Goodnight Irene’s to Become The Rook Wildwood
This past November, visitors were shocked to learn that Goodnight Irene’s was closing its doors for good.
Located at 2708 Pacific Avenue in Wildwood, Goodnight Irene’s Brew Pub had been a staple on the island for over 17 years.
Goodnight Irene’s to Become The Rook Wildwood
For many, it was more than just a bar; it was a place where countless friends gathered to share stories, celebrate milestones, and, for some, enjoy their first legal drink after turning 21.
The official announcement of their closing came via Facebook, where they shared:
“AND THAT’S A WRAP, FOLKS! After 17 incredible years, this weekend will sadly be our last… We appreciate you all more than you know.”
While this was the first public acknowledgment of their closure, many regulars had suspected something was amiss during the summer.
Known for their extensive selection of beers on tap, patrons noticed many taps were unplugged, with no new brews coming in.
Back on July 4th, we at the Wildwood Video Archive uncovered that the bar was being sold. We captured a few final photos of the interior to preserve its legacy for the history books.
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At the time, the identity of the buyer was unknown, but LLC filings soon led us to a bar in Manayunk called The Rook.
Located at 4001 Cresson Street, The Rook opened in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning.
The Rook boasts a main room with a well-appointed bar and elevated tables, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
A standout feature of The Rook is its private back patio, complete with its own bar, providing an ideal space for outdoor dining and live music.
In a relatively short time, The Rook has become a go-to destination in Manayunk, offering a blend of quality cuisine, a diverse beverage selection, and a warm, inviting environment.
The official announcement regarding the Wildwood location came through The Rook Wildwood’s new Instagram page, where they posted a photo of seagulls perched outside their Manayunk bar with the caption: “Coming soon to WW NJ.”
While work on converting Goodnight Irene’s into The Rook has yet to begin, there are signs that progress is underway.
Visitors to The Rook’s Manayunk location may have noticed a new sign hanging behind the bar. The sign features a drawing of Goodnight Irene’s with the words: “Coming this summer: The Rook in Wildwood.”
The artwork, created by Drew Montemayor, was highlighted on their Instagram page.
Additionally, a new website, therookwildwood.com, is under construction.
We wish The Rook Wildwood the best of luck this coming summer.
While no official grand opening date has been announced, we’ll be sure to keep you updated as more information becomes available.