Arts & Entertainment

TK Bitterman's strikes out on friendly service

Mario Gudmundsson
The Daily Cougar

The white duplex which has housed TK Bittermanis for the past 15 years looks like any nondescript Montrose residence, and aside from the parking in front and the labeled awning, there isnit much to signal the front door. A small sign for the pet supply store next door alerts patrons to more parking in the back.

A tiny patio in front of the bar has three tables crammed behind a hedge, not unlike inside the bar, where sparse furnishings compete for floor space with the sports memorabilia crammed into every possible niche.

John Ng, who has been bartending at Bittermanis for six months, very conscientiously carded newcomers at the bar, but mostly paid attention to the deck of cards he and some of his regulars were playing with.

"It pays the bills," said NG. "But I think college students would probably have a better time at Woodrowis or something."

The bar takes up most of the largest room, which is filled with chatty patrons on gray barstools. Baseballs, flags and framed aerial views of famous ballparks compete for wall space behind the bar.

"We have a Chicago Cubs baseball kind of theme here, and itis a sports bar more than anything. We show the local games on a couple of screens and have some pretty lively discussions about sports," said bartender Kent Marshall. 

A smaller room facing the bar has three booths and a couple of little tables with barstools around them, as well as an odd brick wall covered in ivy and candles. More framed views of ballparks and athletes fill the other walls, and it looks kind of like a Benniganis.

"Itis a pretty strong Montrose neighborhood bar. Our regular crowdis age range is anywhere from 23 to 40, but you see more college students and college-aged people on the weekends," said Marshall, who has worked at Bittermanis for 12 years.

Along with the usual lineup of liquors, there is a cooler with a wide selection of slightly warm bottled beer, as well as eight beers on tap. Happy Hour is from 4 to 7 p.m., with specials at the bartenderis discretion. Mixed drinks are strong and generously sized, and start at $4 and up, depending on your choice of liquor.

Mondays feature $2 pints of beer all night, something which bartender John Ng "forgot" to mention when asked about the nightis specials, instead pointing out more expensive specials on warm bottles of beer like California-brewed Red Seal, by no means a bargain at $3.

TK Bittermanis is a relaxed, little place. If youire willing to put up with the bumis-rush service, this might be a great hideaway where you can watch a game and hang out with a strong drink.
 
 

TK Bitterman's

2010 West Alabama St.

The verdict Chill place for a drink, but the service can be rude and innatentive.
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