In a town with so many bars, what are you waiting for?
OK so I know this is nothing new to Hoboken. The practice of setting up a velvet rope and judging the poor slobs waiting to get into the club. It just strikes me as odd when I see this happening at places like The Black Bear or the Whiskey Bar. Both fine establishments in their own right, but not worthy of the rope.
This past Saturday I was out walking at about 11:30 or so. I was going to meet friends at the Whiskey Bar for a few drinks. I walked past the Black Bear which is a bar and grill … period. No live music. Sure they have 25 TV screens for the games but still. The line to get in was down to the end of the block. Dozens of people waiting for like an hour to get in. As I walked by I muttered, “It’s just a bar people. This is Hoboken, we got plenty!” Hell by the time they got in … whatever game they came to see was OVER!
But the worst was when I got to the Whiskey. Now in their defense they did have the Mike Dalton Band. A very popular, original band that packs the place. I was told the place was full and had to wait for a few minutes behind the newly set up velvet barrier. No biggie, right? However, as I waited I saw two well dressed men wreaking of money and bad cologne go in. Shortly after three tall, skinny ass model types in little clothing were greeted with a welcoming smile. That’s when it hit me … I’VE BEEN VELVET ROPED IN HOBOKEN!
Now it is true that once my friend inside came out I could have gotten in. And yes I was only waiting for about five minutes or so. But to be honest it was the principal of the thing. I don’t take well to being shunned in favor of those the bouncer thinks will spend more than me. Anyone who has been out drinking with me knows what I can spend. To be judged by my jeans or whatever just pisses me off and it should not be happening in my town. It left a bad taste in my mouth.
I was not angry, just disappointed in the whole situation. So I said a pleasant goodbye and casually walked over to Louise and Jerry’s. A true drinkin’ bar where I know I won’t be refused and more friends would be there to greet me. I was right.
