The Iron Bar makes its official debut in Morristown

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 By Berit A. Ollestad

The Iron Bar officially opened last weekend in Morristown. But one could say it’s been six years in the making, since owner Jimmy Cavanaugh closed Jimmy’s Haunt, just a few blocks down on South Street.

That well known bar is now a TD Bank branch. The Iron Bar, in a space that formerly housed a Foot Locker store, and before that, a Woolworth’s, was slated to open last fall.  Extensive re-modeling of the building, which dates to the 19th century, pushed back the “soft opening” opening to last month.

Cavanaugh purchased the vacant building at 5 South St. with the intention of sub-dividing and leasing it for office and/or retail use. It didn’t take Cavanaugh long to recognize its potential to join Morristown’s thriving nightclub scene, however. When Jimmy’s Haunt closed in 2006, he kept the liquor license he has held since 1981.

Photos by Berit Ollestad; please click icon below for captions.

Jennifer Wehring, marketing director for the Morristown Partnership, said it was good to welcome Cavanaugh back to the business community.

“His heart really seems to be into it and he did a thoughtful job preserving key elements of the landmark building. It’s always encouraging to see the vacant spots filling up,” Wehring said.

Cavanaugh didn’t need to go far to find a partner in the venture. Darrell Remlinger got his start as a doorman at Jimmy’s Haunt and worked his way through the ranks to become general manager there.  A gentleman’s handshake cemented their partnership in the Iron Bar.

Remlinger and Cavanaugh said they do not take their responsibility as bar owners lightly.

“We would just like for the community to give us a chance to show them that we will do right by them,” Remlinger said. “If there is anyone that has an issue with us, I encourage them to contact me, my door is always open. If there is a problem with our establishment, we’ll correct it, it’s that simple.

“At the end of the day, it’s important that people come here and enjoy themselves. But ultimately this is a business for us and we want to be successful and we take our role in the community very seriously. We will not turn a blind eye to anything going on in or around our establishment that shouldn’t be.”

Remlinger is a certified trainer with T.I.P.S., short for Training for Intervention Procedures.  It’s a training program  for the responsible service, sale, and consumption of alcohol, designed to prevent intoxication, underage drinking and drunk driving. Remlinger said he intends to make sure his staff follows T.I.P.S principles.

Executive Chef Luis O’Campo, meanwhile,  has come up with a menu best  described as a little something for everyone.

The fare ranges from traditional nachos and Jersey cheese steaks to a spicy “firecracker calamari,” lobster mac and cheese and baby crab cakes served with a side of fresh mango coulis. The kitchen is open seven days a week from 11 am to 10 pm., featuring entree salads, sushi, sandwiches and everything in between. Portions are generous, with prices ranging from $3.95 for the soup du jour to $15.95 for shrimp and lobster pasta or marinated hangar steak  fresh cut french fries.

As the name suggests, the Iron Bar aims for an industrial New York vibe.  Exposed steel beams can be seen throughout the restaurant, with tin-brushed walls to give it an edge.

The lower level is scheduled to open in October. Being cautious not to call it a club, co-owner Remlinger is excited to promote it more as a destination for a nightcap or maybe a relaxed came of pool. There also is ample space for private functions. Holiday parties already are booked for December, he said.

Mayor Tim Dougherty and First Lady Mary Dougherty came on Saturday for the ribbon-cutting.

“Jimmy Cavanaugh has been a well respected business owner here in the community for years and it’s good to have him back,” the Mayor said. “Yet I want to be clear that this establishment will be held to the same high standards as all of the other surrounding bars and restaurants here in Morristown.”

With a grin and a plate of goodies, the mayor then excused himself and quietly slipped out the back, on his way to root for the New Jersey Devils in their bid for the Stanley Cup.

READ MORE ABOUT THE IRON BAR

IT'S OFFICIAL: Morristown's Iron Bar is open for business. From left: Alex Misthos, Ashley Almisegeo, Alexis Sacks and Megan Cummins. Photo by Berit Ollestad
IT'S OFFICIAL: Morristown's Iron Bar is open for business. From left: Alex Misthos, Ashley Almisegeo, Alexis Sacks and Megan Cummins. Photo by Berit Ollestad

2 COMMENTS

  1. Dave-you are absolutely correct and I have included the address in the full review that we hope to have up by later today. The Iron Bar is located at 5 South St next to Cups Frozen yogurt shop.
    Thanks!
    Berit

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