Eduardo's Owner Opening New Place in Somers

Eddie Lubic, who owns Eduardo's Restaurant in Mount Kisco, is a partner in a new Somers restaurant that is opening today.

The Muscoot Tavern was humming on Wednesday afternoon as two men drilled a new white painted sign with red letters atop the roof of what might be Westchester's oldest bar and restaurant. 

Co-owner Ann-Margaret Wagner, whose partner, Lubic, was putting the finishing touches on a six-week renovation that included new bathrooms, a shiny new bar top and a newly supported foundation and floor, when she took time to talk to Patch about their plans for the beloved location.

The couple, who have a 5-year-old daughter, leased the restaurant and little white house next door in May and since then have focused on giving Muscoot a little "TLC," as Wagner said.

Now, what's old at the Muscoot Tavern is new again. Using her background in hospitality to fine-tune the details, Wagner "saw the potential" in the homey atmosphere and restored the restaurant, which was in need of repair, and changed the menu.

Wagner referenced old photos, paintings and news clippings to repaint the exterior barn-red with white accents. A large scrolled, antique frame she found in the house basement now holds old newspaper clippings about the restaurant that were once just pinned to the wall of the entrance vestibule. Her mother, who lives in Pennsylvania, sewed the curtains. And now there's a private dining area in what used to be a closed-in office. 

Lubic added his own subtle nod to change by placing a bear he hunted years ago over the bar, signalling what was once a fisherman's haven is now, as Wagner said, his own hunting ground. And the pot-hole filled parking lot has been leveled. "You don't want a dust bowl out there every time someone pulls in," said Wagner. That's especially important for patrons who wish to sit on the newly-expanded patio.  

Other familiar elements of the new Muscoot Tavern? Liz Magrino and Bonnie Corcoran--the well-known wait staff can still serve up your pizza or the newly-added rotisserie chicken or hamburger stuffed with brisket. New chef Scott O'Sullivan describes the menu as having a new American influence. 

The traffic on Route 100 was a big draw for the couple, although neither Lubic nor Wagner had ever been in the establishment before. "I thought it was a supply store. You can’t really see it," said Wagner. "I walked in here one day I saw what could be done and what needed to be done." The new sign is meant to let people know its a friendly place to stop for a bite. 

One of the most important aspects on the renovation was to maintain the atmosphere that drew regulars. "People felt like this was a home away from home. It was a very humble establishment," said Wagner. 

And it's not just locals who loved the Muscoot—Hollywood has also come calling recently. In March, scenes from "Lucky Dog," a film starring Oscar-nominated actor Paul Giamatti and comedy favorite Paul Rudd, shot at the restaurant and the house. According to the Internet Movie Database, "Lucky Dog" is about two French Canadian Christmas tree salesmen who travel to New York to sell trees.  

Muscoot Tavern is located at 105 Route 100, just south of Route 35. Starting today, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday from noon to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until midnight; and Sunday for dinner from 4 to 11 p.m. The hours of operation are subject to change. And when Wagner says midnight, she means the kitchen, too.

"I am going to learn how to cook the food so if the chef is gone, I’ll cook whatever they want," she said. 

 For more information go to muscoottavern.com. A takeout meal for a family of six is also available and they'll bring the food right to your car. The restaurant seats 48.