The "Old Bryant's"

When visiting Bryant's Cocktail Lounge, most people comment on the atmosphere- they are amazed at how well preserved the interior is and they wonder why Bryant's survived when so many cocktail lounges closed during the vodka tonic years. Many people don't realize that the Bryant's they visit is the third (or possibly fourth) incarnation of Bryant's. The Bryant's you know and love was remodeled in to the dimly lit slice of heaven in 1971, after Bryant's suffered a devastating interior fire.

While some of our older patrons fondly remember the "old Bryant's", many people wonder what it was like in the 1940's, 50's, and 60's. We recently came across some historic photos of Bryant's and wanted to share them with you. Hopefully, if you remember the "old Bryant's" they will stir some fond memories; on the other hand, if you are too young to remember the old Bryant's, hopefully these photos will show you that Bryant's has ALWAYS been a cool lounge and yes, our parents and grandparents were probably a lot cooler than we thought.

The lower bar, circa Christmas 1968.  Notice the signature window shades that can still be seen at Bryant's. The bar is a different shape, but the place is still all class.

The main seating area has always been booths.  The layout was different and the vinyl was much lighter than it is today.

There was a spiral staircase that led to the velvet lounge.  After the fire, the front entryway was added and the staircase was reconfigured.  Notice the vintage cigarette machine, hat rack, and the wrought iron stair handrail.