Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Revision of Drinking Cheap
Word on the street has McCrobie's changing to a teen club with no alcohol served and Opi's Country Showcase moving at the end of the year to the old Shaker's/Chaser's/Shananagin's/Disco Mania 2000 and make it a steakhouse(?). The building is owned by Michael Hou. Hou just bought the shopping center where the old East Rome Kroger use to be. He has big plans for three restaurants with the return of Hooters. The Kroger building is still owned by Kroger. No plans have been made for it yet. (I know a great business deal to get into if you knew the right angle. Answer this question: What to do with all the empty Kroger buildings?) No word about the Peach Palace other than they are trying to sell. Broad St. is dwindling fast as an after hours entertainment spot.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Drinking Cheap
This list will be updated frequently so some may not appear. I will do my due dilligence and try to find out the exact prices. Of course you are more than welcome to give us any information you know too.
$2.50 22oz Pabst all the time
Tues - 99c drafts Wed - 2 for 1 bottle beer Thurs - $4.99 pitchers
$1.75 domestic bottles and half price drinks @ $2.75 and pitchers @ $5.00 everyday from 2:30 until 7:30 $1.50 Pabst bottle when available.
Wed - All day 1/2 price well drinks Specials vary from week to week
Everyday Miller High Life draft $1 Brutus size $2 Margaritas $2.49
Everyday all day 2 for 1 drafts, well drinks and margaritas
Everyday until 7pm $1.00 off drafts, margaritas, 2 for 1 Chardonnay house wine, 2 for 1 well drinks
Opi's Waterfront
Pot luck.
Owners too cheap to have a regular happy hour is what I deduce from that.
You're a bar, you gotta have a happy hour!
You would be amazed how many people that answered the phone did not know what their happy hour specials were. Second thought I am sure you are not amazed. And I bet to ask about the dinner specials would have really stumped them.
Come on and chime in.
Maybe we can get some more drink specials!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Gas Prices In Rome
I am sure by now that if you have traveled outside Rome to surrounding cities, you have to have noticed that the prices of gas are ALWAYS cheaper. I cannot believe that the citizens of Rome have not questioned this. I call this price fixing and that is the way I addressed it to the office of Consumer Affairs. Here is what they told me.
First off they asked me why I felt that way. I told them about surrounding cities having cheaper prices consistently. The representative started to lecture me on supply and demand. I had to assure him that I was fully aware of supply and demand. He then told me that actually there was nothing they could do unless it was after some natural disaster and then an immediate rise in prices. I asked him about any other options. He had none.
So basically it all starts here.
Write your comments and with enough of you we might just be able to get the cheap gas that others around us have. After all, we are not Atlanta!
I know boycotting is an option however I would rather "fire a warning shot" before we had to get drastic.
But if you have seen the difference in prices at our pumps vs. outside of Floyd County, GA then you must write in and give us your opinion about how to stop this "gauging" I feel is going on.
So basically it all starts here.
Write your comments and with enough of you we might just be able to get the cheap gas that others around us have. After all, we are not Atlanta!
I know boycotting is an option however I would rather "fire a warning shot" before we had to get drastic.
But if you have seen the difference in prices at our pumps vs. outside of Floyd County, GA then you must write in and give us your opinion about how to stop this "gauging" I feel is going on.
The Bar Scene
A long time ago, hotel lounge bars were the scene with a few independents here and there. Now the scene goes from restaurant chains to locally owned bars. Most chains offer a non smoking environment while a few accommodate the smokers separated from the dining room. Chili's, Applebee's, Longhorn, Outback, and Red Lobster (had a bar scene, really) all have non smoking bars. The first two of the list tend to be more sports bar oriented. That's not to say that the others do not have the games on. You pretty know what you are going to get from these places.
Just so you know:
The city of Rome is the only place where hard liquor can be purchased. Bars are required to have sales of 50% food in order to serve liquor. Bars are allowed to serve alcohol on Sundays but you can not purchase it from a liquor store (makes sense to me!?!). Also if a restaurant accepts patrons of 18 or younger it is classified as a non smoking. Bars that are outside the city limits are limited to serving malt beverages and wine only or possible brown bagging.
Locally owned bars include:
The Moon Roof atop the Harvest Moon
234 Broad St.
Ginny Kibler
706 292 0099
- It's small outdoor deck that gets crowded on the weekends and if you're a guy it's hard to get a drink. The bar is extremely small for the volume it does. Usually local musicians are playing at night. This crowd tends to vary from college students to young and old local professionals. They allow smoking when the flaps aren't down due to cold or rainy weather. So if you can handle an occasional whiff of a cig, this should be alright for you. They show sports on their 2 TV's. Some happy hour specials do
exist.
Old Havana Cigar Bar
327 Broad St.
Stephen McDowell
706 295 0546
- Nice quaint venue that serves only beer and wine. They have a good selection of both. It can get very smoky and crowded on the weekends. Service is knowledgeable and decent. Good music.
McCrobies
325 Broad St.
Brent and Debbie McCrobie
706 295 4484
- Never know what you are getting here. From lousy service and drinks, head banging music, young folk everywhere and no sports on their 14 TV sets to good food, laid back music, middle aged folk and the game on provided they are open. Don't count on them to be open during one of your prized football games. And beware their prices change frequently and without warning so be prepared. They use to have one of the best happy hours in Rome. Not any more. They have 5 pools tables and some bar top video games. Also be prepared for your clothes to stink when you leave - it is a smoking environment and that's not the only smell you will be taking home with you.
Jefferson's
340 Broad St.
Jeff Webb
706 378 0222
- Great little place with atmosphere an plenty of TV's. Their service is good and food is of the pub type style. This is not a bar but lends itself to one on game days. If you want to grab some grub and a beer then head down here. I know I didn't write anything bad on these guys but I really have had some of the best service there time in and time out.
333 on Broad
333 Broad St.
Jay Shell
706 528 4844
- This upstairs bar does not open it's doors until 7:00. Why I don't know? Apparently they don't need the profit from happy hour. Makes no sense to me. Anyways, this bar changes it's stripes too. Upstairs they have an "acoustic" lounge with entertainment at least 4 nights a week. They have an uncovered deck with a tiki bar. So if it rains you will be smoking in the rain on the deck as the inside is designated to non smokers. Downstairs they have a bar which I think they only open on big occasions. The crowd is generally 21-30 upstairs, I would say. They have had some occasional trouble up there but probably no more than any other bar. Downstairs can draw a little older crowd that doesn't want to hear the music.
Peach Palace
425 Broad St.
?
706 235 1487
- Young booty shaking crowd and everything that comes with this type of scene. I think that sums it up. They use to have live bands downstairs if the booty shaking isn't your cup of tea. This is a non smoking club however upstairs they have a small room you can cram into with other smokers. You wont even have to bring a cig with all the smoke in there. The upstairs also has pool tables and a really high bar - strange...So if you're short, you might want to bring a tall person to get your drinks. Be aware that you may be frisked or "searched" and metal detected so that kind of should give you a clue as to what you will be getting yourself into.
400 Block just inside La Scala restaurant.
400 Broad St.
Piero Barba
706 238 9000
- Quaint and generally not raucous. Somewhere you can bring a date to. This is attached to La Scala. It has seating upstairs in the bar, downstairs and outside on Broad St. Their appetizer menu is generally good. This is a smoking environment after 9pm, I believe. They have a daily happy hour.
Opi's Waterfront Country Showcase
112 W 2nd Ave just at the confluence of the Oostanala and Etowah rivers to form the Coosa.
Mel Funk
706 528 4082
- Well besides the crazy new set up and the bar owner who hasn't made a lot of friends in town, I am not sure why you would want to go there. Great place to have a bar just never any success there. Not sure about happy hour but expensive drinks if not. They have live country bands on the weekend which sometimes showcases Buck and Duke. Not sure of the smoking policies but I have seen people smoke in there. There is a dance floor of sorts that stands above the crowd. Not sure who designed this place but it's a crazy layout. This is the only country venue in the city at this time.
Opi's Hwy 53
same as above
- No really shouldn't be mentioned as a bar however the deck has turned into one. This has a heavy biker influence as well as locals from Shannon and Calhoun. Have not eaten there but heard it was decent. They serve beer only. But if you know the owner, Mel Funk, you might be able to get the $3 "endless cup of ice" to bring your own in. The deck was recently torched and no word on when they will open back up. Told you the owner is on everyone's hit list!
Hooter's - Oh, there is no Hooter's anymore. Just when I was going to the help save the tatas or at least help buy a pair.
Off the beaten path
Buffalo's Southwestern Cafe - This small bar can have a range of different people. Good luck on service. The bartenders will take their time getting you a drink IF they are even behind the bar. Nobody working here is very observant. You never know what temperature it will be in there either. Smoking is allowed. There is occasional live music on Thursdays.
Sports Page Dean St (Ave to others) - This is your working class bar with a few professionals sprinkled in there. It is extremely smoky. For entertainment they have weekly plastic dart tournaments, pool tournaments and karaoke.
The Lantern Maple St - Although I have not visited this place much, they have a stripper pole that apparently gets used. This is a working class bar and definitely is smoking.
The Mesa Kingston Rd - Dunno. Working class people. Never been there that I can remember. It's been there for awhile. Judging by the windows, it's heavy smoking and I think I made out a couple of pool tables on my drive by.
Beer Barrel Kingston Rd - Neighbors to the Mesa. Small bar with a working class crowd. NASCAR fanatics but can't show the race on Sunday because they are not open . Pool and darts, I believe. They also have a patio on the side. Not sure what goes on there.
Let me hear your opinions. Or add on a bar I might have missed.
Also please let everyone know about any server or bartenders. Good or bad. They deserve the credit for a job well done. Plus I will ask for them the next time I am there...
Check back for a happy hour schedule posting coming up soon.
Just so you know:
The city of Rome is the only place where hard liquor can be purchased. Bars are required to have sales of 50% food in order to serve liquor. Bars are allowed to serve alcohol on Sundays but you can not purchase it from a liquor store (makes sense to me!?!). Also if a restaurant accepts patrons of 18 or younger it is classified as a non smoking. Bars that are outside the city limits are limited to serving malt beverages and wine only or possible brown bagging.
Locally owned bars include:
The Moon Roof atop the Harvest Moon
234 Broad St.
Ginny Kibler
706 292 0099
- It's small outdoor deck that gets crowded on the weekends and if you're a guy it's hard to get a drink. The bar is extremely small for the volume it does. Usually local musicians are playing at night. This crowd tends to vary from college students to young and old local professionals. They allow smoking when the flaps aren't down due to cold or rainy weather. So if you can handle an occasional whiff of a cig, this should be alright for you. They show sports on their 2 TV's. Some happy hour specials do
exist.
Old Havana Cigar Bar
327 Broad St.
Stephen McDowell
706 295 0546
- Nice quaint venue that serves only beer and wine. They have a good selection of both. It can get very smoky and crowded on the weekends. Service is knowledgeable and decent. Good music.
McCrobies
325 Broad St.
Brent and Debbie McCrobie
706 295 4484
- Never know what you are getting here. From lousy service and drinks, head banging music, young folk everywhere and no sports on their 14 TV sets to good food, laid back music, middle aged folk and the game on provided they are open. Don't count on them to be open during one of your prized football games. And beware their prices change frequently and without warning so be prepared. They use to have one of the best happy hours in Rome. Not any more. They have 5 pools tables and some bar top video games. Also be prepared for your clothes to stink when you leave - it is a smoking environment and that's not the only smell you will be taking home with you.
Jefferson's
340 Broad St.
Jeff Webb
706 378 0222
- Great little place with atmosphere an plenty of TV's. Their service is good and food is of the pub type style. This is not a bar but lends itself to one on game days. If you want to grab some grub and a beer then head down here. I know I didn't write anything bad on these guys but I really have had some of the best service there time in and time out.
333 on Broad
333 Broad St.
Jay Shell
706 528 4844
- This upstairs bar does not open it's doors until 7:00. Why I don't know? Apparently they don't need the profit from happy hour. Makes no sense to me. Anyways, this bar changes it's stripes too. Upstairs they have an "acoustic" lounge with entertainment at least 4 nights a week. They have an uncovered deck with a tiki bar. So if it rains you will be smoking in the rain on the deck as the inside is designated to non smokers. Downstairs they have a bar which I think they only open on big occasions. The crowd is generally 21-30 upstairs, I would say. They have had some occasional trouble up there but probably no more than any other bar. Downstairs can draw a little older crowd that doesn't want to hear the music.
Peach Palace
425 Broad St.
?
706 235 1487
- Young booty shaking crowd and everything that comes with this type of scene. I think that sums it up. They use to have live bands downstairs if the booty shaking isn't your cup of tea. This is a non smoking club however upstairs they have a small room you can cram into with other smokers. You wont even have to bring a cig with all the smoke in there. The upstairs also has pool tables and a really high bar - strange...So if you're short, you might want to bring a tall person to get your drinks. Be aware that you may be frisked or "searched" and metal detected so that kind of should give you a clue as to what you will be getting yourself into.
400 Block just inside La Scala restaurant.
400 Broad St.
Piero Barba
706 238 9000
- Quaint and generally not raucous. Somewhere you can bring a date to. This is attached to La Scala. It has seating upstairs in the bar, downstairs and outside on Broad St. Their appetizer menu is generally good. This is a smoking environment after 9pm, I believe. They have a daily happy hour.
Opi's Waterfront Country Showcase
112 W 2nd Ave just at the confluence of the Oostanala and Etowah rivers to form the Coosa.
Mel Funk
706 528 4082
- Well besides the crazy new set up and the bar owner who hasn't made a lot of friends in town, I am not sure why you would want to go there. Great place to have a bar just never any success there. Not sure about happy hour but expensive drinks if not. They have live country bands on the weekend which sometimes showcases Buck and Duke. Not sure of the smoking policies but I have seen people smoke in there. There is a dance floor of sorts that stands above the crowd. Not sure who designed this place but it's a crazy layout. This is the only country venue in the city at this time.
Opi's Hwy 53
same as above
- No really shouldn't be mentioned as a bar however the deck has turned into one. This has a heavy biker influence as well as locals from Shannon and Calhoun. Have not eaten there but heard it was decent. They serve beer only. But if you know the owner, Mel Funk, you might be able to get the $3 "endless cup of ice" to bring your own in. The deck was recently torched and no word on when they will open back up. Told you the owner is on everyone's hit list!
Hooter's - Oh, there is no Hooter's anymore. Just when I was going to the help save the tatas or at least help buy a pair.
Off the beaten path
Buffalo's Southwestern Cafe - This small bar can have a range of different people. Good luck on service. The bartenders will take their time getting you a drink IF they are even behind the bar. Nobody working here is very observant. You never know what temperature it will be in there either. Smoking is allowed. There is occasional live music on Thursdays.
Sports Page Dean St (Ave to others) - This is your working class bar with a few professionals sprinkled in there. It is extremely smoky. For entertainment they have weekly plastic dart tournaments, pool tournaments and karaoke.
The Lantern Maple St - Although I have not visited this place much, they have a stripper pole that apparently gets used. This is a working class bar and definitely is smoking.
The Mesa Kingston Rd - Dunno. Working class people. Never been there that I can remember. It's been there for awhile. Judging by the windows, it's heavy smoking and I think I made out a couple of pool tables on my drive by.
Beer Barrel Kingston Rd - Neighbors to the Mesa. Small bar with a working class crowd. NASCAR fanatics but can't show the race on Sunday because they are not open . Pool and darts, I believe. They also have a patio on the side. Not sure what goes on there.
Let me hear your opinions. Or add on a bar I might have missed.
Also please let everyone know about any server or bartenders. Good or bad. They deserve the credit for a job well done. Plus I will ask for them the next time I am there...
Check back for a happy hour schedule posting coming up soon.
RNT Readers Choice
Is it really a good gauge of good businesses or just another popularity contest? I would have to go with the latter. It is also another marketing tool for the newspaper whose readership is dwindling. It's not to say that I would not try these folks out if I haven't already, though. Enough people took the time to vote so there may be some validity to the poll. However this would be a great time to have you write in your thoughts on some of the winners/runner ups. Share what you know with the rest of us.
KIDS EAT FREE!
I will need your help with this one. If you know of another place that serves kids for free or discounted please share the knowledge.
These were posted on HometownHeadlines.com, my true and timely source for information.
Sunday
-Buffalo's, kids eat free.
Monday
-Moe’s Southwest Grill, 110 Shorter Ave. Kids eat free on Mondays from 5-9 p.m. Deal is one child’s menu item free with purchase of adult entrée and drink.
-Bella Roma, 3403 Martha Berry Highway. Kids 12 and under can eat free on Mondays after 5 p.m. Kids meal is free with purchase of adult meal. Limit of 2 children per family.
-Deano’s Pizza, 1800 Dean Ave. Family night with 20% off the entire menu for the entire family.
Tuesday
-Las Palmas, 246 Shorter Ave. All day on Tuesday, kids 12 and under can eat free. One free kids meal with purchase of adult meal.
-Golden China Chinese Restaurant, 1505 Shorter Ave. One free kids meal with one adult meal. Limit one free meal per family.
-WOW Café & Wingery, 2817 Martha Berry Highway. $1.99 Kids Meal.
-El Nopal in Cedartown offers kids-eat-free on Tuesdays.
Wednesday
-Provino’s Italian Restaurant, 288 Shorter Ave. Kids 12 and under can eat free. One kids meal with purchase of each adult meal. Don’t forget that Provino’s offers a free meal on your birthday- for both kids and adults. You will have to show proof of your birthday.
-Gondolier Pizza Italian Restaurant, 152 Shorter Ave. All day on Wednesday. One free kids meal with purchase of one adult meal.
Thursday
-Fuddruckers, 595 Riverside Parkway. Kids 12 and under can eat free from 5-8 p.m. One kids meal per one adult meal.
-333 on Broad: Kids eat free (one per adult entree)
Monday
-Moe’s Southwest Grill, 110 Shorter Ave. Kids eat free on Mondays from 5-9 p.m. Deal is one child’s menu item free with purchase of adult entrée and drink.
-Bella Roma, 3403 Martha Berry Highway. Kids 12 and under can eat free on Mondays after 5 p.m. Kids meal is free with purchase of adult meal. Limit of 2 children per family.
-Deano’s Pizza, 1800 Dean Ave. Family night with 20% off the entire menu for the entire family.
Tuesday
-Las Palmas, 246 Shorter Ave. All day on Tuesday, kids 12 and under can eat free. One free kids meal with purchase of adult meal.
-Golden China Chinese Restaurant, 1505 Shorter Ave. One free kids meal with one adult meal. Limit one free meal per family.
-WOW Café & Wingery, 2817 Martha Berry Highway. $1.99 Kids Meal.
-El Nopal in Cedartown offers kids-eat-free on Tuesdays.
Wednesday
-Provino’s Italian Restaurant, 288 Shorter Ave. Kids 12 and under can eat free. One kids meal with purchase of each adult meal. Don’t forget that Provino’s offers a free meal on your birthday- for both kids and adults. You will have to show proof of your birthday.
-Gondolier Pizza Italian Restaurant, 152 Shorter Ave. All day on Wednesday. One free kids meal with purchase of one adult meal.
Thursday
-Fuddruckers, 595 Riverside Parkway. Kids 12 and under can eat free from 5-8 p.m. One kids meal per one adult meal.
-333 on Broad: Kids eat free (one per adult entree)
Also:
- Pasquale's Pizza & Pasta at 4011 Martha Berry Highway: Every night of the week is kids night. Every day of the week children under 5 eat free with an adult purchase and children under 10 can eat the food bar for a discounted price.
-Sante Fe Cattle Co. Kids eat for $1.99 all the time. (Thanks, AM)- Pasquale's Pizza & Pasta at 4011 Martha Berry Highway: Every night of the week is kids night. Every day of the week children under 5 eat free with an adult purchase and children under 10 can eat the food bar for a discounted price.
-Los Amigos, East 12th St. Kids eat free on Saturdays (Thanks JB)
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