Well-Known Irish Bar in Sunnyside Reopens Under New Name Following Major Refurbishment

The Goat, located at 43-17 Queens Blvd. (Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)

Dec. 6, 2020 By Michael Dorgan

A well-known Irish bar in Sunnyside has reopened under a new name following a major refurbishment.

The Gaslight, located at 43-17 Queens Blvd., shuttered in March due to coronavirus restrictions but re-opened late last month as “The Goat.”

The establishment has undergone a facelift with the exterior now sporting a charcoal-colored façade while the inside has been revamped to give it a modern look. The bar now offers a wide range of craft beers and cocktails, and is also providing a limited food menu for the first time.

Alan Slattery, who had an ownership stake in the Gaslight before it closed, bought out his former business partner and set about overhauling the bar over the summer.

Slattery, 44, said he wanted to give the bar a warmer feel and make it more appealing to residents.

“I completely gutted the inside,” said Slattery, an Irish immigrant from County Tipperary, who added that the establishment now has a totally new vibe.

The walls behind the bar counter were stripped bare to expose the building’s original brickwork. Other interior walls have been brightened up.

The ceiling has been painted white and new brown leather seats have also been installed throughout the premises.

There are low hanging Edison lights above the bar counter and five new flat-screen TVs have been put up throughout the venue. The restrooms have also been fully refurbished, Slattery said.

The interior of The Goat (Photo: Alan Slattery)

Slattery, a Yonkers resident, said he kept the Gaslight’s front awning largely unchanged as he felt it is distinctive and gives the bar character.

The back patio area, which was a popular feature of the Gaslight, is now more spacious. Slattery has created more room for customers by removing an old heating and air conditioning unit. He plans to make additional changes to the patio in spring.

Slattery has made other changes to the bar, although these are mainly to meet COVID-19 regulations.

Several tables have been placed by the main counter as a workaround to over-the-counter restrictions. Under current restrictions, alcohol is only permitted to be served at tables and not directly over-the-counter.

“A lot of people frequent bars to chat with the bar person and this system allows them to do it safely,” Slattery said.

Meanwhile, the tables and chairs have been spaced out to ensure proper social distancing.

Slattery has introduce a small food menu, which helps him remain in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines. He is offering toasted sandwiches and paninis that can be ordered with drinks.

The Goat, which was named after a similarly titled bar in Dublin, is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday and from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Slattery hopes to extend these hours once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

The space can hold 74 people (when the pandemic is over) and Slattery said it is difficult to turn a profit under the current circumstances. However, he said he is undeterred by COVID-19.

“I don’t have much choice really, I have to keep going or else walk away and lose a ball of cash that I worked really hard for,” he said.

“But I’m trying to remain positive and move forward and I think the bar will really appeal to people in the community.”

“I hope they will be impressed with the changes and call in.”