One of the oldest bars in Astoria is also female-owned and operated. Meet Shannon Haught, owner of Shannonigan’s by the Park, whose fiery attitude and magnetic personality have helped guide her establishment to continued success.

Haught’s journey hasn’t been easy. “I came into Astoria with nothing. I started as a bartender. I moved from Brooklyn to Astoria with two children. I was laid off,” she said. “I knew absolutely nobody.”

Image Courtesy of @shannonigansastoria via Instagram

However, Haught explains, the welcoming community got her back on her feet. “I was having a drink, telling the bartender my problems. I told the owner, ‘I know how to drink in a bar, but I don’t know how to tend it.’” She laughed. “And he said, ‘You start tomorrow.’”

After a decade of gaining experience, Haught was ready for the next step. “The owner of the Hellgate Bar put his bar up for sale. And he wanted to know if I wanted the experience of being a bar owner,” she said. “So I decided to give it a chance. I ended up having a third child in that time. But instead of giving up and giving in, I accepted the challenge.”

Image Courtesy of @shannonigansastoria via Instagram

Haught’s favorite drink at Shannonigan’s might just become yours too. “For summertime, we make our own rum punch. It’s my own little concoction. A few of my customers said it tastes like vacation.” Vacation, indeed it is, with Captain Morgan’s spiced rum, coconut rum, triple sec, fresh lime juice, fresh agave, pineapple, grenadine, and orange juice, shaken and garnished with orange and a cherry.

On the weekends, come to Shannonigan’s hungry. “So, I have a full barbecue menu on the weekends. And for football Sunday’s, we’ll have one of the best burgers in town and some great wings.”

Located just a block away from the historic Hellgate Bridge, Shannonigan’s will be the perfect place to stop by in September when the city celebrates the anniversary of the bridge’s construction. “If you’re coming to sightsee, come by Shannonigan’s.” Haught explained that you can check Instagram for more information about an upcoming complementary barbeque and family activities that will coincide with the celebration.

Image Courtesy of @shannonigansastoria via Instagram

Haught says that she wouldn’t be here without the help of her fellow Astorians. “When I got separated many moons ago, it was like I started a new life for myself. And that’s what gave me the courage to buy the place. All the people, friends became family. Without them having my back, I don’t think I could have done it.”

19-19 Ditmars Blvd. / phone: 718.535.0910 / shannonigansbarastoria.com / Google: 4.4