Food and Drink

Fenian’s Keep, NoDa’s newest Irish pub, is now open. Here’s what to expect

Charlotteans can grab a pint of Guinness and more at NoDa’s newest neighborhood bar.

Fenian’s Keep Irish Pub opened Saturday, March 14, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The new bar occupies the suite next door to Waterbean Coffee.

The official grand opening celebration is Saturday, March 28.

This eye-level medium shot captures the dual storefronts of Fenian’s Keep Irish Pub and Waterbean Coffee under a clear blue sky. A teal awning stretches across the front of the building, shading a patio area with black metal tables and a closed teal umbrella.
Fenian’s Keep is a new Irish Pub opening on 36th Street next to Waterbean Coffee in NoDa. Melissa Oyler | Charlotte Five
Read Next

Owner Kyle Musumeci, who’s behind sister concept Brigid’s Irish Pub in South End, emphasized Fenian’s beverage-focused menu of spirits and ales. Unlike typical bars, you won’t find any food here.

“I always say we’re kind of your local watering hole ... because we don’t serve food,” Musumeci told CharlotteFive. “Good day, bad day — we’re all going through something. And it’s a good chance that maybe we can turn it around by coming in. You never know who you’re going to meet.”

Naturally, Fenian’s drink program will focus on Guinness, a classic Irish dry stout. It’s the only draft option so far, but customers can personalize their pints with a “stoutie” — a selfie (or any image) printed directly on the foam using a special draught machine, the Guinness website says.

The full drink menu is still in the works but will include a variety of Irish beers, a few European beers and some local options too. Wine will be available by the glass, as well as prosecco if you prefer bubbles.

Musumeci said Fenian’s offerings will be built around what locals want.

“As much as I might like something, it’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about who’s gonna be coming in as our neighbors.”

Fenian’s Keep shares a few similarities with sister concept Brigid’s, though each maintains its own unique vibe and identity. That’s due in large part to the bar staff, whose upbeat personalities make all the difference and keep regulars coming back, Musumeci said.

The entrepreneur is already looking ahead and said he hopes to open additional pubs in the city.

“Charlotte is expanding and growing, which is cool to be a part of,” Musumeci told CharlotteFive. “I would love to be in another popular neighborhood and be able to replicate the culture and vibes.”

Alex Cason contributed reporting.

Fenian’s Keep

Location: 423 E 36th St, St A, Charlotte, NC 28205

Cuisine: Irish pub

Instagram: @fenianskeep

A wide-angle shot shows a tan brick building housing Fenian’s Keep Irish Pub and Waterbean Coffee, situated next to a modern apartment complex with a vibrant floral mural. The foreground features a paved patio with outdoor seating and a “Now Leasing” sign for the Noda Wandry apartments.
Fenian’s Keep will open in the suite adjacent to Waterbean Coffee. Melissa Oyler | CharlotteFive
Read Next
Read Next

This story was originally published March 11, 2026 at 12:41 PM.

Related Stories from Charlotte Observer
Tanasia Kenney
Sun Herald
Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER