CLUB SCENE:
BRIDGE STREET TAVERN (July 2005)

by Maryann McKinley

Looking for a comfortable spot to have a beer, catch a game, play a little volleyball, or relax with a great burger or wings? On a recent Friday night, I was interested in just that, so I stopped in to Bridge Street Tavern to see if all the good things I'd heard were true. Three beautiful bartenders, Jordan, Laurie and Angel, welcomed me, and within seconds I was happily ensconced with a cocktail, my favorite Yankees playing on the big screen straight ahead, and good company all around.

The crowd was an eclectic mix of young and old, guys and girls, locals out for a bite to eat, and a lot of fun people just dropping in for Friday night fun. Bridge Street Tavern is a big space with plenty of room for everyone. The karaoke deejay was just setting up, with a group of loyal fans waiting for their turn at the mike. DJ Rob started out the singing to get everyone in the mood, and the mike was seldom lonely after that. One local karaoke star, Austin, made every head in the room turn with her amazing voice when she performed "One Moment in Time." Another game patron jumped up and belted out "Secret Agent Man," thrashing away on a funky little guitar. But looking closer, this was no ordinary guitar.

I'd already noticed a little explosion of balloon animals in the bar, and I had found their source. The energetic singer was none other than Patrick the Balloon Man, who spends many a Friday night at Bridge Street Tavern cleverly transforming unsuspecting bits of latex into truly remarkable shapes. He showed me his impressive portfolio of holiday wreaths, birds, spiders, little people of every description, crowns, a bridal veil and groom's top hat, a four leaf clover, a scooter, a giant octopus, and every kind of animal. I was the recipient of an inflatable hat adorned by a tiny blue poodle, the lovely bartenders each had a handmade flower, while Patrick himself carried the aforementioned purple and black guitar.
Cool!

It was only around 10:00, and so many things were going on . . . Luckily for the other patrons, I am strictly a karaoke watcher and I already had my balloon, so I turned my attention to snacks. Bridge Street Tavern is famous locally for its great food, and judging by the wonderful aromas from the kitchen, all the rumors were true. Starving after a long day, I looked over the menu. Bridge Street serves full lunches and easy dinners, and they're especially known for their handmade giant burgers, freshly shaved steak sandwiches, and a scrumptious selection of wings. Pub fare, big green salads, tasty taco salad, slaw, macaroni salad, home made soups, chili, chicken, a variety of sandwiches, steamed and fried clams, Friday fish specials . . . the list just goes on and on, and it's all very, very good.

There's something for everyone, from the health conscious to the most dedicated muncher. I had been very good about my diet for long enough, and after some prompting from the little devils behind the bar decided to indulge in the garlic parm wings. I tasted a couple while inside, wrapping them to go for another meal. I'd like to say that I stayed to my healthy ways and rationed them over the next couple of days, but I cannot tell a lie. The yummy little guys barely made it home; I cheated and snacked along the way. And they were completely worth that extra workout the next day.

The kitchen is open til midnight, so it's perfect for a late-night snack. If you're hosting a get-together, there's a big party room that's available for up to seventy people, perfect for a baby shower, bachelor party, or birthday shindig.

Saturday night offers live music. Lots of great local bands appear, with rock, blues, and funk well represented by Cain, Ruby Shooz, Rhythm Method, Under the Gun, Corn Bred, Face Value, and Miss E, to name just a few. There's plenty of room to dance the night away, and when you're ready for a break, step outside to the huge patio. Relax under the stars on a warm summer night, or stop in tosee the volleyball action on Monday and Wednesdays.

Or, better yet, get your team together and join in!

Back inside, try your hand at darts, electronic games, MegaTouch, or play a game of pool on one of three tables. Their's enough room for a tournament! Bridge Street also sponsors a golf tournament every June at Pine Grove. By the time you read this, it will be over. But there's always next year . . .

If you're just out to relax and watch a game, Bridge Street is the place to be. Thirteen screens arranged all through the bar provide a great view of whatever sport you might prefer, and there's a lot of choices to make you happy. There's the NASCAR Speed Channel for racing fans, the NFL Ticket through the fall and winter, Super Bowl, my beloved baseball, golf, basketball, and anything else you can think of.

And don't forget that private party room for your big bash! It's the best way to entertain your friends, with all the work done by the pleasant staff of Bridge Street. You get all the credit, and none of the cleanup!

Bridge Street Tavern has been at the corner of Milton and Bridge Street in Solvay for about two years in its present incarnation; but it's been a mainstay of that intersection for a very long time. A loyal customer told me a little about its history. The Tavern has been there for at least fifty years, feeding and watering a long list of loyal customers from neighborhoods, businesses and industries in the area. At one point, the building was closer to the road, but it was moved back from the road to accommodate traffic.

And it's close enough to the State Fairgrounds so that you can practically feel the roar of the crowd at the Grandstand, so it's a great parking option for your Fair days. Park in their large lot for $3, and get a ticket for a complimentary drink before you head home. It's the best deal of the day!

The Bridge Street Tavern is also the distributor for Sumpoosie Energy Drink, packed with vitamins and minerals. Floridians know it well, and it's finally available here. Head down for a taste! Jimmy's Bridge Street Tavern is located at the corner of Milton & Bridge Street in Solvay, easy to get to from anywhere in town. They are open every day of the week for food and fun. Stop in Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM, Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM, or Sunday from 11:00 AM to midnight. Call 487-9609 for more info, or just stop in! The friendly folks at Bridge Street Tavern are waiting!