AJ O'Brady's Taking St. Patrick's Day to a New Level

It was roughly around this time last year that opened its doors for the first time to customers on the corner of Main and Mill streets. Now, 10,000 pounds of corned beef and 35,000 burgers later, owner Bruce Russell is hoping to throw a big party for St. Patrick’s Day.

As the only Irish pub and grill in the Falls, Russell it pretty much goes without saying that St. Patrick’s Day is the time to shine, and shine they will. However, there’s no need to wait till Saturday for the festivities to begin. For Russell, the celebration begins Thursday.

“Obviously this year with it being on Saturday we are trying to compete with the big dogs in the area like Mo’s and Bub’s.”

On Thursday, the band Blarney will warm up the festivities and play a few sets inside AJ’s.

On Friday morning, an outdoor heated tent will occupy the parking lot at Lime Kiln Park. However, Russell said is allowing customers to park behind the bank. The tent will open at 5 p.m. and DJ Shamrock will spin Irish music to start the evening. At 8 p.m. comedic musician Pat McCurdy will jump on the outdoor stage and perform until 10 p.m.

The following day, the big day, AJ’s will open at 7 a.m. for breakfast – and of course drinks. At 11 a.m., a bags tournament will begin inside the tent. At noon, Jay Mathes will play in the tent until 3 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. A second band, Midnight Run, will follow, and at night Tallymore will play. DJ Shamrock will be play throughout the day between bands.

You’ll also want to check out the kilt contest at 10:45 a.m. Saturday. Prizes will be awarded for best male, female, most creative kilts.

This weekend is not only a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day at AJ’s, but it also marks a successful first year as a business in downtown Menomonee Falls.

“Business has been a lot better than we thought it would be at the start,” Russell said.

Over the past year, Russell said customer service and affordable prices have been key to filling the tables at AJ’s. He said many customers remark that the pub and grill has a “Cheers” atmosphere where one could recognize everyone at the bar. Russell said they've also contributed to more than 200 charities and sponsored 10 local sports teams.

And after a successful first year, Russell has his sights set on the future. He said they hope to purchase the building they are in within the year. After that, Russell said they plan to build an outdoor patio overlooking the waterfall and a banquet room upstairs. He’s also mulling opening a second location near Brookfield or the southern border of the village.

“We definitely want to stay the course of being an economically friendly place,” Russell said. “But we’re not done yet.”