Photo: WBZ NewsRadio / Karyn Regal
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Russian themed bar in Cambridge decided to throw in a menu makeover after their recent grand opening in February.
New Republik opened on Cambridge Street in Inman Square last month. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the bar made changes to the names of the drinks they offer. What was once a Moscow mule became the "Texas mule," using Tito's Handmade Vodka as its base. The "White Russian," a drink commonly associated with the movie "The Big Lebowski," has been knighted a "Caucasian" at the New Republik. The out of date drink names were crossed out on the physical menus.
WBZ's Karyn Regal took a trip over to the New Republik, where Bar Owner Patrick Gallivan said there's more than meets the eye.
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Despite its look, Gallivan said that the bar was not Russian at all, but an Irish bar in disguise.
Gallivan said he tried to have a Ukraine fundraising night, but he could not find a Ukrainian vodka supply anywhere.
"We definitely stand by Ukraine," Gallivan said.
Gallivan said that New Republik is a sort of descendant of the "People's Republik," which closed in early 2021 after its owner retired. Gallivan worked as a manager at the old bar in Central Square, and after its closing, worked to create New Rupublik, a re-imagining of what once was with features like similar menu items and dartboards equipped with custom darts.
WBZ's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports.
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