CLUB SCENE:
SUNSET BAR & GRILL (April 2005)

by Maryann McKinley

Winter's winding down and spring isn't quite here yet, and we're all getting a little antsy. It's not warm enough to be out and about without sufficient insulation, but short-lived spurts of jacket-free weather are making us ache for balmier days. It's cabin fever, and it's not going to go away if we just hang around the house. Luckily, an invitation to sit in as guest columnist for Club Scene perked things up a little for me. With an editorial assignment as a convenient excuse, I was forced to go out and party!

And naturally, needing to shake off the dregs of winter, I headed to a spot that calls to mind the essence of California sunshine . . . I stopped in at the Sunset Grill.!

The Sunset Bar & Grill is new to town as of January, providing a welcome warm haven on the western edge of Syracuse, at the corner of Willis and Milton Avenues. Our host, John, knows how to create a welcoming, down to earth atmosphere where everyone can relax for a few hours of fun, and it shows. With behind the bar beauties (with brains!) Myra and Nikki providing the beverages, Sunset Grill will fill your evening with fun and friends!

There’s a party-loving crowd of all ages from twenty-one to seventy-one. This bunch is here to have a good time and leave their daytime worries at the door. And a great spot for dancing and special karaoke nights on Wednesday and Friday. Think you're too shy to get up there in the spotlight and do your best Frank Sinatra? This is the place to give it a try! With a DJ who offers hundreds and hundreds of songs from disco, hip-hop, alternative, country, or good old rock and roll, you can be sure of finding all your favorites, and you’ll get lots of encouragement and applause from the crowd. A large dance floor with custom lighting invites everyone to get up and shake their groove thing, while the 1500-watt sound system isn't shy about belting out the tunes. This is the place to dance your cares away on a Saturday night!

If you’re in a quieter mood, you can wander over to the far side of the wrap-around bar and get a little conversation in. There are thirty different beers to choose from, or the finest mixologists in town can make your favorite cocktail. Myra and Nikki are always ready with a quick smile and a great drink! Take your glass up to the elevated conversation corner, and you can relax and watch the fun unfold, listen to a great band, and maybe get to know the hottie you’ve just spotted at the end of the bar.

Dating life a little down in the dumps? Sunset Grill is a great spot to meet a new flame. Guys, head out on Thursdays for Ladies' Night, and enjoy domestic beers at a special price. And ladies, there are fine guys to meet every day of the week, especially during the many sporting events that Sunset Grill shows on their huge video screens. Whatever your preference, you can find it here. Basketball, football, NASCAR Sundays, boxing, or my personal favorite, baseball – John's great selection of sports channels and excellent spots to relax and watch with an unobstructed view of all the action will win you over.

In the mood for a little friendly sport? Show off your deadly aim with a round of darts, or head to the pool room for billiards. There's no danger of missing your shot here – this space is perfect for those brilliant bank shots, with plenty of elbow room! There’s lots of electronic entertainment to be had, too. Golden Tee golf takes you away to the fairways, and Megatouch trivia tests your brain power. Other activities bring out the adventurous, with everything from best butt to 'clingy' tee-shirt contests offering fun and prizes. A lot of the contests are sponsored by Amendment Tattoo Company, just a half a block up the street, so you can wander down for a little ink to decorate your skin. Anything from tribal to butterflies can be had, along with the coolest piercings.

The Sunset Grill is located at the edge of Syracuse at 1203 Milton Ave., close to the intersection of Willis. It’s close to everything, easy to get to, and has lots of parking. Pool and dart leagues are forming now, and a softball team is in the works. Mouth-watering snacks are coming soon. There’s a happy hour every day from 4 – 8 pm, drink specials, lots of contests with great prizes, dancing, singing, and all-around fun. Collect your designated driver, get in the car, and drop in to visit John and the gang. You’ll want to go back for more. And remember – at the Sunset Grill, when the working day ends, the fun begins