The Observer, April 27, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 26
Coventry bars provide new atmosphere, to the chagrin of some
The Centrum Theater used to be a staple of Coventry's culture: grungy and artistic – a place to catch The Rocky Horror Picture Show in costume, a comedy, or the latest indie flick. Now the space has been converted to an empty, hollowed-out shell that fails both as a sports bar and as a substitute for the theater – Johnny Malloy's. Many stalwarts of the district lament the business switch from arts to a commercialized establishment, but even if American bars are your fare, this is not a great location to choose for happy hour.
Two striking and distinct features stand out upon entrance into Malloy's: the exceedingly high ceiling and the movie screen at the far end of the seeminglyempty floor. Although it is one of the largest bar screens in Ohio, there are often five to eight different splits showing a variety of entertainment. Catching the Super Bowl on a theater screen would be impressive, but for everyday viewing, a patron gets lost in the multitude of images on top of each other. Also, the ceiling creates an imposing feel – almost that of an empty cathedral, which is the opposite of what is wanted in a bar.
If you are at Johnny Malloy's for happy hour, be certain to take advantage of the specials, or you will end up overpaying for drinks and food. Although certain domestic drafts were two dollars and under, a simple Blue Moon off the tap ran five dollars. The selection is good but nothing that cannot be beat at other bars on Coventry or in the area that also have better atmospheres. The tall ceilings and awkward floor layout was only worsened by the fact that, for a good portion of the experience, the other patrons could be counted on one hand – once again, not an ideal situation for a vast sports bar.
The food at Malloy's is good and offers some unique selections, such as the delicious fried portobello mushrooms and Gepetto's pizza and ribs. Daily specials on the food menu are truly bargains and should be ordered. They range from two-for-one burger nights to 35 cent wings, or specials on the award-winning ribs. However, their standard options do not compare with the quality of the food at other bars, so stay with their specials on drinks and food. As was the situation with Panini's, this place is simply sub-par because it does not fill a niche on Coventry. It is an overpriced sports bar that fails to fill the space that once meant so much to the community.
City & East is so new that a Google search brought up their job posting for bartenders on cleveland.com. Located above Johnny Malloy's, this bar hopes to fill a niche in a space that has housed Scorchers, B-W3, and the Loft all within the past few years. Where Malloy's fails in its ability to create a comfortable atmosphere, City & East succeeds in an outstanding way. Drinking at this bar gives the feeling of being in an industrial loft conversion with other young hipsters looking to network, imbibe, or score a date with someone at the party.
The newest establishment on Coventry, however, has a solid chance of sticking around because it is the only hookah bar on the strip. This is in addition to around a dozen beers on tap and a full liquor selection. While being far from extraordinary, it is more than acceptable, and when added to the other options, there is plenty to enjoy at City & East. They currently do not have a food menu, although the dessert list is a delightful and delicious change of pace. A variety of cheesecakes headline the list for those with a sweet tooth.
What makes City & East so strong is the feeling inside of the bar. While a portion of the floor is standard space with tables, stools, and room for standing around there is a large portion that has been turned into a lounge. Complete with wooden tables and earth-toned couches and chairs, this section is separated by a waist-length wall of stones that add to the feel of the room. With heating and cooling pipes above you, huge windows along the wall, and some dimmed lighting, it's a great destination for a cool conversation. Even though City & East is brand new, it definitely deserves full attention from students as it finds its place in the social atmosphere.
