NEWTAVERN IN TOWN
Arsenal City Tavern opens to positive feedback
N.Y. » Watervliet has a new place to eat and drink with the opening of the new Arsenal City Tavern.
Located at 795 Third Ave. in Watervliet, right across the street from the U. S. Army Watervliet Arsenal, Arsenal City Tavern opened last week and is already getting great feedback, according to owners Dave Weinberg and Dan Farrell.
These longtime friends, along with the help of another old friend Mike Skelly, have created an arsenal-themed bar and restaurant, in the former home of previous businesses Platinum Pub & Grill, McIntyre’s and before that Gallagher’s Fish Fry.
Menu items like Potato Bombs, Cannon Fries, The Howitzer burger and the Arsenal Nacho Tower nod to the
nearby military site, but the most popular sellers so far have been the salmon salad and The Weinberger, a pretzel roll burger with bacon, cheddar, mushrooms and garlic aioli that’s named after the cofounder.
A pub-style menu, all entrees are hearty portions for less than $15, with a wide variety of choices like sandwiches, salads, wraps, burgers, pizza and quesadillas.
In the bar area, Arsenal City Tavern offers a large selection of craft beverages on draft, including some local products from Druthers Brewing Company and Nice Pin Cider.
Opening a bar has been a longtime goal for Weinberg and Farrell. Until recently, it was “kind of a bucket list dream,” Weinberg said, but now they’re thrilled that it’s finally happening.
When looking around at spaces, the co- owners came upon the vacant building, located in a city they consider their stomping grounds. “We just loved the character of the bar and we thought we could make it into what it is right now,” Farrell said.
Arsenal City Tavern’s first day in operation was last Thursday, and the business has seen a steady flow of guests ever since. “People have been coming in, and as they go out it’s nothing but smiles,” Farrell said, adding that many people are asking for to-go menus and leaving positive Facebook reviews. “It’s really surreal how well the response has been.”
Looking forward, the owners’ goal is to keep drawing in new and returning patrons, particularly employees from the Watervliet Arsenal.
Part of their reasoning in starting the new Watervliet business was the recently announced con- tracts secured at the arsenal. “Our whole business is predicated toward the arsenal and the locals,” Farrell said, adding that the tavern aims to offer them a good meal at a reasonable price.
Thinking ahead to the future, Farrell added, “We want to be here long term.”
Arsenal City Tavern is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Business hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 a. m. until close on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. The kitchen is open until 10 a.m. on weeknights, 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Customers can choose to dine or ir take their food to go.
The bar has a happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and will have football games on the television for the upcoming season.
In coming weeks and months, Arsenal City Tavern plans to host special events such as trivia, live music and karaoke.
The restaurant also has a section that can be booked for large private parties.
More information on Arsenal City Tavern is available online at www. arsenalcitytavern.com or www. facebook.com/arsenalcitytavern.
To contact the tavern, or to place an order, call 518874-1767.