The space wasn’t fit for public use until Nick Kostis opened the bar with partners in 1984. He sandblasted the brick, built the raised dining platform, constructed the bar, and mounted the pictures that still hang today. The weathered wooden floors have been taking a beating since the late-1800s.
Little Bar is now owned by the Johnny’s group, but you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking that the joint belonged to Patrick McNamara. A fixture for 15 years, the manager and his skeleton crew keep the small, perennially busy saloon running smoothly day, night and after hours. A couple years back, McNamara earned recognition as one of the city’s best bartenders, an honor he shrugs off with nonchalance.
Those half-pound burgers always hit the spot, but so do sandwiches like the stellar turkey club , grilled or fried chicken sandwiches and classic tuna melts . Sandwiches come with housemade chips but only suckers don’t fork over the extra $2.75 for the fresh-cut fries or dreamy onion rings. Little Bar is rarely mentioned when it comes to wings, but theirs are top-notch, served by the dozen and available dry-rubbed or finger-licking saucy.