A diamond in the rough? Set back from the road, porch covered in vines; the dirt parking area and picnic tables are deceiving. Step onto the porch and the entrance inspires curiosity. Round tables with sprawling chairs invoke a shady retreat. No sign that we noticed, just a simple number 16, embellished with scrollwork, over the front entranceway.
Enter and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Upper walls on three sides are completely covered in various pieces of artwork, some originals, some prints (we're pretty sure the VanGogh was a print), including a painting of the Sagamore Hotel, among other works by Elsie Soto, mother of owner Hank. Decorative panels beneath the bar, each one unique, are also creations of hers. The bar on the opposite wall is adorned with wood and mirrors that were once bed headboards. Every glance reveals some now object of interest, painstakingly selected and collected by owners Hank and Toni. We take a seat at the bar and wonder where to purchase our tickets to this museum.
The bartender waits patiently while Pam surveys the liquor display. Oooh, pear flavored vodka, something she hasn't tried yet. Ken suggests the pear with club soda and a splash of cranberry and Pam agrees. We are recognized by a long lost acquaintance and our story unfolds. Kim wishes she brought her wide angle lens for the photo shoot; there is so much to observe. Pam is eager to check out the bathroom and is not disappointed once she does. It's a little gallery in there.
A pool table is nearly centered in the room, with maybe 50 trophies hanging above it and a few pool cues as well. We know the history of the family behind this tavern so we are not as surprised as some might be. Henry Soto, known as "Pop", is a locally renowned pool shark. Reigning champions for at least the last decade, the Tavern 16 pool league, "Pop's Pool League", is reverently named for him. His son, Hank, has been a member of the
Stony Creek Band for more than 30 years. Interestingly, neither Hank nor his father has aged much in those 30 years.
Pam began her fact finding dialogue with the bartender, Ken, and found him extremely knowledgable about the history and the everyday details of Tavern 16 - more like a curator than bartender. When she eventually learned that he was just filling in for the day, she was even more impressed. He was, in fact, more a patron than curator. In either role, he seemed genuinely fond and proud of the establishment and its owners. The patrons, too, are quite proud of Tavern 16, its history, and the history of Stony Creek. On a follow-up visit, it seemed everyone in the place had a story or morsel of trivia they wanted to share: "You don't need a tattoo to fit in here." "The jukebox has the most eclectic collection of music in the Adirondacks." "Stony Creek has the highest number of single men per capita in Warren County." And so on. Tavern 16 served as the Grange Hall in the 1940's, but judging from newspapers used as insulation in the walls and dated 1865, Hank concludes that it was built in the mid-1800's.
Ken modestly revealed that he has an interest in drink creation and shared an unnamed blend with us, which we have dubbed
Ken's Creekside Cooler until something better comes up. Jennifer, Tavern 16's longest-standing bartender has a list of her own drink creations as well, including
Sex in the Creek and the
Jen-Garita, though her recipes are secret and she didn't want to share. You'll have to see her personally for that.
Ken's Creekside Cooler
1 part tequila
1 part Absolut Citron
Pineapple juice
Tavern 16 is open every day, year round, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (or later) and closes ONLY on Thanksgiving Day. Though they don't serve food, in winter months a crockpot of something tasty and comforting is always simmering. During the summer months, Tavern 16 hosts a cookout every Tuesday evening in conjuction with the town sponsored
Stony Creek Music in the Park series of concerts, the first of this season on July 5 at 7:00 p.m., rain or shine. One day a year, a Customer Appreciation Day cookout is held as well. We apparently just missed that event. Drink prices are in the low to average range, but a Saranac Pale Ale pint was a little pricier than most places we've reviewed. Don't let that stop you though.
Several bikers came in while we were there and Pam couldn't resist a little friendly taunting. Yes, Pam would have to taunt the bikers! They offered some information about other bars in the Adirondacks that we must visit, gave her more insight about Sporty's Tavern in Minerva, and eventually headed out. Probably wanted to get to a WiFi hotspot to check out our blog on their iPhones or Blackberries.
This is a "must see" tavern. Next time you are in Stony Creek, stop in, but put your transition lens glasses in your pocket for a few minutes before entering. You'll find a warm, welcoming staff, a friendly bunch of locals who like to tell stories, and probably a visitor or two. And be sure to mention Happy Hour in the High Peaks if you run into Ken or Hank.
Cheers to Lawrence P. Gooley!
We paid a visit to Jane at Basil & Wick's to deliver the very first public copy of the book and a nifty 46er sign identifying Basil & Wick's as a 46er destination and to finalize party plans. Have you heard about the book release premier? Join us this Wednesday night from 4-8 pm at Basil & Wick's in North Creek as we kick off the summer season and the Happy Hour Tour.
The buzz about the bar (buzz being the key word) was of Happy Hour Tour Caravans (with police escort), tour t-shirts, passports, and a prize package for the first to complete and authenticate their tour passport. The board is currently developing an appropriate package. Passports and tour hats will available at the premier. See you there!
