New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The other day I had a chance to sit down and share a pint with one of New Bedford’s most well known, but not easily understood (because of his thick Irish brogue) bar owners, Barry Flynn. As co-owner of the Catwalk Bar and Grille, Barry is a key player in the renaissance happening in downtown New Bedford.
So Barry, how long has the Catwalk been in business?
It’s been 9 great years.
Where are you originally from, and when did you come to the United States?
I’m from Cork County, Ireland, and I came here in the summer of 1994.
What did you do before going into the bar business?
I was self-employed as a general contractor for 15 years.
Why did you decide to get into the bar business?
It was the perfect time for me to diversify from general contracting into something new. Together with my business partner, Dennis Keohane, we saw the potential here in New Bedford and decided to make an investment. When we first came down from Boston and saw the location (34 Union Street), we just knew we had the perfect place for a nice Irish sports bar and nightclub. When the Catwalk first opened up there was NOTHING downtown. We saw the potential that has now come to be downtown New Bedford, and were one of the first to initiate that change.
What is your favorite part about owning the Catwalk?
Not having to clock in! Haha. That, and all the friends and people I have met.
How would you describe the Catwalk’s dining experience?
Its pub-style comfort food. We have great food and great prices. Every time I eat there myself, I find it hard not to get the steak tips. They are juicy and delicious by themselves, or on a salad.
What is your best selling food item?
The hand-prepared chicken tenders are great. We just added chicken wings as well, which have been selling really well. Steak-tips are always popular too.
What is the meaning behind the Catwalk’s name?
Catwalk was the name of the bar & grille I used to hang out in. I always loved name and thought it was catchy…and nine years later, here we are.
Now that there are many bars in downtown New Bedford, what sets you apart from other establishments?
Our roof deck: It’s the only one in town! It’s a really cool place to hang with friends & family all summer. You can also book it for a private party. Check out www.catwalkbars.com for more information.
What kind of regular specials do you have every week?
We are launching a new menu soon that will look like this:
Tuesdays will be $5 burger night.
Wednesdays will be ½ price appetizers and trivia.
Thursday we will have All-you-can-eat wings & tenders.”
-$7.95 wings/ $9.95 tenders: per person.
-$10.95 wings/ $13.95 tenders: for 2 people.
-$13.95 wings/$17.95 tenders: for 3 people.
Also, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will be ½ price appetizers until 6 P.M.
What big events do you have coming up?
As most people know, last week the Catwalk was closed for a couple days. The reason is that we’ve been doing some major renovations. 5 new TV’s were installed and the mural in the back has been changed. It’s a really big deal, and we know that EVERYONE is going to be very impressed with the new set up. We are becoming the number one place to come and watch sporting events in the city.
Thank’s Barry for sitting down and taking the time to answer these questions. And thanks for the beer. Cheers.
Check out some pictures of the new Catwalk renovations. You’re going to love it.
