Cryan’s to celebrate 30 years of Irish good times

            Cryan’s Beef & Ale House in South Orange is as elemental to New Jersey as the Parkway, Guido guys and Bruce Sprinsteen.

            This Friday, the iconic Irish bar owned by Jimmy Cryan, will celebrate 30 years of good times, Gaelic tradition, and friendships built in the bustling bar.

            The party begins at 4 p.m., with a complimentary super buffet until 6 p.m., and $3 drinks all night.

Amazing Art and Wonderful Willie, the first band to perform at Cryan’s 30 years ago, will play dance music of all eras until 8 p.m.

            Lots of folks named Cryan will probably bump your elbows. Jimmy is the youngest of six children born to John Cryan, the former Essex County sheriff and state assemblyman. The elder Cryan was the Irish immigrant who opened the first Cryan’s in Vailsburg back in 1960, expanding to 30 locations by the 1980s.

            The South Orange location is now the last standing Cryan’s.

            An average 300 people a day pass through the restaurant’s doors. Jimmy Cryan says that’s because “No matter what day of the week or time of day, you’ll inevitably see someone you know.” 

            If you’re among the thousands who’ve made memories at Cryan’s — and you probably are — then come out on Friday and help celebrate.