ENFIELD, CT -- For more than half a century, thirsty locals used to drop into 161 Enfield Street for a quick bite, to catch a ballgame on TV or indulge in a cold one (or two, or three). Initially known as the Leopard Lounge, owner Andy Siana changed the name in 1986 to the Clover Leaf Cafe.

The business was purchased in the early 1990s by Dan Dineen, who got his start in the bar business at the old Keg Room on State Street in Springfield. He has since invested in several similar venues, including The Shamrock Cafe in Suffield, the former Mickey Finn's in Somersville and the old Harp Cafe in East Windsor. He currently has stakes in the Keltic Table & Tap in Enfield, Lucky's Pub in Suffield and Murphy's Pub in Agawam, Mass.

Nearly five years ago, Dineen decided to close the Clover Leaf temporarily to renovate the old building, which, according to town property records, was built in 1930 and had apparently not been updated since. Shortly after shutting it down came the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic.

With businesses shuttering on what seemed like a daily basis during that tumultuous period, Dineen bided his time for the right opportunity to re-open the cafe. In the meantime, he continued to oversee his other establishments, and remained involved in the Enfield community by continuing to sponsor teams in local sports leagues.

Finally, the day arrived earlier this week, as the Clover Leaf re-opened its doors to patrons. The owner hopes to re-establish that neighborhood bar feel, a la Cheers "where everybody knows your name." Former regulars have already begun appearing after hearing about it on social media, Dineen said.

The business is licensed as a cafe, not a restaurant, so a limited amount of "bar food" is provided. The staff provides free edibles on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons, and customers sitting at the old-fashioned semicircular bar can catch a game or two on one of the big televisions.

"Last night was big for sports fans," Dineen aid, noting the bar had NFL Thursday Night Football, as well as Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics games. He said plans call for live musical performers to begin playing shortly.

The Clover Leaf Cafe opens daily at noon, and unlike many local establishments which began closing earlier, remains open until old-school hours - 1 a.m. daily, and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturday.

Longtime Watering Hole Re-Opens On Enfield Street After 5-Year Hiatus originally appeared on the Enfield Patch