Looking for a cool, relaxing place to get out from the August heat, I wandered into O'Briens Place before noon on a Saturday.
INTERIOR
The black, high ceiling at O'Briens Place keeps the establishment cool. Neon beer signs, wide screen TVs, and an array of sports trophies and plaques decorate the walls.
The bar holds ten, clean tables, two pool tables, and a separate room for a half dozen video lottery games. The interior wall separating that room is open and well lit, so you can see and keep track of your friends as they donate to the state treasury.
Ten black upholstered stools line the bar with plenty of elbow room. Classic rock plays in the background, loud enough to enjoy, soft enough to allow us to talk without the need to shout over it. Janis Joplin sang to us, "Yeah, I'm gonna try yeah, just a little bit harder; So I can give, give, give, give him every bit of my soul."
SERVICE
Shayla held court from behind the bar -- a full bar with two coolers of mixers (juices, energy drinks). She's a smart, young barkeeper with a friendly disposition and a genuine expertise for quality customer service. I watched her prep the bar for the afternoon crowd. Constantly in motion, though not frenetic, Shayla cleaned glasses, swept floors, wiped down tables and counters all while attending to early patrons.
"Hey guys, the usual?" asked Shayla.
Two regulars, an older man and woman, sat down at the bar. They sipped and chatted for ten minutes, then gravitated to the lottery machines. Regulars sit at the bar for the friendly conversation Shayla provides. Some are so regular you might ask if you've taken someone's seat. The regulars aren't rough but they appreciate the courtesy.
A younger group of three followed and immediately ordered shots to celebrate a woman's 27th birthday. ZZ Top chimed in "I been bad, I been good; Dallas, Texas, Hollywood; I ain't askin' for much..."
"Shayla's the best bartender in this town," the birthday recipient told her friends, basking in the afterglow of birthday cheer and shots. "She really brightens up the place."
MENU
Four-page laminated menus provide a fair selection of appetizers, bar food, and full meals. The prices are reasonable. O'Briens Place serves daily specials (Taco Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, Spaghetti Sunday) in addition to a selection of flatbread pizza, sandwiches and burgers. The burgers and sandwiches are served with your choice of fries, tater tots, or a side salad. You can upgrade to onion rings for $1.25. read more