Author: The Bar Bible

Bryson’s Pub

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Hello and welcome to my first post back!

By popular demand, I am starting off my return with a review of a small bar in the heart of South Jersey…Bryson’s Pub of Pennsauken. If you haven’t heard of this bar don’t feel bad, most sane people haven’t! Reason being it is quite literally a hole in the wall, and only the ~locals~ know about it.

Inside is extremely small with a horseshoe shaped bar and a couple of tables scattered around the perimeter. There is an outdoor patio that is basically an alleyway with a bench, serving its purpose as a smoking area. I have been to Bryson’s several times, and every time is an out of body experience that leaves me wondering how the fuck I ended up here.

For starters, it is open till 3 am everyday, which I am not entirely sure is legal (it probably isn’t!) but hey, I’m not complaining. Bryson’s is the type of bar you never plan on going to, but just kind of end up at after a night out. Will you see random people that you haven’t talked to since third grade? Probably. Will you see your ex from 2 years ago and make out with them? Most likely, yes! Will you have an in depth conversation with someone you’ve talked to maybe 5 times in your life? Of course. Bryson’s is a wondrous land full of bad decisions and ghosts from your past, which is why it’s so entertaining. It’s a local high school reunion mixed with an uncomfortable family party all wrapped into one cigarette smoke riddled bar.

This cash only bar does offer food, however I have yet to try it because I value my life. Its so small I’m not sure if they even have a kitchen, so that definitely leaves some room for concern! However, they do sell bags of chips, so if you were feeling hungry that is probably your safest bet. Overall, this bar is always a fun time if you go with friends from the area because you truly never know who you will run into or what events may unfold.

Oh, and do not under any circumstances order a ‘trashcan’. No follow up questions- just trust me on this one.

Hannah Kate

How to Become a Beer Person

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I know a lot of people in college, especially girls, who always say things like ‘I just don’t really like beer that much!’ I used to be that girl up until last year. So here’s the thing, people think they don’t like beer but in reality they’re just drinking the wrong kinds. There are so many different types of beer out there that you’re bound to like one.

I thought I hatedbeer, but it was only because I was drinking the absolute worst possible kinds. Think Natural Light, Busch and Keystone. Those are basically dirt water; I’m not even sure how they are legally allowed to be labeled as beer. The problem wasn’t that I wasn’t “a beer person” it was that I was just drinking really shi**y beer. So I started buying different kinds of beer at the liquor store and ordering new things when I went out to see what I liked.

If you really have no idea what kind of beer you like I would suggest going to a brewery where you can get a flight of beer, meaning you can taste test about 5 different types at once. This is a great way to figure out what you’re into. I would try to start off lighter at first with shandies, pale ales, or beers with fruity undertones. If you like those then great, if you want to try something else I would then go into the darker ones such as stouts, lagers and porters. I personally hate dark beer; it is definitely an acquired taste for sure so be warned.

The main point here is that you really just need to STOP DRINKING CRAP BEER. Do yourself a favor and branch out a little bit! If you have any self-respect you will put down the keystone and natty light and get yourself a real beer. Trust me, it will be worth it and you may just find your new favorite drink.

Hannah Kate

Terrapin’s Turf

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If you have been keeping up with my blog posts you would know that I recently went to the University of Maryland to participate in a flag football tournament, despite not knowing any rules of the game at all. This trip was basically an excuse for my friends and I to go to Maryland for free and go out to the bar (for research purposes only of course). While here for the weekend we spent most of our nights at this bar called Terrapin’s Turf.

For those of you who don’t know, a Terrapin is a type of turtle, because what is a better school mascot than that? When you walk into this bar it looks like it is straight out of a movie. It has high cathedral ceilings, a bar in the middle of the dance floor and booths along the perimeter so if you wanted to get away and sit for a while you had the option.

 

The drinks here were extremely cheap and strong as well. We spent most of our nights on the dance floor because this bar had a club vibe to it so there was no way you could be here and not want to dance. I was a huge fan of the music selection; it was a mix between R&B, rap, pop, and club music, a little something for everyone. Basically anything that you think would be a good song to dance to was played. They even played “Thank U, Next” by Ariana Grande which is a personal favorite of mine so they already have an 11/10 for music in my book.

If you are looking for a rowdy night out in Maryland with plenty of dancing, cheap drinks, and fun people then Terrapin’s Turf is where you should be. This bar had great vibes and did not disappoint either time we were there. It made the weekend that much more memorable and I hope to be back soon!

Hannah Kate

McLadden’s

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Located in the heart of West Hartford Connecticut in Blue Back Square, McLadden’s is a bustling bar with a lot to offer to the younger crowd looking for a fun night out. This bar is one of my favorites in this area; I always go every time that I am in West Hartford because it never disappoints. It is decently sized with a large bar and some booths and tables set up if you would rather sit and chat with your friends for a more relaxed evening.

If you are anything like me and love to dance at the bar, McLadden’s also has that to offer! There is a small “dance-floor” in front of the a stage, dance floor is in quotes because it technically isn’t one but if you try hard enough you can make it one (aka I do this every time I go). There is usually live music playing sing-along songs, think Piano Man, Sweet Caroline, and basically any song that drunken people can scream the lyrics to.

The drinks at this bar are not bad, it is usually $8 for a mixed drink, which you may think is pricey but they come in very large glasses (yes glasses, bold choice, I know). Their shots are decently priced as well. They are pretty large and almost look like doubles so it is definitely worth your money. Clearly you won’t have a hard time getting drunk at this bar, and if want to pregame you can but it is definitely not necessary!

Overall, I highly recommend this bar. I’m a huge fan of live bands and McLadden’s always has the best performers that know how to work a crowd. This bar has a fun, homey atmosphere that is very warm and welcoming. Most importantly the drinks are strong and cheap, my favorite.

Hannah Kate

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap

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Driving along the Jersey Shore can be so beautiful and has some of the cutest towns. One of my personal favorites is Sea Bright, where Tommy’s Tavern + Tap is located. It is nuzzled into the downtown area, which is scattered with shops and restaurants right along the water, making for a great area to dine in.

The ambiance of Tommy’s is fantastic, you walk in and there are string lights dangling from the entire ceiling, giving off nice soft lighting, perfect for a date or cozy gathering with friends. There are booths and high tops or you can sit at the bar. Televisions are displayed on a lot of walls, because it is actually considered a sports bar. You would think that this would not go with the whole string light, rustic vibe but it is actually a surprisingly nice pairing together.

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The food and drinks here are AMAZING. Seriously, my friends and I ate so much we could barely move afterwards. I ordered a shrimp flatbread that was so buttery and cheesy my mouth was watering just looking at it. My friends ordered burgers that were nice sized and came with fries of course. But the real showstoppers here are the appetizers. The spinach dip was to die for; it was extra creamy and came with pieces of warm bread to put it on. We also got chips and guacamole that was so fresh and came with fancy chips, just all around great presentation and taste.

My only complaint about this restaurant would be that everything is a little more expensive than I would like. I got two single margaritas and it came out to $24, which made my wallet very sad. With that being said, they were amazing so it was almost worth it. The food was a little on the higher side as well but it was so good I was not even upset about it because you really do get what you pay for.

I will 100% be back here. Great ambiance, amazing food and lots of drink choices. But next time I’m coming at happy hour because ya girl is ballin’ on a budget.

Hannah Kate

How to Combat the Sunday Scaries

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If you don’t know what the Sunday Scaries are, please remove yourself from underneath the rock you have been living under and join the rest of 2018. The Sunday scaries has become a common phrase that many people can relate to no matter the age. It is defined as the dread you feel on Sundays when you have to prepare for the week ahead of you. However, this is the Bar Bible and to me the Sunday scaries are when you are so hung over but you have sh*t to do and you don’t know how the hell you are going to get it done in the state that you are in. But it’s okay I am here to help!

First things first, wake up and take a shower because you will automatically feel better after. Next, pull yourself together and go and get yourself a bagel and coffee because you deserve it (not really you 100% made poor decisions the night before). Now, whatever you have to do I guarantee you that you are not as hung over for it as you think you are. Half of a hangover is mental and half is you being dehydrated. So drink some water and remember who the F you are.

I realized from recent experiences that you can do anything while hung over, and I mean anything. This weekend I played a game of flag football at 9 am so severely hung over. I have no idea how to play flag football. You know how hard it is to play a sport you don’t know while hung over? Think about that next time you feel like laying in bed all day! Surprisingly, I actually felt a lot better after playing. So maybe it’s not mental and you should just exercise? Seems fake but if you are into that whole “healthy lifestyle” thing definitely give that a try when you’re hung-over. If you are anything like me (a lazy POS) just stick with water, coffee, and a bagel and give yourself a pep talk; you got this!

Oh, and Advil. Lots of Advil.

Hannah Kate

Asbury Ale House

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If you have been keeping up with my blog posts you would know that I spend a fair amount of time in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It is such an interesting area with a lot of different bars to explore, and Asbury Ale House is the most recent finding of mine. Located on Cookman Ave, this sports bar and grille opened up in 2015 and is thriving.

My friend and I went early on a Friday night, just on a whim but I have to say I had a great time here and plan on going back this weekend. You walk in and it is massive. There are 3 separate bar areas each with multiple TV’s at them (unfortunately we went when curling was on) and plently of seating available, including tables if you feel like a sitting down and grabbing a bite.

The drink selection is superb, they offered a list of drafts they currently have and then a list with drafts that were on deck. Smart move on their part to mention the beers that will be coming soon because it means people will keep having to come back to see if the beer they like is in yet. If you don’t like beer go ahead and treat yourself to a mixed drink, they aren’t too expensive and they taste great.

I think what I liked most about this bar is the staff. They were so friendly and kind to my friend and I. Even though I am aware that is their job, I like to think that they liked us because of our charming personalities and good looks and not just for our money. Either way, we really appreciated the bartneders’ fun spirits, it just made the whole night that much more enjoyable!

My friend and I left around 10:30 because we are old and washed up, but as we were leaving it was getting packed, with people on the dancfloor and others playing a variety of bar games that were offered. Looks like next time I will have to come later at night, see you soon Ale House.

Hannah Kate

Harpoon Brewery

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Harpoon Brewery is a located right on the waterfront of the seaport in Boston, Massachusetts. When I visited here I was unsure of what to expect because I had never previously been to a brewery. This being my first experience, I have to say that Harpoon has set the bar (pun intended) pretty high.

First off, it is right on the waterfront, who doesn’t love drinks and a view? When you walk inside a huge fest hall with long tables and benches to accompany will welcome you. The main bar is a decent size so you can grab a quick drink there if you don’t feel like sitting down. If you do decide to take a seat, someone will be waiting on you to help you out.

The beer options at this brewery are endless. Of course that is expected from a brewery, but still, I was very impressed. They also have flights, which are common at a lot of restaurants and bars, but I specifically liked these because they were predetermined. You don’t have to waste time trying to figure out what beers you want to choose because they do all the hard work for you.

I know you’re probably thinking what makes this place different from other breweries? For starters their playlist is AMAZING. It is recent songs but also some pop throwbacks featuring Taylor Swift, Hillary Duff, and Rihanna. My friend and I were jamming out, reminiscing our memories that were brought up from hearing these oldies.

The music isn’t even the best part. Harpoon Brewery only has one item on the menu. Soft pretzels. But these are not regular fair pretzels, they are gourmet pretzels and they have genuinely changed my life forever. They have salted, Parmesan, and cinnamon sugar as their options and about 10 different sauces you can get on the side. They are made fresh on site and are hot, amazing, and fluffy. If you love yourself even a little bit you will come here and treat yourself to good music, even better beer, and the absolute best pretzels.

Hannah Kate

Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten

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I recently went here with my friend for dinner and drinks. From the outside it looks like a renovated factory with the exposed brick and massive windows. Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten is painted on the wall in a distressed fashion, giving an antique look to the restaurant.

The inside is quite similar, with plenty of exposed wood and beams, pairing well with the long wooden tables and benches. The entire restaurant is styled to be German and they definitely did a good job at making it seem very realistic. Not only did they achieve this through their décor but the food and drinks as well seem to be German inspired. My friend and I both got sausages that came with sauerkraut, potatoes and bread. So bad for you but SO good. We ate it like we had never seen food before in our lives; it was just great quality and such comfort food.

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The drinks were also exceptional; we each got a flight of beer meaning we were able to pick four beers to try in smaller glasses. If you wanted just one beer they had a range of glass sizes, all in frosted mugs to ensure that your drink stays extra chilly. The beer list what quite lengthy, which I appreciated, I mean they should have options, they are a Biergarten after all. Each beer was described well and the menu was split up into different sections to help you make a decision better.

What I liked most about this bar was the atmosphere for sure. It was a very relaxed environment. If you are looking for a chill night this is 100% the place for you. It is a place to talk and laugh with your friends or family and the whole building just gives off warmth that makes you want to stay. I will without a doubt be back here very soon.

Hannah Kate

Bond Street Bar

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On Bond Street in Asbury Park, New Jersey you will find a little bar called Bond Street Bar…aptly named. When you first walk into this bar you are met with a crowd that has kind of a rocker, biker vibe to them. It was very tiny and as I was getting a drink I saw a crowd of people walking down some stairs, so of course I followed them. The hallway took me to another bar downstairs! This bar was much bigger and more my speed, with high ceilings, plenty of seating, and great lighting.

There was a much better ambiance at this lower level bar. We didn’t notice at first, but there actually was a separate entrance to here from the street. As I am walking around the bar, scoping out the scene, I see a long hallway with stairs at the end. I walk down, and you guessed it, THERE IS ANOTHER BAR. I was floored. I felt like I was on a prank show that’s how genuinely shocked I was.

This last bar known as ‘The Basement’ (also aptly named) was extremely spacious with another bar in the back and an area for cornhole. Unfortunately there was already a game going on so I did not get to play, which means I will just have to come back next week!

If I could describe this bar in a couple of words it would be hipster meets rock and roll meets speakeasy. There was a great energy in the air, everyone was having a good time and the drinks were strong and cheap. There was an interesting mix of people at this bar making the whole experience that much better, and should make you want to come too because clearly it is the place to be.

I know technically this is a review of one bar but it kind of feels like three because of the constant bar-ception. Either way, I would recommend every level of Bond Street Bar, but especially the basement bar, because who can pass up a game of cornhole?

Hannah Kate