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Part of being “around town” each week is checking out new places.
We’re lucky to live in an area that sees new business coming regularly, whether it be in our industrial parks, retail centers, downtowns or neighborhoods.
I wish I could get to every new place, but time doesn’t always allow for that.
This week, though, I had a special treat because I did make it to somewhere new: Miller’s Ale House in Wilkes-Barre Township.
With 93 employees, 48 beers on tap and 65 big-screen TVs, it’s a spot drawing crowds and should be for months to come.
On this night in question, I was there for a work event where 20-some people were seated in a side room. The room was out of the way, but close enough to still enjoy and spy the activity happening at the big, spacious main bar.
If you’re into sports bars, this is a place for you.
We sampled the signature boneless chicken Zingers and the waitress brought us an estimated dozen sauces to try (as if the huge nachos and Bavarian pretzels we ordered weren’t enough).
The staff was beyond friendly.
They brought extra seating when needed, continually checked on us throughout the night and were nothing short of appreciative of our business.
Another place around town that isn’t necessarily new, but has a new, great feel is Tomato Bar & Bistro in Pittston.
Surely you’ve been there after the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade or during the annual Tomato Festival.
It’s changed a bit recently to look and feel more like a modern-day gastropub with 24 rotating taps and an updated menu that’s attractive to both its loyal customers and those stopping in on a whim.
The ever-rotating selection of beer includes a variety of styles; try an IPA, a Gose, a Stout or many others.
A night to stop by to see the assortment for yourself might be Thursday, which is craft beer night where craft beers on draft are $3 during happy hour.
There’s also Wednesdays, when different live entertainment performances begin at 7 p.m., or Saturdays when a DJ series kicks off at 10 p.m.
Besides all the new activity happening and plans for more unique nights in the future, there’s another thing important to note: a brand-new pizza oven area that’s been designed from the ground up with a modern vibe.
There, you can watch the crispy pizza with a unique crust as it’s hand-tossed. Think old world Italian Neapolitan style, with a modern twist that’s adorned with sesame seeds around the edge.
To see and learn more about what’s up at Tomato Bar, a new website is up and running, so check it out at www.thetomatobar.com.
It’s a perfect place to get together this holiday with friends, especially those with whom you want to make new experiences.