Brendan’s Irish Pub OUT, a $3 Million Gastropub IN at The Orleans

The upgrades keep on coming at The Orleans, with confirmation of long rumored major changes at Brendan’s Irish Pub and a makeover for the venerable Prime Rib Loft.

Brendan's Irish Pub shuttered on June 1 for "renovations," but newly filed permits appear to confirm rumors the future changes will be permanent. New paperwork calls for the pub space to be knocked into the adjacent former Koji Sushi Bar & China Bistro space to create an imposing, 9,699-square-foot "gastropub."

The renovations come with a serious price tag, currently estimated at $3,600,000 in construction costs. Rumored to feature a central bar, separate dining areas, an industrial design and gaming on the bar tops, the upgrades will be on par with the resort's recent addition Alder & Birch, the new steakhouse that debuted back in Februrary.

The Chinese and Japanese menu of Ondori Asian Kitchen replaced the need for the Koji concept back in March. No timetable for the arrival of the gastropub has been announced.

Also receiving a makeover upstairs, the Prime Rib Loft, an institution at The Orleans since 1998. The restaurant will be "temporarily relocated" on June 13, with the regular menu served in "a temporary venue, located near the French Market Buffet on the west side of the casino." The Prime Rib's dinner only hours will remain the same, Sunday to Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday to Saturday until 11 p.m.

Permits dating back to January estimated the Loft's makeover to reach an estimated construction ceiling of $150,000. It will return to its familiar home "in the coming weeks."