The Bank Bar in Gloucester City is currently adding an all-season outdoor space, and this week they are celebrating their one-year anniversary.
if you’re unfamiliar with the Bank Bar it was previously known as the King Street Pub, and is located in an awesome building that was developed in 1886 originally as a bank… and then for many years was home to a synagogue!
The two-story open interior atrium space with rear loft and large original stained glass windows makes a bar and restaurant environment that you really just can’t recreate today.
And the new ownership has taken all of the things that work so well with the King Street Pub and have been enhancing it over the last year, including exposing an interior brick wall, remodeling the large center bar as well as adding an outdoor concrete bar area on the side!
The second floor loft in the rear of the building is a fairly good size and features a pool table… Which I’m absolutely amazed that ownership was able to lift it up to the loft!
My visit yesterday was right around rush hour and it was perfect timing to catch the sun going down, which lit up the one side of the stained glass windows where the original brick wall was recently exposed again… It really is a beautifully impressive space!
Looking to fully give their customers a unique dining and beverage experience, the kitchen is completely scratch-made… during my short visit yesterday I tried their boneless chicken wings which are hand-battered in the restaurant kitchen, with a unique and secret preparation that gives the crispy outer coating a deliciously unique crunch.
I hope to be back soon to dive more into the menu and share that experience with readers.
I have been to the new bank bar several times in the last year and in fact had an amazing time at the Gloucester City Saint Patrick’s Day festival in March.. which is centered around the Bank Bar.
Outdoor All-Season Space
I had no idea the Ban Bar was extending their outdoor experience into an all season space, until I showed up yesterday to grab a beer and saw the large 20 foot tall steel support structure that was recently installed in the side-yard of the building.
I am the “king of good timing” as I showed up just as co-owner Jim was outside showing his mother the new sign that had just arrived. I had a chance to ask him what the plan was for the latest round of improvements.
Realizing the popularity of the new outdoor bar and patio area, they are extending the side-yard area into an all-season space.
The tall steel structure will support an angled awning that will extend off of the side of the brick building, and will also include removable side walls… so that the outdoor bar and patio space can be used throughout most of the year.
It’s a smart design choice for the partners as when the weather turns warmer again those side panels can be removed, and customers can get the benefit of enjoying a full outdoor dining and beveraging experience.
As mentioned the steel is already in place and even the wood headers for the other side of the awning have been installed on the buildings brick exterior wall.
While they do not have a firm date for the project to be completed there is some hope that it is available before the end of the year. Weather and inspection processes of course factor into the timeline.
And as mentioned they are also adding a Bank Bar sign to the property which will be on a free standing pole at the front corner of the building.
Jimmy and Dalton plan to unveil the new sign as part of their Anniversary Celebration.
One-Year Anniversary – All In The Family!
As mentioned bar has has been operating as the bank bar for a year… this month!
So an interesting fun family twist to the story is during my visit yesterday the prior owner was sitting at the bar…. Sherrie!
As I described in my 2015 coverage of the King Street pub, she and her husband also owned Arts Deli in Gloucester City.
And the twist is that one of the owners of the Bank Bar is their son Jim, who with friend and partner Dalton purchased the bar.
And Jim’s brother Chris is now the owner of Art’s Deli!
It’s a smart move for the couple who were looking to retire and can still keep the two popular businesses within the family while helping their two sons start off in their own business ventures… And of course mom and dad get to visit the Deli and bar regularly!
But absolutely Jim and Dalton have been adding their own significant touches to the Bank Bar, and this week they will be celebrating the one year anniversary.
Saturday they will have the Goodfellas bands for the big weekend celebration and I there will also be a midweek party, as Wednesday is the official one year anniversary.
That being said they will be releasing all of those details in the next day or two on Facebook and Instagram, so be sure to follow them!
For more on the history of the Bank Bar building, check out my 2015 article on the King Street Pub!
Links and Location
The Bank Bar
1 S. King St.
Gloucester City, NJ 08030