A fire seriously damaged the kitchen of Shakespeare’s Pub and Grill at 819 S. 1st Ave. in Iowa City today. Sixteen firefighters showed up to fight the blaze, which began shortly before 10 a.m. No one was hurt.
Bartender Roger Barrett says a buildup of heat behind the fryer caused the fire. Firefighters cut holes in the roof above the kitchen to douse the blaze, which is still under investigation.
Owner Suzi Spalj said she would try to re-open as soon as possible.
Since the 1970s, the space has been home to bars and restaurants, including Jirsa’s, The Annex and Billy’s.
