J. Ryan’s Pub on East Water Street in Syracuse is closing

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — This week is your last chance to raise a pint at J. Ryan’s Pub.

The downtown watering hole is closing at the end of business Saturday, March 24, says owner Alex Bielecki.

On Monday morning, employees were told the pub was shutting down. The news was posted on social media as well.

“It’s not our choice,” says General Manager Chris Case. He’s been with the pub since it opened in 2009, starting at kitchen manager and adding GM duties about seven years ago.

“The lease is terminated,” he says, adding that the pub was in good financial shape. “We always pay our bills as they come in.”

1. Ryan’s Pub has 19 employees and Bielecki says he is trying to make sure they land on their feet. He’s been speaking with beer distributors to see if anyone is looking for help. “Any restaurant, brewery, bar or taproom would be lucky to have these people,” he says.

The pub, located at 253 E. Water St., has operated under different names going back to the 1990s when it was known as MacGregor’s. While names have changed, it has continued to carry a wide choice of craft beers and provide casual dining.

Contact McChesney at cmcchesney@cnybj.com