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Hemmingway's Restaurant 492 Pearl St. |
Hemmingway's is a two-floor restaurant offering a relaxed atmosphere for post-theater patrons that is filled to the brim nightly when productions let out.
The building that is now Hemmingway's was built in the early 20th century and was originally a boarding house. It later became a brothel.
In 1984, the current owner, Dave Forness, purchased the building. An art collector, Forness decorated the interior of the restaurant with his personal collection. Much of the restaurant's interior is decorated with classic Pepsi and Coca-Cola posters.
The lower floor serves as a full bar and dining room, while the second floor is open on play nights and is often used for private parties.
Night manager Joe Liddy describes Hemmingway's as a "theater bar," because, he said, "that's when we do our best business."
Hemmingway's also features a patio that completely wraps around the back of the restaurant. During the warmer months, this patio is open to the public. The seats are arranged around a sizable water fountain and the patio is equipped with a bar and out-door lounge furniture.
Hemmingway's menu has a wide variety of traditional American selections, with many of the entrees named after theaters in the area, such as the Shea's Theater souvlaki, the Studio Arena boneless chicken breast and the Cabaret strip steak.
There are also a variety of steak sandwiches, large salads, appetizers and other inexpensive fare. The entrees range in price from $8 for the catfish fingers to $19 for the filet mignon.
The potato skins appetizer was uniquely presented, cut widthwise and resembling a small bowl filled with potatoes, cheese and bacon, with a side of sour cream.
The catfish fingers were a delicious follow-up to the potato skins - any seafood lover will enjoy the distinct catfish flavor. The entr?(c)e came with french fries, homemade coleslaw, and dark green lettuce leaves garnished with an orange wedge.
My guest had the stuffed mushroom caps for the appetizer. The caps were stuffed with crabmeat, cheese, and topped with bread crust. They were definitely worth the $4.95 price tag. The entr?(c)e she chose was traditional chicken fingers, garnished similarly to the catfish fingers.
The ambiance at Hemmingway's is very mellow, and because the restaurant does most of its business when plays are showing, a night when there are no shows creates a quiet atmosphere.
The bar is open during business hours for patrons who choose not to dine. Hemmingway's serves both American and imported beers, wine, and mixed drinks. The bar is perfect for having an intimate conversation over an appetizer and a drink, or catching the game.
Hemmingway's dining hours are from 3 to 10 p.m. and the bar is open until well after midnight. For more information, call 852-1937.
