I was out riding this evening with a fellow motorcycle enthusiast who is going through a rough patch in his life. After an hour or so, we decided to make a pit stop to wet our whistles and enjoy some lively, albeit one-sided and unpleasant conversation. We decided to look for a quiet place and since there were only a few cars parked out front, and an available spot where we could back in our bikes right at the door, we settled on The Bog on Adams Avenue. I was really glad we did.
The Bog is located on what is trying to become a really "arty" block in Scranton and is more or less across the street from the apparently soon to be defunct art gallery/performance venue known as Test Pattern. Next door is a pretty good Thai restaurant named Thai Rak Thai, and The Unknown, a comic and gaming shop, is right across the street.
I know there has been a lot of controversy in Scranton, and the entire state for that matter, about the pros and cons of smoke-free eating and drinking establishments, but I must say it is a real pleasure to be able to enjoy a pint of Guinness without my senses having to give equal time to a second hand Newport or a Swisher Sweet smoldering in the ashtray next to me. Though I support smoke free restaurants, I generally side with the smokers with respect to bars. I can understand the allure of knocking a few back while enjoying a smoke and in fact have enjoyed many cigars myself in just that way. Tonight though, I really enjoyed my pint in The Bog which is, as you have already surmised, smoke free.
Smoking policy aside, there are many reasons to like this place. The juke box is one of the best in Scranton. Someone with really cool musical taste has put a huge amount of effort into loading it up with Reggae, Blues, and "hip classics" going back to the early 60s. A stage located in the front of the building is used for live performances. This evening however, with no entertainment scheduled, it housed a sofa that made for a great conversation area right at the window. A good selection of interesting draft and bottled import and micro-brewed beer is available at the bar which itself is spotlessly clean and manned by an attractive, friendly, and attentive staff. The crowd tonight night ranged from local hipsters, tattooed hotties, and students, to more straight laced types in for a beer and the great music before heading home. There are some interesting pieces of art hanging behind the bar and on some of the other walls. There were even flowers in bottles on the bar... nice touch.
I highly recommend The Bog and I myself am definitely going to have to give this place a visit on the weekend, or some other night when it is busier and perhaps there is some live entertainment.
The Bog
341 Adams Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 341-6761
No comments:
Post a Comment