Allendale Bar & Grill

Back in 1935, the Allendale Bar & Grill had its humble beginnings as a neighborhood tavern located in the basement of the old Allendale Hotel. Owned by Mike & Maude Connelly, the establishment even then was known for its great food and generous portions at bargain prices. Maude, who took care of the kitchen, was known countywide for her generosity of those who found themselves down and out. Hoboes and vagrants dropping off the freight trains that rumbled through town were assured of a meal before passing on. She also established the tradition of inviting residents in for a free corned beef & cabbage dinner every Saint Patrick’s Day, which was much appreciated in the Depression years. It’s said that in her day there wasn’t a fire in Allendale that Maude didn’t attend to provide hot food & drink to the town’s volunteer firefighters. Yankees immortal Babe Ruth was a frequent visitor. In 1948, the AB&G relocated to its present site on West Allendale Avenue. Maude and her five daughters lived in the house next to the tavern. Gradually, she turned over more and more of the operation to her eldest, Marge, and her husband Walt Kunisch, who ran the bar operations at night while working as a printer during the day. Pizza to eat in and “to go” was added to the basic menu. In fact, third generation owner Michael Kunisch learned the restaurant trade literally at his father’s knee by folding pizza boxes when he was just five years old. In 1975, Mike Kunisch and his wife, Bobbie, assumed full ownership and control of the AB&G. Anticipating the trend towards moderate drinking and more wholesome food, they initiated a major renovation and expansion program that transformed the AB&G into the cheery, country style restaurant it is today.