By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Citizens of Helena have been patiently awaiting the anticipated opening of the new Coal Yard Bar and Grill in Old Town Helena, and after years of construction, design and perfecting details, the one-of-a-kind venue is now ready for business.

An open house was held Saturday, March 21, for anyone wanting to come check out the new bar and grill where full beverage service, entertainment and limited menu items were served to guests.

On Wednesday, March 25, the restaurant offered a full menu and beverage service while customers came in and enjoyed Helena local Erin Black perform acoustic music on the stage.

Some of Coal Yard’s features include a full bar with wine, spirits and a variety of beer choices ranging from domestic to local craft beer.

The food menu at Coal Yard is one of the more intriguing things the restaurant has to offer.

The Coal Yard offers “upscale casual food” as described by Co-owner Tim Robinson.

Items on the menu range from shrimp and grits, seafood tacos, IPA braised short ribs, baked oysters, burgers and more.

“We have 10 beers on tap and five of them are local and we’re building our wine selection and we have a full bar with whiskey, vodka and those drink,” said Robinson. “We also have entertainment and an event space that will be available up to 80 people.”

More than 300 people came to check out the open house and take a tour of the restaurant that will permanently open to the public within the next six weeks according to Robinson.

The Coal Yard’s hours will be 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Robinson described the opening of the Coal Yard as “a relief and exciting.”

“It’s fun to see people in here enjoying themselves and having a good time and it’s fun to be here in Old Town and to be in this space and interact with the community,” Robinson added.