Artery Lounge Sets Up in New Location
 Photos by Melanie Rancourt
Daniel O'Neil and son Logan have opened the Artery Lounge in the former Ace's Place on Union Street. |
Dan O'Neil of Clarksburg purchased the establishment from his sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Mark Wittig, three years ago. The sudden move to Union Street was prompted by an eviction notice from Scarafoni Realty, the owner of the building, apparently over an issue with patrons smoking on the sidewalk outside the tiny bar.
"We have been actively looking for a place to relocate for five months," said O'Neil, who was very glad that the move is complete. "We would like to thank Jim Samia, owner of the building, for allowing us the opportunity to reopen the Artery Lounge."
James Samia purchased the building in 1985 from Thomas W. Champagny, who had operated the former Champ's Place there.
The lounge opened quietly at 6:05 p.m. on Wednesday night after O'Neil got word that his license had been approved. It took O'Neil, with the help of friends, 20 minutes to move from one building to another with a full bar.
The current location has tripled the size of The Artery and patrons will notice many new improvements and renovations to the building, he said.
"We replaced the floors, renovated the bathrooms, sanded and refinished the bar, and added seating at high-top tables," said O'Neil. "Keno will be up and running very soon and our kitchen will open in the beginning of February."
The menu will feature the same offerings served at the former location, including wing dings, hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, onion rings and breaded mushrooms. The popular Friday night fish and chip dinner served with cole slaw and a roll for $7.95 and fish sandwich for $5.95 will also return. A newer sandwich called the Artery Clogger will also be available. This sandwich consists of a hamburger patty, sausage patty, fried egg, and cheese on a grilled roll. Popcorn is always free.
O'Neil also installed a new refrigeration tap system that not only doubled the amount of draft beer he offered at his former location but keeps it at a constant 27 degrees.
"We now offer eight beers on tap including Budweiser, Coors Light, Michelob Light, Genesee Cream Ale, Sam Adams, Blue Moon, Shock Top, and Rolling Rock," said O'Neil. "The Artery is running a special on Rolling Rock, a pint for only $1.50."
Logan O'Neil, a 2006 graduate of Drury High School, is part owner of the new bar with his father.
 The bar will feature DJs and bands on the weekends, and a pool league on Tuesday nights. |
"We want this to be a place where people feel comfortable coming to," O'Neil said. "We want to build a clientele of couples, and people who want to come out, enjoy a cocktail and have a good time. We are going to do our best to clean up the place and make it known that this is now the Artery Lounge."
On Friday night, O'Neil was trilled at the packed house. People seemed to be having fun and the juke box was playing popular music. "I have made more money in just one night here than I did in an entire week at my old location," said O'Neil.
This past Saturday night, DJ Daz was queuing up the hits. O'Neil said he hopes to bring in bands as well as DJs and is booking parties that can be held in a side room that has a stage and dance floor. To book a party, call Dan or Logan after Jan. 16 at 413-664-6087. Events will listed on the bar's Facebook page.
Tuesday night is pool league night. The Artery has three teams that play out of the bar on the two refurbished tables. If shooting pool is not your specialty, there are three arcade games including the Big Buck Hunter Pro game, which is a customer favorite.
O'Neil and his son are looking forward to a grand opening sponsored by Girardi Distributors that will take place sometime in February when everything is up and running. There will be free giveaways of hats, T-shirts and other merchandise.
Along with Girardi, O'Neil wanted to thank Commercial Distributors for helping set up the bar in time for the opening. Both companies helped furnish the bar with new signs, neon lights and other bar-related items.
Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
