[12-22-03]  One of the neat things about the BHT is its consistency and longevity. Housing developments and businesses  creep closer every   year but it is still very easy to imagine settlers drinking beer in front of the same fireplace that warms customers today. The main building was        built with heavy stones that are most likely from nearby fields.

Remodeling has replaced a musty outbuilding summer bar and sandy kabana area with a new building and a much bigger patio. The pond and its Gilligans Island-ish marooned boat, as well as a nice big tree, are gone. The price of progress I guess. The general air of the restaurant is a bit      uppity although people dine there in street clothes. The food that I have eaten here has been quite good.

Supposedly, the new owners of the BHT are the same people who owned the California Bar & Grill. I remember that the California  B&G had a policy about not allowing any motorcycles. I hope this issue has been corrected. I will look into that and make an update.

I am looking forward to returning to the BHT on a warm summer night.

[3-2007] The purpose of tonight's visit was for our group to try the BHTs advertised 15c shrimp and wings.  Our group gathered at a table and before long the waitress came over.  I ordered 2 dozen shrimp and was told that I couldn't do that. Shrimp (and wings) must be ordered in increments of 5 or 10.

I have eaten shrimp and wings in bars from sea to shining sea and I KNOW that wings have never been sold in anything other than half dozen or dozen increments and shrimp that way or by the pounds or half pounds. When I asked why I couldn't get two dozen shrimp she said it "would be too hard for the cooks to count them out".  Looking around, I saw almost nobody else eating shrimp so it wasn't like there were 100s of people in the steamed shrimp que.

So, I ordered 30 and since this was indeed a multiple of both 5 and 10 - she was able to take my order.

The shrimp were bland (with almost no hint of Old Bay) and most were VERY soggy  - some even reaching the state of mushiness.  Steamed shrimp should be firm and meaty not soggy and mushy.

The others reported the wings were good with the hot wings even causing its consumer to break into a sweat.

I asked the waitress if they served Reading Beer and she looked at me like I was asking the stupidest question on Earth. It was clear she had NO idea that Reading Beer is again being brewed in Reading.

At this point I was ready to go to the other side and enjoy the quiet indoor bar in the old section of the compound. She said that it was already closed as each night one side shuts down way earlier than the other.  As far as the two indoor bars go I would choose the rustic old house side bar (and its fireplace in season) vs. the loud and bright sportsbar.  The outdoor deck and tiki bar would probably beat both in the warm months.

A bottle of Rolling Rock and a Lager draft totaled $7.50 - a sum that I think is outrageous.  I might pay that on a warm summer's night, outside with several hundred other Berks Countians as we all enjoy the stars and fresh air - but that's a major rip inside on a Thursday night in March.

 

BILL's PLACE
437 S 11th Street, Reading PA  19602   610-378-9194

BIXLER'S LODGE
1456 Friedensburg Rd   Reading(Stony Creek)   PA   19606   610-779-9936
www.countycorner.com/members/bixlers/  

 

BORELLI'S HOTEL
49 S Third Street, Reading, PA  19602   610-372-8861

       

  

[11-2007] Borelli's is a dark, smoky place that is frequented by people of all colors and work ethics.  I once told someone that I had eaten some very good pizza here and they lamented that I should be thankful to have escaped unharmed.  I have never felt that but all my stops have been during the day or with a group.  I know they have good pizza.

Without a doubt the best thing I have seen at Borelli's is family member barmaid Rosa.  Her physical appeal is matched by her ability to control the suds-guzzling, almost exclusively male crowd.

 

 

BREWER'S BAR & GRILL  
formerly Kaley's Korner
101 S Third Ave   Reading, PA  19611        

 

       

[1-2006] Kaley's is as well-known for its sandwiches as it is for being in close proximity to the infamous  Penn View Motel. With the Penn View   next door you never know what sort of person might be hanging around outside.

I can't really say why I occasionally come back to Kaley's.  The one frequent barmaid is always disinterested and the Philly steaks are mediocre at best. At least they put Nextel Cup races on without having to be asked. There is just something about this sort of skuzzy dive that I return to.

[7-2006] An Independence Day stop at Kaley's found the place closed and being gutted.  Fearing that the urban revival that will soon remove the PennView might be affecting KK, I stopped     and asked the construction guy what was up. He said the business will soon reopen under new    ownership, featuring the same style of bar and takeout, and be called "Brewer's".

[8-2006] Tipster reports the new owners are the same people who owned the original Shorty's.

[9-2006] Brewer's is open. Will get there soon to see what's going on.  Newspaper ad lists bar open  11A-2A 7 days a week.  The grill is open  11A-10P.

[10-2006 Reviewer: C-SHELL]  The inside has been redone and it definitely doesn't have that scummy feel/look (but its not trendy either).  The bar is now 4 sided instead of being up against the back wall.

There are several 2 seater tables set around the walls but the larger group tables are gone. The small back room on the left when you enter is now filled with coolers for take-out beer.

You will like the decor. The walls are covered with black and white photos of old breweries, Reading and Sunshine beer signs, and old coaster collection, import beer signs. There's a lot to look at.

My friend and I paid $7 for a Miller Lite and a Malibu Bay Breeze. The beer is served in the large beer glasses. I eavesdropped on the guy beside me when he ordered a Lager to find out that it cost $2.50. They also serve beer in mugs. Happy hour is 5-7 with $1 mugs, $2 import mugs and $2  mixed drinks.

There is one LARGE problem to ruin your enjoyment of this bar or maybe I should say 2 problems. There were 2 rather LARGE MEN working the bar.   I know you appreciate the value of attractive women tending bar but as a woman...I didn't mind the men. Even the person working in the beer take-out room was a fairly large man. We decided that they must look for that "bouncer" look when they hire employees. We were told that all the former Kaley's employees were let go.

1: The only separate area of the bar, the small backroom, is now all coolers    2: Door sign   3: Destruction of the Pennview is imminent
 

[11-2006] Although I am sad to see that the dirty little back room has been changed into the 6 pack sales place, the change is partially forgiven by looking at the many different types of beer   for sale.  I noticed that Schmidt's ( which I didn't know was even still being brewed ) was actually 5c/6pk MORE than Yuengling Lager. That's surprising.

The inside of this bar is 180degrees from what it used to be.

[2-2007] The Pennview is gone and the lot is a giant hole in the ground. Someone commented that they probably had to dig down that deep to  get rid of all the funk from what went on at the old motel. 

It was great to see the READING tap standing proudly next to Yuengling Lager and the national brands. The female (thats a first!) bartender tapped  my $1.75 draft. It was light in color and    proved to be cold and tasty.  As I savored this hometown brew I looked around the room at the many photos of Reading's glorious brewing history.  I also watched what people drank.  As is the trend everywhere, most people were having national brands. Several were drinking Yuengling Lager. None that I saw were having a Reading. Hopefully this will change and people will support their namesake.

2: The lovely and smiling Celia

[9-2007] I was told that Brewer's no longer has Reading on tap.  Maybe they have it in bottles?

[11-2007] Brewer's almost earned a SCREW icon this weekend.  The inside of the bar is decorated with all sorts of photos and trinkets from Reading's brewing heyday. Much of this stuff     is Reading Beer.

When Reading Beer was reincarnated Brewer's put it on tap.  They didn't give it very long before taking it off.  When it was bottled they didn't stock them.  I think that's BS.  If I owned a bar in Reading and someone made Reading Beer I would keep it on hand even if it tasted like crap and cost $5 a serving.  Hometown pride.   Not at this place.  The barmaid even said that "a lot of people ask for it".

Brewer's saving grace was barmaid Celia.  A gem.  Pretty AND personable. Two rare qualities in this day and age.  Its been a long time since I have met a bartender who approaches her customers with a big smile and friendly words.

BREWERY INN
546 S 9th Street, Reading   PA 19602
www.thebreweryinn.com

   

3:  Jumpin Joe DiMaggio at the Brewery Inn - a classic photo from years ago

[11-2007] The Brewery Inn is under new management and is quite an oddity.  It sits in an area of the city that most would perceive as being one they do not want to be in after dark.  And yet they are known for their food and a recent weekend night visit found them almost completely booked with reservations.

The inside is attractive and bright. Very welcoming.  This tavern is very pro-Reading Beer - appropriate not only because its the "hometown beer" but because of its location in relation to the original brewery.  The female staff wore shirts with their logo on the front and the Reading Beer logo on the back.

My meal was good.  The salad was fresh and the house dressing was unique and appealing.  My steak was good enough and tasty but I felt $2 extra for the small pile of fried onions/mushrooms was a bit pricey.  The prices were reasonable and my Reading beers were cold and delicious.

The waitresses were both attractive, one nearly stunning.  I would like to return and sit at the bar vs. just having a few beers with my meal.  A good supper in an unexpected treasure in the city.

 

       

Four nice photos of some of the improvements that Tom & Lisa have done

 

THE BRICK HOUSE PUB
Formerly "The Haunt"
1348 Brooke Blvd    Reading, PA  19602

       

[6-2006] With an hour to kill I decided to head over to Kenhorst to see what has happened to the Haunt. To my pleasant surprise I found the Haunt gone and a fresh new sign hanging out front.

Opening the door I was instantly impressed with the bright, clean inside.  No drooling ogre at the bar either.  The co-owner was tending bar happily served me a nice cold Lager. He said he has owned this pub for about 4 months now and I complimented him on the significant improvement.

He told me, almost apologetically, that he normally has nice-looking females tending bar.  This is now a nice neighborhood bar - serving food and  even having a different $1 draft each night from 3-6P (including Smythwicks and Lager).

Because of the tremendous turnaround I am awarding The Brick House a phoenix icon.

[11-2006] The Brick House is now nice enough that its worth going to as a primary destination. My mid-week stop here found the tavern empty and the barmaid introverted and bundled      in a heavy coat. The pint Lagers were $2.25 but fresh and cold. The mens room has old-fashioned full-sized urinals - something every bar bathroom should have. A neat case above it     showcases a myriad of beer coasters.

 

CAFE WALDORF
658 North 6th St,  Reading   PA 19601  610-373-6111
www.cafewaldorf.com

     

   

[12-2007]   I admit that I am sort of a geek when it comes to technology. Not a geek geek like Kip on Napoleon Dynamite but just in the fact that I like to have the latest and greatest gadgets.  Mainly this means computer and photo stuff as I am not into music in that way.

Recently I was gifted a fabulous Garmin Nuvi auto GPS.  It's great and has an easy to use color touch screen and 10s of 1000s of pre-loaded points of interest.  One of the categories is TAVERNS.  While not every bar is included zillions are.  This means you could drive anywhere in the USA and with a few easy screen touches you are being lead to a bar by $24,000,000,000 in US Government satellites.

Driving through Reading with a few extra hours I let the Garmin take me to a bar. The closest one to come up was the Cafe Waldorf.  I can honestly say that I do not recall ever having heard of this establishment.

The outside of the building looks very nice - old-fashioned with its brick exterior but clean and welcoming with etched glass, awnings, a US Flag and a Reading beer banner over the doorway.

My first impression when I walked in was (literally) "Holy Cow!" as the inside is really, really nice and the attractive blonde barmaid was dressed in some sort of tuxedo-ish getup.

My $2.50 Reading draft was cold and fresh.  I noticed that they did not have Lager on tap and Debi told me that they actually REMOVED LAGER to make room for RB.  Wow! I have never heard of that.  Personally, I would remove a foreign-owned beer and not Lager but she also told me that the owner said he feels obligated to support Reading.  And its selling well.

The backbar is over 100 yrs old and matches the nautical theme of the inside of this business.  Sharks and maidenheads (that is the first time that word has been used here) adorn the walls.  The place exudes class without snottiness.

Debi has worked here for 10 years and was nice enough to show me the upstairs lounge and cigar smoking area. Wow!  Big lounge chairs and its own bar contribute to an intimacy that is rare in our fair city.

I looked in todays Reading Eagle and found the Waldorf ad. I realized that I have seen it many times but never paid it attention as it prominently features MARTINI .  After the infamous "my first martini made me sicker than any alcohol I have ever consumed and I still get half sick even thinking of a martini" incident I am still quick to ignore martini ads.

  This is a very nice place.  I have attached the Reading icon and am awarding it The Crown of Excellence.

 

1: Owner Dyke Becker appreciates the history of Reading and its taverns   2: Part of the beautifully etched front window

[1-2008] Sometime I get too fixated on the 'clinical' end of this hobby - trying to get a good photograph of the exterior and sign of a bar or even a few representative inside shots. One of   my resolutions for 2008 is to try to sit down with the owners or longtime managers or employees of taverns and just listen to their tales.

Today I stopped in at the Waldorf and before long got to meet the owner.  This is a guy who has a real sense of the history of Reading and its vast bar, brewing and beer background.  And his place in it.

I got to return to the upstairs lounge and see some artifacts.  I will return soon and photograph them and take written notes so I can adequately convey their great stories.

Another great stop at this great bar.

 

CALIFORNIA BAR  &  GRILL
Route 724 & Mountain Rd  Shillington   PA   19607   610-777-7224
N40  17.904   W75  56.568     

    

[1-2-2006]  The California Bar & Grill always has a lot of visual appeal. The large painted mural on the wall has dozens of  scenes of life in The Golden State.

The food always looks good and has been tasty every time I have eaten there.

Today's barmaid was an attractive blonde - surfer-girl in appearance - who mentioned something to one of the regulars about it being her "first day back". I didn't hear what she was   back from. Yuengling Lagers are pricey at $2.75.  Most of the neon lights are tropical themed or have CALIFORNIA on them.

A large lady sat at one table - munching on a salad while her 12 or 13yr old son sat off to the side playing video games.  I'm pretty sure she doesn't have to worry about parent of the year   honors.

A geeky looking guy came in and deployed his laptop and started pounding away while talking on his cell. I guess this means that this bar has wireless access but strangely enough he never ordered food or drink.

 

 CEMETARY INN
700 Upland Ave   Reading   PA   19607   610-777-8967

 

[11-2007] The Cemetary Inn has few redeeming qualities.  It takes a lot for me not say something positive about a place that servers beer but unless you are looking for the Museum of Skulls and Dark Dreariness - there isn't much reason to come here.

Today's barmaid exhibited a mediocrity that I would expect.  No Reading beer so I ordered my Y-Lager and began to sip it when a sad looking biker chick came in and moped up to the bar.  She asked the barmaid "Could you give me a hug?" and proceeded to tell a sad story of trauma and tragedy. I was really feeling badly for her until it turned out to be a DOG that had been wacked.  While I realize some folks are close to their dogs I thought her degree of despair surely had to be reserved for a HUMAN.

Needless to say, one and done. It's been years since I was here. It will be years until I return.  Maybe someone will buy this place and open a joint that can attract college kids.

 

 

CHAMPION'S SPORTS BAR & GRILLE  
formerly "The Hideout"
217 Catherine Street    Reading (Shillington)  PA 
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=45753674

 

[1-2008] This listing is now in EXPERIMENTAL FORMAT.  The most current logs are at the top so you read the freshest reviews and see the newest photos first. It is the reverse of every other log on the site.  It makes sense not to be seeing the first reviews as ones that may be YEARS old.  However, I am not sure of the readability of this layout so future changes will depend on this test.  :p  So, if you want to read the review in oldest to newest format - just start at the bottom and scroll UP.

 

     

1,2:  Christmas 2007   3: AnnaMae, oh AnnaMae.  4: Being hot = tips.

[11-2007] A new crop of barmaids has sprung up at Champions.  AnnaMae is only working one day per week.  Grabbed some free Saturday wings and $1 Pilsner glass Lager.  Angela's        belly is out to there as her February due date approaches.  She lamented about being pale.  While she looks fine it is a look I don't think I have previously seen her with.

[7-2007] Reopened with some slight cosmetic differences inside.

[6-2007] Champions remains closed for renovation. You don't realize how much you miss this place until it is not open.

[4-2007] A Saturday afternoon at Champion's.  I didn't have lunch but no worries - Champion's kitchen is open all weekend.  Asked the ever-lovely Anna Mae for a cold Reading beer.  No Reading beer anymore. Sad.  And.... no FOOD.  The kitchen is closed until JUNE. Nobody seemed to know why. Champions has always been known as a place where you can get good food   almost anytime.  One of the patron's grumbled, "no food here because all his energy is going into his new bar"

   

1,2,3:  AnnaMae - she can use a bottle opener or pool cue for good or as a weapon of mass destruction! 

[3-2007] I am not sure why I am still surprised to walk into Champion's and find a previously unseen incredible looking barmaid. I guess I see Reading's  supply of really good looking female bartenders as sort of like a vein of gold - it just has to run out. But at Champion's the laws of science are defied as all the female staff are amazing.  This Monday afternoon found the bar under the control of Anna Mae. Another beauty - tall, outgoing and built more than adequately to break the heart of any man foolish enough to think he has a chance with her.

My Reading Beer was cold and delicious. Only having the time for one - I vowed to return soon.

[2-2007] It's been awhile since I have been to Champions. The normally bad parking situation was only worse because of the recent snow and ice.   Today's barmaid was Savannah - a       pixie-like brunette wearing a green Guinness t-shirt. Sporting a bunch of tattoos and piercings, and being quite attractive, she fits in perfectly at Champions. Introducing myself she extended her hand and gave me a sturdy handshake. Impressive. She works Monday days and Wed nights.

   

1: Ashley, November 2006   2: Angela with a delicious Reading Beer  3: Anna Mae, April 2007

[9-2006]  Today's Lager was one of the freshest I have had in a long time. Delicious and cold.  Michelle was tending bar  as the rainy pre-Tropical   Storm Ernesto day drove many people indoors.  With so many good looking female staffers here it is hard to  be more exceptional than the others.      Michelle's denim shorts and flip flop combo seemed to stun more than one brew-guzzling male.  This athlete's tanned, chiseled legs reflected every  single squat she has ever done and every mile she has every run. Wow.

 

[8-2006]  Several months ago I vaguely recall a barroom conversation about someone who was in Playboy. I did listen to the details but it seems the center of their interest was none other   than barmaid Heather.  Today I found out that not only was she in the "Girls of My Space" pictorial   but that she is one of the subjects of a new reality TV show. 

One Ocean View debuted July 31st on ABC and is described as: 

"The summer sizzles at One Ocean View, as 11 single New Yorkers descend on Fire Island to laugh, love and search for romance.

Fire Island sizzles at One Ocean View, the summer share beach house where eleven attractive, single, career-driven New Yorkers flee Manhattan each Friday to  escape the soaring city temperatures for a    different kind of heat.

One Ocean View is a show about people old enough to have real jobs, issues and baggage, but still young enough to leave all that behind and have a great time.     Fun, flings and nights      filled with romance heat up as the days grow shorter and the pressure builds to make this a summer to remember.

Heather's bio states: "The 27-year-old former brunette tomboy has morphed into a blonde bombshell who has posed for a men's magazine. She is ready to find an    accomplished       man to take home to meet her parents."  

With all the crime and insanity in Reading I wonder why the Reading Eagle didn't make this a front page story?  What is more American than a small-town girl making it onto a TV show -         even if it is a reality show?

The show has not been continued. Three episodes and it is in a holding pattern

       

1: Heather's official PR bio page      2,3,4: Screen shots from episode 2 

 

[8-2006]  The "Jimmy D & Friends" band was just getting started when I stopped in this evening.  This band had  a great sound and I wish I could have stayed longer to hear more of what    they had in store. And, for some reason, a Lager draft was only $1.00!!

Angela must have been drinking from the same spring as Rachel. They both seem to have encountered the same (stunning) anatomical changes. :p  Pics posted soon.  She looks amazing.

The Sunday opener is now Nikki.  Another hottie hired at Champion's. Her turquoise shirt perfectly matched the turquoise thong that peeked from her jeans as she setup the bar for business.    You have to respect someone who coordinates their clothes! :-p

         

1: Amy     2: June 2006 Ad    3,4,5: Naughty Schoolgirl Night  6: The hottest librarian in Reading

[6-2006]  My Wednesday afternoon one-beer stop ( that turned into three ) brought the sad news that Rachel no longer is employed here. I suspected this when I had not seen her last      month or noticed her name on the schedule on the wall.

My intuition always lead me to believe that she was destined for bigger towns than Reading - based on her work down south for bike weeks  as well  as her recent cosmetic enhancements.

Thankfully, almost all of my woe was alleviated by my meeting the "new" barmaid, Amy. Typical of the women that work here - she is quite attractive and seemed extremely personable and efficient in her mission of delivering food and drink to hungry and thirsty patrons.  She seemed to already have the affection of many of her customers.

Champions retains its reputation as having some of the most attractive barmaids in Reading.

Outside, the parking lot war with Fred's Music Store continues.  A sign on the Fred's side states that tavern patrons who park in the music store lot (even after hours) will be ticketed. A sign        on the Champion's side says that the pavement by the bar is private property and not a thoroughfare and any music store patrons who drive through could be fined for trespassing.  Kind of funny but also pretty sad as the customers of both businesses have nothing to do with mentality of the powers that be.

[3-2006] Bachelor party night.  A vanload of guys I used to work with in York - mainly cops, firefighter and medics - took off on a booze cruise from York to Harrisburg to Reading. It was  "Johnny Love's" last hurrah before marital bliss. I caught up to them at Al's where I found everyone to  be in good shape. I never understood bachelor parties where the goal was to get the bachelor hammered.  Far more enjoyable when everyone can hangout and BS without people staggering or throwing up.  Sadly, the crew decided to leave Al's (my first time there) just as the   two 'schoolgirls'  were coming on stage.  Their stomachs lead them to more foody places and our destination was Champion's.

One of the nitwits lost his ID and couldn't get in and the kitchen was closed after 11PM but the crowd was rocking and everyone seemed to be   having a good time. It was decided that the hungriest of the bunch (all but three of us) would go down the road to Dempsey's.  Rachel worked the  bar and shot my a big smile and a hug when she saw me. This is what makes her one   of the best barmaids in the US.  As always, she looked   stunning - but especially stunning after a bit of cosmetic enhancement. Her comment, "Aren't they incredible?". Yes indeed, Ma'am, they are!

It's that time of year again - Daytona Bike Week - so she will be jetting south to work for a week in sunny Florida.  With her new look I'm sure  she will be more popular than ever. 

I also met Angela's boyfriend and got to see his awesome new Sony 8+mp digital camera with touch screen.  I am now 100% Sony and this little  gem immediately made me want one. Angela is hot but this Cyber-Shot is hotter!!!  :-)

[1-2006] Sat down today to a moderately busy crowd. The barmaid was down by the cash register but facing me.  Holding a $20 bill I waited for her to come over and take my order. Twice   she looked right at me before doing something else.  Thinking to myself that I generally come to a bar to drink a beer - I stuffed the money into my pants pocket and departed without spending a dime or drinking a drop.

[12-2005]  A quick stop at Champion's on the Wednesday before Christmas found a cold beer and a barmaid I had not seen   before. True to precedent,  she was young, pretty and wearing     a shirt that revealed a large amt of her impressively inked lower back.  Seemingly overwhelmed by  the throngs of thirsty male patrons - she scurried back and forth without smile or comment. Hopefully, she isn't like that on a normal day or maybe she is new or hates Christmas.  Physically, she fits right into Champion's SOP of hiring beautiful women but was outside the parameters of them also being social able.

[10-2005] Rachel is back from her jaunt to Myrtle Beach.  Wearing her daytime clothes (flip-flops, jeans, shirt and hair down) she looked far different than the cowgirl in the photo above.   Either way, her radiant smile and charming personality had her lunchtime customers mesmerized. She very well may be the best bartender I have encountered in my worldly travels.

She keeps the drinks filled, smiles, pays attention to customers and is personable beyond all modern standards of customer service.  The sexy vixen who oozed sexuality, ala Marilyn Monroe, i      n the cowgirls pics, was now transformed into the girl next door who epitomized the old phrase "cute as a button".  When one patron finished his meal she complimented him on leaving a "happy plate" and soon after was telling another fellow about how she accompanies her niece to her Brownie troop meetings.  You just don't find bartenders like this very often.

[9-2005]  Owner Mike was sitting at the bar on a beautiful sunny Wednesday afternoon but Rachel was not behind it. Seems she had jetted off to Myrtle Beach's Bike Week for a few days.  A local tavern there pays to bring her down so she can work her magic on the bikers. Not a bad deal especially since she has a boss that allows her to do so.  College student Angela ably handled the day   shift in her absence as she fretted through the Auto Locator in search of an interim vehicle.

Champion's has $1 Yuengling drafts (I forget which night) and a free wing buffet on Saturday afternoons for college football watching as well as $1   off their reasonably priced sandwiches during the lunch hour.

[9-2005]  I always liked the Hideout. It sat in an alley next to a fire company. It was small and kind of dumpy and had poor parking. The perfect little neighborhood bar.

One day the Hideout was closed and a sign said that it would reopen after renovation.  This is usually the kiss of death for a bar.  After about a year the sign came down and it reopened as the unimaginatively-named Champions Sports Bar & Grille.  The building is nicer inside but it hasn't lost its dive bar feel. 

My first visit since the reopening happened on a nice September Thursday evening. The bar was pretty full and the patrons ranged  from near-Yuppie to several members of the Sons of Satan MC.  I soon saw what the fuss was about when I met barmaid Rachel.

There are many attractive barmaids but few who match Rachel's combination of looks, attire and personality. She is truly a gem and quick to flash her great smile.

Owner Mike is reportedly known for hiring really squared away workers and the off-duty vixen at the end of bar appeared to be equally attractive and likeable.

Even though I think the sports bar concept is beat (too many TVs that cause customers to be unable to really enjoy any one game) - it still is not enough to tarnish this shining star.

 

                          

   

2-5:  Rachel      6-7 Angela as a summertime blonde and    8: The early winter brunette  9: Michelle - new to bartending  and Champion's after years of waitressing     10: Angela and her boyfriend   13: Rachel's money well-invested          14: "Jimmy D & Friends" rocking 8/5/06

 

 

COACHLIGHT TAVERN 
418 S 19th Street (Corner of Cotton St)  Reading   PA  19606 

         

1: Temporarily sign-less     3: Caught by the owner in Lewes, DE     4: Not too many bars have a patriotic horseshoe crab  on the wall 

 

[11-2006] Penn State Saturday. kickoff was early today so I headed out to find a bar where I could watch the game. Boo Boo's called my name just because I love the place but the neon signs were dark and my car kept moving down Cotton Street.

Coming to the end of the line I saw a tavern with no sign but a nice look - brick exterior and a large gingko tree.

With the main door standing open and several large windows - the inside of the bar had a lot of light streaming in. Penn State was indeed on the TV as several people sat over their beers.

Artie the bartender told a lady that there wasn't any food yet as all the grill and fryer were turned off. The lone female patron commented that we should all consider that lucky as Artie can't cook to save his life.  She said the owner, Phil, can really cook and makes the "best burgers in Berks County". That's a pretty high recommendation.

The Coach Light is a clean, well-decorated tavern. The $1.50 Lagers were cold and fresh and the inside was well decorated in beer themed items. The top of the walls were surrounded by old beer trays.

Before too long a Road King riding customer began telling tales of Reading and its bars and people. He said how the many manufacturing businesses in Reading kept many local bars in business. The workers would stop in before their shift for a beer or two, sometimes hit the place at lunchtime and usually stop for a few afterwards. Cotton Street was one of the best examples of this with a bar on almost every corner. He said that everything  changed as many businesses closed and "the animals took over the neighborhood". With Cotton Street being utterly unsafe at night its hard to disagree with him.

Meanwhile, Debbie is hollering at the zebras who are making bad calls against PSU and Artie has broken out the peanuts. Owner Phil arrives and  shows me his really nice finished basement. You have to admire a guy who works a fulltime job and keeps a neighborhood pub running on the  side.

St Patrick's Day is a big deal here with a piper and Irish wake. I am planning to add the Coachlight to my 3/17/07 itinerary. And... its not too far from Hannahoe's grave.

This is a very nice bar. Stop in!

 

THE CORNER HOUSE
1501 Lancaster Ave, Reading,  PA  19607   610-777-7444

 

 

  <5-2005>  The Corner House's owner was working on the night of my visit. I sat in front of the cooler shown in the photo above. It is well stocked with all sorts of British, German, Irish and Belgian beers.  The owner told me that he frequently changes  the selection so that the mix is always something new.

He has run the Corner House for 18 years and said that it was in his family before that.  Things were clean and neat and they had a good selection of available food.

The small beer was pretty pricey at $1.75 .  The small glass may not have even been 8oz and that is a lot of scratch for a Y-Lager. 

There is always something appealing to me about bars that have ancient decorations. It wouldn't take much imagination to  envision a guy sitting in the same stool looking past the same curtains as the TV televised a moon launch.

 

 

COTTON GINN BAR & GRILL
1570 Cotton Street   Reading   PA  19606
N40 19.693   W75  54.384     

  

<2-24-2004>  My 2nd visit to the Cotton Ginn wasn't quite as nice as my first. CORRUPTED and I walked in to find 4 or 5 middle-ages lesbians saddled up to the bar. Neither they nor the bartender bothered to say hello to us. The BT finally got around to getting our beers after fiddling with a mixed drink. The most exciting thing was watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and briefly wondering what two of the giggling women were going  to do as they both went to the bathroom together. No food was available so we shared a bag of Good's chips.

COUSIN'S PUB
1360 Pottsville Pike (Route 61), Shoemakersville,  PA  19555   610-562-5202

[3-17-2006 Reviewer: Mars]  St Patrick's Day 2006: Arrived around 8:00 to a mediocre sized crowd but was able to get a seat at the bar.  Not too much room in the bar area but enough to accommodate a decent sized crowd.  The bartenders were excellent with filling up just as we    were finishing up a beer.  $1.50 Bud Light drafts (not sure about anything else) during March Madness games.  The crowd began to increase in   number as the night  prolonged   and a bagpiper saluted us every so often in   between karaoke songs being sung.  All of the people in there     (patrons and employees) were extremely friendly  and easy to  talk to.  TVs are in all areas of the bar and dining area.  Easy to view all of them for a sports fan into March Madness. Apparently the bar is a big Steelers Bar during the football season. 
 

[Sunday, March 26, 2006 Reviewer: Mars]   Because of our last experience in there we decided to