Molly Maguire’s in Dallas: An Initial Impression

Not everyone has a job that allows one — nay, pays one — to go have a beer at 4:30 on a Tuesday afternoon. I sometimes forget this, and when I pushed through the door at the new Molly Maguire’s (5815 Live Oak St., 469-248-3080), I was taken aback at first by the lack of bar hubbub. It was quiet — almost too quiet. The Celtic music played low. I was outnumbered by the staff 5-to-1. As I say, though, it was early. Inside an hour, the place accommodated a dozen or so thirsty souls, and the buzz was welcome.

Here’s the thing about Molly Maguire’s: it’s in the old Tipperary space. The Tipperary was the most beautiful pub in Dallas. When Molly Maguire’s moved in, they didn’t change much. So it’s still the most beautiful pub in Dallas. The wooden snugs (the semi-private booths imported from Ireland) are still there. All the dark wood and stained glass are still there.

A few things have changed, though, and for the better. The Tipp had a reputation for getting a bit stuffy in the summer. Co-owner Hallie Clayton read a bunch of online reviews of the old place and took measures to correct problems that several people mentioned. He and his partners (Ricky Woolfolk and Joey Burzynski) installed a new 15-ton AC unit on the roof. You can feel the difference.

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