There's a new bar on the scene. O'Connell's, located in downtown Jersey City, offers a hip place for people thirsty for something new. Elegant drinks and wholesome dishes that are layered with flavors will tempt your taste buds as you relax in the split-level restaurant and bar.

Not an Irish pub

Padraig (known as "Podge") Hennessy, owner of O'Connell's, has over 18 years of experience in the bar business. He previously owned several establishments in Hoboken before moving back to Ireland. Now back in the states, he's ready to redefine your idea of a good night out. He's taken over the former Oddfellows located at 111 Montgomery St. and re-created it into a new space.

Hennessy said the only reference you'll see to his Irish roots are in the namesake of the place and the pints of Guinness.

He said he got the idea for the name after talking late one night to friends. O'Connell's is for Daniel O' Connell, a liberator in Ireland.

On the wall in the bar area will be a dedication to the silver tongued Irishman as a tribute. According to Hennessy, the separate bar area will have the tribute wall, but the other rooms will have a different environment.

The first-floor dining room is more noveau chic with contemporary artwork on the wall, large plants, and custom made high leather banquettes in muted reds and greens. The room looks cozy with sections of seating separated naturally along the columns of the room. The walls are painted in deep, rich shades that give the room added warmth and are echoed in the spectacular amber sconces that line the walls. It is a room that begs people to linger a while longer.

"We want this to be a cool place to go to in Jersey City," said Hennessy. "A place where you can have a good dinner and relax with a drink afterwards."

A taste of what's in store

The grand opening is slated for early October. (Check our website for updates: www.hudsoncurrent.com). According to Hennessy, for the grand-opening celebration, there will be drink specials galore.

In addition to the already full bar, there is a specialty Martini list that includes favorites like the Cosmo, Apple-tini, plus some new ones like the Emerald-tini (it's green!) and others.

Wine will be available by the glass or the bottle including: Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon, Jacobs Creek Shiraz, Navarro Correas Merlot, Aquinas Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and much more.

The food will pack a kick too. Several of the marinades include wine and beer. The wholesome meats are going to be infused with flavors like the herb crusted lamb, slow roasted short ribs, and potato crusted trout. The emphasis is on healthy yet hearty fare. Other items include specialty salads (calamari salad), homemade soups (potato leek and seafood bisque), wraps (salmon club), burgers, pastas and more.

In addition, the second floor dining room can be rented out for private parties and will have a separate menu. According to Paul McCarthy, general manager, they are catering to a crowd that can appreciate the good quality food and drinks.

"It will be something new for downtown Jersey City," said McCarthy. "A place where you can get everything from a pint of Guinness and a sandwich wrap to a sophisticated Martini and potato crusted trout. It will be a place for fine dining and your local pint."

O'Connell's is located at 111 Montgomery St. in Jersey City. The grand-opening bash will be in early October. For more information, call (201) 333-3633.