Feeling at Home

On a recent Saturday while my wife was away, I was having a really bad day and needed to change my mood. With that in mind, and my Somerset County Sip and See passport - https://visitsomersetnj.org/play/sip-see-somerset/ - in hand, I headed to a local dive bar/brewery as it was a new stop on the “tour” and I heard their beer had improved since I was there last a few years ago. I also picked that place as I figured it wouldn’t be crowded and I didn’t feel like dealing with lots of people.

The place hasn’t changed much since the last time I was there except for the new brewing equipment (thanks to Ida flooding their basement) and a board listing their beers on tap. It was just me, the bartender and 3 regulars in the small place, and one of the other patrons was the cook who made my cheesesteak the last time I was in – and we recognized each other. They made me feel at ease right away and included me in their conversation – something that doesn’t always happen in local joints like this. Just what I needed to make the day a little better. Oh, and the beer was good – which is a big step up from last time.

From there I headed to a new pub on the way back home that I had wanted to try since it opened. I grabbed a seat at the bar and the bartender immediately made me feel welcome and brought me a nice pint as she enthusiastically answered my questions about the menu and volunteered what her favorites were. Just as I ordered, I got a text from a friend asking if I was sitting at the bar. Turns out he was in the dining room with a friend. When I went over to their table, I recognized his friend as the woman I had held the door open for on the way in. We got a good chuckle out of that coincidence. Not wanting to intrude on their meal, and with my food on its way, after a short conversation to catch up, I headed back to my seat. Between the bartender and seeing a friend who is not normally in my area, it was a good stop. And my sandwich was delicious.

Since it was still early, I made a last stop out our local brewery - https://www.ashtonbrewing.com/ - for a pint at my happy place before heading home. Greeted like a regular (if only my name was Norm), I grabbed a seat at the bar. Good conversation with others at the bar and the beertenders as usual. It’s always a good time there whether it’s packed or it’s just me and the beertender. Home away from home, with good beer on tap.

Going where “everyone knows your name” or just treats you that way is a sure way to brighten your day. Even when I was the stranger in the room, being included in the conversation and being accepted by the “regulars” provided a much-needed boost through connecting with others. It’s important to have places like these where you can go and feel comfortable and included, and the people at those 3 stops gave me exactly what I needed that evening. When you need a boost, don’t hesitate, head to your happy place(s), and embrace the positive energy.