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| - I've had lunch at the restaurant, and drinks a few times in the bar, and I have had overall good experiences. A few times the bar has been crowded, but that's not their fault. A few times the (younger) servers have seemed a bit taken with themselves and their surroundings, but not quite pretentious. But, the draft list is considered, short, and 100% local, so that get's my vote. You can order a boulevardier, and no one blinks. Drinks are reasonably priced, and usually in pleasantly chunky, weighty glasses. So, comforting.
I was not able to be home for Christmas this year, and I ended up at the bar for what turned out to be a really warm, welcoming Orphan's Christmas. There was a drag queen lounge singer, and a small band. It took a while to get a drink, but eh- it was busy. These things happen. The point? Everyone was in a great mood and that comes from the staff. If they were upset, grouchy, short with customers, it would rub off. Nope. Instead, super gracious, warm, welcoming, and seemed genuinely happy to be a part of what was happening.
I've worked in hotels. They are open every day of the year. Sometimes, you have to work instead of being with your family. Cheers to the management for creating an atmosphere where it was very clear that the employees were happy to be there, and create that welcoming space. The rest is just details.
(Oy gevalt, those bar stools are uncomfortable, though.)
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