Owner 'Had Vision' To Open New Irish Poet Restaurant Bar

WANTAGH, NY — For bar co-owner Michael McNiff, he is living the American Dream. McNiff, who hails from Ireland, had called Wantagh home for more than 25 years.

After years of working at the Wantagh Inn, he was ready to take the plunge with his own bar/restaurant. That establishment-- The Irish Poet Restaurant Bar on Wantagh Avenue is that opportunity.

"You've got to have a vision," McNiff said. "I don't have a family. I don't have a house. This is my family right here."

Ownership was expedited by eight knee surgeries in the past couple of years, sidelining him from being a bartender after decades.

Despite signing the lease in May 2020 at the worst of COVID-19, McNiff was all in.

"You can't be afraid," he said. "America has given me everything I have in my life."

McNiff became a US citizen in 2014: "The best day of my life."

He hired several people from Wantagh and the surrounding communities to join his Irish Poet staff.

"This town is great," he said.

McNiff grew roots in Wantagh as his aunt and uncle lived in Baldwin. A neighbor from his hometown in Ireland knew the Wantagh Inn owner. After working at a bar in Manhattan, McNiff would join the tavern.

The Irish Poet is bigger than most bar local watering holes. It was previously a clothing store.

They can fit 70 people in the dining room and up to 30 patrons at the bar. Plus, there is a banquet room in the back that sits as many as 70 more customers and 20 big-screen televisions mounted around the bar.

But this place will cater to more than just the adult-beverage crowd.

"I want to provide a service for people to go out with their families," McNiff said. "[That's] very important for me."

He said the menu expands the typical bar fare (McNiff was given a Shepherd's Pie sample by the chef during the interview), including some healthy choices.

"We have a few nice salads. We have a lot of vegan options," McNiff said. "We have a couple of plant-based options."

McNiff appreciates the support from the area as he begins the new venture.

"I'm not one of these guys to get excited," McNiff said. "I'm a very focused, driven person."