Community Corner
Local Bars Prepare for Thanksgiving Eve
One of the biggest party nights of the year equals big business for neighborhood watering holes.
Thanksgiving Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year, and local bars are hoping this year equals big money in a cutback economy.
The night is fueled mostly by college students returning home for the holidays. For many it may be the first time they’re seeing their hometown friends since they’ve left, the last chance they have to let loose before final exam time begins, and almost everyone has the next day off.
“It’s a big day,” said Pat Higgins, manager of Tara’s. “It’s the regulars, plus the people who moved out of town and are back visiting. It’s a big beer and burger night.”
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Tara’s will be having happy hour specials from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. for the early birds. That includes special pull tabs where customers can win cheaper beer prices.
Higgins highlighted some of the logistical problems the holiday poses. “You have to prepare because deliveries are closed on Thursday and some purveyors are closed on Friday. We’re stacked with beer throughout the weekend.”
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Lulu’s Village Pub will be having a special Thanksgiving Eve concert. Fire and Ice, a Pat Benatar tribute band, takes the stage at 9:30 p.m. and Hair Daze, a hair-metal cover band follows them at 11 p.m. Cover is $8.
Napper Tandy’s in Miller Place will be a popular destination among the returning college students. This year, their annual Thanksgiving Eve Bash will feature DJ Pookie providing the dance music.
DEKS in Rocky Point believes they’ll have a big night of their own. Dean Scott, co-owner of DEKS, said “I’m hoping to have them four or five deep at the bar.” The bar relies on their beer selection; over 150 different craft beers will be available, instead of live music or DJs. They’ll have a free buffet starting at 10 p.m. and happy hour prices from then until midnight.
Higgins brought up the part of the holiday that perhaps gets overlooked in the celebration. She said that there will be plenty of staff brought in to work, including extra doormen to keep it under control. “It has to be watched at all times,” she said. “We can’t have anyone just sneaking in.”
Where will you be spending your Thanksgiving Eve?
