There’s a new kid on the block in downtown Greeley offering locals and visitors another option to dining and drinks in a unique, yet welcoming, atmosphere.
The Centennial Public House, located at 819 9th St. in downtown, opened its doors in the building that formerly housed Lonesome Buck Brewing.
Owner Brian Seifried purchased the building with the vision of opening a traditional Irish pub.
“I have a passion for downtown Greeley. I really love what’s going on here and the energy,” Seifried explained. “Looking at this building sitting empty and knowing the history of it, I knew we had to do something. So we doubled up on our plaza presence.”
The prior to The Centennial House and Lonesome Buck, the building housed a few other establishments, including The Armadillo.
The Centennial Public House is located in the former site of Lonesome Buck Brewery in downtown Greeley. (Courtesy/Centennial Hospitality Group)
“It’s funny to hear the stories of what people remember and felt with the different operators,” Seifried said.
No matter which version of the building you remember, walking into The Centennial Public House will be a pleasant and fun experience.
Adorned in rich blues, bronzes and browns, the speakeasy/Irish pub feel is welcoming and elegant at the same time.
“We knew we wanted to do something comforting. The real vision for me was a gathering place. Downtown is about where people can come together to have a few drinks after work, or with buddies or a family gathering,” Seifried explained. “So we wanted somewhere comfortable and cozy, not loud and bright.”
Seifried partnered with Jeff Eyser, owner of Flip This Bitch out of Los Angeles, to help come up with the concept for the new pub. Eyser is also the mastermind behind the design of Sexy Sammies eateries and Luna’s Tacos and Tequila.
Renaissance man and owner of The Centennial Public House, Brian Seifried. (Tamara Markard/Staff Reporter)
“Jeff really nailed the vision on this, as he always does,” said Seifried.
The décor and offerings at The Centennial Public House make it a great place for a casual after-work get together or to celebrate a special occasion and anything in between.
“I wanted this to speak to the state’s history and Greeley’s history. But not be honky-tonky or like a country store,” Seifried said. “I want it to be a place that feels like you’re going out and there’s an experience behind it.”
Similar to Lonesome Buck, the pub has booths along the back wall and small tables that sit in the middle of the room. The long bar offers plenty of seating with views of televisions mounted along the back wall bookshelf.
The bookshelf is filled with books about Colorado and Western history.
The Centennial Public House’s Black Knight is a must-try for whiskey lovers. (Courtesy/Centennial Hospitality Group)
Seifried tracked down the pub’s literary collection with the help of Pablo Guzman, owner of The Midnight Oil Bookstore, also in downtown Greeley.
One book in particular, “Centennial” by James A. Michener, holds a special place on the shelf. The novel played a role in the inspiration behind the pub’s name.
Published in 1974, “Centennial” traces the history of the plains of north-east Colorado. The fictional town of Centennial and its surroundings represent regions in modern Weld County.
Guests can enjoy a variety of different hot and cold appetizers, handhelds, entrees, soup and salads, desserts and sides.
The restaurant makes its own pastrami that is piled high between rye bread slathered with whole grain mustard and topped with slaw.
Mussels in Red combines the flavors of Polidori spicy Italian sausage and marinara with the seafood for an elegant hot appetizer. (Courtesy/Centennial Hospitality Group)
“We wanted to have some pub snacks as well as nice hearty meals and Chef Chris really ran with it,” Seifried said. “We have a smoker that came with the building so we are using that in some fun and creative ways. Not Southern-style barbecue, but a few other things.”
Keeping in tradition with the classic pub atmosphere, Centennial’s Shepherd’s Pie is a true comfort food. The entrée combines minced smoked lamb and beef with carrots, onion, celery and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
When it comes to libations, guests can choose from specialty cocktails, wine and beer from local breweries, including WeldWerks Brewing Company and TightKnit Brewing Co.
“Our craft cocktail program has lots of great cocktails that will focus on local spirits like our neighbors at 477 Distilling,” Seifried said. “We want to support our friends and neighbors in the breweries. We have a nice beer list with a few Europeans thrown in there for that nice pub feel.”
The Centennial Public House has opened in downtown Greeley, adding yet another restaurant option for visitors and locals to try. (Tamara Markard/Staff Reporter)
The downstairs portion of the building houses the kitchen as well as the former brewing area utilized by Lonesome Buck.
While Seifried has no intention of brewing his own beer, he does have a clever and unique plan for the space.
“We have some fun plans for a small bar downstairs. Kind of just a weekend hangout with 35 seats,” he said. “But that’s phase two, so we are thinking that’s for winter time.”
As president and founder of the Centennial Hospitality Group, CHG, established in 2004, The Centennial Public House joins fellow establishments Wing Shack, Luna’s Tacos and Tequila and Sexy Sammies.
CHG restaurant locations stretch across northern Colorado into southern Wyoming.
The NoCo Cosmo combines Grey Goose strawberry lemongrass vodka with other ingredients for a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. (Courtesy/Centennial Hospitality Group)
“I have faith that in the long haul, this is going to be the spot,” Seifried said. “People want something different and relates to their community. And this is something you can only experience in Greeley.”
The Centennial Public House is open from 4-11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
For more information, including the food and drink menu and the loyalty points program, go to www.thecentennial.co .
This article was originally published in Greeley Tribune