Our History

In August of 1966 a young man and bartender of the Ivy Inn was offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to buy the business. At just 25 years old he was not prepared financially to make that purchase. Through the help of his family pooling together whatever money they had set aside, the bar was acquired. And so began a family business that continues to this day.

That young man was L. Richard ‘Dickey’ McCluskey. The bar was located at 254 Nassau Street, the current home of Small World Coffee. In June 1973, through hard work and dedication, Dickey was able to purchase the property at 248 Nassau Street and move the bar to its current home. The amount of booze dispensed since then is currently registered with the Guinness Book of World records. Just checking to see if you’re paying attention….the former is (unfortunately) not accurate.

Long known as a ‘shot and beer joint’ Dickey catered to the working men and women of the area for the next 20 years. Known for his extreme generosity and big heart Dickey always tried to keep his pricing as reasonable as possible; a 40 cent draft beer was offered well into the 1980’s.

Dickey was also an avid sports fan and for 30 years sponsored countless athletic teams throughout Mercer County. So much so, that in 1996 he was inducted into the Trenton Softball Hall of Fame. Want to know why the Ivy’s colors are green and gold? Dickey was a life-long Green Bay Packers fan.

Dickey died on May 25, 1996 at the age of 55. His sister, Michele ‘Mickey’ Ryan a life-long nurse became the owner. Knowing little about the business, she delegated the responsibility of operations to her son Richard ‘Richey’ Ryan.

For the next 15 years, the Ivy Inn would continue to grow itself and attract a diverse clientele. The Ivy took on a new face with the introduction of live entertainment, karaoke and trivia night.  In January, 2013 the Ivy Inn took the next step with the addition of a full service kitchen. Yes, 47 years had elapsed but as my Uncle used to say in reference to his daily cleaning chores: “I might be slow, but I’m thorough.”

Acutely aware of the importance of giving back to the community we serve, we have long supported local non-profits including: the Sunshine Foundation, St. Baldrick’s, Toys for Tots, Angel’s Wings, HiTops, Christine’s Hope for Kids, and most recently Good Grief.

Today the Ivy Inn attracts a loyal, growing and diverse clientele whom we are proud to serve and call our friends.

• 1966 – L. Richard ‘Dickey’ McCluskey, a 25 year old man acquires the Ivy Inn.

   1973 – Through hard work and dedication, Dickey was able to purchase the property at 248 Nassau Street.

  1975 – After renovations were completed, the Ivy Inn as you know it today opened its doors.

  1996 – Dickey inducted into the Trenton Softball Hall of Fame.  Just one month later Dickey died on May 25, 1996 at the age of 55. His sister, Michele ‘Mickey’ Ryan a life-long nurse became the owner. Knowing little about the business, she delegated the responsibility of operations to her son Richard ‘Richey’ Ryan.

   2020 – With the challenges faced from the pandemic, the Ivy turned its front parking lot into an inviting, open space with plenty of seating and an outside bar that was met with rave reviews from customers. During the same period of time, Saturn Pizza was established.