Old Town Bar

Over the bar hangs a handwritten sign informing patrons that credit and debit cards are not accepted for payment (there is, fortunately, an ATM on the premises). On another, someone has inked out the beer offerings – all the standard issue domestics, but no craft brews in sight. There’s Heineken if you want to get fancy. Behind the bar is a set of nubs that once supplied beer taps, but the taps are gone with no likelihood of returning. Fifty or more years worth of beer memorabilia hang on the walls and line the shelves of the bar. Which sports a noticeable patina of dust, and more than its share of spots where the finish has rubbed off.
Yeah, it’s a dive, but a pleasant one. About twenty years ago I lived in the area and occasionally made my way here when my ordinary routines and surroundings began wearing on my nerves. Today while I was downriver I stopped by to see what the old place was like. Very little seemed to have changed, other than a coat of garish blue paint having been applied to the exterior. It’s still a laid back, friendly hangout with cheap drinks, basic bar food, and an utter indifference toward the new and the cool.
I got lunch there today. Had actually not had their food before, though their burgers always looked tempting. Wasn’t that hungry so I just got a bowl of chili. It was fair, enjoyable enough on a cold drizzly day, but without any very distinctive flavor. Just meat and heat with a bit of tomato tang. Probably the most enjoyable part of my visit was chatting with the bartender. Very welcoming and attentive, never left me alone when I needed something. Felt like I was around that favorite aunt who always spoils you.
If you’re looking for a place where you can take a break from respectability and responsibility for a while, you can do much worse than the Old Town.

Great Burger! Thanks for the good company Walt and Wynetta. Bar opened in the 1936. Now owned by the Barrons.

Great old bar. Went here on a Sunday. Best long island I’ve had in awhile. My dh had a great burger. Not sure why it’s not more crowded? Will be back. Jen our bartender was sooo nice.