JJ Beard’s Pub & Pizza, located at 3827 W. 13th St. in the space previously occupied by La Sufrida, has begun its soft opening. While the new bar and restaurant is still in the process of hiring staff and completing paperwork, it is welcoming the public.
The soft opening started on Thursday and is open to everyone, unlike many soft openings that are restricted to friends and family. Currently, JJ Beard’s is operating with limited hours: 4 p.m. to midnight from Wednesday through Saturday, with the possibility of extending to 2 a.m. if the venue remains busy. On Sundays, the restaurant will open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. to accommodate football fans. The owners have not yet announced a date for the grand opening, which will include expanded hours.
The menu at JJ Beard’s features a variety of appetizers, including wings, loaded fries, brisket mac and cheese bites, and Irish egg rolls filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Reuben sauce. The sandwich offerings include a grilled chicken sandwich, a cheeseburger, a peanut butter and jalapeno-topped cheeseburger, and a “Juicy Lucy” with a cheese-stuffed burger patty. Specialty 10-inch pizzas include Reuben, Hawaiian, chicken bacon ranch, buffalo chicken, barbecue chicken, and veggie options. Customers can also create their own pizza.
In addition to its pizza and sandwich offerings, JJ Beard’s has a full bar with a selection of signature cocktails, such as an old fashioned, a blueberry lemonade made with vodka and club soda, and the Lunchbox, which combines red ale, amaretto, and orange juice. The bar offers bottled beers and draft options including Bud Light, Coors Light, Corona, Michelob Ultra, Miller Light, and Walnut Brewing Company’s Warbeard.
JJ Beard’s is owned by Kevin Kinkelaar and Derek Ludewick, members of the band KingShifter, which is currently on hiatus. The duo decided to pursue their long-held dream of opening a bar where patrons can enjoy drinks and socialize. The pub features a pool table and plans to host live acoustic performances or karaoke in the future. Despite a low-key opening, the initial response from the local community has been positive.
“Locals seem to be thankful that we’re bringing what we do to that area of town,” Kinkelaar said.