CLUB WATCH
Chandy’s: A sports bar with a touch of sophistication
It was another overcast Thursday when Mike and I tempted the fates by driving out to Chandy’s Lounge with the top down on his sporty convertible. We sauntered in to some dance music streaming off of a neon jukebox situated toward the back patio exit.
Laura (our hospitable brunette bartender) served us a metal bucket of domestic beers (three Coors Light and two Labatt Blue Light bottles) nestled in ice for $10. A multitude of area bars used to sell beer buckets, so it was a nice change of pace compared to pitchers and just as affordable. I also ordered a double of Woodford Reserve bourbon on the rocks for $7.75 in a stout cocktail glass. Laura measured the shots out neatly in a metal shot pourer in front of us before pouring them, ensuring efficiency.
Mike schmoozed with Chris (the manager on duty) while Chris fluttered throughout the club making sure the music, the lighting and the seating were optimal for the evolving overall demographic of the bar.
The bar was more than half full with a fun-loving mixed crowd of younger singles and older couples enjoying a night out on the town. A giant steer’s horn hung front and center behind the bar between two neatly organized shelves of top shelf liquor. A row of blue and white light bulbs lined the upper perimeter of the bar like stage lights, creating a unique ambience. A row of four flat screens broadcast football and heavyweight boxing, respectively. A lush raised lounge beckoned toward the front corner furnished with plush red chairs and a tan weaved coffee table. Another corner on the ground level featured a lush gray sectioned couch with a group of mingling singles relaxing in a secondary lounge area.
I stepped outside for a cigarette on a beautiful stained wooden patio decorated with hanging lanterns and two colorful flower arrangements. A full table of friends in their 30s busted each others’ chops and talked about summer movies as the sun set.
Mike was kind enough to spring for the second round, so I decided to order a drink that cost more than I would normally pay for out of my own pocket. I opted for a double of Glenkinchie single malt scotch ($8.75) since I’ve never seen it before. It was smoky, smooth and potent at the same time.
Duty finally called and I found a cornucopia of vintage tin beer signs from the 1950s and ’60s with classic Yuengling and Guinness ad campaigns from years gone by.
Karaoke night kicked into first gear and two nubile young ladies tried their hand at Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” A gentleman in a full cowboy outfit did his best Toby Keith cover. Mike and I downed a shot of Stoli-Ovodka, donated our remaining bottled beers to the group to the left of us, and took our leave.
Too many bars dub themselves as lounges without fulfilling the definition. Chandy’s actually lives up to a lounge atmosphere. With its luxurious surroundings, professional management and staff, and its extraordinary selection, Chandy’s longevity and success are a very safe bet. •
Chandy’s Lounge
4923 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg 898-8925
Scene:A sophisticated sports bar that lives up to its name by hosting two very luxurious areas of the building to lounge in.
Drinks:Eight draft beers featuring Sam Adams Cherry Wheat, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Shock Top. A wide array of bottled beers including Great Lakes Brewing Co., Smithwick and Woodchuck Cider. A spectacular scotch, bourbon and vodka selection including Glenkinchie, Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek and a multitude of flavored Stolichnaya vodkas.
DressCode:Classy casual with golf shirts, pressed Hawaiian shirts and semiformal dresses.
Music:Michael Bly live every Tuesday, karaoke Thursdays and live bands on the weekends including Tom Sartori.
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