The look: Walking into Park Avenue Pub feels like walking into an old house - an old house that was gutted in 1944 (when the bar opened) to make room for pool tables and darts. An old house with wood paneling and thin carpeting. An old house full of friendly people looking to chat about where you work and what you do for fun. The walls are lined with old beer memorabilia. A jukebox plays everything from Willie Nelson to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Leave your mark by signing a dollar bill (with your name, or a naughty message), which will be tacked up on the wall behind the bar.
The crowd: As soon as we entered the place, the regulars wanted to know all about us. No one was shy. For a Wednesday night, there were plenty of people to keep the bartender busy. A few were playing pool at one of the two tables, others were throwing darts. We bellied up to the bar and hung out with Mark, the bartender.
The two drinks: Mark has been bartending since he was 19, and knows how to make a shot. In fact he knows how to make one so well, he has five recipes published in Bartender magazine. For the first, he mixed a Mind Freak, a bright blue concoction made with Barenjager, blue curacao and lemonade. It tasted like a spoonful of honey, or something that could cure a sore throat. The second tasted weaker, but since it was made with five different liquors and splashes of sweet and sour and cranberry, it was no less strong. Called a Bondage, this sweet shot could really sneak up on you. Both were $3.50.
The grub: The pub is known for its Graziano sausage sandwiches. You can also order off a menu of other sandwiches and dinners until midnight, and Park Avenue Pub offers homemade lunch specials each day of the week.
The verdict: Head to Park Avenue Pub for Mark's patented drinks, the homemade beef and noodles lunch special, and to hear any song you can think of on their digital jukebox.
