Anchor, Away!

I wish the new business well. But I don't think I'll be going there. The new proprietors do $13 cocktails in their Manhattan bar. Not really a place where someone who has to work for living is going to feel very comfortable going.

But then again, I guess that is kind of the point.

Submitted without comment:
http://bit.ly/1wv7GJk

Didn't keep those cool, cozy booths? Shame. This place woulda been a great brunch spot if the owner wanted to go that route. Another fancy bar will probably do well to be honest, but soon enough people gotta fill that area with something else.

Yet another trendy stainless steel and brick gastropub serving over priced $13 "craft cocktails" with made up names from small batch distilleries, while adorning the walls in historic photographs to make it seem like it's always been there.

Can't someone just open a damn bar in New Haven that's not pretentious or trying to be the best upscale experience / craft bar / gourmet artisan blah blah blah? In other words, a dive. Cool enough for the young hip folks, but something that the average Joe isn't put off by either.

Anchor had all that somehow; perhaps a combination of the anachronistic vibe inside and the fact that no one's trying to kiss your ass. And it was cheap. There are so few bars left like that in this town.

Don't get me wrong: I love the classy places and the fancy drinks. Heck, I'll be checking out the new place for sure. I'll probably even like it. But balance is key.

I can't help but wonder if the shows at the new Music Hall would have resulted in more business for Anchor and possibly could have helped keep it afloat. Such bad timing!