A new hot spot for nightlife hit Bennington this summer with the opening of JC's Tavern on Depot Street. Now, along with a full bar and live musical entertainment every Friday and Saturday night, JC's caters to its hungry patrons.
JC's Tavern opened August 15; the introduction of food at the end of September has proved very successful. Before, people came in for a few beers and left when they wanted something to eat, said Brian Johansen. Johansen, along with wife Jacqui Carson and T.J. Carmody, owns JC's Tavern.
Fridays and Saturdays have also "worked out well" with a band or deejay performing every weekend, he said. Johansen and his wife divide their time between Boston and Bennington, spending the latter half of the week in town.
Carson, who grew up in Saratoga, lived for years in Bennington, he explained. Last year when her friend T.J. Carmody — owner of Carmody's Tavern at 421 Main Street — expressed interest in opening another place, the couple jumped at the opportunity.
Before opening JC's at 135 Depot Street, the new owners did cosmetic work, putting in a new ceiling and a fresh coat of paint, said Johansen. He added that an excellent staff and satellite dish make the tavern a good place to come for pizza, a beer, or to watch a football game.
The new menu runs the gamut from typical tavern fare to more unusual dishes. There are several soups, as well as Greek and Romaine salads. The eight appetizers include those with an international flavor, such as Cajun calamari and mini chimichangas — sirloin, jack cheese and salsa wrapped in a tortilla.
In addition to dinner specials offered Thursday through Sunday, main courses at JC's also mix the familiar with the less well-known. Diners can order a burger, create their own pizza, or select a flatbread, such as the one with pesto, tomato, fresh mozzarella and either smoked seafood or chicken. JC's also offers a variety of wraps, including a coconut curry chicken salad wrap with dried cherries and cashews.
JC's Tavern is the only place in Bennington where, every Friday and Saturday night, a person can be certain to find some type of entertainment, said Johansen. A handful of local bands play at the tavern on rotation; mostly classic rock, with some jazz, blues and rhythm and blues, he said. Johansen encouraged musicians and bands interested in performing to call JC's Tavern.
The music on the weekends attracts a diverse crowd, a "good mix of people," he said. This diversity includes the age range of patrons; recently at the tavern Johansen noticed not only college kids back in town, but their parents as well.
Several businesses hosted their Christmas parties at JC's and the tavern has started to do catering as well. This summer, the two volleyball courts in the back were used for games. The hope is to open up those courts and sponsor a league, he said. There are also plans to install a patio for people to sit and watch the volleyball players.
Other plans for the future include weeknights devoted to families and kids and perhaps a teen night. Another idea is to host a monthly fundraiser with a celebrity bartender. Less than six months in operation, JC's Tavern is moving full steam ahead, with food, music and fun.
JC's Tavern is at 135 Depot Street. Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.- 2 a.m.; Friday-Sunday, noon-2 a.m. Happy hour Fridays, 5 -7 p.m. For more information, call (802) 440-9818 or visit http://www.carmodystavern.com/jcindex/htm
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Winter Storm Warning Issued for Berkshires
Another snowstorm is expected to move through the region overnight on Friday, bringing 5 to 8 inches of snow. This is updated from Thursday's winter weather advisory.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has posted a winter storm warning for all of Berkshire County and parts of eastern New York State beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.
The region could see heavy to moderate snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, tapering off Saturday morning to flurries.
Drivers should exercise caution on Friday night and Saturday morning, as travel conditions may be hazardous.
Saturday night should be clear and calm, but warming temperatures means freezing rain Sunday night and rain through Monday with highs in the 40s. The forecast isn't much better through the week as temperatures dip back into the teens with New Year's Eve looking cloudy and frigid.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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