Bryant's is a unique place that doesn't exactly fit the trends of other bars and lounges in the area. When other bars are slow, we may be packed and when other bars are busy, we may be slow. A beautiful spring night? Dead. A blizzard with 10 below wind chill. Packed. It's funny how often this is the case.
St. Patrick's Day is one of the holidays that is slower at Bryant's. Maybe it's because we don't have green beer or little plastic bowler hats. Or, maybe it's because our clientele stays away on St. Patrick's Day because they think we will be too busy. Either way, it is generally a mellow night where the words "Erin Go Bragh" are not heard.
Looking back at Bryant's 74 year history, we found that this was not always the case. In fact, the second owner, Pat Malmberg, was quite a fan of the holiday as was most of the clientele. One year, Pat wanted to "set the mood" for the holiday, so he changed all the amber lights to green. A valuable lesson was learned on that night: people look awful under green light. It was a failure, but people still had a great time.
A Bryant's St. Patrick's Day tradition that wasn't so ugly was the St. Patrick's Day Punch. The third in a series of punches at Bryant's (behind the Holiday Punch and Valentine's Day Punch), the St. Patrick's Day Punch was a strong punch with a lovely green hue and the taste of spiced limes. Hard to describe, but easy to drink.
In addition to Pat's efforts, much of the Irish spirit at Bryant's was added by the employees and management of Allen Bradley. Allen Bradley's Headquarters was located at 2nd and Greenfield, about 10 blocks from Bryant's Cocktail Lounge. At one point, the huge plant with the massive 4 sided clock employed nearly 6,000 people working 24 hours a day. Many of the workers and management would frequent Bryant's, especially around the holidays including St Patrick's Day. The management of Allen Bradley, in a show of Irish cheer, would even send Irish dancers to Bryant's to entertain the guests.
Over the years, Allen Bradley lost employees and St. Patrick's Day revelers moved to pitchers of green beer. The St. Patrick's Day punch disappeared and (thankfully) so did the green lights.
This year, we are bringing back the St. Patrick's Day cheer. No, we won't be transforming in to O'Bryant's and we won't be resorting to cheap gimmicks. We will, however, be celebrating Bryant's style with an awesome list of St. Patrick's Day themed cocktail and, yes, St. Patrick's Day Punch.
Plus, just for you old timers, we will have one green bulb glowing by the bar.
See you on St. Patrick's Day!
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