Want to Buy a Bar? Downey’s Irish Pub on South Street is For Sale

Downey’s at 526 South Front Street | Image: Colliers International

Man, Spike’s Bar Rescue has not been good to the locals over the past few weeks. Michael Klein of The Insider reported last week that Osteria Calabria in Glenside has closed up shop after being renovated and rebranded by Jon Taffer and crew in the fall. A few days later, Colliers International put out a press release that Downey’s Restaurant at Front and South is up for grabs as well.

The popular Irish pub at 526 South Front Street was featured on the show’s first season in 2011 and is instantly recognizable thanks to its green facade and second-floor balcony overlooking the Delaware River (and 95). It’s listed at 10,682 square-feet and the sale includes the restaurant, bar, liquor license and the apartment above. According to the release, the “mahogany bar, wood panels and stained glass panes were imported from County Cork in Ireland.” The garage-like windows that open to the street are also a plus. Natalie Kostelni of the Philadelphia Business Journal reports the asking price is $2.9 million.

These television “rescues” have not been kind to the local food scene. Neither Osteria Calabria nor Alleged Pizza/2nd State Lounge (formerly Lickety Split) were too jazzed about their makeovers–both quickly bailed on the new concepts. La Stanza at 20th and Oregon, also renovated in 2011, although this time by Robert Irvine of The Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible, is listed as “permanently closed” after quick Google search (and a tip from Victor Fiorillo).