Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. This is a long post. If you are receiving it through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title at the top to see all photos and the narrative isn’t clipped or shortened. (# External photo attribution at the end of the post #1-#2.)
In Part 1 of Fall Facades, I touched on a variety of topics and enjoyed it so much that I decided on another limited foray – not a deep dive – but just a shallow submergence.
Higher Education
In the prior post, I debated the wisdom of two new trends – the first was eliminating grades for first-semester college freshman. Then there’s the advent of college concierge services where hired help does everything from doing students’ laundry, dorm room cleanup, shopping, etc. Does this promote personal responsibility?
“College Concierge empowers students to focus on what is important in their academic and social journey during these important years or their life.”
Academic institutions are not known for adapting and it’s created a double squeeze – on the parents and students paying tuition. (#3)
“More colleges are surpassing the $100,000 price tag. Fifteen schools now charge six figures and others are on the verge.” (Washington Post 8/31)
“For the 2025–26 school year, private U.S. colleges average $44,961 in tuition alone, and when you add housing, food, books, and other expenses, total annual costs can exceed $100,000 for students without scholarships or aid.
Tuition has more than tripled since 1980, rising faster than inflation, while real median family income growth has been modest.” (The Conversation.com 6/26/26)
This has led young people to search for other options. There are some high-paying jobs which don’t require a college degree but specialized training.
And there’s the on-line diploma mills – some are drawing scrutiny according to the Washington Post. (9/18/26) (#4)
“Enrollment at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where students can earn a bachelor’s degree in less than a year, has skyrocketed.
Recently: A Post education reporter clicked his way toward a college degree in days, for less than $100. Many colleges’ transfer policies allow credits from unaccredited platforms.”
More AI Implications
While one can be critical of colleges for not adapting with the times, some professors are showing creativity when testing students. (#5)
According to a 7/15/2026 Washington Post article, a Brown University professor thought students were cheating on exams so decided to fight back:
“Last semester: The average midterm score in the professor’s economics class was 96. It’s usually in the 60s to 80s. He made the final (test) in-person, and 27 students dropped the class.
The bigger picture: Universities are struggling to manage AI, while students have high incentives to use it. And new technology, like AI glasses, makes it harder to catch cheating.”
Besides learning to live independently and gain a sense of personal responsibility, it goes without saying that the primary purpose of college is to prepare one for the working world and now AI is understandably having an impact on employment search firms.
Admittedly, a recruiter, who saw a resume like the one from the applicant below, wouldn’t have much of a challenge telling him where to go (or burrow…) (#6)
According to Morning Brew: “Many career advisors and universities are encouraging job seekers to use AI to craft their résumés and cover letters. But then recruiters have to figure out whether the candidate is a good communicator or just good at using AI.
And while 60% of hiring managers say they can identify AI-generated applications, only about 25% actually can, according to a Software Finder survey.“
I remember in my hiring days trying to review stacks of resumes for sought-after jobs (often while watching NFL games), but this has also changed:
“In Q1 2022, the average job opening drew 89 applications. Three years later, each opening attracted 243 hopefuls.
To keep up, 90% of US employers use AI screening, according to a Stanford University study. While those tools help weed out unqualified candidates, they also turn talented prospects.”
This brought back a memory of one of my favorite interviews when I was the Business Manager at the Oregon State Bar in the early ’80’s. We were hiring for a legal secretary/assistant for our General Counsel – an important position and one which had evidenced problematic turnover. (#7)
One finalist was a very impressive woman – a University of Washington grad whose goal was to become a clinical psychologist and wanted a secretarial position while attending grad school. (What better way to gain practical experience than working around lawyers…?)
I only interviewed the three finalists of which she was last. Although some would scoff at this cliched question, I found that even though interviewees expected it, one could judge creativity and insight by the answer.
Our conversation went like this:
Me: What would co-workers assess as your strengths and weaknesses?
Applicant: (smiling) My weakness is I can’t swim. What are your weaknesses?
Me: (without smiling) I don’t have a sense of humor.
I immediately offered her the job. She was a superb addition to our staff and I’m confident that she achieved her goal.
The Lawyer Mentality
Speaking of lawyers, I’ve mentioned before in several posts, that one of the things I enjoyed about working with lawyers for almost forty years, was their appreciation for the nuances of the language. It’s exemplified by often taking conversation or phrasing literally.
I used the example of my long-time friend – brilliant litigator and intellectual property lawyer, John Mansfield, a magna cum laude, Order of the Coif and Law Review Editor at Cornell Law School (a long time ago.) (#8)
In 2012 – shortly after starting this blog – we Beerchased at the legendary Mock Crest Tavern. After reading the phrase in the Mock Crest menu, “Breakfast Served – Any Time,” John said to our server, “I’d like French Toast from the Renaissance Era.”
I’ll leave you with another example. A lawyer’s spouse asks him to go to the grocery for a carton of milk and adds, “If they have avocados get two.” He returns with two cartons of milk and she asks, “Why did you get two cartons of milk?” He replies, “They had avocados…” (#9)
A successful errand??
Farewell to Another Great Watering Hole
One of my favorite bars for many years – it was close to the former Oregon State Bar building where I worked – was the Leaky Roof Gastropub. It originated as a food cart in the Goose Hollow Neighborhood and would have celebrated its 80th anniversary early next year. It abruptly closed down with only a note on the door in July.
My affection for the Leaky Roof was heightened in 2018 because it became the 300th establishment I’d visited since starting the blog in 2011.
Celebrating this milestone were my wife, Janet, and four friends who were part of a walking group. (David and Kate Dickson, Mary Maxwell and Roy Lambert) We always finished our treks with a visit to a bar or brewery.
I returned a few months later for follow-up research with my long-term (since 1979) friend, Dennis Ferguson. It was appropriate because it had one of the best cheeseburgers in Portland and every time we Beerchased, Fergy would down one.
Resurrection?
As with some watering holes which have closed during and since the pandemic, it was recently reported in Whatnow.com/Portland on 9/14 that the Leaky Roof has reopened as the Leaky Roof Tavern.
I’m somewhat skeptical, however, as I could find no other print or social media link about this. Nor was there any contact info for the new enterprise.
If it is true than the purported new owners, Agron and Roni Pervizi, better get moving and shaking if they don’t want another closure and because Fergy will soon be knocking at the door for a cheeseburger.
Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title at the top to see all of the photos and so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution at the end of the post. #)
Since I started my Beerchasing retirement hobby in the fall of 2011, I’v visited over 425 bars and breweries. About 140 have been in the Portland metro area – close to my home. That said, there are still many wonderful watering holes waiting for a Beerchasing expedition.
For example, I recently “discovered” Jerry’s Tavern – an outstanding dive bar that’s been adding hundreds of bottles to the sales of Miller High Life. Opening only about eighteen months ago, it has risen to the ranks of favorite dive bar for many Portlanders.
Beer of choice at Jerry’s
I needed a new bar for me to get together with a group of “old guys” who periodically gather for beer and to tell stories. Since most of the group are lawyers, the stories aren’t that interesting…but the camaraderie is good.
Since our last gathering towards the end of 2025, we added a few to the group, so I needed an establishment that had at least one large table and where the music and crowd noise wouldn’t preclude our conversations.
After some research and based on recommendations, I chose the Tulip Shop Tavern (hereafter TST) for a late Wednesday afternoon gathering. I was impressed with the owners’ backgrounds, the reviews and the ambiance.
That said, after a very positive experience, one of our group lamented:
“Williams, you must be losing your touch. This place has too much class. Next time we need a hardcore dive.”
That comment was taken under advisement by the Executive Committee (that would be me – Thebeerchaser.)
As the co-owner, Devon Treadwell stated:
““Tyler (her husband) and I take a lot of pride in making our home space cozy, ‘Devon Treadwell says. ‘We don’t want it to feel cold and dirty, but nice and warm. People want to hang out here.’” (Portland Eater 3/21/19)
They have succeeded in that desire.
Why You Should Raise a Mug at the Tulip Shop
(#1)
Tyler and Devon Treadwell are entrepreneurs and respected pros in the Portland hospitality industry. As stated in New Schoolbeer.com shortly after they opened TST in May, 2019:
“…Tyler and Devon Treadwell, local hospitality industry veterans, have quietly opened their tavern without much fanfare…Tyler Treadwell was on duty on a pleasantly warm evening, mixing drinks and pouring beers like a pro with years of experience, which in fact he is, with stints at Cascade’s Barrel House, Saraveza, and the Rum Club.
His wife, Devon, has put in working time at Higgins, Sweedeedee, and yes, also at the Rum Club.”
Perhaps their success with the Tulip Shop evolves from a combination of their prior experience, good instincts, willing to take risks, luck and a strong work ethic:
“The Treadwells put no small amount of sweat equity into the space, taking over the former Pop Tavern premises, putting in a lot of elbow grease to clean it up, and remodeling where needed.” (New School Beer)
They also have complementary skills – he handles the beverages including the outstanding cocktails (“The cocktails here get wild with a laundry list of spirits.”) and she handles the food:
Both the cocktails and the food have gotten rave reviews as has the ambiance.gg
And speaking of favorable reactions in the six years since they’ve been open, the TST is often mentioned. They made the list of Portland Monthly’s ten best bars in 2023. In addition to asserting that TST was the City’s best burger bar, Oregon Live’s Michael Russel included it in the list of Portland’s best bistros in 2024.
And social media reviews are quite positive – almost effusive as is this one from Yelp in July 2025:
“Get the double smash burger and thank me later. It was quite possibly the most perfectly cooked smash burger patty I’ve eaten. Crazy good. On top of the amazing burger, the rest of the experience was pretty solid, too. The onion rings were delicious, and the staff were very friendly as well. All in all, a solid spot that I’d gladly revisit
“Crazy good” (#2)
Since my group of old guys, just drank beer and did not try the food, I returned a week later with my former lawyer colleague at the Schwabe firm, John Mansfield – a “victim” of many prior Beerchases.
John had the Daily Special – three tacos for only $11. I feasted on the fried-chicken sandwich ($15). We both agreed that the menu and quality of food merits a return trip(s).
By the way, our server, Rochelle, was a gem and Darren the bartender was also great.
Veteran Beerchaser Mansfield
I had a nice chat with Tyler Treadwell and his vision was impressive. First, he was smart to hitchhike on the same great location of two previous dive bars which had been successful but eventually closed.
NE Killingsworth is an eclectic collection of shops and restaurants that has a following both by locals and those from the burbs. The prior two bars also had character:
Ducketts from 2010 to 2016 – “… a bar should be a place where everyone feels welcome and as I kept an eye on the broad cross-section of humanity ambling in and out the front door my heart warmed to this little neighborhood dive.”
Pop Tavern from 2016 to 2019 – “For a bar explicitly devoted to pop, there’s a sense that this, finally, is a place where history is preserved… as advertised by a lit-up indoor marquee that faces only toward the people already drinking, ‘LESS FASHION MORE THRASHIN’, the sign might entreat the bar’s drinkers.”
Tyler Treadwell with Thebeerchaser
Tyler and Devon upgraded the bar so it’s (in Thebeerchaser’s opinion) a seamless integration of an upscale dive and neighborhood bar. That said, Tyler stated that he is well aware that bars go through cycles and need to adapt and change to both retain existing customers and attract new patrons. (#3)
It should be noted about the only complaint besides it being very busy (any bar owner would love that complaint) was that the loud music along with multiple conversations made it difficult to have a discussion. Our group of old guys wouldn’t offer that lament as it would lead to inquiries about which of us had hearing aids.
What did you say?
(Above left to right – Kimball Ferris, John Kelly, Larry Frank, Doug Blomgren, Doug Walta, Bernie Stea and Don Williams)
Although I have a lot of Portland bars I’ve never visited to this point which need exploration, I’ll definitely return to the Tulip Shop Tavern. Besides supporting a great hospitality couple and the robust food menu at reasonable prices, there are exotic cocktails and slushees to investigate.
We stuck to the draft beer lineup, which was great, but as one mixed drink connoisseur stated: “A cocktail is a hug you give yourself.” Anyone reading the news these days, certainly needs a hug. A slushee would also fill the bill and they look outstanding.
From Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title at the top to see all of the photos so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution at the end of the post.)
In my first “episode” of “Summer Simmers” I stated that I was going to end some future posts with three items from my vast collection – bar jokes, lawyer jokes and quotations. Well this one ends with a combined “story” of each of these three elements.
It’s courtesy of my friend of more than fifty years, attorney Mark O’Donnell, who is one of the best business, land-use and real estate lawyers in the state. His robust practice also includes legal work for non-profit organizations. Besides his skill as a lawyer, Mark is also a wonderful human being.
He’s a guy who shows compassion, a dry and sophisticated sense of humor and an ethic which involves helping others on a daily basis. (I realize that these traits apply to most attorneys….) (#1)
“Mark is an inspiration for many, and the support of his friends, family, and colleagues at the event made it clear that he has made an impact in our community,”
In September 2018, the Northwest Pilot Project presented him with the Agency Impact Award to commemorate his service to the organization, which provides affordable housing to seniors in Multnomah County:
O’Donnell’s commitment has prevented 450 low-income seniors from becoming homeless.” …He also partners with SE Works, De Paul Treatment Centers and other organizations that serve at-risk kids and low-income seniors.”
Stay tuned below for the closing story, but first some quick news about two watering holes:
It was a great little pub and brewery in SW Portland and I enjoyed a beer with my friend, David Kish, who had a distinguished career in public service both for the State of Oregon and the City of Portland including serving as Portland’s Director of General Services under legendary Mayor Bud Clark.
David Kish – a distinguished career in public service
And Sasquatch has a great story:
“In 2012 (Tom) Sims – former weld-grinder, former beeper salesman, soon-to-be former homebrewer – opened Sasquatch Brewing, and the brewpub quickly caught on in the Hillsdale neighborhood.
It proved to be such a hit that in 2017 Sasquatch’s owners opened a second pub, returning to Sims’ roots in Northwest Portland, where the co-founder had years earlier plied his trade.” (Oregon Live)
David and I talked to Tom, a fellow Oregon State grad (David graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst) and based on his initial success, he had plans to expand – these came to fruition.
Will be back in business
After the closure news late last year, I was then happy to see just a couple of months later, Willamette Week’sstory:
“Sasquatch Brewing Will Start Producing Beer Again at Its Hillsdale Flagship.”
Experienced brewer, Nick Scandurro, plans to be “…brewing in Hillsdale this fall and have at least 12 in-house beers by spring 2024.”
Tom Sims made heroic efforts, but the pandemic, cost of materials and related issues made it impossible to continue. I hope he continues brewing in some capacity.
Celebrates its 100th Birthday in 2023
The Sandy Hut – A Portland dive icon that I visited in the early days of my Beerchasing journey – epitomized why I started this retirement pursuit.
Known by regulars as “The Handy Slut”, this excerpt from “Willamette Week’s 2008 Bar Guide” (that was three years before I started Beerchasing) will convey why it’s so well loved:
A classic resource for Thebeerchaser from 2008
2008– “The Handy Slut, as regulars and the bar’s merchandise call it, is a lurid, windowless utopia. It looks like it once housed the Rat Pack—and hasn’t cleaned since the party ended.
The drinks pack enough alcohol to fuel a racecar, and often mere eye contact constitutes consent. The east side loves you, Sandy—you dirty little slut.”
My first foray was in 2014 with one of my favorite attorneys and frequent Beerchasing companion, John Mansfield. John has never been shy about having his photo appear in this blog and the second photo shows him with Kevin, a friendly regular we sat next to at the bar.
He welcomed us and stated he has frequented the bar since 1979 when he moved from Phoenix.
JM in front of the iconic Al Hirschfield exterior
I was thus very concerned about the rumor shortly afterwards that The Slut was going to be demolished and become a high-rise condo.
It was purchased in 2012 by two of Portland’s dive bar saviors, Warren Boothby and Marcus Archambault. And as with their other acquisitions, they went to work
” And in 2018 restored an Al Hirschfield mural of celebrity caricatures, uncovered a glass brick wall by the old entrance and improved the food and drink menu with recipes nodding to the establishment’s Mid-Century glory days, when it was known as The Wolf’s Den.” (Oregon Live 7/18/23)
And as it celebrated it century year in August, does it still have a community following? Well, take a look at the photo below and the description of the event and it’s obvious:
“I’m so in love with this portland community. thank you so much for supporting sandy hut and helping to make portland a great place to live. no arguments, no fights. just 2000 folks showing up to have fun, rock out, and be present. thank you to the vendors, staff, and food carts that made this event a success! ….we love you all!” (#3)
And as Promised Above – The Story and Mark O’Donnell
Mark, being a compassionate guy and believing in contrition has forgiven me for my letter after I first met him in 1979 when I worked for the Clackamas County Commissioners in Oregon City.
He was appearing before the Board on behalf of a client who needed a conditional use permit for a mobile home on an expansive rural property. (At that time, they were labeled “house trailers.”)
Fortunately, I had worked with a number of lawyers in the DA’s Office who were were known for their well-honed cynical, sarcastic senses of humor. I speculated, with some risk, that Mark might share this same trait.
So with an elevated attitude of righteous indignation, I sent him a letter castigating him for trying to turn the park across from my Mom’s residence and most of my Oregon home town into a massive trailer park. (#2)
“Trailer Home!”
Mark responded, in kind, and this started a long-term friendship where we debated everything from religion to politics to land-use planning at periodic lunches.
Our relationship was characterized by letters and e-mails that many (most notably the secretaries who opened my mail) would view as acrimonious. All of these missives are still in my collection of “treasured” documents and I’ve included a few examples below.
In a letter to me dated 2/21/1979 to the Local Government Personnel Institute (my then employer) he again referenced my “concern” about my mom’s residence, he stated:
“(Your mom) called us bleeding liberals and said she agreed with every policy decision of her “former” son. (In the preceding paragraph, he asserted that Mom disclaimed ever having a son.) I then apologized for my single issue approach and we had a nice talk.
In the course of leaving the premises, she mentioned to me that while she always agreed with your great plans for our society such as clean air, transit malls, snow-capped mountains, clean water, mediocre schools, demise of the family unit, open space and farmland, she did miss the feeling of self-respect, dignity and independence.”
When I started work as the Business Manager at the Oregon State Bar, he did not disappoint me as you can see by the address on the envelope below:
Of course, Mark wanted to raise the standard higher and got one of his firm’s associate attorneys involved. I knew Martha Hicks from her work as a Deputy DA in Clackamas County when I worked for the County Commissioners. (Ironically, she now works as an Assistant Disciplinary Counsel at the Oregon State Bar!)
In a letter dated 8/7/1979, Martha wrote, in part:
“Attorney Mark O’ Donnell has forwarded to me your letter. He has also explained to me in detail your views on land use planning, government expenditures, tax relief and continuing support for elitist goals.
I have explained to Mr. O’Donnell your ‘spoon-in-mouth’ childhood, education and employment patterns. I have also admitted to Mr. O’Donnell that this does not excuse you, but that he should show more compassion and appreciation for your views.
I suggest you consider the following:
‘From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.'” (#3)
The first time I received a letter quoting Karl Marx
This initial series of letters culminated with Mark’s correspondence to me dated 7/11/1979. It was in response to a check I sent him for $1.07 for “legal services in kind.” The final paragraph in his letter stated:
“The El Gazebo Saloon has the finest super nachos that I’ve ever tasted. Please call me so that we may discuss these important matters over a plate of super nachos and large amounts of beer.”
He enclosed the following correspondence to Ms. Sharon Imholt, the Proprietor of the El Gazebo:
When we met for super nachos and mugs of beer, Mark gave me credit for $1.07 and paid the remainder of the bill. The El Gazebo went out of business long ago and has been resurrected several times since.
The structure that houses the bar has a long history as you can see by the photo below. It’s ignominious history may have come to a halt, however.
It became known as the Route 99 Roadhouse and closed temporarily in February 2021, when the Oregon Liquor Control Commission suspended its license for COVID violations:
“Per Gov. Kate Brown’s guidance, restaurants in ‘extreme risk’ counties cannot allow any form of indoor dining; in addition, all counties in Oregon must wear face coverings and follow social distancing guidelines when in restaurants or bars.
“The OLCC says it had reached out the bar before the in-person visit with educational information about the state’s safety protocols. According to the OLCC, inspectors who visited the bar for the follow-up evaluation found Route 99 packed with customers and staff, many of whom were maskless inside the bar.” (PDX Eater 2/5/21) (#4 – #5)
A watering hole with a long history including a meeting over super nachos and beer
It reopened, but the last Facebook post was in December 2021 indicating it was closing for good and the listed telephone number has been disconnected.
Objectively speaking, the above letters may appear like a foolish waste of time by two guys who don’t have enough to do, but they started a friendship that has endured for decades and transcends trite banter.
Mark followed our last lunch two weeks ago by sending me a booklet with David Foster Wallace’s essay:
Wallace was an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and university professor of English and creative writing who died by suicide at the age of forty-six in 2008.
The text originated from a commencement speech Wallace gave at Kenyon College on May 21, 2005.
“The speech covers subjects including the difficulty of empathy, the unimportance of being well-adjusted, and the apparent lonesomeness of adult life. It suggests that the overall purpose of higher education is to learn to consciously choose how to perceive others, think about meaning, and act appropriately in everyday life.
Wallace argues that the true freedom acquired through education is the ability to be fully conscious and sympathetic.” (Wikipedia) (#5)
The essay was controversial, as was its author, but received great acclaim. I could write another post on both of these, but I want to finish with my favorite part of the work below, and as I promised, it involves a bar!
“Here’s another didactic little story. There are these two guys sitting together in a bar in the remote Alaskan wilderness. One of the guys is religious, the other is an atheist, and the two are arguing about the existence of God with that special intensity that comes after about the fourth beer.
And the atheist says: ‘Look, it’s not like I don’t have actual reasons for not believing in God. It’s not like I haven’t ever experimented with the whole God and prayer thing. Just last month I got caught away from the camp in that terrible blizzard, and I was totally lost and I couldn’t see a thing, and it was 50 below, and so I tried it: I fell to my knees in the snow and cried out ‘Oh, God, if there is a God, I’m lost in this blizzard, and I’m gonna die if you don’t help me.’
And now, in the bar, the religious guy looks at the atheist all puzzled. ‘Well then you must believe now,’ he says, ‘After all, here you are, alive.’ The atheist just rolls his eyes. ‘No, man, all that was a couple Eskimos happened to come wandering by and showed me the way back to camp.'”
And In Conclusion
Cheers to Mark O’ Donnell and as he would advise you:
County Cork was visited early on a Tuesday night. Thebeerchaser and four friends who I consider among the top environmental lawyers in Portland were in our group.
Since John Mansfield, a patent attorney,accompanied me to Mock Crest Tavern, (see previous June post) one might wonder why environmental lawyers were the preferred companions. Well, if one has the choice to converse on what constitutes prior art and derivation practice under the American Invents Act, or alternatively, to discuss nuances resulting from the interaction of Endangered Species Statuteswith the numeric effluent links of the Clean Water Act, most people would choose the latter. (How about those Mariners….?)
Clearing the Air – Tanya, our Waitress and 4 Env. Lawyers
A guy at the next table who overheard us talking piped up: “You know it’s not pollution or industry that is harming the environment. It’s the impurities in our air and water.”
We abruptly ended the dialogue when he then opined, “The recent eclipse of the sun is irrefutable proof of the unreliability of solar power.”
The pub, County Cork, is named after the county by the same name in the southwest region of Ireland.
An Irish Geography Lesson
Since one of our party was named Brien Flanagan and he is a Notre Dame double grad, we were not concerned about fitting in. In fact, the bar has a reputation for being family friendly. How family friendly? It even has a play area for kids with a toy chest and a shelf full of kids books. The 2008 Willamette Week Bar Guidesums it up:
“Go ahead – bring all the kids you want to this Irishy Irvington pub. Sip an imperial pint from Eire (Murphy’s, Beamish, Guinness) ……. while little Angus and Fiona try their hands at darts. When they’re done poking holes in each other, stuff them full of fish and chips.”
“Good Night Moon” – The book – not when you pass out!!
There are 16 beers on tap and also cider, Guinness and Murphy’s Irish Stout brewed in Cork County. Also nine bottled beers and a wine list. Drink and food prices are reasonable with Dollar-off-Pints 3 to 6 o’clock Monday through Friday
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Interior – Although it is in a somewhat ordinary setting on Fremont Street, thebar does have the feel of an Irish Pub. Pictures of JFK and Bobby are prominent as are signs about Irish food on the menu and live Irish music on most Tuesdays and Fridays (e.g. Johnny Connelly and Danny O’Hanlon that night). There are two individual stalls for darts, which is somewhat unusual. The bartenders are “in costume”, so to speak.
The Food – Some of the reviews describe the food very favorably (esp. the fish and chips) although one of our party with experience, used the adjective “scary” to describe the Scottish Egg on the menu (Hard-boiled egg wrapped in seasoned pork sausage and lightly breaded, deep-fried and served with a side of house-made chutney)
301 or Cricket??
Menu “classics” included Murphy’s Stew, Bangers and Mash, Shepherds Pie and Bread Pudding.
County Cork was enjoyable and we decided to leave when Flanagan asked us if we had heard about the Irish boomerang?
“It doesn’t come back, it just sings songs about how much it wants to.”
