Business & Tech
Fairfield Family Moves Fairfield Restaurant to Black Rock
The Clyne Family Doubles the Size of Their Irish Pub and Restaurant, Previously Located in Fairfield Since 2015
Fairfield residents Patrick Clyne, his wife, Paula O'Rourke and their daughter Ciara Clyne, have moved their Post Road, Fairfield Irish-themed restaurant and pub, The Castle on Post, less than a mile down the road into Black Rock to 3171 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport and re-named it, "The Castle, Black Rock." In the process, they doubled the size of the restaurant from 1600 square feet to 3200 square feet and gained two parking lots.
A formal grand opening and ribbon cutting was held recently featuring Fairfield State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey and Fairfield State Senator Tony Hwang. They were joined by Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, Black Rock State Representative Steve Stafstrom, City Council Member Scott Burns and other community leaders. The ribbon was cut by neighborhood icons Dr. Jim and Joan Roach.
The National Restaurant Association estimated that about 200,000 restaurants closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and The Castle was able to stay open and grow. It did so by offering to-go orders, outdoor seating and a limited menu.
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"It is the best restaurant in New England," stated Dr. Jim Roach. "The food is delicious and the service is superior, but it is all because of Patrick... he makes his diners feel like family, "
Patrick Clyne has a long history in the restaurant business. Clyne notes this is “not your regular Irish pub. The menu offers pasta, seafood, burgers and traditional Irish cuisine." He credits his “wonderful staff” for the experience guests receive when visiting. The Castle’s motto is “When you leave home to come to The Castle, you are coming home.” Pat’s mantra has been, “I’m here to make friends, not money,” which has been his guiding force for his warm hospitality.
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Pat arrived from County Leitrim, Ireland with his thick brogue for St. Patrick’s Day in 1983 and set his roots here. He was a co-owner of the original Black Rock Castle on lower Fairfield Avenue which opened in 1989. Officiating at that ribbon cutting was the mother of Dr. Jim Roach.
Clyne's team has grown to 20 employees including O’Rourke's mom Mary O’Rourke. It is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. For more information and reservations, call (203) 292-8410 or visit https://www.thecastleblackrock...
