By Angie Fenton | Photos by Tony Bennett
David Hagan’s muse is anything but typical. The scoreboard from Roger Bacon High School in Cincinatti, Ohio, was gigantic, but Hagan wanted it anyway. So he rented a U-Haul, forked over $355 (which was a steal), picked it up and – with help – settled it into a corner of Fieldhaus, where if there’s an actual score being kept, New Albany’s newest sports bar/restaurant is winning.
“I’d had a concept that I was playing with and had kept it in my back pocket. (The scoreboard) was my muse,” said Hagan, who was hired by Neace Ventures to open Fieldhaus in the New Albany space that was formerly known as JR’s Pub. “(Interior designer) Zach Stewart envisioned it as a vintage sports bar. Once we crafted the logo, it screamed basketball to me.”
The renovated space is sleek, modern, bright and not at all what you would expect from its exterior appearance. “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” Hagan laughed. When you go, take a few moments to peruse the walls. The vintage basketball photos are a step back in time and may even contain a few recognizable faces.
Fieldhaus – which is a play on the term fieldhouse – opened in February as a restaurant that is family friendly and offers gourmet pub fare along with craft cocktails and craft beer. “The idea behind the menu,” Hagan said, was “comfort food meets sports stadium (fare)” – but there’s so much more.
The menu, which was crafted by Chef Rich Schaefer, features plenty of tasty fried fare. Fieldhaus Fritters ($8), Fried Portabellas ($9) and the Pork Cutlet sandwich ($11) were among our favorites. You’ll also find delicious healthy items, too, like the Ahi Tuna Wrap ($9), Fish Tacos ($9) and a Mediterranean Turkey Burger ($10). Speaking of burgers, The Fieldhaus ($14) is gigantic and includes a thick, beef patty cooked to your liking and then piled high with brisket, bacon, barbecue sauce, sharp cheddar and tobacco onions. The brisket is only one of several meats smoked on site. You can get a BBQ Feast ($10/$14) with your choice of hand-pulled pork, chicken or brisket served with our fresh coleslaw, homemade chips and pan-fried beans.
The Chicken & Waffles ($10) are among the best we’ve had. The lightly breaded chicken pairs perfectly with buttermilk waffles and a slightly spicy maple syrup. Chef Schaefer’s Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwich ($10) is a delectable mix of Swiss and Parmesan cheeses and bacon jam (yes, bacon jam) served on sourdough toast alongside a bowl of tomato soup. If you’re going to add sides to any of the dishes, be sure to try the Bourbon Spiked Kale ($2) and the Garlic Parmesan Truffle Fries ($4).
Fieldhaus
826 W. Main St.
New Albany
812.920.0030
*Fieldhaus is wheelchair accessible.
Exit 0 with Extol
Last month, Fieldhaus volunteered to join the Extol Team when we provided dinner for those in need with Jeffersonville-based homeless outreach Exit 0, which we do every month. David Hagan and his team made barbecue chicken for more than 100. If you – or your business or organization – are interested in joining us when we provide dinner for those being served by Exit 0 on June 25, please send an email to angie@extolmag.com.
Additional Photos:
