One of Clarendon’s most storied nightlife brands is back after a five-year hiatus.
Mister Days Sports Rock Cafe opened its doors yesterday (Monday) at 1101 N. Highland Street — directly across the street from its former location, which closed in 2019.
ARLnow reported in January that Bobby Lee, the octogenarian owner of the original Mister Days, was planning to bring the bar back to Clarendon, in the former space of The Pinemoor. It initially targeted a June opening, and it received county permission to host live entertainment that month.
However, a variety of delays associated with interior updates and work on the outdoor patio pushed back the opening date.
Much of what made Mister Days a local icon will return, Lee previously told ARLnow, but with a few updates. The new space will feature a DJ booth, but five different sound zones allowing for greater auditory harmony between dining areas and bar areas.
There will be an increased emphasis on the restaurant’s food menu, according to Lee, who has been working with a local chef to develop signature American-style offerings. The owner has planned to offer “five or six different menus,” including special menus for game days.
“It’s a sports bar in a way, but … my vision is to build a big dinner business,” he said in May. “Not at the sacrifice of sports. That’s why we’ve got separate areas.”
Some of the restaurant’s offerings — part of the new happy hour menu — include buffalo chicken dip, parmesan truffle fries and firecracker shrimp. Other menu items, such as entrees, are not currently listed on its website.
The restaurant is offering $2 off house wines and draft beers during happy hour from 4-6 p.m.
This week, Mister Days will open at 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, plus Friday. The restaurant will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
