Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Farrell’s Lounge prepares for expansion
Farrell’s Lounge needs no introduction. For locals, the upscale sports bar and gastropub is near and dear to their heart. It is a one stop shop, catering to all needs, whether it is great, high-quality food or a place to relax while watching the game – any game. Farrell’s Lounge has it all. Good music, good beer, and above all, good company.
Upon walking in, customers are greeted like old friends. Here, everyone is a regular – even if it is their first time visiting. The sports bar restaurant is reminiscent of the 1980s show, Cheers, where “everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.”
Farrell’s Lounge is an experience like no other. It is refined, stylized and highly personal. People from all walks of life will be situated at one of the many tables or at the bar at any given moment, and on most occasions one can spot the owner, Tim Farrell, Jr., bussing the tables, chatting with customers and making sure the food is top-notch upon delivery. Farrell, who opened the lounge in September of 2010, had been bartending for almost a decade when he decided to start his own venture. He had mulled the idea over in his head for a few years, waiting for the right place to become available. When a building on Dickson Street opened, Farrell leapt at the opportunity. He never intended on opening a bar, but after bartending and working in the restaurant industry since Junior High, Farrell felt as if this was where he needed to be.
“I just really liked being behind the bar and talking to people,” Farrell said. “I feel like our job is easy. People are choosing to walk in the door and all we have to do is smile and show them a good time. I said to myself, ‘I guess this is what I need to do.’ So I just started grinding away.” Farrell originally brought his cousin, Chef William McCormick who graduated from the New England Culinary Institute, into the gastropub to create the menu for Farrell’s Lounge. Chef McCormick came up with creations still used in the menu today. Farrell said one item he came up with is a spin on a classic bleu cheese burger by adding in a fig marmalade, giving it a sweet and savory taste. Some of the most popular food, in fact, are the burgers – and for good reason. This classic pub fare gets a high-end upgrade at Farrell’s Lounge. Farrell’s Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger is extremely popular. It has high-quality beef tenderloin ground in-house with Petit Jean Mountain slab bacon and Tillamook white cheddar pimento cheese, topped with American cheese and even more bacon.
Another staple menu item is the Hangover Burger, which has applewood smoked slab bacon, a fried egg, crispy hash brown and American cheese. The burgers at Farrell’s are legendary, but they have a wide range of menu items available, including lighter fare, like wraps, salads and the popular pan roasted chicken breast.
Inside, the atmosphere is enjoyable and relaxing. It is styled like an old English pub with a modern twist. Details, like the large fireplace, glass bottle chandeliers and comfortable bar stools make Farrell’s Lounge feel upscale and cozy. From anywhere in the lounge one can view a high-definition television playing any game of their choice. Farrell said to just call and ask about the game they’re wanting to see and if they don’t have it, they will get it.
The old brick building that now houses Farrell’s Lounge has seen many transformations. For several decades, the building was a bakery. A large sign hanging over the alley beside the building still reads “The Bakery” in bold lettering. After the bakery shut down, it became a burger joint, then a retro-themed restaurant, then a Bangkok cuisine place, and finally Farrell’s Lounge. While the history of the building seems ever-changing, Farrell’s Lounge does not plan on going anywhere any time soon. In fact, Farrell said they are in the process of expanding.
The lounge has been expanded once before to add a private room for rehearsal dinners, parties, meetings or other events. Now, they are taking over an additional 2,000 square feet of the building in hopes to expand the seating area and the kitchen to accommodate more customers. Farrell would also like to expand the bathrooms a bit.
Farrell’s Lounge has truly become a community staple and they plan to keep it that way. Farrell said the expansion opens way for many exciting opportunities, like new menu items and a whole slew of things that are still in the works. He plans to release Fall semester specials soon, so keep an eye on Farrell’s Lounge as it expands and shakes up Dickson Street once again in the best way possible. two sides for only $25 – and the beautiful view of the cascading waterfalls and creek are completely free! Although the fare is mostly upscale, there are a few southern-style fried foods available.