Bar Tab

Five Bars To Visit This New Year

Alt-country guitarist/vocalist Fred Eaglesmith at Ace’s Lounge on Friday night.

I haven’t seen it all just yet. But almost. I’ve visited and profiled countless bars in the Greater Bradenton Area. But not all. So this being the first week of the New Year, it’s time to set about accomplishing a mission that didn’t get finished last year. You know, one of those goals that sit on the shelf and await the fresh perspective of a new year. Let it be known then, that in the year 2012 there will be Bar Tab columns on the five area bars briefly profiled below. Five bars that have yet to grace the cyber pages of Patch.com. My New Year’s resolution is to spend quality time at each of these locations on a given night sometime this year diligently researching – researching throughout the night, if need be - then writing a column.   …

• Photos (7)

Bar Tab

Fourth Annual Bradenton Beer Fest This Saturday

The event will feature more than 100 imports, crafts and popular domestics on downtown Bradenton's historic Old Main street.

Every now and then the best place in town to enjoy a tasty brew isn’t the local pub. Like this rare Saturday. If you are a beer connoisseur who likes those elusive American crafts and imports, or if you find your taste buds craving an adventure this weekend, don’t miss the Fourth Annual Bradenton Beer Fest happening this Saturday in downtown Bradenton. The Beer Fest promises a smorgasbord of samplings from imports to obscure crafts from dozens of small, American microbreweries and even some of the popular domestics. More than 100 beers will be available for swigging, said Bill Britt, the local volunteer coordinator. “There are beers for everyone,” he said. Beer Fest is scheduled for 4-10 p.m. on Old Main Street (12th Street West) between …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (2)
• Documents (1)

t

10:58 am on Thursday, March 10, 2011

Update - Beer Fest’s hours have been extended until 10 p.m.   more ›

Bar Tab

Hi-Way Bar: Family Owned For 50 Years And Counting

This historic watering hole off old Hwy. 301 offers some of the best food and drink deals in town in a fun, friendly setting. And it opens at 7 a.m.

Not too many bars open at 7 a.m., and rarely do any serve breakfast. And not too many have been owned by the same family for 50 years, but that’s what makes Hi-Way Bar, 420 301 Blvd. E., something special. Passersby may not think twice about this small, one-story wood structure sitting just off old Highway 301 where Fifth Street East and 42nd Avenue East converge. But if they merely pass by without venturing inside, they’ve missed something unique. Hi-Way Bar’s lengthy history in the Oneco area and its loyal clientele speak volumes of this little watering hole’s place in the community. “If you don’t know anyone when you walk in, you will when you walk out,” said John, who only goes by John. “We’re all great people and we know how to have …

•  9 Comments
• Photos (5)

New Bar Moving In Downtown Despite Objections

Rasher Tierney's wins council's approval to relocate from 14th Street West to Old Main Street against wishes of some neighbors.

Downtown Bradenton is adding another bar, and some residents aren't happy. Rasher Tierney's Irish Pub is relocating from 5106 14th St. W. to a new location on Old Main Street after its owners won approval Wednesday from the Bradenton City Council. Several residents and staff at Westminster Courtyard, a retirement community that is next to the bar's new home at 302 12th St. W., argued that adding another bar downtown will contribute more litter and noise pollution and create an unsafe atmosphere. Doris Blattner, whose apartment is directly across from the site of the new bar, said she chose to retire in Bradenton over many other Florida cities but isn't happy with the party scene that's developed on Old Main Street in recent years. "We have…

•  3 Comments
• Photos (6)