Is there not one good bar anywhere in The Villages??

[DaddyD]

The title says it all.

To me a good bar...

Offers reasonably priced drinks, and likely has 2-4-1 or half off Happy Hour drink specials.
Has a half dozen beers on tap and a decent selection of bottled craft beers.
Offers patrons drinking at the bar something to nosh on while they drink....pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, something salty to keep me drinking. Chips and salsa for a couple of bucks??
Several large TV screens with pro/college football & basketball, MMA fights, extreme sports videos, TV poker games, funny/crazy youtube videos.
A couple billiard tables, dart boards, a ping pong table, some old school video games or pinball machines in the back.
Decent appetizers and bar food, a basic burger and fries for a tenner.
Friendly bartenders.
Outdoor seating with ideally H2O misting fans
Decent background music and/or a digital jukebox with a gazillion song choices.
Clean bathrooms.

Is the above so hard or asking too much??

Why is it / how is it that in an area with a such a large population of affluent active retirees, there isn't one decent bar in The Villages?

Besides your home or on The Squares listening to free music, where do you go to enjoy a few drinks, be social and meet people?

[Bilyclub]

Most of those are good points, but I would add a bar that stays open past 10.

[Stu from NYC]

Most of those are good points, but I would add a bar that stays open past 10.

Thought there was a 9 pm curfew.:)

[Velvet]

Misting fans with our humidity levels? So, let’s see, you want a great bar with lots of amenities, good food, good drinks, real cheap. Good luck.

[Joe V.]

Outdoor seating with ideally H2O misting fans




It is already humid enough here without misting machines. They work in Arizona, not FL.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

You want those kind of bars then you’ll have to move to Miami, Tampa , Orlando or other places with different age groups , if there was a market for that kind of club here it would be here. I like late entertainment so when I’m in villages I venture out to Orlando 3 or 4 times a month to salsa dance . Im enjoying late nights here in Boston at our fabulous casino 10 minutes from my home and the past week I’ve been on the best roll of the dice I’ve ever had but earlier not so much lol

[graciegirl]

I don't know why I just love this song every once in awhile.

I don't drink anymore and some say I'm not any fun either.

I was never any good at drinking.

Anyhow...I am having a bad day and this makes me smile;

youtube there is a tavern in the town, Mr. Peepers - Bing video (https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+there+is+a+tavern+in+the+town%2c+ +++++Mr.+Peepers&docid=608038511636208722&mid=41E66D97DFC70D53CEE741E66D97DFC70D53CEE7&view=detail&FORM=VIRE)

[Mrprez]

I don't know why I just love this song every once in awhile.

I don't drink anymore and some say I'm not any fun either.

I was never any good at drinking.

Anyhow...I am having a bad day and this makes me smile;

youtube there is a tavern in the town, Mr. Peepers - Bing video (https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+there+is+a+tavern+in+the+town%2c+ +++++Mr.+Peepers&docid=608038511636208722&mid=41E66D97DFC70D53CEE741E66D97DFC70D53CEE7&view=detail&FORM=VIRE)
I don’t drink any more either. I also don’t drink any less.������

[Two Bills]

So what we want is a bar selling half price beer, with free food, and cheap meals.
Tv's showing sports,Youtube funnies, and polka games.
Then add billiards, table tennis and darts, and a few slot machines, plus a juke box, and should you venture outside, water being sprayed over you.

Can't understand why the idea hasn't caught on.
Sounds like the ideal place to spend a nice quiet evening chatting to the wife over a romantic dinner.
TV patrons love a class establishment!:icon_wink:

[Marathon Man]

The OP is describing a cheap bar. Do the residents of TV really want a cheap bar here that would be open to everyone in the surrounding area?

[retiredguy123]

So what we want is a bar selling half price beer, with free food, and cheap meals.
Tv's showing sports,Youtube funnies, and polka games.
Then add billiards, table tennis and darts, and a few slot machines, plus a juke box, and should you venture outside, water being sprayed over you.

Can't understand why the idea hasn't caught on.
Sounds like the ideal place to spend a nice quiet evening chatting to the wife over a romantic dinner.
TV patrons love a class establishment!:icon_wink:
You left out the clean restrooms and friendly bartenders.

I went to the new Cheers in Stonecrest last week, but they didn't know my name.

[Two Bills]

The OP is describing a cheap bar. Do the residents of TV really want a cheap bar here that would be open to everyone in the surrounding area?

Got Margarita Republic!:ohdear:

[Velvet]

The OP is describing a cheap bar. Do the residents of TV really want a cheap bar here that would be open to everyone in the surrounding area?

No! At least not a cheap bar….

[Two Bills]

You left out the clean restrooms and friendly bartenders.

I went to the new Cheers in Stonecrest last week, but they didn't know my name.

Can't get the staff for peripherals these days!

[DaddyD]

No! At least not a cheap bar….

So what we want is a bar selling half price beer, with free food, and cheap meals.
Tv's showing sports,Youtube funnies, and polka games.
Then add billiards, table tennis and darts, and a few slot machines, plus a juke box, and should you venture outside, water being sprayed over you.

Can't understand why the idea hasn't caught on.
Sounds like the ideal place to spend a nice quiet evening chatting to the wife over a romantic dinner.
TV patrons love a class establishment!:icon_wink:

Who said anything about free food? Did you think I was going to eat a bowl of popcorn or beer nuts as my entree??

Just an FYI, half priced or two for one drinks during Happy Hour is normal--lots of successful bars all over the country advertise their Happy Hour specials. Happy Hour is actually a thing, look it up.

Ever heard of a popular television show called "Bar Rescue"? The restaurant / bar expert Jon Taffer suggests advices that bars always offer free salty snacks to patrons as studies show it results in higher drink sales (you know, 'cause eating salty snacks make people drink more).

I didn't say anything in my post about "cheap meals", though I did mention a basic burger with fries for $10.00. Charge an extra $1.00 for each additional topping, i.e., cheese, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, bacon, advocado, etc. Now my go-to burger (grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon and cheese) costs $14.00. Is that cheap?? Seems pretty in-line with the prices at World of Beer, and that's definitely not a cheap dive bar.

Pool tables & juke box all are coin-activated, so they pay for themselves but give patrons something social to do besides drink. Ping pong paddles & balls cost $10/hour rental, leave your drivers license or credit card at the bar to get paddles, get your I.D. back when you return paddles.

Why anyone would take their wife to a bar for a quote "romantic dinner" I don't know, but if that's your idea of a good time, well, to each their own I always say.

[DaddyD]

[QUOTE=charlieo1126@gmail.com;1992374]You want those kind of bars then you’ll have to move to Miami, Tampa , Orlando or other places with different age groups , if there was a market for that kind of club here it would be here. I like late entertainment so when I’m in villages I venture out to Orlando 3 or 4 times a month to salsa dance ./QUOTE]

I just want to make sure I understand what you're saying--to want or expect a decent bar within 15-20 miles of The Villages I should reasonably expect to have to drive to Miami, Tampa, or Orlando?!?!?!

For crying out loud, I'm not venting about why we don't have a Ruth Chris or Costco in The Villages, just a decent bar! Is that really being that unreasonable, I'm asking too much??

Oh, and not for nothing, but when I go to a bar I've been known to have a few drinks, so it would be nice to be able to find a bar within 10-20 minutes of my house so that if I can be responsible and choose to order an Uber or taxi to drive me home.

How much does an Uber from Orlando to The Villages cost????

[DaddyD]

The OP is describing a cheap bar. Do the residents of TV really want a cheap bar here that would be open to everyone in the surrounding area?

On second thought you're right Marathon Man, I should have specified that this bar should definitely NOT be open to the public!

God forbid that we have to eat or drink with the dirty unwashed masses! Obviously I don't mind if they cut my lawn, maintain my pool, wash my car, or clean my house, but I definitely don't want to have to sit or eat near them!! Yeck!! s/

[ROCKMUP]

Can't get the staff for peripherals these days!

Its fixing to get better soon ...........

[thevillages2013]

I don't know why I just love this song every once in awhile.

I don't drink anymore and some say I'm not any fun either.

I was never any good at drinking.

Anyhow...I am having a bad day and this makes me smile;

youtube there is a tavern in the town, Mr. Peepers - Bing video (https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+there+is+a+tavern+in+the+town%2c+ +++++Mr.+Peepers&docid=608038511636208722&mid=41E66D97DFC70D53CEE741E66D97DFC70D53CEE7&view=detail&FORM=VIRE)
“Drinking Problem “ is an awesome song by Midland. Alexa play “Drinking Problem “. Some lyrics —- “people say I’ve got a drinking problem but I’ve got no problem drinking at all “

[Luggage]

Yes, I want a bar that's open to everybody what do you think villagers are special or better? Boy oh boy there are some stuck up people here

[Luggage]

There's a nice gay bar on route 27 in Leesburg for you but if you really miss the type of bar that you're talking about why don't you just open one up?

[Luggage]

PS I have nothing against the gay or lesbian community just pointing out that we all want something different in a bar.

[bowlingal]

Are you back in 1952?

[Ptmckiou]

The title says it all.

To me a good bar...

Offers reasonably priced drinks, and likely has 2-4-1 or half off Happy Hour drink specials.
Has a half dozen beers on tap and a decent selection of bottled craft beers.
Offers patrons drinking at the bar something to nosh on while they drink....pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, something salty to keep me drinking. Chips and salsa for a couple of bucks??
Several large TV screens with pro/college football & basketball, MMA fights, extreme sports videos, TV poker games, funny/crazy youtube videos.
A couple billiard tables, dart boards, a ping pong table, some old school video games or pinball machines in the back.
Decent appetizers and bar food, a basic burger and fries for a tenner.
Friendly bartenders.
Outdoor seating with ideally H2O misting fans
Decent background music and/or a digital jukebox with a gazillion song choices.
Clean bathrooms.

Is the above so hard or asking too much??

Why is it / how is it that in an area with a such a large population of affluent active retirees, there isn't one decent bar in The Villages?

Besides your home or on The Squares listening to free music, where do you go to enjoy a few drinks, be social and meet people?

Actually the Fenny Grill has two for one Happy Hours and free homemade chips. Plus food is decent prices and the surroundings beautiful. But… no billiards or games.

Personally I want ambiance with my drinks and a cheap bar as you described doesn’t sound appealing.

[Looking for next wife]

The Shamrock, hwy 441 Leesburg

[MandoMan]

I don't know why I just love this song every once in awhile.

I don't drink anymore and some say I'm not any fun either.

I was never any good at drinking.

Anyhow...I am having a bad day and this makes me smile;

youtube there is a tavern in the town, Mr. Peepers - Bing video (https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+there+is+a+tavern+in+the+town%2c+ +++++Mr.+Peepers&docid=608038511636208722&mid=41E66D97DFC70D53CEE741E66D97DFC70D53CEE7&view=detail&FORM=VIRE)

(Laughing) I didn’t know Wally Cox could sing, much less yodel with amazing skill. That song came out in 1953, the year I was born.

[Indiana Randy]

Legends in Fruitland Park on 441 I'm guessing the OP would enjoy. Also County Line on 25 just outside TV. There are also a few that fit the OP's requests in Ocala.

[Eg_cruz]

The title says it all.

To me a good bar...

Offers reasonably priced drinks, and likely has 2-4-1 or half off Happy Hour drink specials.
Has a half dozen beers on tap and a decent selection of bottled craft beers.
Offers patrons drinking at the bar something to nosh on while they drink....pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, something salty to keep me drinking. Chips and salsa for a couple of bucks??
Several large TV screens with pro/college football & basketball, MMA fights, extreme sports videos, TV poker games, funny/crazy youtube videos.
A couple billiard tables, dart boards, a ping pong table, some old school video games or pinball machines in the back.
Decent appetizers and bar food, a basic burger and fries for a tenner.
Friendly bartenders.
Outdoor seating with ideally H2O misting fans
Decent background music and/or a digital jukebox with a gazillion song choices.
Clean bathrooms.

Is the above so hard or asking too much??

Why is it / how is it that in an area with a such a large population of affluent active retirees, there isn't one decent bar in The Villages?

Besides your home or on The Squares listening to free music, where do you go to enjoy a few drinks, be social and meet people?
Villages do. Or allow stand alone bars…..it must be a restaurant with a bar

[pendi99]

Miller s fits most of that

[ChicagoNative]

On second thought you're right Marathon Man, I should have specified that this bar should definitely NOT be open to the public!

God forbid that we have to eat or drink with the dirty unwashed masses! Obviously I don't mind if they cut my lawn, maintain my pool, wash my car, or clean my house, but I definitely don't want to have to sit or eat near them!! Yeck!! s/

And they damn well better not get there on a street legal golf cart if they are too cheap to have bought inside our bubble! :icon_wink:

[Stu from NYC]

Hooters anyone?

[MandoMan]

The title says it all.

To me a good bar...

Offers reasonably priced drinks, and likely has 2-4-1 or half off Happy Hour drink specials.
Has a half dozen beers on tap and a decent selection of bottled craft beers.
Offers patrons drinking at the bar something to nosh on while they drink....pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, something salty to keep me drinking. Chips and salsa for a couple of bucks??
Several large TV screens with pro/college football & basketball, MMA fights, extreme sports videos, TV poker games, funny/crazy youtube videos.
A couple billiard tables, dart boards, a ping pong table, some old school video games or pinball machines in the back.
Decent appetizers and bar food, a basic burger and fries for a tenner.
Friendly bartenders.
Outdoor seating with ideally H2O misting fans
Decent background music and/or a digital jukebox with a gazillion song choices.
Clean bathrooms.

Is the above so hard or asking too much??

Why is it / how is it that in an area with a such a large population of affluent active retirees, there isn't one decent bar in The Villages?

Besides your home or on The Squares listening to free music, where do you go to enjoy a few drinks, be social and meet people?

40 minutes away in Mt Dora:
BIG DOG SALOON - 13 Reviews - Sports Bars - 4060 N Hwy 19A, Mount Dora, FL - Phone Number (https://www.yelp.com/biz/big-dog-saloon-mount-dora)

Leesburg:
FRANK’S PLACE - 12 Photos - Pool Halls - 201 N 1st St, Leesburg, FL - Phone Number (https://www.yelp.com/biz/franks-place-leesburg)

Taveres, 35 minutes:
IPINBALL - 30 Photos - Comfort Food - 223 E Main St, Tavares, FL - Restaurant Reviews - Phone Number (https://www.yelp.com/biz/ipinball-tavares)

I would never go to the sort of bar you mention, but you are right about there not being one nearby here, so far as I know. You would think that some place around here could do well being the only place open after 9 for people like you. There must be lots more like you.

Where I come from, VFW clubs offer all this at very low prices to vets and their others. Also, some volunteer fire companies paid for their equipment by having bars like this in the basement. You bought a yearly membership to get in, and there was no sign. You just have to know where the entrance is.

[graciegirl]

(Laughing) I didn’t know Wally Cox could sing, much less yodel with amazing skill. That song came out in 1953, the year I was born.

I graduated High School in '57.

If you wait long enough you will be as old as I am. I have no idea how it happened.

[irishwonone]

Most of those are good points, but I would add a bar that stays open past 10.
Love it.👍🏻

[jmpalladino]

Who said anything about free food? Did you think I was going to eat a bowl of popcorn or beer nuts as my entree??

Just an FYI, half priced or two for one drinks during Happy Hour is normal--lots of successful bars all over the country advertise their Happy Hour specials. Happy Hour is actually a thing, look it up.

Ever heard of a popular television show called "Bar Rescue"? The restaurant / bar expert Jon Taffer suggests advices that bars always offer free salty snacks to patrons as studies show it results in higher drink sales (you know, 'cause eating salty snacks make people drink more).

I didn't say anything in my post about "cheap meals", though I did mention a basic burger with fries for $10.00. Charge an extra $1.00 for each additional topping, i.e., cheese, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, bacon, advocado, etc. Now my go-to burger (grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon and cheese) costs $14.00. Is that cheap?? Seems pretty in-line with the prices at World of Beer, and that's definitely not a cheap dive bar.

Pool tables & juke box all are coin-activated, so they pay for themselves but give patrons something social to do besides drink. Ping pong paddles & balls cost $10/hour rental, leave your drivers license or credit card at the bar to get paddles, get your I.D. back when you return paddles.

Why anyone would take their wife to a bar for a quote "romantic dinner" I don't know, but if that's your idea of a good time, well, to each their own I always say.

Why not open one yourself if you think this is what is needed in TV? How long do you think it would be before you file for Bankruptcy?

[lmack]

Codys doesn’t check all your boxes but, last I checked, 2-4-1 was still from 11-7. But we have had to ask for the little bucket of peanuts since covid.

[Don5154]

The title says it all.

To me a good bar...

Offers reasonably priced drinks, and likely has 2-4-1 or half off Happy Hour drink specials.
Has a half dozen beers on tap and a decent selection of bottled craft beers.
Offers patrons drinking at the bar something to nosh on while they drink....pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, something salty to keep me drinking. Chips and salsa for a couple of bucks??
Several large TV screens with pro/college football & basketball, MMA fights, extreme sports videos, TV poker games, funny/crazy youtube videos.
A couple billiard tables, dart boards, a ping pong table, some old school video games or pinball machines in the back.
Decent appetizers and bar food, a basic burger and fries for a tenner.
Friendly bartenders.
Outdoor seating with ideally H2O misting fans
Decent background music and/or a digital jukebox with a gazillion song choices.
Clean bathrooms.

Is the above so hard or asking too much??

Why is it / how is it that in an area with a such a large population of affluent active retirees, there isn't one decent bar in The Villages?

Besides your home or on The Squares listening to free music, where do you go to enjoy a few drinks, be social and meet people?

Sounds like the American Legion would work for you...biggest one in the country on Rt 466

[Rcolby7]

What you’re describing are bars everywhere in the US except retirement communities. Here our happy hours are late lunch hours at country club bars. I think the traditional bars could do well here for 60-75 guys.

[Chiphoneman]

No! At least not a cheap bar….
Not cheap and they don't pour decent drinks.

[leopfeiffer]

From a guy who has owned 2 bars, most of the bartenders in TV would never work for me. Instead of engaging your patrons, you would just go clean some already cleaned glasses, wipe a clean bar, or disappear. Then expect a nice tip. Just sayin'

[KRMACK55]

The title says it all.

To me a good bar...

Offers reasonably priced drinks, and likely has 2-4-1 or half off Happy Hour drink specials.
Has a half dozen beers on tap and a decent selection of bottled craft beers.
Offers patrons drinking at the bar something to nosh on while they drink....pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, something salty to keep me drinking. Chips and salsa for a couple of bucks??
Several large TV screens with pro/college football & basketball, MMA fights, extreme sports videos, TV poker games, funny/crazy youtube videos.
A couple billiard tables, dart boards, a ping pong table, some old school video games or pinball machines in the back.
Decent appetizers and bar food, a basic burger and fries for a tenner.
Friendly bartenders.
Outdoor seating with ideally H2O misting fans
Decent background music and/or a digital jukebox with a gazillion song choices.
Clean bathrooms.

Is the above so hard or asking too much??

Why is it / how is it that in an area with a such a large population of affluent active retirees, there isn't one decent bar in The Villages?

Besides your home or on The Squares listening to free music, where do you go to enjoy a few drinks, be social and meet people?
There is no free anything here. The music on the squares is not free it’s paid for by the residents in the catch all of amenity fees or the year end maintenance fee. Everything that exists here was paid for by the residents in one form or another.

[yankygrl]

Sounds like the American Legion would work for you...biggest one in the country on Rt 466
But you must be a member of the legion to gain admittance AND at present only members of 347 are allowed in.

[JSR22]

There is no free anything here. The music on the squares is not free it’s paid for by the residents in the catch all of amenity fees or the year end maintenance fee. Everything that exists here was paid for by the residents in one form or another.

Music at the Squares are not paid bthe amenity or mainyenance fees.

[OhioBuckeye]

The title says it all.

To me a good bar...

Offers reasonably priced drinks, and likely has 2-4-1 or half off Happy Hour drink specials.
Has a half dozen beers on tap and a decent selection of bottled craft beers.
Offers patrons drinking at the bar something to nosh on while they drink....pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, something salty to keep me drinking. Chips and salsa for a couple of bucks??
Several large TV screens with pro/college football & basketball, MMA fights, extreme sports videos, TV poker games, funny/crazy youtube videos.
A couple billiard tables, dart boards, a ping pong table, some old school video games or pinball machines in the back.
Decent appetizers and bar food, a basic burger and fries for a tenner.
Friendly bartenders.
Outdoor seating with ideally H2O misting fans
Decent background music and/or a digital jukebox with a gazillion song choices.
Clean bathrooms.

Is the above so hard or asking too much??

Why is it / how is it that in an area with a such a large population of affluent active retirees, there isn't one decent bar in The Villages?

Besides your home or on The Squares listening to free music, where do you go to enjoy a few drinks, be social and meet people?

DaddyD, I agree but remember where you’re at. Also didn’t you hear what the govt. raised prices in, yes alcohol is one of them! Go outside the bubble you might find some cheaper prices. I don’t live in TV anymore but I use to always go to to Sonny’s, a mug of beer there was only $1.00 all day. Now maybe that’s changed but that was the cheapest beer prices I know of unless you’re talking about mixed drinks, I don’t know!

[Spalumbos62]

Actually the Fenny Grill has two for one Happy Hours and free homemade chips. Plus food is decent prices and the surroundings beautiful. But… no billiards or games.

Personally I want ambiance with my drinks and a cheap bar as you described doesn’t sound appealing.


I love an old bar....kinda dark, chewed up wooden floors, stools don't necessarily match. Where a woman can sit down, have a drink, alone or not, and not get hit on. Just have some fun conversation, maybe order some food, even sing along to the song playing in the background.
We still have a few here up north, don't go that much anymore bc of covid, but I understand your desire. Let us know if you find that gem, we'll meet you there.

[rockyhyder]

Don’t know of anything in TV but it does exist at Terry’s Place in Ocala. 12 oz beers are about $2, huge burgers $10, pool tables, etc

[PJackpot]

The title says it all.

To me a good bar...

Offers reasonably priced drinks, and likely has 2-4-1 or half off Happy Hour drink specials.
Has a half dozen beers on tap and a decent selection of bottled craft beers.
Offers patrons drinking at the bar something to nosh on while they drink....pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, something salty to keep me drinking. Chips and salsa for a couple of bucks??
Several large TV screens with pro/college football & basketball, MMA fights, extreme sports videos, TV poker games, funny/crazy youtube videos.
A couple billiard tables, dart boards, a ping pong table, some old school video games or pinball machines in the back.
Decent appetizers and bar food, a basic burger and fries for a tenner.
Friendly bartenders.
Outdoor seating with ideally H2O misting fans
Decent background music and/or a digital jukebox with a gazillion song choices.
Clean bathrooms.

Is the above so hard or asking too much??

Why is it / how is it that in an area with a such a large population of affluent active retirees, there isn't one decent bar in The Villages?

Besides your home or on The Squares listening to free music, where do you go to enjoy a few drinks, be social and meet people?

You don't want much....LOL

[Bogie Shooter]

There is no free anything here. The music on the squares is not free it’s paid for by the residents in the catch all of amenity fees or the year end maintenance fee. Everything that exists here was paid for by the residents in one form or another.

Wrong!

[coralway]

The title says it all.

To me a good bar...

Offers reasonably priced drinks, and likely has 2-4-1 or half off Happy Hour drink specials.
Has a half dozen beers on tap and a decent selection of bottled craft beers.
Offers patrons drinking at the bar something to nosh on while they drink....pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, something salty to keep me drinking. Chips and salsa for a couple of bucks??
Several large TV screens with pro/college football & basketball, MMA fights, extreme sports videos, TV poker games, funny/crazy youtube videos.
A couple billiard tables, dart boards, a ping pong table, some old school video games or pinball machines in the back.
Decent appetizers and bar food, a basic burger and fries for a tenner.
Friendly bartenders.
Outdoor seating with ideally H2O misting fans
Decent background music and/or a digital jukebox with a gazillion song choices.
Clean bathrooms.

Is the above so hard or asking too much??

Why is it / how is it that in an area with a such a large population of affluent active retirees, there isn't one decent bar in The Villages?

Besides your home or on The Squares listening to free music, where do you go to enjoy a few drinks, be social and meet people?





The answer to your questions is - NO. There isn't one decent bar here.

A REAL bar has a separate dining area, a long bar area with 3 or 4 experienced bartenders (not part time college kids), a couple of TV's with one on the MLB channel and the other on the NFL channel, an occasional live band, no juke box, and closes at 4 AM.

[Gigi3000]

40 minutes away in Mt Dora:
BIG DOG SALOON - 13 Reviews - Sports Bars - 4060 N Hwy 19A, Mount Dora, FL - Phone Number (https://www.yelp.com/biz/big-dog-saloon-mount-dora)

Leesburg:
FRANK’S PLACE - 12 Photos - Pool Halls - 201 N 1st St, Leesburg, FL - Phone Number (https://www.yelp.com/biz/franks-place-leesburg)

Taveres, 35 minutes:
IPINBALL - 30 Photos - Comfort Food - 223 E Main St, Tavares, FL - Restaurant Reviews - Phone Number (https://www.yelp.com/biz/ipinball-tavares)

I would never go to the sort of bar you mention, but you are right about there not being one nearby here, so far as I know. You would think that some place around here could do well being the only place open after 9 for people like you. There must be lots more like you.

Where I come from, VFW clubs offer all this at very low prices to vets and their others. Also, some volunteer fire companies paid for their equipment by having bars like this in the basement. You bought a yearly membership to get in, and there was no sign. You just have to know where the entrance is.


"I would never go to the sort of bar you mentioned". LMBO...We believe THAT!! ;)

[valuemkt]

Hey Moderator .. Another stink thrown up by a non village resident .. Last one was complaining about texas hold em.. How about it

[Timothyimitchell]

You left out the clean restrooms and friendly bartenders.

I went to the new Cheers in Stonecrest last week, but they didn't know my name.

This is way better than CHEAP

[Velvet]

The answer to your questions is - NO. There isn't one decent bar here.

A REAL bar has a separate dining area, a long bar area with 3 or 4 experienced bartenders (not part time college kids), a couple of TV's with one on the MLB channel and the other on the NFL channel, an occasional live band, no juke box, and closes at 4 AM.

You’d need somebody to go there and there wouldn’t be many Villagers (they like to get up early) so why would it be located in TV?

[Samcat13]

I go to JR Gaters. 2.4.1 all day. no smacks on the bar.:popcorn:

[BillY41]

It would be nice if a Duffy’s came to TV. Two for one, credit on spending and many tv’s

[Hackercraft]

Join the Moose Lodge on 44 and almost everything you’re looking for is there for you. Joy just can’t take your golf cart.

[Villagevip]

How about a singles pick up bar ? Good times...

[New Englander]

How about a singles pick up bar ? Good times...

Try City Fire on Saturday nights.

[coralway]

You’d need somebody to go there and there wouldn’t be many Villagers (they like to get up early) so why would it be located in TV?






Didn't mean to infer it would be located in TV - just trying to describe what a real bar is really like.

[Velvet]

Didn't mean to infer it would be located in TV - just trying to describe what a real bar is really like.

Aha, that’s ok then…anything you want.

[Laker14]

I'm not a bar guy, myself, but I think the OP raises a question I've often asked myself and my friends about TV, that goes something like this: With 130,000 (or so) people, most of whom have a few spare dollars for fun, why isn't there "one of everything"? Specifically I've wondered about really fine dining. Sure, TV has a lot of residents who won't go anywhere if they aren't getting an "early bird special" or "2 for 1" drinks, or if it's more than 15 minutes by golf cart, but the crowd seems to be getting younger and more affluent as you get south of Brownwood, and there are plenty of fancy homes and cars north of Brownwood as well.
It boggles my mind there are not a few high end restaurants along 441, 466 or 466A.

[DaddyD]

LOL at some people's replies, especially the two who posted something along the lines of "Wow, you sure do expect a lot" and another who wrote "Well if you think this is what's needed in TV, why don't you open one yourself?!?"

I'm a bit surprised that anyone would say that reasonably priced food & drinks, beer nuts, a couple of large screen TVs, a pool table, darts, and a jukebox are quote "asking a lot"! In my opinion what I described are the basics of a good neighborhood bar that you can normally find in any decent-sized town, anywhere in America. So I'm a bit perplexed as to why in such a fast growing area as populated as The Villages, there isn't one.

While I understand that the 65 yrs + crowd may not want to stay out past 8pm, I would think there are more than enough 55-64 yr old active / "young at heart" retirees, plus all the younger service workers who work in all the businesses in The Villages to service the community, to support a bar like I described. Probably the key missing ingredient would be finding a decent location with reasonable rent.

While I'll admit that misting fans and ping pong tables aren't found in most bars, neither are any great expense. FYI the reason I like bars with pool tables, darts, corn hole, etc., is because I like to do things & be social while I drink, not just sit at the bar, stare at the TV, and drink. To me that's boring, and I can sit & drink & watch sports on T.V. more easily and a whole lot cheaper at home.

As to the poster who wrote "If this is such a good idea why don't you open one yourself?" Gee, I don't know...maybe because I'm retired, financially independent, and don't wish to work any longer? Oh, and also because I've never managed or owned a bar, and I'm just (barely) smart enough to know that owning/managing a successful bar is a LOT of work and requires a base of skills and knowledge that I don't currently possess.

[Velvet]

I'm not a bar guy, myself, but I think the OP raises a question I've often asked myself and my friends about TV, that goes something like this: With 130,000 (or so) people, most of whom have a few spare dollars for fun, why isn't there "one of everything"? Specifically I've wondered about really fine dining. Sure, TV has a lot of residents who won't go anywhere if they aren't getting an "early bird special" or "2 for 1" drinks, or if it's more than 15 minutes by golf cart, but the crowd seems to be getting younger and more affluent as you get south of Brownwood, and there are plenty of fancy homes and cars north of Brownwood as well.
It boggles my mind there are not a few high end restaurants along 441, 466 or 466A.

Now you’re talking! Fine dining is a horse of a different color. I’m licking my lips.

I guess either it is assumed that as you get older you lose your taste buds, or there won’t be enough people enjoying the service to make it worth while as a business around here. Especially with Covid around.

It is easier to make money with a bar. At my yacht club up north the bar always subsidized the dining room. You can charge by the glass almost as much as it costs to get a bottle but you can’t do that with food and there is wastage too for fresh food.

I wonder if Chatbrat is still around to comment. I believe he ran a high end place in New York.

[karostay]

There's certainly no lack of drinkers here
Our side between the 6's is built out no need to attract customers with deals those days have passed

[THUNDERCHIEF]

Go to the dallas bar on 301,. South of hwy 42--- you might like it-- you could always go to city fire in lake sumter landing- lots of drinking, and hanging around the outside bar. Looks like a pick up joint

[Freehiker]

Who said anything about free food? Did you think I was going to eat a bowl of popcorn or beer nuts as my entree??

Just an FYI, half priced or two for one drinks during Happy Hour is normal--lots of successful bars all over the country advertise their Happy Hour specials. Happy Hour is actually a thing, look it up.

Ever heard of a popular television show called "Bar Rescue"? The restaurant / bar expert Jon Taffer suggests advices that bars always offer free salty snacks to patrons as studies show it results in higher drink sales (you know, 'cause eating salty snacks make people drink more).

I didn't say anything in my post about "cheap meals", though I did mention a basic burger with fries for $10.00. Charge an extra $1.00 for each additional topping, i.e., cheese, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, bacon, advocado, etc. Now my go-to burger (grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon and cheese) costs $14.00. Is that cheap?? Seems pretty in-line with the prices at World of Beer, and that's definitely not a cheap dive bar.

Pool tables & juke box all are coin-activated, so they pay for themselves but give patrons something social to do besides drink. Ping pong paddles & balls cost $10/hour rental, leave your drivers license or credit card at the bar to get paddles, get your I.D. back when you return paddles.

Why anyone would take their wife to a bar for a quote "romantic dinner" I don't know, but if that's your idea of a good time, well, to each their own I always say.

The bars here are not struggling for business, therefore they have zero incentive to do any of those things.

[Freehiker]

I go to JR Gaters. 2.4.1 all day. no smacks on the bar.:popcorn:

Those watered down drinks barely classify as having alcohol in them….

[Laker14]

Those watered down drinks barely classify as having alcohol in them….

never been there so I can't comment, however your comment reminds me of the one time I did an "all inclusive" resort. It was 1998, in Costa Rica. Drinks were included. Man did we have to drink a lot of drinks to get a buzz on. But we did give it the good try. And we did succeed.

[Robnlaura]

A good English pub would rock bar fly heaven

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I’m out pretty much every night all the bars here do great business , there are rowdy bars and there are some more sedate bars but they are all filled ,one person said he would like a bar that there are many games to play and doesn’t just want to stare at tv , well I go to bars to talk to people , I watch my sports at home and if I want a bar with a pool table or other toys I can go to Ocala , Orlando or other places and get in line behind some guy with his baseball cap on backwards to play SOME GAME

[Road-Runner]

Most of those are good points, but I would add a bar that stays open past 10. Nothing good happens after 10:00 pm in The Villages ... (Kidding!)

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

The fun just keeps going after closing, just other places , 82 single and always looking lol

[Garywt]

Good bars are built where young people are and not where the sidewalks roll up at 9:00. Not everyone but if you are out and about after 9 there are very few people out. Many even leave the squares at 8 so they can be in bed by 9. You will find one or 2 places open but that is it. We generally do not go out and hang at bars night or day. We might go out to dinner but never go out to just drink.

[DaddyD]

I’m out pretty much every night all the bars here do great business , there are rowdy bars and there are some more sedate bars but they are all filled

How about making a list of the busy rowdier bars along with a brief description of each?

[TimeForChange]

most of those are good points, but i would add a bar that stays open past 10.

go to any bar in orlando and you will pay twice the price for drinks.

[Calisport]

$6 mai tais or special mixed drinks and $5 dinners for happy hour 4-6 at the San Clemente pier in California. Sad to find out not many choices when we are there.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Good bars are built where young people are and not where the sidewalks roll up at 9:00. Not everyone but if you are out and about after 9 there are very few people out. Many even leave the squares at 8 so they can be in bed by 9. You will find one or 2 places open but that is it. We generally do not go out and hang at bars night or day. We might go out to dinner but never go out to just drink. your not out after 9 pm , if I’m out to dinner usually don’t get through eating to 9:30 or so , bonefish chop house , legacy still open as are many bars in area