Stardom Looms

Well, not really. I did sit for a filmed interview with Jim Miller of IKO Productions. He is doing an independent film about bars and just got back from Ireland. He had already done a segment on bars in New York, specifically bars on 3rd Avenue. He was back in town to do some follow-up shots and wanted to talk to me in a 3rd Avenue Bar. Well, can’t get much more 3rd Avenue than Third And Long. By the way, Jim and his crew visited 73 bars on 3rd Avenue during their initial shooting. It is people like this that bring tears of joy to Bar Man’s eyes.

822) Jackson Hole



Not the Jackson Hole that I visited earlier this year but one that looks a bit older and more authentic. I wasn’t planning on stopping anywhere else but Third And Long, but this place was right next door at 521 3rd Avenue and I got to my interview a bit early. I saw Curtis, the manager or owner of Third And Long outside and he said that Jim had called and set everything up and should be there shortly. I decided to take advantage of the situation by popping into Jackson Hole for a quick one.

This place has the same general set-up as the other one. There is a small bar up front next to the short-order station where hamburgers were sizzling away. There is much more of a western feel to this place with more wood. The stairwell leading down stairs is lined with cowboy pictures and the entryway also has western style photos. There is a fireman’s helmet and a set of steer horns on the narrow passageway to the dining area in back.

The bar is fairly small and made of wood. It is L shaped and does have room for nine wooden chairs with patterned burgundy cloth seats. There is a breakfront behind the bar that is fairly fancy with mirrors and shelves for liquor. A television is mounted high on the wall to the left of the bar but within sight of the patrons. A large wooden rack for glasses hangs over the bar. Behind me is just the cashier/hostess at her station.

I didn’t stay long, just dumped down a Sam Adams and headed next door.

823 Third And Long



Right on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 35th Street is this Irish sports bar. It is a good-sized place with a long wooden bar sporting three classic brass beer stations with six spigots each. Just a cement-block like foot rest and wooden bar chairs with green seats. Amber shaded lights hang over the bar. Behind the bar are shelves of liquor and lots of fireman insignias. Apparently this place attracts a lot of firemen. Unfortunately, because I was busy with my interview, I didn’t take a lot of notes in here. When I got done with the interview I also got into a long discussion with Gene, the bartender. He writes a sports column for a neighborhood newspaper and was interested in setting up a blog.

Gene The Bartender


Except for the area immediately around the bar that is slate tile the rest of the floor is wood. There are windows on two sides and the walls are brick up front There are several televisions including three nice ones behind the bar. In the front are two high, but small, metal topped tables with stools next to the windows and there are low benches with metal tables and wooden stools in the paneled back area.

Jim bought me a Guinness, then I bought Jim a Guinness, then Gene bought me a Guinness. No wonder I didn’t take many notes. Do stop in though, the place is very nice and everyone was most friendly and they pour an excellent Guinness.

Curtis has a website called The Diary of Third & Long where he chronicles his days at and around the bar. In today’s entry he does mention my visit and even includes a picture. You can get there by clicking below.

<>

A bit better day than I anticipated with two, not one, bars hit making it 823 for the year and leaving 177 more to go.