If you’ve visited Hamra’s alleyway in recent months, you’ve probably noticed the slew of bars that have opened up such as Big Shot or February 30. Each of these bars seems to attract a particular clientele, which apart from the music, is largely due to their interior designs.
Big Shot invites a younger crowd who isn’t ashamed to still do the Dougie while right next door February 30 reels in a calmer, artier group who appreciates the conceptual furniture. But if you’ve sat at either of these bars and felt a little out of place, then perhaps you’ve finally found your savior: Garage 78 St. “This is an alternative to the other bars in the alleyway; it’s for people who maybe want to experience another scene,” explains bar owner Boudy Boustany.
Upon entering the new pub, you’re welcomed by a cluster of road signs to your right, a stenciled pin-up babe to your left designed by Ahmad Makary and live concerts projected onto the wall to the front. The walls, split between cement and horizontal metal sliding, are lit up by a plethora of industrial-styled lights.
The music blasting through the speakers starts off with classic rock n’ roll hits and slowly moves to include more commercial beats as the night progresses. There’s no set identity so far, as Boustany confirms, but there is a definite feel that’s already been and continues to be developed. It’s a bit of grunge mixed with a bit of rock n’ roll, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter where you stand on the style/music spectrum because Garage 78 St. has a flexible and comfortable environment.
A few noteworthy elements include the outdoor terrace that all of the bars in the alleyway have. Garage 78 St. has set theirs up with handful of tables and comfortable bar stools, where smokers can rejoice rather than feel alienated. Secondly, the beer taps that hold up the DJ stand in the back of the bar serve unlimited draft beer during happy hour at a low cost. And if you’re looking for an all-American meal that has soul and flavor, try Garage 78 St.’s menu; it’s complete with southern-comfort cuisine, like Sloppy Joes. “It’s healthy southern food, and it’s food you can’t find easily in Lebanon,” says Boustany.
Garage 78 St. is your classic American pub that not only highlights rock n’ roll culture, but also honors authentic grunge style and American southern food. It’s a place where you can come to reminisce over the good ol’ days when the Rolling Stones ruled the radio stations and people didn’t obsess about the amount of calories in a pint of beer.
Thank you R.AS
