McQs Bar – Mc Qs Tavern, Niagara Falls NY history as recorded.
1. The 1970s Era: The River’s End
Before transforming into a college landmark, the standalone brick building located at 9th Street and North Avenue operated as The River’s End, a notorious local adult entertainment and topless bar. [1]
2. The Transition Era: Gabriel’s
Following the closure of the adult club, the building was taken over by Gabriel “Gabe” DeLuca, who briefly operated the venue as a neighborhood tavern under the name Gabriel’s.
3. The Original McQ’s Tavern Foundation
The legendary college hotspot was officially founded by Kathy O’Connell (née Kathleen McQuestion) and her husband, Tim O’Connell. Kathy named the bar McQ’s Tavern after her maiden name (McQuestion). Under their ownership, it quickly grew into the definitive weekend destination for Niagara University (NU) students. Kathleen Anne “Kathy” O’Connell (1953–2019) went on to open and own the Overseas Pub & Grill in Marathon, FL.
4. The Guthrie & DiChiara Partnership Era (Late 1980s – Early 1990s
Known for building up successful local businesses and selling them, Kathy eventually sold the tavern. The reins were handed over to Tim Guthrie Jr. from Lockport and Tony DiChiara Jr. from the nearby Club Miami, who re-opened the venue under their new management.
•The Namesake: They kept the iconic “McQ’s” name that Kathy had established.
•The Management Connection: Tim Guthrie Jr. entered the partnership largely due to his family’s deep roots in the region. His father, Tim Guthrie Sr.— a prominent General Motors/Delphi engineering executive was based out of Lockport was a close friend and trusted lifelong mentor to Tony DiChiara Jr.
• The Scene: During this era, McQ’s cemented its legacy alongside its historic neighbor, the Del Mar Grill on North Avenue and on the same city block the Captain’s Cove on Ontario Avenue as the epicenter of Niagara Falls college nightlife and particularly Niagara University.