The Observer, April 20, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 25
Varying degrees of happy brewed in local happy hours
For the next semester this space will feature a weekly happy hour review and competition of local establishments. The Observer reminds you to consume alcohol in moderation and responsibly. To add your comments, thoughts, questions, or offer to buy a beer, e-mail: happyhour@case.edu
The latest bar to be reviewed in this series, Lounge Leo, does more than hold its own against the seasoned veterans of the area – in fact, it beats most of the competition. Formerly a convenience store where many Case students used to purchase beverages, the building is now a space that blurs the line between a swanky martini bar and a diner, an excellent destination for drinks and conversation. It's not overly large but it's definitely spacious and convenient enough for a good time.
There is no food menu at Lounge Leo, but we didn't hear any complaints from the customers there enjoying happy hour. For those who wanted to munch, the bartender kept bowls of delicious Utz Pub Mix stocked as quickly as they were devoured. With a variety of terrific happy hour specials on draught, bottled beers, mixed drinks, and wine, the options were solid, but limited by a choice of only two beers on tap – delicious as they may be. All mixed drinks were made with care and served in unique modern glasses that added a snazzy something to the bar experience.
A secluded and calm little nook of a room behind the bar earns this bar the "lounge" in its name. Elegant couches and seats line the walls, providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that would make a terrific destination for a beer after a long day, a martini to celebrate an award, a discussion about Star Wars, or some combination of them all. The staff at Lounge Leo is friendly to students, and strives to make improvements early on to create a destination that many will turn to. In these reviewers' opinions, they're off to a very good start.
In relation to the other establishments around campus, Jillian's is simply sub-par and bland. When compared to bars closer to Case or the high quality destinations on Coventry, it simply becomes below average.
Perched at the top of the Cedar-Fairmount area, Jillian's seems very inviting, with large windows that display a great view of the dozen or so pool tables lining the front of the bar. However, the interior does not create the exciting atmosphere portrayed by the exterior. Tables are scattered throughout the floor, and the bar space is cramped, even though it covers a significant space – and it wasn't cramped by people. A two-dollar Coors Light Draft is the only happy hour special, as the food is not discounted during happy hour and is nothing to write home about. Their mini-burgers epitomized the menu: for $6.99, I received a regular burger cut into four chunks. That same burger, not-divided and with fries, would have cost the same.
The only strong selling point of Jillian's is if you are looking for a pool hall, as it has over a dozen different tables. That unique aspect does draw a solid crowd, but if you are not playing, be prepared to deal with the constant noise of the cue ball in your ear.
Finally, the simplest way to describe the Rough Rider Room is BYOF – Bring Your Own Fun. Located at the top of the elephant stairs, the saving grace for this forgotten bar on campus is Monday night. On these nights, drafts of Miller Lite and MGD are a disgustingly cheap seventy-five cents and the staff of the RRR (in addition to the Spot) is terrific to talk to or work with for events. However, even on those nights, the happy hour will be deserted unless you bring your friends along with you.
Not as popular as the Spot or Wackadoo's, this bar is only filled when events such as the a cappella concert last Friday bring in entertainment. If you live on top of the hill, however, and want a cheap draft on Monday night, invite some friends for a cheap and terrific night.
