Longtime friends have converted a former Newburgh restaurant into a new sports bar
NEWBURGH− Ghost Quesadilla and Ghost Sports Bar in Newburgh changed ownership last August; now the spot is called Neighbors Newburgh.
The new owners are Jamie and Jason Elliot, owners of the Myriad Brewing Company, and Cory Edwards, a former co-owner of Doc’s Sports Bar.
The deal came about because Jason, who lives nearby and owns the Myriad Tasting Room right across the highway, really liked Ghost, where he went to play Golden Tee golf simulation. When it closed, he called his industry buddy Edwards, who he met playing Golden Tee at Boston’s back in the day.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity for a little neighborhood sports bar,” Jason said. “I called Cory on Monday morning, and we owned the place on Tuesday.”
They reopened the restaurant right away as Ghost Quesadilla and kept most of the staff, but knew they wanted to rebrand. The Ghost name and a simplified taco and quesadilla menu lingered for a couple weeks. Then, after a mere three days to do a little remodeling, such as removing the wall between the restaurant and bar, they re-opened on Sept. 15 as Neighbors, a casual sports bar with a unique menu.
“We want a casual hangout, not a gourmet restaurant,” Edwards said. “We joke it’s not for date night, it’s the place you go for drinks before you go on date night. Well, you can bring her on like your third date. Take her somewhere to impress her the first time, make sure she wants to see you again on the second date and on the third date bring her here.”
On the menu at Neighbors
“We didn’t set out to have a German theme but we wound up with a lot of German things on the menu,” said Cory.
Honestly, it’s might be enough to make West Siders drive to Newburgh.
On the appetizer list, you’ll find hand-made kraut balls.
“I had never had a kraut ball in my life,” Jason said. “We were doing bratwurst and had kraut, so somebody said we should do kraut balls.”
You’ll also find a jumbo soft pretzel with nacho cheese or queso, a German bologna sandwich with grilled onions and pepper jack; and a bratwurst on a bun with kraut and grilled onions.
The burgers are of the smashed variety, made with ground brisket. Specialty burgers include the pizza burger with fresh mozzarella, house marinara and parm; the Breakfast Burger with bacon, egg and cheese, and the pulled pork burger.
Other appetizers are fried okra with horseradish mayo, jalapeño poppers and wings, among others. Lighter diners will enjoy a Caesar or mixed house salad.
The menu will continue to grow. Coming up, look for chorizo queso made with chorizo from the Old Fashioned Butcher Shoppe, a chicken parm sandwich, grilled cheese on Texas toast, and a Greek salad.
Behind the bar, the televisions are set on sports. The full bar is beer-centric and offers both craft (Myriad brews do appear) and domestics. Daily specials are offered every day of the week.
Neighbors Newburgh
Location: 4222 Bell Road, Suite 1
Phone: 812-269-7410
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. every day
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Neighbors sports bar opens in Newburgh, Indiana
