Bar Chemistrology

Now, at this point in my life, coffee shops are my main venue for entertainment, socialization and relaxation. In my 20s, however, I spent quite a bit of time drinking and partying. I visited numerous bars in the Bethlehem area, meeting a lot of fun and interesting people and enjoying good times that were particularly memorable.

I had my best partying experiences between the ages of 24 and 29. I didn't get in a lot of drinking and partying before then because, when I was in my late teens and early twenties, I attended Northampton Community College while living at home. When I turned 24, however, I broke out of my shell when I made social connections at the Bethlehem Brew Works. Soon, I was traveling to other nearby bars where I made a lot of new friends.

I partied mostly in Bethlehem and Bethlehem Township. It was closest to the places where I lived at that time, so the Bethlehem area was where I went. I most often spent my drinking nights at the bars in Center City Bethlehem, but once every week or two I would conduct my own "Southside Pub Crawl." 

  

Each bar in Bethlehem had its own type of atmosphere (as many of you have experienced). This atmosphere had an impact on its clientele and the unique energy and ambience that it created. There were the dive bars, the upscale watering holes and the sports bars. My favorite dive bars included Ripper's Pub, Ye Olde Brewery Tavern (OBT), Tally Ho Tavern, The Funhouse, The You're Welcome Inn, MacGrady's Pub and The Keystone Pub. The best upscale establishments consisted of Bethlehem Brew Works, Molly's and Starter's Riverport. My two favorite sports bars included Lou's 50 Yard-Line at Pizza Como and Sotto Santi.

When I visited local bars, I usually stuck to beer, but also enjoyed, from time to time, some shots and wine-cooler type beverages. My beers of choice were Miller High Life, Yeungling Lager and Coors Light. My favorite shots were Jagermeister, Vodka and Tequila. When I wanted something else, I would get Mike's Hard Lemonade, Twisted Iced Tea or Smirnoff Ice. I mostly stuck to the creed of "liquor before beer," but I sometimes deviated from it a little, especially if some really generous bar patron was buying shots for me, or even for the entire bar (You know, the generous drunk!).

During my nights on the town, I got to experience my share of drama and interpersonal fireworks. I've witnessed bar fights, seen bosses out committing adultery with their secretaries, been personally attacked by "angry drunks," flirted with my share of women and even had things stolen from me! Most of the more interesting stories can be derived from the dive bars, from the social decadence that makes them so very fun and exciting.

In my years of going out, I did get to meet a number of wonderful and interesting people, including many bartenders. When I occasionally ventured to the Tally Ho in my early 20s, I hung out with my friend Paul. By my mid-twenties, however, I had a variety of new friends that included bartenders, regulars and odd - but interesting - local characters. Many of these bartenders and regulars are friends of mine to this day, even if I may not see them quite as often.

Since I've turned 30, I haven't had many opportunities to go out anymore. Financial and family considerations have put the lid on my drinking experiences of late. However, I still fondly remember the good times I had at local watering holes while I was in my twenties. These experiences enhanced my social knowledge and abilities and connected me with some lifelong friends who have gone out of their way to help me. We all need to reflect on our young adulthood from time to time, to understand and appreciate the people we have become.