Pub 32
Green beer paired with corned beef and cabbage—that’s what one would typically assume is a standard order in an American-Irish pub. Ross and Louise Galbraith, owners of Pub 32, bypass those stereotypes by serving juicy grass-fed burgers, hand-cut chips and craft beers (alongside Guinness), and so much more.
“You will never see green beer being served in Ireland,” Ross said. “And what’s funny is, I had never even heard of corned beef and cabbage until coming to America.”
From Belmont, Ireland, the Galbraiths moved to Sarasota looking for a change after Ross, a professional rugby player, won the green card lottery. Shortly after the move, the couple accepted an opportunity to be managing partners of a restaurant and bar. With Louise’s resume rich in hospitality, it was an easy yes. Four years, countless frustrations, and a divided partnership later, Ross and Louise made a decision to return home to Ireland.
Ross took the news to Facebook, where the community responded in a surprising, and humbling way. His post had a copious number of shares. The word spread, and it became clear: Sarasota wasn’t going to let The Galbraiths go so easily.
Ross and Louise were given sole ownership of Pub 32 a year later. With gratitude for the community and clear vision for its second opening, the Galbraiths began to refashion their pub. Customers showed up to help paint and rebuild the place where the neighborhood gathered and felt a sense of home. Now with Merlot-colored walls, a considerable number of TVs to watch sports, stone-tiled floor and the cherry wood snugs and accents, the pub offers a warm, cozy environment that invites you to stay a while.
“I figured we would open on a Sunday afternoon and people would eventually stroll in,” Ross said about the official opening on March 11, 2018. “We did not expect to have 40 people cheering, already waiting outside the door.”
Louise beams while revealing how much she loves the high energy of the pub, especially during the weekend, when live music is playing. The Galbraiths express their heart to share the hospitality of a pub in Ireland, not an Irish pub in America. Irish pubs showcase farm-to-table style in the kitchen, and you can find that at Pub 32. They give high praises to Head Chef Anthony Cristiani and Sous Chef Billy Simpson, who deliver traditional Irish favorites with a twist.
Since its second opening, Pub 32 hasn’t skipped a beat. For St. Patrick’s Day, they anticipate the party to be as large as it always has been, leprechaun suits and all. There will be Irish dancers and bagpipers, fish fry, whisky, beer, and of course friends, declaring Pub 32 Sarasota’s neighborhood meeting place once again.
