Lion’s Share Rebrands and Changes Its Menu

Less than five months after opening to decidedly mixed reviews, the ownership group behind Lion’s Share in Sylvan Park announced that the restaurant had parted ways with founding chef Robbie Wilson and intended to take the towering tavern in a different culinary direction. They also announced their intention to transform the restaurant into a more casual tavern atmosphere reminiscent of the former occupants of the space, McCabe Pub.

During early visits to Lion’s Share, I heard several people remark that they wished the entire restaurant served the excellent pub grub that was offered at the bar. Some found the emphasis on raw fish preparations at odds with the kitchen’s other focus on open fire cooking. 

By early summer, the restaurant had released a dedicated bar menu with a damn fine burger, french fries served with country ham mayonette and an offering of “tiny ’tinis.” The new incarnation of the renamed Lion’s Share Tavern seems to be doubling down on approachability.

They promise a broader menu, including a kids' menu with appropriately beige food like fish and chips, a cheeseburger and buttered pasta. Julio Morales is now leading the kitchen. The veteran of several beloved local restaurants — including Folk, Rolf and Daughters and St. Vito Focacceria — Morales has also spent time working in Michelin-starred kitchens in his career.

To encourage guests to give the place another chance, Lion’s Share Tavern has extended their happy hour to two full hours Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the bar and patio, featuring $2 oysters, half-price fish and chips, $8 glasses of wine, $10 cocktails and more. They’ve also converted the formerly private upstairs lounge into The McCabe Lounge, with its own bar, TVs and a screened, heated patio. The downstairs main bar also features a television and is adding a new draft beer system. The restaurant’s dog-friendly patio has also been refurbished to encourage outdoor dining with retractable electric screens, fans, heaters, greenery and TVs.

The ownership group promises additional price points so patrons can enjoy casual dining without breaking the bank — definitely a welcome change. They promise they've been listening to their customers.

“We listened closely to feedback from our neighbors to evolve our menu, pairing tavern classics with guest favorites while staying true to our standards as chefs,” says Morales in an announcement of the new concept. “Since day one, our approach has been rooted in locality. As a local business ourselves, we take pride in sourcing the freshest possible produce and protein from nearby farms and partners. Every dish is cooked with intention and care for the ingredient to offer the best dining experience possible, whether guests are joining us for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion.”

If you’d like to give them another chance, they’ll be waiting for you at 4410 Murphy Road.