A Lake County restaurateur is planning to transform the longtime Teddy O'Brian's bar at 320 E. Hawley St. into Hatricks Irish Pub, bringing upgraded food and a fresh look to downtown Mundelein.
A familiar spot on Hawley Street could soon have a new name and a new identity. Restaurateur Jeff Urso is proposing to take over the Teddy O'Brian's space at 320 E. Hawley St. and turn it into Hatricks Irish Pub — a more polished, food-forward Irish American restaurant.
Who's Behind It
Urso is no stranger to the Lake County dining scene. He co-owns Donati's Pizza and Duffer's Pub in Lake Forest and Bratski's in Lake Bluff. He presented his plan to the Mundelein village board on Monday night.
Teddy O'Brian's is currently for sale, and Urso's team wants to renovate the space with new floors, fresh paint, and other improvements.
What to Expect on the Menu
Hatricks would lean into Irish American comfort food. According to village documents, the menu will feature:
- Shepherd's pie
- Fish and chips
- Reubens
- Chicken wings, burgers, and sandwiches
Urso said he wants to "upgrade the food" and put more emphasis on the restaurant side of things. The pub would also offer video gambling, with co-owner Margaret Hahn serving as general manager.
Village Board Reaction
Trustees were largely enthusiastic. Trustee Jennifer Grieco called the current Teddy O'Brian's space "a little worn" and said she's excited to see an entrepreneur step up to improve it.
Trustee Daniel Suarez was also supportive, telling Urso, "It looks like you know what you're doing."
All six trustees recommended Urso move forward with a liquor license application. However, Trustees Erich Schwenk and Kara Lambert noted they have never voted in favor of gambling licenses and don't plan to start now.
What's Next
Urso will need to complete the liquor license process before opening. He told the board he's "really, truly excited to be part of Mundelein" and promised to exceed expectations.
Stay tuned for updates as Hatricks Irish Pub moves through the approval process.