When Connecticut joined New York and Massachusetts on Sunday in closing bars and restaurants, I thought about the bars I’ve been to, and the bartenders whose company I’ve enjoyed. I’ve always been one to sit at the bar and dine at the bar when traveling. Most of my encounters with bartenders have been positive. That’s why Cheryl is tending bar on Saturdays more often than Skippy. The stories shared when Cheryl is behind the bar are from pleasant visits and enjoyable conversations. Skippy is called in when a bartender is not so good, or when a good bartender makes a comical mistake. Neither occasion will be happening in the near future. – the bar is closed – all the bars are closed.
I’m going to share some doors today that you’ve already seen. Bar doors. From Tunxis Grill (here in CT), The Molly Wee (New York City), and Jacob Wirth’s (Boston). Although, Jacob Wirth didn’t make it long enough to meet this crisis, they closed in June 2018 after a fire led to extensive damage. Later this year, the bar might reopen as JW’s Sports Bar – I hope to be able to check it out if they do.
In addition to wonderful doors, all three of these bars have/had a most excellent bar staff. I’ve never been to the Molly Wee when I wasn’t served by a friendly Irish man/woman with a genuine interest in making me feel welcome. In the 1990s, when I was visiting New York City on business a few times each year, the bartender remembered me in October from prior visits in April and June. He greeted me with “welcome back!” and he remembered my fondness for Brooklyn Lager. I was amazed.
Our daughter, Faith has been with me at least once in all three bars, and I’ve had the pleasure of sharing a few drinks with good friends at all three venues. I hope that Tunxis Grill can survive on takeout and delivery orders until the ban is lifted. I hope the Molly Wee can weather this storm as well. I will do my best to transition to ordering by phone instead of in-person. It won’t be the same, but I hope to help them stay in business.
As for the bar at No Facilities, well, since it’s a fictional place, it will remain open for business and mayhem as usual. If you’re not familiar with the bar, check out my newly revised “About” page.
Today’s doors are offered again, as they were before, in conjunction with Norm Frampton’s fantastic weekly blog hop called Thursday Doors. Each week, Norm invites us to share photos of and stories about doors from around the world. No need to keep your distance – this parade is 100% virus free. Just head on up to Norm’s place and join the fun.
Thanks for reading, and please take all necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy as governments around the globe work to get a handle on this virus.
No Facilities 
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