The Oak Room Reopens as a Sports Bar

When opened, . That left as the only full bar open for business in the Village, much to the unhappiness of Palisadians.

Getting the took all of Lenny Rosenberg's focus. Now, with the restaurant firmly established, Lenny is flexing his muscles and reopening . The first official day of business was Oct. 22.

The sign outside the restaurant still reads The Oak Room, but the menu renames the establishment: Steve & Lenny's Sports Bar.

The bar looks pretty much the same as it did when it closed, except the wrought iron gates to the wine cellar are paddlocked and six flat-screen TVs have replaced most of the artwork. So, sports fans are assured of an unobstructed view wherever they sit.

On Saturday, the official opening day, four games were showing on the six screens: Game Three of the World Series, Wisconsin-Michigan State, Washington-Stanford and, featured prominently on three screens, USC-Notre Dame.

Patrons can sit at the bar or at any of the two dozen tables scattered in the front or back area.

Even without advance publicity, The Oak Room was crowded Saturday. Every seat at the bar was taken. A large group of ten had pushed together several tables in back, enjoying an indoor version of a block party with table service and drinks.

A couple at the bar was overheard saying how glad they were The Oak Room had reopened. The man was especially happy because now he had a place to watch Sunday NFL football. "There isn't a sports bar in the area," he told his girlfriend.

As explained by head bartender Suzanne Grace, "at the bar we'll serve from the bar menu, at the tables you can order from the regular deli menu." Although the staff is still working out the kinks, Grace commented that the opening had gone remarkably well. She has two new bartenders to help fill drink orders and to keep food coming from the kitchen as quickly as possible.

With football season in full swing, The Oak Room will likely be a gathering spot for all sports minded Palisadians. Let's cross our fingers that the NBA finalizes their contract so we'll be guaranteed professional sports into the spring.

The Oak Room will be open everyday except Tuesday. The hours of operation are as follows:

• Monday, Wednesday-Friday: 4-11 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Adding to everyone's happiness, the bar will celebrate Happy Hour every day from 4-7 p.m. All drinks and everything on the bar menu are 50-percent off.

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