This is a rather difficult review to write. A friend I hit this bar twice a week on average. Once during the week, and sometimes on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If we plan to have more then 2 drinks, we prefer to be within a few blocks of "home", and the Silver Bullet is convenient in that respect.
We both moved to Thornton earlier this year, from different parts of New England. And we are both older adults who don't really enjoy loud and contemporary music. After visiting Joe Polooka's a few times we tried the Silver Bullet and haven't been back to Joe's.
We also hit The Glenn on regular basis, but though we really dig The Glenn, the level of music inside after 8 pm is just too loud for us to be comfortable. Anyways, about Silver Bullet Saloon. First, no food. Unless you count the horrible nachos with fake cheese. Eww. Drinks are sometimes inconsistent based on the night's bartender, but they do have frequent specials of all types. Beer selection is basic, but cheap, and so are the well drinks.
Silver Bullet has different happy hours based on any number of different events (weekends, happy hour, sports games, etc.) Just beware that depending on your bartender, happy hour well drinks can be weaker then normal.
Because we go there so often, and always sit at the bar, the usual bartenders know us and treat us pretty well. A lot of regulars hit this place, and we have actually had real conversations with several patrons. The mix of patrons skews older, but is pretty random any night you might visit. If you sit at the bar, it's pretty likely someone will chat you up if they recognize you from previous visits.
On weekdays, music is through the jukebox, and if you like "alternative music" you will be out of luck. Saturdays and Sundays a DJ plays a mix of music and will play just about anything you ask for, if he has it. Generally older rock, some country, and a touch of hip-hop is on the box.
And, at the risk of bringing a bunch of freeloaders into Silver Bullet on weekdays, the pool tables are free Monday through Thursday if your order a couple of drinks. All night. If you like pool and don't mind an older crowd, this might be your place.
Ambiance is minimal. Lot's of TV's, and it can get noisy/crowded on big sports game nights. Typical weekend nights are more laid back and the DJ adds some flavor to the music mix. The primary Bartender is female and loud and takes some getting used to. The weekday bartenders are also female but not nearly as interesting. They just hired somebody new to help with the weekend crowd, and she's nice enough but not yet really settled in.
I gave the Silver Bullet Saloon only 3 stars because:
- The ambiance is nothing to write home about
- The consistency of drinks isn't always a given
- Weekend nights can be somewhat crowded until about 11 pm
- It's a small place with limited seating that I would consider "comfortable" read more