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Heading out? Read on
The word "saloon" might make you think of rough-and-tough cowboys, the O.K. Corral or shoot-'em-up movies. But Firehouse Saloon owner Dave Hartman simply wanted to get back to basics by opening a bar that serves good drinks on the cheap.
The place
Located in the former Snuffy Magee's, the Firehouse Saloon is in Rochester's Swillburg neighborhood. After taking over Snuffy's old spot on South Clinton Avenue, Hartman, also the owner of the Dr.'s Inn on East Avenue, redid the bathrooms, floors and tap systems. Changes to the décor, meanwhile, are incomplete — the Firehouse just opened May 14. But Hartman plans to display artwork, as well as patches representing local firehouses and EMT squads.
A former firefighter and member of the armed services, Hartman thought there were "policeman hangouts" in town but no places for area firefighters to go after their shifts.
The Firehouse also offers sports fans a lot to love; it has 18 flat-screen TVs, all with the NFL package, as well as darts and a pool table.
The crowd
You guessed it — firefighters! Two stopped in on a quiet Saturday afternoon, much to the delight of my female companion.
The drinks
With 48 beers on tap, there's plenty for a parched public servant (and the rest of us) to choose from. Brands include everything from typical domestics to the Great Lakes Brewery's full line.
The food
Starting this week, the Firehouse will begin serving a pub menu (wings, fried food) nightly until close.
Extinguish your thirst
Harkening back to Hartman's idea of a saloon, the Firehouse offers drink specials every night of the week. Boilermakers (a draft beer and a shot of your choice) are $2.50 on Tuesday, and a pitcher of Labatt Blue with four shots of Jameson is $15 on Public Servant Night Thursday.
Coming soon
A back patio/lounge, featuring an area for live music, will open. The Firehouse also welcomes softball or other spring sports teams looking for sponsors.
Good to know
What: A new bar in Rochester's Swillburg neighborhood.
Where: 814 S. Clinton Ave.
When: 3 p.m. until 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. on the weekends.
Cover: None.
Food: Pub menu served until 2 a.m. nightly.
Parking: One main lot toward the back of the building.
Contact: 244-6307.
