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Our favorite sports bars in town

By alarsen | Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 09:41 AM

As the weather cools, many will come in from the outdoors. But it won’t just be the shivering that will bring them inside in hoardes. It will be the game. In fact, during college football season, pro football season and, for some, fantasy football season, many will adopt a home away from home field at their favorite sports bar.

Food and drink specials abound, and a fraternity of equally passionate strangers clad in jerseys await. And better yet, there’s sure to be no shortage of working televisions. In honor of football season, it’s time to take a look at some of our favorite sports bars in town. If you haven’t been to one lately, check out the action — and more importantly, a game — for yourself.

HERE ARE FIVE SPORTS BARS THE LIZARDS LOVE

BUFFALO WILD WINGS

The play: With more than 10 locations scattered around the area, BW3’s is our pick for a top sports bar in town. Combination sports bar, wings joint and friendly neighborhood hangout, each space offers different hours, atmosphere and amenities. But all are home to some of the best boneless wings in town. Along with numerous TV screens strategically placed for you to catch the big game no matter where you’re sitting, the late-night kitchen hours will help those fighting hunger pangs long after many other sports-themed bar cooks have called it a night. Say what you want, but the number of locations, the knowledge that there will always be a game on TV and the affordable food make these spots a sports-fan staple.

University of Dayton Alumni watch the Ohio State University game at BW3s on Brown St. in Dayton.

CADILLAC JACK’S

The play: Revving up the sports bar scene is our No. 2 pick, Cadillac Jack’s. Step into the newest location on Springboro Pike, and you’ll think you’re in Vegas baby! There’s more energy in this space than if you’d group a dozen small bars together. The nearly wall-to-wall TV screens make it nearly impossible to miss the big game or a NASCAR race — you pick the sport, they’ve got it covered. While the locations are not all under the same management, each location shares basic elements, including menu items. The older locations, while not offering nearly as many sophisticated visual features, are comfortable. But if you’re going to plan a visit, we suggest the newer locations in Beavercreek and Miamisburg. A common feature to Cadillac Jack’s is the wings, although the prices and sauces vary slightly by location. Each location offers a full bar and a variety of beers on tap to help you fuel your way through game day.

FRICKER’S

The play: At Fricker’s, as with many sports bars, it’s all about the wings — the perfect food to match with any game-day activity if you ask us. Depending on your mood, there’s a sauce for you, 10 in all, ranging from BBQ, Hot, Frickin’ Kicker to the ultimate Frickin’ Killer and a few in-between. All locations have TVs a-plenty airing the sporting event of the season from Major League Baseball to the NBA. Fricker’s newest and now largest area location in Troy boasts more than 9,000 square feet of family fun. Although you may not think about soup at a sports bar, Fricker’s Frickin’ White Chicken Chili is thick like a casserole, packed with chicken and quite a delicious deal at $3.49. Also keep in mind that Tuesdays bring a 35 cent wing deal that draws crowds, so don’t be surprised if a line greets you at the door.

BEEF O’BRADY’S

The play: Beef O’Brady’s sports a family friendly atmosphere that’s sure to be a hit with kids of all ages, making it our No. 4 choice of sports bars in the area. The food, extensive beer lists and its many, many TV screens scored a touchdown with the Lounge Lizards. While not open as late as some other sports bars, if you’re in the mood for a family friendly place to watch the game, this is it. With daily drink specials for parents and a Tuesday night promotion where kids 12 and younger eat free from 4-7 p.m. with an adult meal purchase, this is a great place to watch a sporting event with the kids in tow.

LITTLE YORK PIZZA AND TAVERN

The play: Rounding out our top five is Little York Pizza and Tavern. It’s a little tricky to locate, but well worth the effort. Little York Pizza and Tavern is an entertaining stop for two to 50 of your friends looking to watch the game or to play pool if the game goes a little off course. Don’t forget to sample the terrific pizzas — the barbecue chicken and Sicilian pizzas are standouts — or any of the other tasty treats on the menu. On last count, there were more than 20 TV screens to catch the game of your choice.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Offense! Defense! Beer!!! There’s a fine line between bar and sports bar, and a number of other bars in town pull game coverage off in fine style. Let us know where else you like to go that may not be on this list. Cheers!

Champps: 7880 Washington Village Drive, Centerville. (937) 433-2333

Fox and Hound English Pub & Grille: 2661 Fairfield Commons Blvd., Beavercreek. (937) 426-4145

Geez Grill & Pub: 5841 Far Hills Ave., Kettering. (937) 439-0001

Roosters: 3501 N. Main St., Dayton. (937) 277-0114; 103 N. Springboro Pike, Miamisburg. (937) 433-4630; 257 W. Central Ave., Springboro. (937) 748-3017

Rusty Bucket: 2812 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Miami Twp. (937) 436-2426

TJ Chumps: 12 E. Linden Ave., Miamisburg. (937) 859-4000

This page has links to maps of all of these places if you need ‘em.

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A List Lounge to open in former Bimini Bills location

By alarsen | Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 09:28 AM

Demetrius Wright and Donald Jones have big plans for the former Bimini Bills location at 212 S. Ludlow St. in downtown Dayton and it comes with an equally ambitious name — A List Lounge.

The co-owners of the A List Lounge say they are looking to attract the “after five downtown professionals that are 30 and up.”

Wright assures that those who remember Bimini Bills will still recognize the space with it’s handsome brick walls and spacious bar, but there will be many differences as well including the kitchen area which has been converted into a lounge space and a larger dance floor with couches along the walls. Wright explains, “it’s like an upscale lounge and sports bar.”

Wright and Jones currently say they have plans to open sometime during the second week of November.

The Lounge will not have a menu and will be cocktails and drinks only says Wright. Business casual attire will be required for customers and music from the ’80s and ’90s will be showcased. Wright and Jones say they see themselves as similar to another recently opened downtown bar — Sidebar — except for “bigger and we have a dance floor.”

Some things they have planned for visiting A-Listers include a Thursday Latin dance night which will include instruction, an old school night on Friday’s that will include 92.1 FM broadcasting live and karaoke backed by a live band (Dave Speed and Band) on Saturdays.

Wright said he has been doing club promotion for the last 15 years and this has been a long time coming with an active search for an A List Lounge space going on for the the last year-and-a-half.

A List Lounge: 212 S Ludlow St., Dayton. (937) 220-9330

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Looking for a vodka substitute? Look no further.

By alarsen | Monday, September 29, 2008, 06:39 AM

Shochu has hit it big in big cities in the States where health conscious lounge lizards are looking for fewer calories and a little less alcohol. The clear distilled Japanese spirit is similar to vodka and can easily substitute for it.

According to a post on Zagat.com, “In Japan, shochu sales are booming, surpassing even that of sake. One reason for its popularity, some surmise, has to do with health. Shochu contains about one-third the calories of other liquors and less alcohol (usually 50 proof); because of that, and the purity of its ingredients, some imbibers claim it causes less of a hangover.”

A new restaurant in downtown Chicago that opened in late April that serves small plates, sushi and 20 varieties of the drink it’s named for: Shochu.

Shochu, 3313 North Clark Street, between School Street and Buckingham Place (773-348-3313).

Cocktail Times writes, “Health conscious consumers prefer shochu than other types of beverage alcohol because of its low calories. (about 15 - 20 cal. per ounce) … There are two main types of shochus: Otsurui and Korui. Korui shochu is distilled several times and usually consumed in cocktails. Otsurui is distilled only once, leaving a distinctive smell of the source ingredient. This type of shochu is often enjoyed on the rocks and is becoming increasingly popular in Japan.”

It’s in big cities, but it’s word is spreading. This article out of Arizona shows the kind of innovative bartending that is happening thanks to the Shochu popularity.

I’ve not seen Shochu listed on the ingredients list of any cocktail lists of the restaurants around here. I have had it at a few Japanese restaurants and it is smooth and refreshing and worth trying if you get the opportunity.

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Date set for opening of TJ Chumps second location

By alarsen | Friday, September 26, 2008, 09:12 AM

ENGLEWOOD — TJ Chumps, a locally owned sports bar and restaurant, will open a second location next week on Thursday, October 2, at 559 Main St. in Englewood according to Mike Leigh, manager at the Miamisburg TJ Chumps location at 12 East Linden Ave.

The Englewood restaurant and bar will feature the same menu items that are currently served at the Miamisburg location with the addition of pizza. Leigh expects the atmosphere to be similar to their current location with 38 TVs, an outside patio and an outside patio bar.

Leigh said the new location presented a, “neat concept for us to join into because of the other stuff that was going on around it” referring to Main on Main, a strip of businesses focusing on entertainment and dining for families that includes Hothead Burritos, a music store called the BRD House and a family entertainment center featuring games and batting cages.

Hours of operation will be the same as the Miamisburg location according to Leigh.

11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday with a full menu being served until 10 p.m. and smaller appetizers available for order until 11:30 p.m.

11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday with a full menu being served until 11 p.m. and smaller appetizers available for order until 12:30 p.m.

Noon until Midnight Sundays with a full menu being served until 10 p.m. and smaller appetizers available for order until 10:30 p.m.

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14 coolest bars in the States? They are if you ask Gourmet Magazine

By alarsen | Thursday, September 25, 2008, 08:00 AM

The October issue of Gourmet magazine has listed what it believes are the 14 coolest bars in the United States open before 1941. Seven bars get a write-up including Philadelphia’s McGillin’s Olde Ale House in Center City; Bemelmans Bar in New York City; Tujague’s in New Orleans; Tosca Cafe in San Francisco; the Green Mill in Chicago; Huber’s in Portland, Ore.; and Frolic Room in Hollywood.

Finishing up the list are Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood; Heinold’s First and Last Chance in Oakland, Calif.; Napoleon House in New Orleans; Pete’s Tavern in New York; Shinnick’s Pub in Chicago; Sultana Bar in Williams, Ariz.; and the Tap Room of the Griswold Inn in Essex, Conn.

Have you found a favorite bar in your travels that you’d recommend to folks traveling out of state? I wrote about one of mine at the very beginning of the year that’s only a couple of hours away and well worth a visit if you’re in the Indianapolis area. Let us know where you’d recommend and we’ll add it to our ever growing Lounge Lizards list thanks in part to the latest issue of Gourmet.

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Alarm grows over energy drinks

By alarsen | Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 09:05 AM

Do you know what’s in your energy drink? You should. It could be leading to caffeine intoxication or addiction and could raise the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

Some energy drink labels say they shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol and that no more than two cans (500 ml) be consumed a day and for good reason — some contain the caffeine equivalent of 10 cans of Coca-Cola.

An overview of the potential dangers of energy drinks and statistics about who is using them and and with what effect from Roland Griffiths, a professor of behavioral biology and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, is published in the most recent issue of the journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

According to a new article by Sharon Kirkey of Canwest News Service, “Scientists from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore are calling for prominent labels for energy drinks listing caffeine doses and warning of potential risks when used alone, or in combination with alcohol. They’re also recommending doctors get familiar with signs of caffeine intoxication, withdrawal and dependence in young people who might be using the beverages.”

She goes on to write that, “The combined use of caffeine and alcohol is “increasing sharply,” the researchers say. When mixed with alcohol, people feel less intoxicated, “so they misjudge the extent to which they are impaired,” and people may end up consuming more booze.”

Another article on Science Daily points out that this is a $5.4 billion in the United States and is expanding at a whopping rate of 55 percent annually.

Science Daily gives some insight into who’s spending the money — teens and young adults — writing, “In a 2007 survey of 496 college students, 51 percent reported consuming at least one energy drink during the last month. Of these energy drink users, 29 percent reported “weekly jolt and crash episodes,” and 19 percent reported heart palpitations from drinking energy drinks. This same survey revealed that 27 percent of the students surveyed said they mixed energy drinks and alcohol at least once in the past month. “Alcohol adds another level of danger,” says Griffiths, “because caffeine in high doses can give users a false sense of alertness that provides incentive to drive a car or in other ways put themselves in danger.” “

In June, Anheuser-Busch agreed not to sell Tilt and Bud Extra — popular energy/alcoholic drinks — in 11 states, including Ohio. Ohio Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers and attorneys for 24 other states called on MillerCoors to follow suit this month.

Symptoms of ingesting too much caffeine, called caffeine intoxication, include nervousness, anxiety, diarrhea, tremors, insomnia and a rapid heart rate. Here’s a quick guide on how much caffeine is in several popular energy drinks to get you started in educating yourself, your friends or if you have them, your kids.

Sample of energy drinks and their caffeine content as published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence:

Wired X505 (24 ounces): 505 mg of caffeine

Fixx (20 ounces): 500 mg

BooKoo Energy (24 ounces): 360 mg

Redline Power Rush (high concentration energy drink- 2.5 ounces): 350 mg

Redline RTD (8 ounces): 250 mg

No Fear (16 ounces): 174 mg

Monster (16 ounces): 160 mg

Rockstar (16 ounces): 160 mg

Full Throttle (16 ounces): 144 mg

Red Bull (8.3 ounces): 80 mg

Classic soft drinks:

Coca-Cola Classic (12 ounces): 34.5 mg caffeine

Pepsi Cola (12 ounces): 38 mg

Dr. Pepper (12 ounces): 41 mg

Mountain Dew (12 ounces): 54 mg

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New beer discovery at Taste of Miami Valley

By alarsen | Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 07:12 AM

My new beer story comes to you courtesy of this weekend’s Taste of Miami Valley put on by the Miami Valley Restaurant Association. The latest creation from Anheuser-Busch (A-B) was available on tap a bit early of it’s actual street date. Budweiser American Ale was the brew in question and the first ale brewed under the Budweiser label.

I have to say it surprised me. It really wasn’t too bad. Slightly hoppy, slightly malty, the Amber ale would probably not work for those who are die-hard craft beer drinkers, but for those who want something more than Bud and something less than Sierra Nevada, this offers a calm taste solution. By no means did it blow me out of the water or come anywhere close to my favorites, but it was solid and could stand on it’s own.

Last we had heard A-B was planning on releasing the beer nationally in kegs on Sept. 15 and in bottles on Sept. 29. Have you tried it? What did you think?

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