About

Andrew Finnegan’s story began in 1871, in Mollinger County, Westmeath, Ireland, where he was born and raised.  In 1912, after immigrating to the United States, Andrew opened Finnegan’s Restaurant & Tap Room in Huntington, NY.  Originally occupying the space where Starbucks is now, Finnegan’s stretched north to occupy through the current site of the Optical Eye Shop.   

Finnegan’s quickly became known for more than just pouring drinks.  Andrew began hosting an annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Supper, which became a yearly tradition with friends travelling from miles away to celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day.   

Despite spending countless hours behind the bar, Andrew was known for his remarkable self-discipline. “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” even featured him for never having touched a drop of liquor, smoked a cigarette, or uttered a swear word while working. These principles made him a unique figure in an industry often associated with indulgence, and this reputation became part of the Finnegan’s legacy. 

Andrew and his wife, Ellen, raised six children—Andrew, Helen, Patrick, William, Elizabeth, and Catherine. When Andrew and Ellen passed, the family rallied around Finnegan’s, each child stepping in to help keep the business running. Bill, in particular, became the face of Finnegan’s after Andrew’s death, embodying the family’s commitment to the pub’s legacy. It was Bill who customers came to know best, running the place with a firm but friendly hand until the family eventually sold the establishment in 1975 to Walter Pettit, a close friend. 

Even after selling, Bill remained part of Finnegan’s, tending bar until just two years before his own passing in 1994. Known for his gruff but endearing nature, Bill was often described as “Irascible, Cantankerous, A Grand Ole Man.” His presence left a lasting imprint on the bar and the Huntington community. 

Walter Pettit’s sons, Christopher and Rusty, took over the business, along with Tommy Tucker. Over time, Rusty became the sole owner, faithfully carrying on Finnegan’s tradition for 26 years before passing the torch to Richard Gerardi. Six years later, the bar changed hands again, this time to Paul Fiscella. 

In September 2002, Finnegan’s became part of the Lessing’s Hospitality Group, a family-owned company with deep roots going back to 1890. Like Finnegan’s, Lessing’s began as a small, community-focused business, originally serving coffee shops in Lower Manhattan. Over the decades, it grew into a leader in food service industry, but at its heart, Lessing’s has always valued tradition and family. Honoring Andrew Finnegan’s legacy, the beloved tradition of serving Corned Beef and Cabbage every St. Patrick’s Day remains a highlight at Finnegan’s. In this way, Lessing’s continues the family spirit and enduring community ties that Andrew Finnegan started over a century ago, ensuring that both legacies live on together. 

Despite its many owners and the passage of time, Finnegan’s has remained a beloved Huntington landmark. The pressed tin interior, dark wood, and intimate atmosphere have kept it grounded in tradition, offering patrons a familiar and welcoming space. The alley to the south, named “Finnegan’s Way” in 1979, is adorned with a mural painted in 1978 by local artist Phil Jordan, depicting 140 people, including many who have since passed on. Recently restored, the mural remains a beloved part of Finnegan’s history. 

For generations, Finnegan’s has been the heart of Huntington’s social life. General Manager Tom Forte calls it the “CHEERS of Huntington,” where locals gather, and every class reunion begins. It’s more than just a bar—it’s a living piece of history, where stories are shared, and memories are made. 

5 Wall Street 
Huntington, NY 11743 

Tel: 631.423.9696