Since opening its doors on February 5, 1992, Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle Pub in Pittsburgh’s vibrant Strip District has been a cornerstone of the city’s Irish community. Founded by Anne Mullaney, her brother Brian Mullaney, and Sean Patrick Murphy, the pub quickly gained a reputation for its warm atmosphere, lively music, and great food.
A Vision of Community. Reflecting on the early days of the pub, David remembers the hard work and dedication of its founders. “The diligence of Anne and Sean Murphy in promoting the pub before it opened was key to our success,” David recalls. “They joined Irish and business organizations, got involved in people’s boards, and made sure that everyone knew about Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle. When we finally opened, there was already a buzz in the community.”
This strong foundation allowed the pub to become more than just a place to grab a pint—it became a hub for community life in the Strip District. Over the years, it has hosted countless events, from traditional Irish Ceili nights to local fundraisers and even wedding receptions. “We’ve had weddings, wakes, baptism parties—everything,” David reflects. “It’s always been a place where people come together, and I’m proud of the atmosphere we’ve built here.”
David’s contributions have been instrumental in carrying on this legacy, particularly after Anne Mullaney passed away in 2011. One of his proudest moments is fulfilling her dream of helping children in Haiti. “Anne wanted to leave a lasting mark on the world,” David explains. “After she passed, we raised over $300,000 to build schools in her name. It’s an accomplishment that I hold dear, and it’s a testament to her vision and the community she helped create.”
The Evolving Strip District. When Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle opened in 1992, the Strip District was a very different place. “Back then, there were fewer than a dozen places down here where one could live,” David recalls. “It wasn’t really a neighborhood—it was more of a destination.” Over the past three decades, the Strip has undergone a transformation, with new housing developments and a growing sense of community. “Now, there are thousands of townhomes, condos, and apartments, and it’s become a real neighborhood,” David says. “It’s still a destination for visitors, but now it’s also home for many people.”
This evolution has shaped the pub as well, turning it into a local gathering spot for both longtime residents and newcomers alike. “We’ve always wanted the pub to feel welcoming to everyone,” David adds. “Anne’s vision was to create a place where even a woman who came in alone could feel comfortable. We’ve kept that vision alive, and I’m proud of the safe, friendly environment we’ve maintained over the years.”
Passing the Torch: Dan Regan and John Kearney. As David prepares to retire at the end of 2024, Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle will enter a new chapter. His nephew, Dan, and John Kearney, Anne’s nephew, will take over management, bringing their own ideas while honoring the pub’s long-standing traditions. Dan, who has spent nearly 30 years in the food and beverage industry, says, “It’s a great honor to carry on the Regan part of the legacy. Our family has always taken pride in being associated with the Irish pub in Pittsburgh, and I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition.”
John Kearney echoes this sentiment, reflecting on the deep connection his family has to the pub. “It means a lot to us to continue fulfilling my aunt’s legacy,” John shares. “My family—parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins—will continue to visit Anne’s pub, raising a glass to her memory and to all those Mullaneys who have gone before us.”
Building on Tradition with New Ideas. Both Dan and John are committed to keeping the pub’s traditions alive while also introducing new concepts to enhance the guest experience. Dan outlines some of the changes he’s excited to implement. “We’re planning to open on Sundays, which will allow us to better meet the needs of our guests,” he says. “We’re also tripling the number of TVs to cater to sports fans, particularly soccer fans. We want the pub to become a destination for Saturday and Sunday morning games.”
John has plans to expand the pub’s musical offerings. “We’re hosting the Notre Dame Glee Club for their first-ever concert in an Irish pub next week,” John says with excitement. “I sang in the Glee Club in college, and I’ve always wanted to bring them to the Harp & Fiddle. This concert will build on our tradition of great music while introducing something new and personally meaningful to me.”
These changes, they both stress, are not about reinventing the pub but about enhancing the experience for guests while staying true to its roots. “We have to continue being Pittsburgh’s best Irish pub,” John explains. “But we can do that while also expanding our offerings—new hours, new menu items, new drinks, and new forms of entertainment.”
The Pub’s Role in the Strip District’s Future. As the Strip continues to grow and evolve, Dan and John see Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle playing a key role in the community’s future. “The Strip is going through a great renaissance,” Dan says. “I’m excited to be a part of that and to be involved with Strip District Neighbors. When one business does well, we all do well, and I want to support the ongoing improvements in the area.”
John shares a similar vision, emphasizing the pub’s longstanding connection to the neighborhood. “Anne foresaw the potential of the Strip District when she opened the pub in 1992,” John reflects. “She was named the Angel of the Strip by the Post-Gazette for her efforts to help a group of nuns in need. That kind of community spirit is something we will always carry forward.”
Looking Ahead. As Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle moves into its next chapter, the pub’s legacy is in safe hands. Both Dan and John are deeply committed to preserving the welcoming atmosphere that has defined the pub for more than 30 years, while also adapting to the changing needs of the community and its patrons. “We’ll continue to listen to our guests and exceed their expectations,” Dan explains. “Whether it’s through analytics or just listening to feedback, it’s important to understand what people want and how we can improve their experience.”
David Regan is confident that the pub’s future is bright. “Harp & Fiddle will remain the Harp & Fiddle,” he says. “There’s going to be very little change, and people don’t need to worry that they’re losing their Irish pub. It’ll still be here, and it’ll be in good hands with Dan and John.”
As the pub prepares for its next chapter, it remains a beloved institution where friends gather, music fills the air, and memories are made. With a rich history, a strong foundation, and a new generation at the helm, Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle will continue to be a vital part of Pittsburgh’s Irish community and the Strip District for years to come.
For more information, visit harpandfiddle.com.
Daniel Casciato is a full-time freelance writer and social media specialist from Pittsburgh. In addition to writing for The Strip!, he writes health, legal, real estate, and technology-related articles for magazines and has his own copywriting business. His website is DanielCasciato.com.