CLUB SCENE:
WILD WILL'S SALOON

139 E. Water Street
Hanover Square
423-9287

See Map

by Maryann McKinley

Hanover Square has blossomed with the resurgence of downtown, becoming a popular meeting spot both day and night. In the summer, office denizens come out to sit in the midday sun and enjoy live music by the fountain and, in the winter, it serves as a central point for cold weather activities. In the middle of all the action you'll find Wild Will's Saloon, a Hanover mainstay where host and namesake Will welcomes you in for a cool beverage, a comfortable seat for sports and great people. Many Syracusans remember Will from his days at The Back Door, Elwell’s and The Brass Rail. Since 1999, Will has been right here, keeping the downtown tradition alive.

Wild Will's is an old-fashioned, friendly corner bar that everyone can love. During working hours, regulars stop in for conversation and the news of the day. After five, the downtown professional crowd drops by for a relaxing happy hour and drink specials. Later in the evening and on weekends, it's a party with a diverse group of young and old, blue collar and preps, and restaurant industry people, all mingling happily. Things really get hopping during SU games, Sunday NFL, or any other of your favorite sports. For a big game, pizza and snacks are called in to keep the people content and spirits high.

By the time you read this, the Superbowl will be just a memory, and I hope you spent it with Will, Heather, Russ and the Bills - yes, there's more than one! But there's still plenty of time to catch March Madness, the start of baseball season (finally!), and eventually, the NBA playoffs. Watching the game at Will's is like watching with a group of friends you've known for years. Friendly banter, great service, and a supply of beverages that never runs out; it's better than home!

Winter has settled in, but there's plenty to do in this corner of downtown. This time of year, Wild Will's is a great stop after ice-skating in Clinton Square, the annual tree lighting ceremony just a block away, and all the most important Winterfest activities. The famous Chili and Chowder cook-offs are practically outside Will's door, the human dogsled race passes by, and it's just a few steps to the stage where all the award action happens.

Come join the crowds and have a taste of some of Syracuse's best cooking, listen to great music, then warm up in Wills. A great afternoon!

This year's Winterfest runs from February 15 - 26, and Wild Will's will be right in the thick of things. They don't serve food, but that doesn't mean they can't participate in the fun. A walk though Will's reveals their past awards in the Mixology contests. Wild Will's took first place in the 2004 Bloody Mary contest, and third place in 2005. Also, Will's proved victorious in the Martini contest, snagging the blue ribbon in 2005.

This year, Will's will be stirring and mixing again in the Martini, Bloody Mary and Hurricane challenges, so get out there and vote for your favorite. Then stop in and get a little of the personal touch that comes with getting to know the friendly bartenders at Wild Will's.

We shouldn't forget the effort to rebuild New Orleans, and to keep the spirit alive, this year's Winterfest is holding a parade on February 18 to commemorate Mardi Gras. Line the streets for this one! The night before, Wild Will's complements the nearby Clinton Square Ice Breaker party by holding their own Mardi Gras feast. With Cajun food from A Catered Affair, this is the can't-miss party of the year. Join your host and staff Friday, February 17 for this fantastic feast. Satisfy your hunger at the amazing New Orleans-style buffet, and do your part to support Will's competition entries by doing some pre-contest taste testing.

Practice makes perfect . . .Wild Will's Saloon is located at 139 East Water Street on Hanover Square. Parking is on the street and in lots, and usually pretty easy to get. Drop in Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 am, Sunday from 12 noon to 2 am. Call 315-423-9287 for information, and have a great time!

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