“Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.”
—Anthony Bourdain
As a fan of life’s simple pleasures, I applaud Anthony Bourdain’s thought. For me, those pleasures include a welcoming pub with delicious, no-frills food, a good selection of beverages, and a location close to home.
And just like that — dream answered. Wogies Sports Bar & Restaurant has officially opened on Katonah Avenue, bringing with it cheesesteaks, wings and a healthy dose of sports-pub camaraderie. For locals craving more nearby dining and gathering options, it’s a welcome addition.
Katonah’s history is as rich as its community. In the 1890s, the town was relocated to make way for the Croton Dam and Reservoir, which supplies water to New York City. Since then, Katonah has become known for its small-town charm, vibrant arts scene and friendly residents — not to mention its status as a hub of elite journalism.
I love Katonah and feel incredibly fortunate we chose to live and raise our family here.
Wogies occupies the Old Firehouse Building, and local firefighter, dedicated KBM reader and Katonah Fire Department Past President/former Chief Dean Pappas shared some history:
“In 1923 the Katonah Fire District’s (KFD) Fire Commissioners allotted $38,800 bond for construction of a new headquarters building opposite Valley Road. The first meeting in the new firehouse was held on April 13, 1926. It remained KFD’s headquarters until 1957 when the new Firehouse at 65 Bedford Road was built.”
A big thank-you to the brave members of the Katonah Fire Department for keeping us safe all these years!
Owner Aaron Hoffman got his start with W Hotels and Rande Gerber, helping to launch their famed Whiskey Bars. Inspired by those experiences, he opened the first Wogies (“Kitchen, Bar, & Bakery”) in 2003. Today, there are two locations in Manhattan with devoted followings.
The idea of bringing Wogies to the suburbs came during COVID, when Aaron and his family moved from Bedford to Katonah. As he got to know the area, he realized that Wogies already had name recognition among fellow city expats. With the town’s new sewer access, Katonah became the perfect next location.
The name Wogies — and the popular Krazy Kate wings — are heartfelt tributes to his parents:
“Wogies (Whoa-geez) Bar and Grill is named after my dad, William Styer Hoffman," Aaron said. "No one but my mom, affectionately known as Krazy Kate, is sure why he was nicknamed Wogie and she isn’t telling. Growing up outside Philadelphia, my dad loved a great cheesesteak. And while he lived his entire life near Philly, his favorite city was New York. Wogies is my way of remembering my dad by making a great Philly Cheesesteak in the greatest city in the world.”
(And now in the greatest hamlet in the world!)
Before Wogies Katonah opened, I chatted with Aaron and told him we always thought a “Blazer Pub South” would be a perfect fit for the town. And wouldn’t you know it — Aaron loves the Blazer!
During my visits, I found a warm, upscale, family-friendly pub atmosphere. The space features high tin ceilings, a large antique bar, high-top tables, additional window seating, a few outdoor tables for nice weather and plenty of TVs airing sports.
Wogies is fully embracing Katonah and honoring its location’s roots. Fire poles wrapped in original KFD hoses decorate the space, and soon the original 19th-century fire bell will be installed — once used to rally volunteers, it’ll now help rally KBM readers. The restaurant has also preserved the firehouse’s iconic garage-door look with two large retractable windows.
Eight beers are currently on tap, thoughtfully chosen to pair well with pub food:
Captain Lawrence Freshchester Pale Ale – From our local beer hero
Sloop Juice Bomb – Juicy goodness
Allagash Belgian White Ale – A wheat beer spiced with coriander
Guinness – KBM’s all-time favorite beer
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