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Not many places these days can lay claim to a local legend: The newly-opened Hustler’s Tavern in Lewiston was named after a bar that used to inhabit the same very spot more than 200 years ago.
When British soldiers attacked Lewiston during the War of 1812, they burned the village to the ground. However, they spared one building. According to Historic Lewiston, the British kept Hustler’s Tavern standing because they enjoyed drinking something the owner Catherine Hustler has concocted, a drink she called a “cocktail”. Yes, the old Hustler’s Tavern supposedly invented the cocktail as an alcoholic drink that was stirred with a rooster’s feather.
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While the old tavern may have remained standing because it gave the British soldiers what they wanted, the new Hustler’s Tavern carries on that tradition, by giving Lewiston the things it’s been calling out for. In addition to carrying on the tradition of serving classic cocktails, Hustler’s also serves Detroit-style pizza, which is hard to come by in these parts.
The new tavern has only been open for several weeks and manager Ryan Vecchies says the response has been overwhelming.
“(Local people) are happy to have Hustler’s Tavern back,” he says. “A lot of people around here are really into the history of the town, and they’re happy to have that name back on Center Street, on the land where the old pub originally existed. There’s been a storyboard describing the old Hustler’s Tavern in front of the building for about 60 years.”
The folks behind Hustler’s have brought back a local classic, and that theme extends throughout the entire menu. Of course, if you’re going to a location where the cocktail, according to legend, was invented, ya gotta have a classic cocktail. If you’re a fan of martinis, old fashioneds, negronis and the like — you’ll not have any trouble finding something to like on the cocktail menu, which was developed by local consultant Danny Dispo. If you’re not looking to go so hard, there’s also a selection of beers and wines.
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The classic theme continues into the food menu. Detroit-style pizzas come in four different varieties, including the classic cheese and pepperoni ($25), as well as stuffed Hungarian pepper ($26). If you’re more of a thin-crust pizza fan, Hustler’s also has New York-style with both classic and modern toppings, including pepperoni ($19) and Buffalo chicken ($25). The full menu also includes appetizers, salads and sandwiches.
When you’re focused on the classics, you run the risk of serving up the same old, same old. But that isn’t the case at Hustler’s. In fact, serving classics is a breath of fresh air on the stretch of road where Hustler’s is located.
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“Most of Center Street is serving pub food,” Vecchies notes. “So what we’re serving is a little different.”
Like the marauding soldiers before them, customers truly appreciate Hustler’s Tavern. In the event of another British invasion, it’s safe to say Hustler’s will be kept standing by King Charles’ soldiers, who, let’s face it, love a proper cocktail.
“All of the feedback I’ve gotten has been excellent,” Vecchies says. “I haven’t heard a single bad thing about the food or drinks. We’ve been really well received by the community.”
Hours at time of publishing (Subject to change): Tuesday to Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday and Monday CLOSED
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This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOB advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.
