bar and eatery, has at last returned to Sunnyside.
The locale officially opened at 49-02 Skillman Ave. on Wednesday, about three years after its original Queens Boulevard location closed. The former location first opened nearly 50 years ago.
The new pub, however, denotes the business’s history in the neighborhood, with “Est. 1963” emblems adorning the outside.
The bar offers a variety of craft and draft beers, whiskeys, gins, and more. Several booths are laid out at the location, along with over a dozen seats for patrons.
Inside PJ Horgan’s (Photo: Christian Amez)
Joe Gillespie, P.J. Horgan’s co-owner, first revealed plans to open the pub on Skillman Avenue in 2017. He said the new location would be an updated version of his old store, and that he embarked on a search for a new location in Sunnyside immediately after the former site closed.
Gillespie said Wednesday’s opening saw a “very positive” response from the community.
“We are happy to be open,” Gillespie said.
The Skillman site once held a dry cleaning business, and had to be completely revamped to accommodate the new bar and restaurant.
P.J. Horgan’s will begin to offer standard pub fare similar to what was offered in the Queens Boulevard location (chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches, soups) in the summer. Prices range from $12 to $15.
Gillespie, an ever-popular figure in Sunnyside, is also the co-owner of the Globe Tavern next door to his new pub.
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34 Comments
Horribly disappointed. Just what Sunnyside needs. Another generic Irish pub with sports on TV.
Walked in there today. They spent too much money on finishes and hardware. Too much built in woodwork. The floor plan stinks. The prices reflect the fact they need to recoup some cash to pay back loans. Then the neighborhood gets used to the higher prices and garners a new crowd that never new the old Horgans. It’s really a shame. They could have updated the old Horgans without turning into an airport lounge with airport prices.
Beautiful place. Asked for merlot, was shocked $13.! Great tasting wine too. But then, again, the neighborhood is quickly changing. And i guess I’m used to it because i saw it happen in Park Slope. Will still go there. Joes a great guy and he put a lot of money into the place.
There are so many places to get drinks for much less in the area. This is really odd. It’s not like this is a hipster joint. Maybe they will drop the prices a buck or so when the crowds of people who are just curious stop coming. That would probably keep everyone happy. I don’t see how they can keep a steady crowd at these prices. There’s just too much competition.
The old P.J. Horgans was great, good burgers, it’s would be a shame if overcharging more at the new pj’s it won’t survive if they continue. Plus l’ll have to go out of my way all the way up to 49th more than 10 blocks – to pay more. I’ll stay on the south side of the Blvd.
This is awesome. Can’t wait to get backed. If you are priced out, you are priced out. Move on then, but don’t put down the place. I absolutely missed the old place. I will be going back real soon. Bartender is a great guy.
Beer prices are WAY too high. You don’t ask $8.50 for pint anywhere, especially a working class neighborhood in Queens.
The bartender sure is cute though. Him you can keep.
Sorry, but these people are not paying Manhattan rents. 1 pint=$6
do you know how much rent they’re paying? might niot be manhattan, but its definitely not as low as it was 5-10 yrs ago. if 8.50 is too much…dont drink there…i think mc’guiness’s charges less, but guess what, i like atmosphere when i go out to drink
I’d happily pay for another one of those Guinnesses.. Best pint I’ve had. Great work Joe! I wish you the best.
Great bar and lovely staff. Irish bar tender called Roger looked very liked Mel Gibson and had a lovely manner about him which summed up the pub. Great spot
Infatuated with the bartender and willing to spend $8.50 for a Guinness Christopher?…The crowd is certainly changing in Sunnyside!
The article says the original spot opened “nearly 50 years ago.” But the bar’s window says “Est. 1963.” So doesn’t that mean it’s 55 years old?
wow, looks awesome!
$8.50 for a pint of Guinness and the bartender works for tips? It’s a really nice place but this still is a working class neighborhood..Really wish I could patronize it but I’m priced out!!!
Walked in-paid $9.00 for a pint
I’m out
Gotta pay the rent.
How much for a pint?
Bravo and best wishes!
HORGANS, PLEASE OFFER CURRY CHEESE FRIES AS ONE OF YOUR MENU ITEMS!!
THANKS,
YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR.
🙂
Please have Fish and Chips like the old location had.
Will there be outdoor seating? Pretty small place for dining inside.
Stopped in yesterday. Could not believe what they are charging! Asked the bartender if he gave me the right change. Disappointing
How is any one of these bars different than the other? It seems like they are all identical.
Me- Are you for real.?The bars on Skillman are all distinctly different from one another. Obviously not your thing.
The difference is this one has rip-off prices.
Me- Another well thought out post. How is that school treating you? Diid anyone answer your ridiculous question as to why body builders pose for photos just like people who aren’t body builders?
Excellent. Neighborhood is getting hip again.
Good
It’s lovely but way too expensive. $8.50 for a Guinness in Queens is ridiculous
$8.50!?!? No, no, no.
Competition should bring downward pressure, right?
Except that the same owner owns The Globe.
IT’S A BOOZE MONOPOLY!
Oh, I was going to come right up for one of those burgers! They were great. Guess I’ll see you after Memorial Day! Thanks for coming back.
Good Luck Joe !
Thanks for reviving one of the greatest pubs in the history of drinking.
Great news.