Gig Harbor is losing a favorite watering hole. O'Looney's Irish Pub in Uptown will pour its last pint on May 30, wrapping up a four-and-a-half-year run as a go-to neighborhood hangout for pints, live music and big St. Patrick's crowds.
Owner Joe Brockert said the decision to close was driven by stubbornly thin margins and steadily rising operating costs. The plan is to go out with a full house and a final night of music and comfort food before the doors lock for good. What happens to the building after that is anyone's guess as Brockert looks for a buyer.
Owner Cites Fees, Permits And Thin Margins
Brockert said the math simply stopped working. After covering permits, fees and everything else that comes with running a restaurant, he told the paper there was essentially nothing left over. He described his crew as a tight-knit "family" and said he does not plan to get back into the restaurant business.
Brockert owns the property and is now trying to sell. County assessor records peg the land value at about $1.5 million, according to The News Tribune.
From Dunagan Brewing To Irish Pub Mainstay
The space started its life as Dunagan Brewing in 2021 after the Tacoma brewery hopped across the Narrows to Gig Harbor, per MapQuest. In 2023, Brockert rebranded the operation as O'Looney's, a change reflected in company listings.
The pub's own site highlights an Irish-leaning menu and a steady calendar of events, from trivia nights to wedding receptions and regular live acts, according to O'Looney's Irish Pub.
Final Irish Blowout And A Fond Farewell
Before the taps go dry, O'Looney's is planning one last party. The pub will host a final "Irish blowout" on May 30 with That Irish Guy onstage, and staff shared a public thank-you to customers in a farewell message, as reported by The News Tribune.
Over its 4½ years, the spot built a reputation for lively St. Patrick's Day celebrations, film-festival after-parties and a regular rotation of live music nights. Patrons and musicians have said the space will be missed, and Brockert, in turn, thanked customers for "making this little pub something truly special."
