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By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
ROTHBURY — Danny Zuniga has made many improvements to the Rothbury Tavern after purchasing the bar in May of 2022.
One of the biggest changes to the tavern, located at the corner of Oceana Drive and Winston Road is the addition of a kitchen with a full menu. Now the bar offers appetizers, chicken wings, pizza, nachos, tacos, sandwiches, hotdogs, burgers and more.
“We definitely added food, and we’ve added the stage outside,” said Zuniga. “I’ve also purchased all the property north of me, and we’re going to be adding something to extend our play area to include mini disc golf.”
The 6-acre site is slated to open as a mini disc golf course in July. “It’s short distances — like 100 feet,” he said of the distance between baskets. The course will offer unique obstacles to navigate around. Playing the course will be free, and customers can buy the discs there. It will be a unique experience for customers who can enjoy a beer or cocktail while disking.
Zuniga said he plans to have a pig roast this summer to celebrate the course’s grand opening.
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New flooring, new plumbing and many other improvements have been made since he took over ownership. “We did a lot of infrastructure upgrades so that we can do the food and have a better atmosphere and better service.”
The recently-added outdoor area offers 2,000-square-feet of space for customers to enjoy nice weather while sipping on a drink fireside and listening to live music. When the weather is not-so-nice, there are portable heaters to keep patrons warm. Cornhole tournaments are popular outdoor events.
Entertainment is moved indoors during the cold months.
“We have Dave Burel here once a month, and we’re really looking to push more live music.” Zuniga said he also plans to bring in some comedians to entertain his guests.
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Danny’z offers karaoke on the weekends with DJ Nick and euchre tournaments on Mondays, pool tournaments on Tuesdays and a traveling pool league on Thursdays.
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The bar opens daily at noon and stays open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. A discounted lunch menu launched this week, and a punch card system to reward repeat customers is in the works.
“We’re trying to be community-friendly by hosting various charitable events. We’re really big advocates for the Goodfellows.” The charitable organization has an annual fundraiser that helps less fortunate children and families during Christmas. Danny’z hosts a pool tournament, 50/50 raffle, gun raffle, merchandise raffles and a potluck feast in conjunction with the charity drive. “We’ve already earned over $30,000 in events here in my three years.” The event had been ongoing under previous owner Mark Nelson’s ownership, and Zuniga carried on the tradition.
Zuniga also owns Jimmy’z Pub in Montague, and many of his employees are cross-trained to work at both locations. He recently sold Big Shotz Bar in Montague, which reopened as the Wayside Bar & Grill — the name it had several years ago.
The businessman said part of the reason he sold that location is because it’s more catered to being a restaurant rather than a bar. Whereas, Danny’z Rothbury Tavern and Jimmy’z Pub are drinking establishments with tasty food.
“I’m not trying to be a restaurant, but I want to be a bar with good food.”
For more information, visit Danny’z Rothbury Tavern on Facebook.
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