T.C. O’Leary’s Irish Pub – Portland, OR

“This race and this country and this life produced me, he said. I shall express myself as I am.” – James Joyce

The owner of this pub purchased a space in Portland’s now famous Alberta Arts District that required an ambitious re-design and renovation to accomplish his dream of creating an authentic Irish pub experience.  As an Irishman in Portland’s food scene, he was disappointed in how the culture was being represented in kitschy themed restaurants and bars, and importantly, felt there were customers eager to embrace and appreciate an authentic Irish pub experience.  This meant he also wanted a snug.

After researching the history of snugs, we balanced the authenticity and historical integrity of the snug with the pub’s need for an order and takeout area that was street-side accessible, as that was a fast growing part of their business needs.  Projects like T.C. O’Leary’s hold a special place for Amy Vail Design, because they mean helping someone visualize and realize a dream.