New renovations at Kilroy’s help popularity, atmosphere

Renovations brought new accolades to Kilroy’s on Kirkwood this fall. For the first time ever, it was able to snatch the title of Best Bar away from Kilroy’s Sports and Nick’s English Hut.

The bar was also able to nab the title of Best Place to Meet Singles, by which General Manager Dave Prall was pleasantly surprised.

“It’s nice because that’s the kind of environment that we try to promote here,” Prall said. “A bar like Nick’s is a really good place to go to meet people you know, but we think this is just as good a place to meet people you don’t know.”

The summer renovations contributed to the increased activity. A more expansive layout, cleaner bathrooms and better TVs are a few things that have been a huge part of the success of Kilroy’s on Kirkwood this fall.

“Sometimes we have alumni come back, and they say they wish we hadn’t changed it,” Prall said. “But, I mean, they’re still here.”

It’s also changed the status quo of the customers who choose to frequent the bar.
“I think we used to be known mostly as Frat Roy’s, but this fall has helped to broaden that crowd a little bit,” Prall said. “But now I think we’ve gone from being a niche bar or something to a place where everyone feels welcome. It’s a really good environment.”

Prall points to said environment as one, if not the strongest, part of what Kilroy’s brings to the table. He also recognizes the appeal of its early week deals to the college pocketbook.

“My friends and I go almost every Tuesday, at least for a cheap meal if nothing else,” junior Tom Adams said.

“I think the service there is the best. You don’t have to wait on the bartenders, and it’s easy to get their attention,” customer Nick Camp said.

Though it’s the first time the bar has won the award, Prall is careful to point out that it’s a crowded bar scene and that customers have many options.

“There are a lot of options down here. The most important votes are the money that people spend here,” Prall said. “So we know how well we’re doing.”