Gone, or not forgotten: 5 bars The Happy Hour Guys want you to remember.

Great Bars form the very fabric of our communities. They were Social Media before social media was electrified.  Take some advice from us; the next time you stop in somewhere for a glass or a pint, don't watch TV - start a conversation. 

And raise a glass to these terrific places:

The Collins Bar

The Collins was a midtown NYC watering hole that was #Craft before it was cool. Sadly it succumbed to the pressure of development, and a Big Shiny Expensive Building rises there as we speak.

The Jameson Tavern

The Jameson Tavern still exists! But it has endured a number of challenges in recent years, and could use all the help it can get. Stop in on the off-season and ghost hunt, like we did.

McReilly's Pub

McReilly's was a neighborhood touchstone in Long Island City, NY. Mark made it for the closing day party a sad loss to the area indeed.

General Lafayette Inn & Brewery

Boasting some terrific history and an in-house brewpub, General Lafayette's was a real gem just outside of Philly that closed around 2010. A great loss to that community, and to the beer culture at large.

Mulberry Street Bar

We got to step back in time to one of NYC oldest bars with this Little Italy gem, which still exists, but has endured some challenges from developers as well. Donnie Brasco, The Sopranos, and Law & Order all shot here in the past. Formerly called Mare Chiaro, the place has a social club décor that's barely changed since it opened in 1908: a towering, ornate wooden back bar with inset mirrors at the top, a subway tile floor, and swaths of pressed tin along the ceiling and walls.

Got a great Local that needs saving? Reach out to us here at the website - we'd love to help. Cheers!

11 Great Bars Where You Can Drink With Ghosts.*

RIP, Harold Ramis. This post is for you.

RIP, Harold Ramis. This post is for you.

*That we've shot video of, in the USA.

"When there's something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call?"  The Happy Hour Guys?  No.  Obviously you call the Ghostbusters.  But while you're waiting for Egon and Venkman to show up, quaff a couple with the local poltergeists.  Here's a list of episodes we've shot at historic bars over the years, bars that might just have more than your regular share of parnormal activity:

The Old Talbott Tavern. Bardstown, KY: Hmm. I swear I put it on the chair.  It's no longer on the chair. Also: Which were the most haunted rooms again?

The Jameson Tavern. Freeport, ME: Emily doesn't like the bread baskets.

The General Lafayette Inn. Lafayette Hill, PA: If you happen to be drinking with an old guy in a nightshirt, you might have a problem. (Now renovated and back in business as the Barren Hill Brewery.)

Pete's Tavern. NYC: This one is a don't-miss. You might share a booth with a literary ghost or two at one of the oldest bars in New York City.

McSorley's Old Ale House. NYC: The Happy Hour Guys shot their very first episode at what many say is the oldest bar in NYC. Houdini is said to have haunted this place in the form of a black cat. We'll stick with the Dark Beer.

Gettysburg, PA: Drinking at the site of one of the most significant battles of the Civil War, there are ghosts aplenty, but the Happy Hour Guys may be most haunted by their puppetry in this episode.

Fraunces Tavern. NYC: George Washington drank here. And did some other stuff.

White Horse Tavern. NYC: Dylan Thomas, Under Milkwood?  How about under the bar?  Too soon? The Guys delve into the history of this literary watering hole.

Long before Snooki roamed the Jersey Shore, Manasquan was the site of one of NJ's only unsolved murders, at O'Neil's Beach House bar. Here, the guys tackle the mystery with a few pints and some mystery guests.

Mark takes his drinking life into his own hands as he explores Bube's Brewery in Mt. Joy, PA. Freshly brewed beer, catacombs, ghosts…oh, my!

The Guys explore the Rogues Harbor Inn in NY's Finger Lakes region. House brewed beer, history, and some ghostly guests who linger on make for a good time. Honk if you love beer!

 

That's all for now.  Hope you enjoyed our tour of historic and haunted bars.  Keep an eye on us for all sorts of adventure in the world of craft beverages and where they come from.  As always, we welcome your suggestions - where's your favorite haunt? (Boo....) Cheers!