Hurts So Good | Tarry Tavern | Horsefeathers | The Cube Inn | The Setback Inn | The Sailhouse
Alright @YouTheReader,
This is an old-school (like maybe 2 months ago) Pint&Pen&Paper of 5 bars in Tarrytown that serve Guinness; thus the song choice was an old-school 80s hit that was on in the background of one of them. I guess I’m showing my age a bit not sure if I should refer to the singer as John Cougar or John Mellencamp. This tune came out in April of 1982.
In 1982, Mr. John said “I think all good things probably started as jokes. Wasn’t God having a laugh when he made this whole place?”(Source: American Songwriter)
“I literally dreamt up that song in the shower in my house in Bloomington,” Mr. John wrote in the liner notes of The Best That I Could Do (1978-1988). “I was still dripping wet when I got dressed, walked out of my bedroom, and said to my old songwriting friend George Green, ‘Hey! I just thought of a great chorus.’” (Source: American Songwriter)
Mr. John won his first Grammy for this song with the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance of 1982. His acceptance speech was famously, “I don’t know what to say, I’m just an idiot.”
Hurt So Good peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August of 1982. The only reason it didn’t reach the top spot was because of Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.”
I have Jack & Diane and Small Town ahead of this tune on my Mr. John power rankings, but I like this tune. Simple and straightforward lyrics sung with a good voice.
On to the pints…
Guinness Challenge Season #1
@Kids don’t try this at home. Not just because you’re underage and will have plenty of pints to drink if that ends up being your thing when you’re older but also because Guinness is actually best served in a pint glass from a tap. A pint of Guinness varies depending on the drinking establishment. If the keg it sits in is rarely poured, it can lead to some underwhelming taste. Rather than stealing gimmicks, I’d like to start taking Notes while drinking Guinness. My grandfather from Connemara, who I never got the chance to meet, Thomas Davis, used to drink pints and by all accounts was a self-taught thinker. The one rule I’ve imposed on myself is that I will only have 1 pint per sitting from each establishment I review, so @AnyoneWorrying, don’t worry about my drinking habits. The Guinness Challenge is to “cut the G” on your first sip (more like a gulp and a half). If this is your first time hearing about it, I didn’t come up with the fun challenge @YouTheReader can try the next time you have a Guinness. The 0.0 to 10.0 scale will be extraordinarily nuanced but as a reference point, the only perfect 10.0 I plan ever to give out is at the Guinness Factory in Dublin one day.
Song On In The Background: Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Henry is the owner, he’s had Tarry Tavern for 13 years. The octopus or short rib is recommended. They are a restaurant first and foremost with wine being the main drink of choice. Pinot Noir is Henry’s pick. An old alambiccus distillery is displayed in the back of the seating area. They have painted American flags which are a very nice touch behind the bar. Simple, rustic, traditional-style restaurant with a nice outdoor patio.
Right in the center of Historic Tarrytown’s Main Street, their menu is filled with a sense of tradition & comfort largely inspired by the seasons and local produce. They have 12 beers on draft at the bar and are located right next to Tarrytown Music Hall. A very nice and welcoming restaurant with some very nice people. I look forward to getting another pint at Tarry Tavern again soon!
Song On In The Background: Rocket Man by Elton John
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: 18th-century tavern wood interior, this place feels pretty authentic for some reason. #KnicksTape on the TV. As I order my Guinness, the couple next to me says “There is always a story on Saint Patrick’s Day.” They weren’t talking to me so it must’ve been the pint and red beard. There was an old show based on Karl Marx called “Horsefeathers” which is what the place is named after. It was a comedy musical made in 1932. A painting of an Ice Boat Race on Hudson as well as a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The dining area has portraits of the following writers: Orwell, Lawrence, Vonnegut, Hemingway, Irving, Poe, O’Neill, Fields, Marx, and Twain. Behind the bar, they have a “free beer tomorrow” sign.
Horsefeathers has been Tarrytown’s local haunt since 1981. The tavern is rich in local history. They serve up over 100 different menu items daily, there is something that will delight everybody’s palate. Above all else and most importantly, they are dog friendly. I look forward to grabbing another pint at Horsefeathers again soon!
Song On In The Background: Sin Sentimiento by Grupo Niche
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Jose is the bartender. He is a Yankee fan and likes everything on the menu food-wise. Very nice wooden bar. Mike Francesca, the Sports Pope, just Tweeted out that “Anthony Rizzo is a Yankee.” Mojitos are the recommended drink option. Havana, Cuba poster hanging up. Behind the bar is exposed brick. Their menu is filled with Killer Cuban Cuisine. I’m not sure I’ve ever had Cuban food before, so I’ll have to try it soon. The Knicks just lost to the Heat so their season is over.
The Cube Inn’s Killer Cuban Cuisine looked and smelled delicious, their pint was good too! Their restaurant features many traditional Cuban entrees and meals, eclectic street food-themed food nights, and unique food offerings that will change on a rotating basis. They have quality ingredients, tasty meals, and specialty Cuban cocktails. I look forward to grabbing another pint at The Cube Inn again soon!
Song On In The Background: Hurts So Good by John Mellencamp
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Pool table and darts being played. Yankee bar. Sign on the wall pointing in the direction of Yankee Stadium. The 1927 Yankees team picture is hanging on the wall. Johnny Cash picture behind the bar and it’s a cash-only bar, get it. They have a signed 94th PGA Championship 18th Hole flag hanging up as well. The Set Back Inn has been serving Tarrytown since 1959.
The Set Back Inn was used as a host for HBO’s Gossip Girl, I’m sorry I don’t know which one! Open 7 days a week, the Set Back Inn hosts live bands and music every Saturday night. As I was leaving a fun local neighborhood crowd was shuffling in. I look forward to having another pint at the Set Back Inn!
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Marlene is the bartender. Their grand opening was on April 15th. They are open from noon to 11 pm Monday to Friday, and of course on the weekends. The Sailhouse hosts live music Wednesday through Sunday for the summer. Their crab cake and Po Boy are recommended, as well as their Taco Salad and salmon BLT. All are homemade in-house. They have a phenomenal view of the Tappan Zee Bridge. You can dock boats, jet skis, and kayaks here and then come in for a bite with drinks. Their margarita is recommended. They also have a drink called Life’s A Spritz that you should try out!
Located in the iconic Washington Irving Boat Club Marina right on the Hudson River, The Sailhouse is an awesome new spot to dine, drink, and dock. The Sailhouse is a lively waterfront restaurant and bar with fun vibes and incredible sunsets. They have plenty of room by the water where they will have live music, so check out their Instagram to see who is performing - for instance, this weekend they have Hey Baby Band on Friday and Joey Preziosi on Saturday. The food looked fantastic and this new spot is a real gem on the Hudson River. I look forward to grabbing another pint at The Sailhouse again soon!