Sully’s Irish Pub

Movin’ on up

The building Sully’s is now located in underwent a total renovation; it was previously home to Blue Tomato restaurant.

Iowa’s oldest Irish pub, and the bar known for its St. Patrick’s Day blowouts — Sully’s Irish Pub — has moved to 860 First St. in West Des Moines. The 40-year-old establishment opened in its new location on July 7.

“(It was a) madhouse,” co-owner Bill Boggs says of opening day.

“It was a little nuts because we had been closed for a week, and everyone was really anxious,” Bill’s wife and co-owner Amy Boggs says. The couple has owned the bar for four years and actually met at Sully’s, once upon a time.

The beloved pub was forced to move after a city storm sewer project was slated to run through the old location, but the owners wanted to stay in the area. The new location was previously home to Blue Tomato Kitchen, which shuttered its doors on Nov. 1, 2016. The building underwent a total renovation before opening as Sully’s. Construction began in mid-April and was completed in July. They’ve kept the friendly neighborhood atmosphere but have also made a few upgrades.

“We have windows now,” Bill says.

“We had no windows in the other bar,” Amy laughs.

Along with the new sun-soaked, open-concept floor plan, regulars and new patrons can now enjoy a pool table, larger covered patio, 24 beers on tap and a small food menu offering classic bar fare. The pub is also the only bar in the city to serve Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey on tap.

What hasn’t changed are the bar’s prices and drink specials, offering happy hour pricing, drink deals, team specials, bicycle specials and more on any day of the week. Sully’s will continue hosting the same events as in the past, like the epic St. Pat’s party. The popcorn machine also made the move, which — like any good pub — is always free.

Sully’s is one of the few bars in the Des Moines area open 365 days a year.

“There’s a lot of people that like to get away from their families during the holidays,” Bill says.

“It’s actually some of our busiest times,” Amy adds. ♦