CLUB SCENE:
ERIN'S TAVERN

220 Chapel Drive
Syracuse
(315) 487-1886

See Map

by Maryann McKinley

Wouldn't you like to go where everybody knows your name? That little ditty played in my head for hours after a visit to Fairmount's favorite hang, Erin's Tavern. Long-time neighbors might recognize the spot as Munchy's, a local landmark for the socially-inclined. I dropped in recently to meet the nice people and soak in the atmosphere.

Even getting to Erin's is an adventure. I decided to stop by when it seemed everyone on earth had plans on Saturday night but me. A solo evening with HBO was not as appealing as you might think; I don't think I'm adjusted quite yet. So to stay in denial that I really have to do something about this recently deficient social life (just in time for the holidays!), I decided to make the editorial staff happy and for once, beat my deadline. I stepped out into the chilly December night and headed west. Getting to Fairmount was easy, of course. Once I arrived there, things became rapidly more aimless. Absolutely no one who knows me will be surprised by this; I had forgotten my excellent directions, and I drove up and down West Genesee Street, wracking my brain for clues.

Yes, there was a cell phone handy, and yes, I could have called 411, but where's the fun in that?

Attempting to summon up the details, I recalled some mention of Eckerd, and definitely a dog grooming reference, but still, Erin's did not appear. She had prepared me for the fact that there is currently no sign outside the bar, but even keeping an eagle eye didn't help. Luckily I had also walked out minus my notebook, so a quick stop at Eckerd hooked me up with both paper and location. (Thank you very much to the nice girls who were a little young to know Erin's, but who are good to their pets.)

Cleverly hidden away in a little pocket just off the main drag, Erin's is easy to get to once you know where you're going. Just behind the aforementioned Eckerd Drugs, on Chapel Drive, there's a small lineup of businesses quietly keeping commerce going, oblivious to the hustle and bustle just a few hundred feet away. I had been so close, and so incredibly clueless. Parking was a breeze, with plenty of spots in front and just across the street. I maneuvered my trusty Jeep into one of them, and even the lack of an outdoor sign didn't keep me from immediately recognizing a neighborhood pub when I see one. Finally, I was there!

Normally, I'm not one of those lucky people who feel comfortable in a bar by myself, but Erin's has the feel of a high school reunion constantly in progress. I sat down for a chat, and got the quick history from the young, friendly and ambitious new proprietor. Erin was a hardworking bartender at Munchy's, and when the previous owner decided to move on, he knew there was only one girl who could keep the place going. Erin took over just thirteen months ago, and the bar hasn't missed a beat. It was pleasantly full of regular customers, all ready to welcome a new face.

Erin's is deceptive from the outside. Once in, you find a large space with room to sit and have a drink and talk, and lots of room further on to play pool, watch the big screen, or listen to music. When I was there, a live band was playing in the back, plenty loud enough for fun, but with enough space between them and the front of the house so that you can make the choice whether you want to shout to be heard. Even with great music from the Tom Barnes Band rocking in the background. I managed conversation without any trouble at all.

In truth, there was one disturbing note; apparently there are Red Sox fans hiding in this town, and Erin's has a big Boston banner hanging in the bar. Being a faithful Yankee gal (I'll miss Tino, but Bernie's back!), I had a little trouble reconciling my enjoyable evening knowing I was in possible enemy territory. But everyone was so nice, and it's not baseball season right now anyway, so I thought, what the heck, I guess there's no harm in fraternizing. There's always hope for their conversion - even Johnny Damon finally saw the light!

The diverse crowd is what makes Erin's so appealing. Many of these folks have known each other for years, and it shows. They come together for Monday night football, SU games, or just to catch up with old buddies. There were early twenties meeting up with pals to start out the night, thirties and forties relaxing with a cocktail, older gents talking over the issues of the day. And even a just-married couple in for a little down time after the big day. Softball teams gather in the warmer months, darts and pool leagues all year long. This is a place that focuses on friends, and makes you feel welcome even if you're the newest kid in town.
With all the action going on, someone's bound to get hungry, and Erin's does not disappoint. There's a busy kitchen supplying a great pub menu from 5 to 11 pm, sending out toasty Philly cheese steak sandwiches, excellent chicken wings, tenders, and sandwiches, yummy clam strips, jalapeno poppers, and hot, crispy fries. Get ready to lay off that diet for an evening, because this is finger food that's hard to resist. You can always get back on the treadmill in the morning, so have a little fun and indulge! Those chicken wings are the best around.

Erin's Tavern is located at 220 Chapel Drive in Fairmount, behind Eckerd's on West Genesee Street. You can also get to Chapel Drive heading up the hill on Route 173, just by Route 5 and Wal-Mart. It's easy! Erin's (formerly Munchy's) is open Monday through Thursday from 1 pm to 2 am, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 am, and Sunday the doors swing open at noon. Call 315-487-1886 for information on upcoming live bands or if, like me, you're directionally challenged. You'll feel right at home!

Questions? Comments? Email me at mcmar01@yahoo.com - and have a great month!