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After he returned to Kentucky , Fields presented an interesting idea to his friend , Greg Ferrell .
“ I told him , ‘ Let ’ s open a little pub . Just a hole in the wall . No food . Just sling beer . You know , a little place where you could sit around and plot revolution .’” Revolutionary . Indeed . An Irish-style pub in the
Bluegrass . “ I gave us two years , maybe three ,” Fields said . “ I still am aghast that we
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are still here .”
Two decades later , The Paddy Wagon is not only still around , but the pub has become an institution in downtown Richmond .
The pub recently celebrated its 20th anniversary . The festivities included nine musical artists across two stages , cornhole tournaments , traditional Irish food — like corn beef and cabbage — along with lots and lots of potent potables .
“ I was 51 when we opened up . It ’ s hard to
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believe . Where did the last 20 years go ?” Field said .
An Ohio native , Fields served as a professor at several schools across the country ( Sam Houston State , Appalachian State , and Saginaw State ), teaching political science and other topics before arriving at Eastern Kentucky University .
He finally decided to give up academics to pursue his “ romantic notion .”
The Paddy Wagon ’ s original location was in the basement of the Family
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Dog building on Water Street .
The pub moved to Main Street a few years later .
In the beginning , Fields was eager to authentically replicate the bars he visited while in the Emerald Isle . He quickly learned , however , that some things didn ’ t really translate to America .
“ Our first menu was just like an Irish pub — and , of course , no one would eat it ,” Fields said . “ Now , only on St . Patrick ’ s Day or other special occasions
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