Making (vodka) lemonade out of road closure

By Jodi Schwan

When life gives you lemons – and you own a bar – you put a spirited twist on making lemonade.

That’s the attitude Nicki Ellerbroek, owner and general manager of McNally’s Irish Pub, is using to get through the next three weeks of road construction at 69th Street and Western Avenue.

The approaches to her business from Western are closed. The only way to access it is from 69th Street.

So to encourage customers to brave the orange barrels, Ellerbroek is making a special offer:

“We’re serving $2 vodka cocktails for the duration of the construction,” she said. “Vodka with any mixer, but we’re featuring different vodka cocktails each day.”

Monday featured vodka lemonade, appropriately for the start of construction. Tuesday will be a rosemary grapefruit vodka cocktail.

During happy hour, which offers half-price drinks from 3 to 6 p.m., the vodka beverages drop to $1.

“It’s the hottest month of summer and we thought vodka drinks are great when it’s hot outside,” Ellerbroek said.

There are daily food specials, too.

  • Monday: Half-price sliders.
  • Tuesday: Buy one burger get one free starting at 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday: Half-price beer and wine for ladies starting at 6 p.m.
  • Thursday: Buy one corned beef and cabbage and get one free.
  • Friday: Meatless nachos for $5 from 4 to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday: Late-night appetizer menu starting at 10 p.m.
  • Sunday: Family day, bring the kids for a special menu.

While the road closure is an inconvenience, the alternative would have limited access to the business for considerably longer, Ellerbroek said.

“We’ll get through it. It will just be a tough 20 days,” she said. “The area is growing, which is great for all these businesses.”

Want to stay in the know?

Get our free business news delivered to your inbox.



Making (vodka) lemonade out of road closure

“We’re serving $2 vodka cocktails for the duration of the construction,” said Nicki Ellerbroek, owner and general manager of McNally’s Irish Pub. The special kicked off Monday with vodka lemonade.

News Tip

Have a business news item to share with us?

Scroll to top