The former Our Grill was pristinely mothballed for more than 20 years when owner Greg Rohall bought it at auction in 2007. A former bartender at Mr. Goodbar and the late Sterling Place Tavern, he made some minor repairs to the barroom, decorated its walls with an impressive array of Utica Club merchandise, and slapped his surname over the door before opening in 2011.
Since then, it’s developed a following as a pretension-free place content in its own block-glass windows and polished-wood benches. It’s the type of bar you might not know you missed until you wander in off Amherst Street, sidle up to one of its stools and bask in its simplicity. And at a time when a night of drinking has become a daunting task of decision-making for some, such sincere tavern comfort is an appreciated commodity.
The locale’s atmosphere and offerings certainly serve as introduction to this ease. Candle-lit tables and classic barroom decor set the scene. Cans of Utica Club or a seasonal Tom $ Jerry satisfy those intermingling amid the scenery.
Dependent on the evening, live piano, folk or spinning vinyl provides ideal accompaniment to the setting.
