Wilde Irish Pub debuts on Railroad Avenue

Growing up in Shelton, James Boad dined with his grandparents most Sundays at the Ming Tree Café in downtown Shelton.

On July 1, James and his wife Nikki debuted their Wilde Irish Pub in the same building at 423 West Railroad Ave. She runs the front of the house, and he runs the business in the kitchen.

The final result barely resembles the original concept created three years ago. James, a Shelton City Council member since 2019, and Nikki has envisioned adding two stories to the building and starting a restaurant and hotel called St. Jame’s Place.

“By the time the plans came back, COVID had shut us down,” James said.

“I just out this while project on hold,” he added. “Starting two hospitality businesses during a pandemic didn’t seem prudent.”

Last January, construction resumed again. The challenges in the 100-year-old building included replacing all the electrical work.

James had helped tear down the old bowling alley on First Street a few years ago. The workers discovered wood from city founder David Shelton’s feed store. Some of that wood was used to build the back bar, tables and chairs.

Both Boads have Irish blood, and have been drawn to Irish pubs in their travels, whether it’s in Mexico or Germany. The “Wilde” comes from playwright/renowned wit Oscar Wilde, the author of “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

“He’s the quintessential Irish figure,” James said.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was staged on July 1.

“We’ve been pretty much packed since we opened the door,” James said.

“It’s been so much fun, so much laughter,” Nikki said. She added, “We have a great gamut of the community coming in.”

Fish and chips are the best-selling menu items most days. The couple plans to add more seafood dishes.

The owners are honoring the former tenant with Ming Tree won tons that include corned beef, Nikki said. Retirees have been coming in for lunch, she said.

The Wilde Irish Pub is open from 2 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, and from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.