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CLUB SCENE:
The Wet Spot
950 Spencer St.
Syracuse, NY
(315) 214-54499
(View Map)by Christopher Sinatra
It’s finally springtime in Syracuse, and what better a way to celebrate the arrival of warm weather than to head over to a new Caribbean-American style bar, where they appear to be one step ahead of the rest of us? For its summertime . . . all the time . . . at the Wet Spot!
The conveniently located bar sits near both the Little Gem Diner and the Carousel Center in the Inner Harbor area, which is another way to look at the name of the establishment. However, I prefer to be transported for a time to the hazy sunshine and wild recesses of the Spot.
Just as looking at pictures of ice-covered vehicles and landscapes in Geneva, Switzerland causes me to run to my closet for a sweatshirt, the warm feeling that the lush flora all over the bar exuded made me want to run out and buy a Panama Jack Safari hat. Anyone attempting to be noticed by a bartender on a busy night, unless extremely tall with the reach of an NBA player, knows how difficult it can be to get a drink. The fauna part of the Caribbean equation at the Wet Spot is probably best exhibited by the patrons, myself included.
For drinks, talk to Anna who, with an easygoing smile, remained cool under the pressure of so many requests for attention.
I talked to the owners of the bar, Allesandro Bortoloni and Jennifer Russo, and they told me a little bit about their ideas for the place, which opened in late November. Allesandro explained that after some research, the two decided to open the bar with a Caribbean-theme because they wanted to provide interesting choices for their customers. I found out that they have a tasty brew called Carib, which is brewed in Trinidad and Tobago and is hard to find anywhere close by. It is reason enough to visit the Wet Spot; try it with a lime wedge. Jennifer told me some of their best-selling mixers have a "sunny" side as well. Try a mixer with mango or guava juice, and if you’re into experimenting, no problem, one of the best-sellers is strawberry juice and Smirnoff strawberry. Some other drinks to look for are the Stiffler’s Mom and the Rum-Runner.The owners told me not to forget that the Wet Spot is a full restaurant as well as a bar, and I took them up on the offer. Jennifer said that she wanted to, "be able to cater to the general public, as well as to people who want to try some healthy, exotic food." The menu is filled with island-fare such as the Coconut Shrimp starter for $7.99, and St. Martin’s Chicken, served with two sides for $13.95. Sides include Caribbean Baked Beans, Mango Rice, Sassy Coleslaw, and Sweet Potato Fries. I was wise to pick the Jerk Chicken Pasta, which is a generous (translation: intimidating) plate of pasta covered in delicious home-made alfredo sauce and strips of spicy jerk chicken, garnished with roasted red peppers.
In keeping with the owners’ mission of offering something exotic, as well as tried-and-true, you can also get a Philly Cheese-Steak, the Ultimate Burger and much more!Every Monday is Industry Night from 8pm until close at the Wet Spot, with no cover charge if you are twenty one and over. Come to enjoy $3 Jager and Cherry Bombs, $2 Well mixed-drinks, and $2 Buds, Bud Lights, and Molsons; appetizers are half-price too! Every Friday come out to Ladies Night and get funky at the Dance Party, with DJ Maestro performing and $2 well drinks and domestic drafts. For some great classic-rock acts, drop by any Saturday night, when different bands will be playing. I was in the audience on St.Patrick’s Day when Bad Alice opened for Karma and Friends, and along with playing some feel-good tunes, the band seemed to be having as much fun as the audience, with Lucky Charms cereal being thrown out to the audience in an act of rock ‘n’ roll abandon a la Bad Alice during their set.
What’s happening in the future? As it continues to become warmer in Syracuse, the bar will extend outside to the front patio for some grilling and feasting. Also, Sunday is Reggae night, and I’ve heard a rumor that the recorded beats might make way for live acts. So get ready for this place, Syracuse, and when you go, don’t forget to say hello to the bar’s mascot, "Ginger," who fully represents the heat found at the Wet Spot.
The Wet Spot 950 Spencer St. Syracuse, NY 214-5449