CLUB SCENE:
LOUIE'S TAVERN (January 2005)

by Eric Kainass

1938: the United States was still recovering from The Great Depression, Franklin Delanor Roosevelt was president, Prohibition had been repealed only five years earlier and Louie Flask opened a Tavern on Milton Avenue. Sixty-six years later, Louie's is still a haven in the village of Fairmount. The neighborhood was much different back then, but the notion of providing a friendly tavern for the community remains a primary goal. Patrons still walk to the Tavern from down the road, around the corner or up the block. Others drive in from Solvay, Marcellus, and Syracuse. The community that Louie's draws from is not defined by village boundaries, but rather from the desire to go to a warm and welcoming environment.

Louie Flask, ninety-four and "semi-retired," handed the reigns to his son, John Flask Sr. thirty years ago. The Tavern owes much of its homelike feeling to the fact that it has stayed in just the one family for over six decades. Some of the customers have been frequenting Louie's for "...thirty years-and only seven days a week." A society has grown up in and around Louie's Tavern and the members are loyal to Louie and John. Lisa Murphy, the bar manager and event planner has worked there for over six years and considers John "A great owner-I couldn't ask for a better boss and the customers would do anything for John." Greta, the chef, pours her soul into her food-it is homemade, delicious and inexpensive-and according to Lisa, Greta makes "...the world's best chicken wings."

Despite the neighborhood customer base, no matter where you live, when you walk into Louie's Tavern you feel at home. The bartender smiles at you, and half a dozen patrons at the bar turn and do the same. To your right is the menu board describing today's specials as well as the permanent items. As one moves left to the bar, people are more than willing to make space for you. The back bar is neat and clean. Hanging on the wall is a wooden plaque depicting Louie with the prices "5¢ Beer, 10¢ Whiskey, 15¢ Giant Italian Sandwich." This sign was hand-carved and hand-painted at the bar in 1938. Both the prices for food and drink continue to be reasonable-much less than one would expect to pay in Armory Square or Hanover Square. To the back of the building, separated by a half-wall, are tables; a fireplace for cold winter nights; a pool table; a dart game and a video bowling game. The back room is where the special functions and parties are held-birthdays; anniversaries; charity events and holiday parties. Outside are picnic tables, a volleyball court and horseshoes for the warmer months.

Louie's Tavern is open from 8:00a.m. to 1:00 or 2:00a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. on Sunday: John feels that Sunday evening should be family time. Lunch is served from 10:30a.m. to 3:30p.m. Instead of a printed menu, they have an ever-changing menu board. There are some permanent items-Texas Chili, which has been on the menu since 1938, made from the original recipe and served with tortillas chips, $2.50 and $4.50; Greta's patty melt, $3.50 or $4.50 with fries; and a meatball sub, $4.00. Every Friday a fresh haddock dinner is available for only $5.50 served with fries and homemade coleslaw. Lisa says that many customers call ahead to reserve the haddock-served there or to go-as the dinners often sell out. The tavern serves bar food in the evenings such as chicken tenders; mozzarella sticks, Greta's wings and more. In the summer, there are picnic specials available to take outdoors and enjoy.

In this era of chain and theme restaurants, the terms "homemade," "family," "neighborhood" and "local" are thrown around so carelessly that they have lost much of their true meaning. Louie's Tavern has no need to rely on such gimmicks-these words are not marketing tools: they are a result of the homelike, relaxed atmosphere of the Tavern. While I was there a woman customer came over to whisper to me, "Be sure to mention what Lisa does to make this place nicer-she makes certain that it is always clean-she even puts hairspray in the ladies room. She does these extra things that make the Tavern more welcoming." This type of sentiment must reflect back upon Lisa because she feels that Louie's has "Great customers-they are the best and are like family." She also points out that the Tavern is "a versatile bar and all are welcome to enjoy the friendly atmosphere."

Coming up in February at Louie's will be a Super Bowl party, complete with a buffet and a drawing for two winners who will receive prizes. Also in February, The Valley Desperadoes-a group of bikers comprised of many state and county workers-will be holding a pig roast, open to everyone.

Louie's Tavern is located at 3372 Milton Ave. For more information call 468-3768.