In recent years, 1571 McFarland Road has been home to Zorros, a Cuban-Dominican restaurant that survived the pandemic but closed in 2022, and Bird on the Run, part of a local franchise specializing in fried chicken.
But as almost everyone between Potomac Avenue and Beverly Road remembers, 1571 McFarland was the site of José and Tony’s, the quintessential, quirky local for those in the 15216 for 50 years, until its demise in 2019. Bird on the Run owner Cole Vazzana pivoted to a new incarnation that’s something like a reincarnation. Now called McFarland’s, the space has returned to its roots as a neighborhood bar.
“That’s what it’s built for,” said Vazzana. “That’s what it should be.”
Like José and Tony’s, McFarland’s is a restaurant, too. It’s open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, serving chicken sandwiches, wings, and smash burgers instead of Mexican food, though Taco Tuesday is a weekly event. A happy hour, with food and drink specials, runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 7, with a late-night version on weekends. Food’s available as late as 11 p.m. on weekdays, and midnight on weekends — a post-pandemic rarity.
A weekend brunch features French toast, chicken and waffles, breakfast sandwiches, with Bloody Marys or bottomless mimosas.
Unlike José and Tony’s, which mostly relied on ESPN, darts and a jukebox for entertainment, Vazzana has added a tight events lineup, including an open-mic night on Mondays, trivia on Tuesdays, and live music on Thursdays. Karaoke happens once a month on Friday nights, and board games are an alternative for quieter visits.
Food and drink specials include 50-cent wings on Wednesdays and $5 margaritas on Mondays. Fans of José and Tony’s margaritas should be pleased with the McFarland’s version: after consulting with a former Jose’s bartender, “we’ve come pretty close” to the original, Vazzana said.
McFarland’s has a full bar and local craft beer on tap, as well as Guinness, Yuengling and light beer.
Shawn Bernarding of Dormont is closely following the progress of McFarland’s. He owned José and Tony’s for 21 years before opting to close it six years ago and has visited McFarland’s several times.
“I hope they succeed,” Bernarding said in an email. “I think it has as good a chance as any bar/restaurant. It’s a different world, though,” noting the challenges of reviving nightlife in the post-COVID era of Uber Eats and streaming services.
“It’s crazy how much things have changed,” Vazzana acknowledged. Though José’s was open until 2 a.m. every day, McFarland’s closes at midnight during the week.
Vazzana looks forward to hosting customers at the outdoor tables in front of the bar. He’d like to get a pergola to offer shade and gas lamps for cool evenings, as well as some cornhole gear.
Overall, Vazzana said, he’s optimistic about the future. Despite the snow and cold, February was McFarland’s busiest month to date, and things should only get better: “The vibe’s coming back. We have regulars now.”
“I’m glad it’s a neighborhood bar again,” said Bernarding. mcfarlandsbar.com [1]