Callaghan's Irish Social Club

History

Woodrow Callaghan opened Callaghan’s Irish Social Club in 1946 at Charleston and Marine streets as a members-only workingman’s bar, with a buzzer and keys for regulars. The family sold it in 2002, and in June 2003 John “J.T.” Thompson took over with partners Richie Sherer and Chuck Commiskey. Live music took hold when local players asked to plug in, then grew after Hurricane Katrina as New Orleans musicians such as Grayson Capps took Sunday sets. The pub has since hosted Jason Isbell, the Alabama Shakes, and the Red Clay Strays.