Irish pub proposed for downtown Mundelein

A Lake County restaurateur intends to convert a bar in downtown Mundelein to a more upscale establishment.

Jeff Urso, co-owner of Donati’s Pizza and Duffer’s Pub in Lake Forest and Bratski’s in Lake Bluff, is eyeing Teddy O’Brian’s, 320 E. Hawley St., for his next operation.

Teddy O’Brian’s is for sale, Urso told the Mundelein village board Monday night, and he and his team want to take over the space, renovate it and call it Hatricks Irish Pub.

New floors and paint are planned, Urso said, among other improvements.

Urso described Teddy O’Brian’s as a dive bar. He said he wants to “upgrade the food” and emphasize the restaurant aspect of Hatricks.

The menu would include Irish American favorites such as Reubens, shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, village documents indicate, as well as chicken wings, hamburgers and sandwiches.

Hatricks would offer video gambling, too. Co-owner Margaret Hahn would serve as general manager, documents indicate.

Trustee Jennifer Grieco said she’s excited an entrepreneur wants to fix up the Teddy O’Brian’s space, calling it “a little worn.”

Trustee Daniel Suarez spoke favorably of the plan. “It looks like you know what you’re doing,” he said.

All six trustees recommended Urso move forward by applying for a liquor license. Trustees Erich Schwenk and Kara Lambert cautioned him, though, saying they’ve never voted for gambling licenses and won’t when the time comes.

Regardless, Urso said he’s “really, truly excited to be part of Mundelein.”

“I hope to make sure we exceed your expectations,” he concluded.