Author: Jeff Shaw

by Jeff Shaw

There are numerous ways to see a place. Walking, running, biking, segway, tour bus, taxi, helicopter ride, whatever. An often celebrated, perhaps more likely urban pastime, is the fabled pub crawl. 

My personal favorite – perhaps all-time – is the Running of the Santa’s [and Pub Crawl] in downtown Hartford in the mid-2000s. Proceeds raised money for the CT Children’s Medical Center. For a few years, the date was circled on everyone’s calendar and bolstered the season giving with a ton of laughs and shenanigans.

Somehow that brings me back to Chatham, downtown, the fabled Main Street. So here’s an idea for the 21 years old+ crowd, try to see Downtown Chatham [via] Pub Crawl!

Below is a suggested route:

Start

Red Nun Bar and Grill, 746 Main Street

Sure, the restaurant is technically on the outskirts of the rotary, the unofficial start of downtown. But in [summer] season, this place is buzzing with activity, especially during the 22 home games of the Chatham A’s. 

The Red Nun porch has a peek-a-boo view of the baseball field. The view would be clear, if not for a row of long standing trees. And don’t get me started about the potential of building out a second floor deck to have an even better view of the field (even with the trees). That porch provides a few high tops, too. 

Stop 2

Chatham Orpheum Theater, 637 Main Street

One word: Nonprofit. Two words: Pizza Shark. Three words: Local Nonprofit Theater. More to the point, the cozy little bar and seating area is under the radar. First, the mural. I’ve starred in awe at that masterpiece for years and still see something new each time. With six beers on tap, decent wine list and plenty of cocktails to choose from, the Theater is a great second act [performance pun intended].

Pro Tip: Time your crawl so you can take a break and go see a show!

Stop 3

Wild Goose Tavern, 512 Main Street

After undergoing an extensive renovation, the Goose bar is twice as big, so probably twice as fun? A few weeks back, I was late meeting friends, who were seated outside. The inside bartender told me I was not allowed to order a drink at the bar and bring it outside to join them, even though they had closed out their check and were mostly just enjoying the view. 

Regardless, the Goose lives inside the Wayside Inn, an iconic hotel in downtown Chatham. Much of the Wayside Inn [rooms] have a view of Kate Gould Park, where band concerts are performed every Friday in the summer as well as Shakespeare in the Park and countless other festivals and events. The back building looks onto Chatham Seaside Links.

Stop 4

Bluefins Sushi and Sake Bar, 513 Main Street

Yes, you read that address right [after re-reading the Wild Goose’s address]. The two restaurants face one another. 

Bluefins vibe is way more energetic, though one could argue too much stimulus with the track lighting, techno music, big screen televisions and one of the biggest “U” shaped bars that’s not named The Chatham Squire [well get there in a moment].

Despite the addictive vibe, I still cannot fully forget the former life of the location, Celestino’s, which had a reputation for either over serving or staying open late, or both. For one fateful evening, a few of us popped in there, somewhat shocked it was still open. Almost immediately we watched a young woman drop a slice of pizza onto the floor, step on it, sort of slip on it, then pick it up and eat it. So many years later, I still cannot get that image out of my mind.

I wouldn’t expect anything like that to happen at Bluefins, but hey, “those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”

Author’s Note: I never miss an opportunity to tell that story because it was so ridiculous.

End

Chatham Squire, 487 Main Street

I’ve written extensively (2019 post) and (2021 post) about the Squire. I’ve also enjoyed myself extensively at the Squire.

There’s not much to add other than emphasizing that the Squire is a must stop on your Downtown Chatham Pub Crawl. Cheers!

What is your suggested Downtown Chatham Pub Crawl route?

September 10, 2024