In early September, Dingo’s Sports Pub opened at 8826 SE Stark Street, replacing the Beer Brats & Beats venue with an Australian-style sports bar. Owner Brendan Jones has transformed this space several times since opening in late 2021. This iteration pulls inspiration from his national roots with a light Aussie theme that offers a brighter, quieter sports bar experience.
Dingo’s displays four large screens showing American and Australian sports, with a variety of indoor table and bar seating. A bank of glass-fronted coolers behind the bar stock an array of local beer selections and two on-theme imports. “We absolutely support the Northwest beer because it’s the best in the world, having just reaffirmed that in my mind, going to Australia [recently]. There’s no comparison there, but I do have a couple of Australian beers, the iconic Foster’s Victoria Bitter and Coopers, which is our best craft beer,” said Jones. On the other hand, the majority of the food menu incorporates many flavors of his upbringing. “I’m focusing on the great Australian meat pie and the great Australian sausage roll. That food is such a huge part of our football sport culture because it’s readily available and easy to hold.” People can also order grilled cheese prepared several ways and veggie pies or spinach rolls as meat-free options. Dingo’s will continue to serve the espresso and full bar selection patrons of the previous iterations enjoyed.
Brendan Jones moved to the United States in 2001 and embraced his new country. However, a recent trip home rekindled his interest in his heritage. “I had a sort of a patriotic, nostalgic kind of reconnection to Australia when I went down there recently,” explained Jones. On his return, he set to work reshaping his storefront on SE Stark Street to match his vision, but not in the cartoonish fashion often seen in other Australian-themed ventures. Instead, he wanted to capture the feeling of his native country’s local pub, which primarily serves the neighborhood. “This really does feel like an Aussie pub, just straight off the bat because our drinking establishments are light. There are big windows, and you know it’s a very bright country in terms of sunlight, and that’s what I wanted to reflect here,” remarked Jones.
Unlike the classic American dark and loud sports pub, Dingo’s patrons will notice natural light streaming in from the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows and the general openness inside. Tables are widely spaced so people can come in groups and not feel on top of one another. Jones noted that he is conservative with screen placement around the pub, ensuring that TVs do not overstimulate guests. “I’ve been to those bars where you just sort of feel like your head’s gonna pop [from the distraction]. So it’s more of a happy balance of laid-back enjoyment without it being over the top,” said Jones. He explained that it is important for Montavilla residents living east of 82nd to have a “Local” in the British and Australian sense. A comfortable third place that is not home or work where neighborhood people can relax or meet friends.
Dingo’s Sports Pub is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. People can follow the company’s Instagram page for special games and updates. Visitors are welcome to walk in from the neighborhood. However, a newly resurfaced parking lot offers five standard parking stalls and one reserved accessible space for guests.
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