Llywelyn's Brings Celtic Menu to Winghaven

It’s a bit like the old sitcom hangout Cheers--assuming Sam Malone and his fictional staff served Celtic fare, of course.

“There’s really a family feel with the staff and the customers,” said Danny Driscoll, general manager of Llywelyn’s Pub,. “It kind of throws people when they come in, and we know everyone’s name.”

Llywelyn’s Pub debuted at Winghaven during the middle of last month. It’s the fifth area location for the growing chain, which started up three and a half decades ago in the Central West End and has since expanded to Webster Groves, Soulard and St. Charles. There’s also a location in Overland Park, KS.

In addition to the standard salads, sandwiches, burgers and wraps, Llywelyn’s is known for its traditional pub fare. Patrons can enjoy culinary delights, such as Irish stew, cabbage rolls, pot roast colcannon, or a “Dublin lawyer,” a sirloin steak in lobster mushroom sherry sauce.

House specialties include white chili, Welsh potato chips and the pub burger, which is served on an English muffin and topped with caramelized onions, bacon and cheddar cheese.

Driscoll likes to bill it as a menu diners can’t find anywhere else.

“It’s Welsh, Scottish and Irish,” he said. “We do fish and chips, which is a pretty standard dish, but it’s one of our traditions. The steak and cheese sandwich is another Llywelyn’s staple. Then we do shepherd’s pie, bangers and mashed. It’s just a unique menu.”

That philosophy carries over to the bar side of the operation as well.

“We have a wide variety of draught beers,” Driscoll said. “We like to make sure you have a selection of beers you can’t get just anywhere. We have a lot of fine whiskeys as well.”

An average dinner for two at Llywelyn’s runs about $30 to $35 with drinks. Delivery is not available, but carryout is. Driscoll said they may eventually establish curbside service.

He notes that the atmosphere and food selection are meant to cater to a diverse audience of customers.

“We have a lot of families in for the food,” he said. “We also have the country club right over here, and a lot of golfers come by for a glass of scotch after a game.”

So far response has been supportive and dinnertimes have been particularly busy, Driscoll said.

Meanwhile, the operation serves a dual role as both an eatery and a watering hole. Live music will be available on the weekends at the establishment, which is open until 1:30 a.m.

“We want a lively atmosphere,” he said. “We’re very much a restaurant, but we also want a pub feel. We hope to have people eating and drinking and having a good time.”

Driscoll said the Llywelyn’s idea has meshed well with all of the communities where it has been introduced, and O’Fallon is no exception.

“We haven’t had to adjust too much,” he said. “It seemed to be a really good fit for this area for this neighborhood. There are different communities and customer bases, but as far as the concept goes, we didn’t really have to adapt it.”

He said the secret is simple.

“We pride ourselves on great customer service,” Driscoll said. “We are always looking to provide that fun, friendly atmosphere. Hot food, cold drinks, good friends and good times.”

Housed at 7434 Village Center Dr., Llywelyn’s will bring about 30 new jobs to the Boardwalk Marketplace. Driscoll said he likes the area, and the feeling seems to be mutual.

The people who come in are really nice, and it’s a good, fun, friendly place,” he said. “They’re happy we’re here, and we’re happy to be here.”