Video #52: The Happy Hour Guys look back on 2008!

The Happy Hour Guys say a fond farewell to 2008 with this retrospective of our video journeys throughout the year. We posted 49 videos this year, covering properties in 9 different states; and that is just the beginning! 2009 promises to go to a whole new level, with upgrades and surprises all around. So join us in ringing in the New Year with this look back at the Places, the Drinks and the People that lit up our screens in 2008. Our thanks to you all: You graced us with your stories, inspired us, and sent us on our way full of humor and more than a little bit of a buzz. And you'll pardon the pun, but we're thirsty for more; so email us, stay in touch, pass us on to your friends, and look for us with our feet on the rail somewhere special (maybe near you!) very soon.

A very Happy New Year to you all!      Cheers,  Jimmy and Mark

Video #51: Cratchit's Crawl part 2: The Alchemist & Barrister.

The A&B, at 28 Witherspoon Street in Princeton, New Jersey has seen its share of interesting events since it first was built in the 19th century. It's been a barn, a courthouse, a poolroom and for the last 50 plus years it's been a restaurant and pub, 35 of them as today's Alchemist and Barrister. When the smart folk from the nearby university wander over to bend an elbow next to the rest of us, we're sharing a drink amongst yesterday's stables and quite possibly the holding area for the former courthouse. Rumor has it that not all of the past visitors have taken their leave, either, if the ghost stories are to be believed. For a quaint journey back to a simpler time, the A&B can't be beat. their website says it well: 

"The Pub is a classic throwback to the days when congregating in the local pub meant socializing, meeting people and conversing in a pleasant and friendly manner."  Cheers!

Video #50: Cratchit's Crawl part 1: Triumph Brewing.

The Guys make their way (thanks to the McCarter Theatre and A Christmas Carol) to Princeton, NJ, and engage in Cratchit's Crawl, a visit to two of the most remarkable bars in downtown Princeton. Triumph has only been in existence since 1994, but they are making some fantastic beers and the space and the staff are first rate. Special thanks to Tom Stevenson, Christine Mitchell, Nikki Walker, Annie O'Sullivan and Brittany Beatty for their help in creating a great evening and a memorable episode. Happy Holidays, Happy Hour Guys-ers!  Cheers!

Video #49: The Great Lost Bear!

The Guys make another stop in Portland, Maine, where folks are VERY serious about their craft brews. This is a Third Place of the finest order. The Great Lost Bear features 65 different taps, a focus on Maine microbrews, and a cribbage board. (Okay, there are a few other things to enjoy as well.) Top ten ratings from folks all over the world, and Gourmet magazine says it's "One of the greatest bars on earth"! AND, Bumper stickers are free! Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: 

Bumper Sticker, Great Lost Bear

540 Forest Ave

Portland, ME 04101          Cheers!

Video #48: Farewell P&G Cafe'.

The Guys make their way to the Upper West Side of Manhattan to say goodbye to a gem of a bar, family owned since 1942. Rising rents are forcing the P&G to move uptown. Will their patrons follow? We can only hope so. But in the process, the owners will have to take down the oldest neon sign in New York City. Join us for yet another goodbye.

Fair winds and following seas.

Video #47: The earliest Happy Hour...ever. Ruski's.

The Guys make their way back to Maine, and the earliest Happy Hour on record (as far as they've ever seen). Ruski's is also a historic bar, open through prohibition, and is now Portland's oldest pub. It was built in the 1860's and became a beer parlor in 1900. It remained open through Prohibition as a "lunch parlor", but still sold alcohol through the back door. It has remained in business as one name or another since 1900.

The highest price menu item is the surf&turf at 13.95. By far most things are under 10. A burger is still only 4.95, and coffee is 80 cents!

Join Mark and Jimmy as they coffee up, wake up, and then start their 'good night' at Ruski's!

Video #45: Tuthilltown Distillery! (& Climber's Ranch?)

 The Guys make their way into the Hudson Valley, to the first whiskey distillery in the State of New York since before prohibition. Wow, this stuff is good. Add in the beautiful scenery and a slew of fine spirits, and you've got one incredible combination. Viva la... End of Prohibition!!  Cheers!