Thirsty Whale Bar owner opening Iron Horse Bar & Grill in Algonquin

ALGONQUIN – The owner of a 6-year-old Algonquin restaurant on Friday will open the doors of a second, brand-new eatery and bar – Iron Horse Bar & Grill.

The owner of Thirsty Whale Bar, 1700 S. Randall Road, Joe Condo, of Lake in the Hills, said he launched plans for a new restaurant last year.

After securing the building at 3965 W. Algonquin Road, the location of the former Foley’s Pub, Condo has been building out and rehabbing the space ahead of the opening of Iron Horse.

“This is a concept I always wanted to try – a smaller venue,” Condo said. “Thirsty Whale is almost 9,000 square feet.”

The new joint will be about 2,400 square feet and will sit about 86 people, he added.

Those who come Friday will be met by an entirely new building, much different than what was there before.

“It’s completely rehabbed,” Condo said. “The bar has been redone, there’s a wood and metal exterior, we finished the floors, and added a 95-inch fireplace in the mid-wall within the building.”

There also will be TVs for those looking for a new sports venue to frequent.
However, Condo added Iron Horse has been designed to appeal not only to sports enthusiasts, but all residents looking for good food and an interesting atmosphere.

“I would consider this as more of a neighborhood inn,” he said. “This place will be a great place to bring your family, or have a first date.”

And even though the chef from Thirsty Whale also will oversee the Iron Horse kitchen, the menus will be differentiated by both choices and flavors, Condo said.

While visitors of the Thirsty Whale can expect more traditional sandwich, pizza and burger options, the menu for the new restaurant includes items such as a charcuterie and cheese plate and steamed mussels.

Director of Community Development Russ Farnum said the village is excited about the restaurant coming in to fill an otherwise vacant space.

“I understand the owner also owns [another restaurant] ... and that does very well,” Farnum said. “We’re looking forward to him bringing the same success to the north side on Algonquin Road.”

Putting the final touches on the place this week, Condo successfully made it through the village’s liquor licensing process Tuesday night and was on his way to get his state license Wednesday.

“We’re going to open the doors on Friday, and we’ll be doing a grand opening probably within the next two weeks,” he said.

Iron Horse Bar & Grill will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.