A new cocktail lounge is coming to Owensboro, and for owner Daniel Keaveney, it’s the realization of a 20-year dream.
The sign recently went up at 1885, a high-end cocktail bar and intimate food venue located on West Parrish Avenue. Keaveney said the concept blends the classy feel of a Vegas lounge with elevated hospitality and locally inspired ingredients.
“This has been a 20-plus year dream of mine,” Keaveney said. “I graduated in 2003 with a culinary degree and a bachelor’s in food service entrepreneurship, and I’ve always wanted to own my own place.”
Keaveney’s career includes 17 years in Las Vegas, where he ran cocktail programs and honed his mixology skills. He moved to Owensboro during the pandemic and immediately recognized a gap in the local food and beverage scene.
“There’s money in Owensboro, but people are waiting for something worth spending it on,” Keaveney said. “We’re going to take our cocktails seriously, our food seriously — but not ourselves. This is meant to be a fun, elevated experience.”
The name “1885” pays homage to the year Owensboro began distilling bourbon at what is now Green River Distilling Co., a mile down the road. Keaveney said the bar will offer a unique “single bottle” program, where guests can purchase an entire bottle and have pours reserved exclusively for them on future visits.
Keaveney also plans to feature six tap beers and 10–15 bottled or canned craft selections, local beer from Brew Bridge and spirits from Green River Distilling, a robust wine selection, scratch-made cocktails with house-made syrups and fresh juices, and thoughtful non-alcoholic cocktails..
“I used to tag all my drinks with #deathtosourmix. We’re using real ingredients—fresh citrus, basil, seasonal produce — no shortcuts,” he said.
The space will be 21+ only and features a sleek, modern aesthetic with a touch of glam. Think moody lighting, bench seating, a jazz lounge feel, and possibly live music.
“We’re going for a specific vibe — snare drums, lounge singers, a Vegas-inspired jazz experience,” Keaveney said.
Though 1885 will focus primarily on cocktails, the kitchen will also serve a concise but upscale menu. Signature dishes include a giant pork-and-beef meatball with house-made garlic bread from Niko’s Bakery, lobster mac and cheese, mini hamburgers with fresh-cut house chips, and a vegetarian option featuring a stuffed portobello mushroom. There will also be rotating soups, salads, and seasonal specials.
Keaveney and his wife Maria, who is the 51% owner, met in culinary school and will collaborate on specials using local ingredients, often sourced from the Owensboro Regional Farmers Market, he said.
“We want to walk through the market with our chef and bartenders, see what’s fresh, and create weekly specials off that,” he said.
Maria, a Mexican-American from California, is handling all the licensing and behind-the-scenes logistics.
“She’s the reason this is all coming together,” Keaveney said. “We’ll also be a woman- and minority-owned business, which is something we’re proud of.”
He said the bar’s hours are expected to be 5 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week—ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Keaveney also envisions 1885 being available as an event rental space, noting, “That’s where a lot of restaurants make their money, and we want to offer that option.”
Keaveney is currently overseeing renovations, with creative direction from local artist and contractor Aaron Kizer. A retail section for bottle sales and potential liquor barrel picks is also in the works.
For updates and behind-the-scenes looks—including Keaveney’s scratch cocktail videos — follow 1885 on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
“This isn’t just a bar,” Keaveney said. “It’s a place where people can come together for a great drink, a great vibe, and a different kind of experience in Owensboro.”
