An inside look at Charlotte’s newest Irish pub, making a comeback in NoDa
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- McHale’s returns in NoDa with Irish fare, local beer and community focus.
- Owner Brendan Kuhlkin revives pub to reflect authenticity and neighborhood spirit.
- Chef Bess de Keyzer blends Irish classics with Carolina flavor in seasonal menu.
Directly next to Haberdish in NoDa, the gold lacquered “McHale’s” sign is officially up and adorning the red brick exterior of the newest iteration of McHale’s Pub.
The original McHale’s operated in Fort Mill from 1997 to 2014 and in Rock Hill from 2004 to 2020. Owner Brendan Kuhlkin, who lives in the NoDa neighborhood, had his eye on the then vacant building for a while before deciding to reopen his former concept at 3112 N Davidson St.
McHale’s is now open and sold nearly 4000 Guinness in its first two weeks, with Brandon Burton bringing over 20 years of experience in the industry as the general manager.
The pub, known for its craft beers, Irish-inspired pub fare and laid back atmosphere, was a popular community gathering spot with live music and events during its South Carolina tenure.
Now, with the pub open just a few blocks away from his own home, Kuhlkin intends to keep that original spirit.
As for why he brought it back?
“The neighborhood needed a pub,” Kuhlkin said. “This is a place for everyone, from eight to 80. … We’re about compassion, community and belonging.”
Take a peek inside
McHale’s red exterior features a side entrance that leads you into the main bar area. Wood-paneling, exposed brick and soft, vintage lighting has the transportive effect Kuhlkin and his team intended.
Minority partner Kyle Kennedy, who hails from Dublin and frequented the original McHale’s while playing soccer at Winthrop, says they took efforts to make this piece of NoDa as authentic to its Irish roots as possible.
A dining area leads to two charming “snugs,” traditional cozy spaces for patrons to relax and socialize with a bit more intimacy. Then, there’s the covered porch for sports broadcasts and a spacious outdoor area that Kennedy says will be turned into a beer garden-esque atmosphere.
Local artwork adorns the walls, as do different bits of Irish iconography: Guinness posters, nods to Irish folk artists and authors and even photographs of Kuhlkin’s own family. His mother’s maiden name is McHale, and that name has now been passed down not only to the restaurant, but to Kuhlkin’s brother, grandson and nephew, as well.
The menu at McHale’s
The menu maintains a few of the most beloved items from the original McHale’s — fish and chips and Irish egg rolls, for example — but most of the offerings are brand new.
Chef Bess de Keyzer, formerly of Fern, Flavors From The Garden, combines Irish dishes with classic Carolina flavors.
Expect spice bags (a mix of fries, fried chicken, veggies and Chinese Five Spice that’s reminiscent of curry), fresh fish, mussels and oysters, vegan fare, a weekend brunch menu and more. Kennedy says the menu will likely change seasonally.
Behind the bar, there are eight drinks on tap, including Magners Irish Cider, Smithwick’s, Harp and Murphy’s, plus a few lagers and local brews.
Bar manager Brian Hallihan will pull together a cocktail menu featuring a variety of craft drinks with a proper focus on whiskey.
McHale’s Irish Pub
Location: 3112 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Cuisine: Pub fare, Irish beer
Instagram: @mchalespub
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This story was originally published July 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
