The Court Tavern closed its doors in January after 30 years at 124 Church Street. But it may re-open soon under new ownership. Charlie Kratovil

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Encouraging news for fans of the famous Court Tavern came at last Thursday’s City Council meeting.  The Council approved the transfer of a liquor license to the new owner of the Court Tavern.

Mike Barrood, the bar’s new owner, also owns Mike’s Courtside, a bar and restaurant just one block away from the famous rock club.  After the Court Tavern closed its doors in January, Barrood has been working to purchase and renovate the property at 124 Church Street.

He says he will keep the name and pretty much everything else that people liked about the Court Tavern.

“It will be the same place, just cleaner and nicer, and everything will work from the kitchen to the bathroom to the fridges,” he told NewBrunswickToday.com.

The Court’s new liquor license was formerly held by Marita’s Cantina, a bar and Mexican restaurant located in the Ferren Mall until it closed in 2011.

Before securing the license, Barrood said he was considering opening the establishment as a juice bar, at least temporarily.

The word on the street is that the new and improved Court Tavern could open up as early as next month.

No word on how much Barrood paid for the license, but we will keep you updated. 

Editor at New Brunswick Today | 732-993-9697 | editor@newbrunswicktoday.com | Website

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.