283 Bar

Personality – 4

Service – 3.5

Drink Presentation – 3.5

Overall – 4

(out of 5 shots)

Dustin smiled comfortably as he stood behind the counter in 283 Bar, amidst an eclectic haven and distinct from other Athens bars with loud, live music or droves of college glitter. Most nights, the establishment allows the typically townie customers to rock out old-school style with a jukebox in the corner.

On this slow night, Dustin showed off his music taste, which ranged from indie-rock Interpol and classic local icons R.E.M. to the experienced musicians of Toto.

He excelled in, and prided himself in having, vast beer knowledge, and he pointed out the five regular beers on draft – Pabst Blue Ribbon, Bass, Guiness, Hoegaarden and Terrapin rye pale ale – and the one rotating draft, which he said is normally a high-gravity beer, such as the current St. Bernardus. Two drinks he helped develop – the Bitchmaster and the Sex Kitten – are both high in alcohol content and enjoyment.

With a laid-back sense of humor and approximately one year of experience at 283 Bar, he worked well with his partner, Joe, and talked easily after warming up to our conversation.

Washington Street Tavern

Personality – 3.5

Service – 3

Drink Presentation – 3.5

Overall – 3.5

(out of 5 shots)

In the Washington Street Tavern’s first night of “Martini Mondays,” there was little disappointment in the selection and taste of their 26 different martinis. They offer $4 well martinis, but some on the list are not well, and are $6.

Ashley bartended, serving me a Rum Blossom martini with rum, orange juice, sour mix and sugar. She had many recommendations and served it with great ease and skill.

As she studied new drinks to make, she kindly advised me on how to be a good bar attendee – with patience. She said that being patient while ordering your drink will reward you later, as it has done for her many times.

The bar played music from artists like Jimmy Buffett, The Eagles and Rupert Holmes. It is definitely a “crowd” bar, where the people make it entertaining, rather than the drink selection and decorations. There was also some flare in what Ashley did with her bartending skills, which makes the Tavern worth investigating to see if it might fit you.