Lindenhurst's Chances focuses on seasonal sippers, craft beer
What do you do when all your kids head off to college? “Open a bar!” was Maureen Buehler's answer. She and her husband Bob, along with partners Ed and Melinda Grossman, opened Chances Bar & Video Gaming on Route 45 in Lindenhurst after extensive renovations last summer. They wanted to offer something they felt was missing in their hometown, and Buehler says they found the perfect opportunity to pair with other local businesses, including Ad-Lib farm-to-table eatery directly next door and Rosati's at the other end of the building.
<b>Motif:</b> The strip-mall exterior conceals a pleasant surprise inside. Buehler says she went for a “Chicago-style, modern, eclectic interior,” featuring industrial lighting, exposed ceilings and the salvaged cinder block wall portion of the old building. Stained concrete floors and a stylish tiled bar with blue underlighting enhance the more-than-a-sports-bar feel.
The main area, featuring a fireplace lounge area, seats up to 48 with a mixture of high and low tables and metal-with-wood-accent chairs including seating for 18 at the bar. The bar also offers USB ports, electrical outlets and a supply of phone charging cords available for patrons finding it difficult to unplug. Four large flat-screen TVs are easily viewable from any area in the bar. The video gaming features five machines in a roped-off area in the rear of the building.
<b>Food:</b> In the spirit of keeping things local, Chances collaborates with two eateries in the same building. Ad-Lib offers an ever-changing menu with small-plate appetizers and large-plate entrees. We were tempted by the roasted cauliflower hummus, but ultimately settled on garlic breadsticks and jalapeño poppers from Rosati's, which is also located in the same building.
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Liquid consumption:</b> Chances' cocktail menu changes seasonally and features fresh ingredients including mint and berries. Chances offers a substantial wine list including wine-on-tap, which Buehler says is the perfect way to enjoy a glass. A wide variety of craft beer, on-tap and bottled, is available and the bar often features “tap takeover” events by local breweries. Past participants include Fat Tire, Tightheads and Only Child Brewing.
We ordered a French Martini with Pearl Vanilla Vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice for $10, and it was smooth and refreshing. We also sampled Founders Curmudgeon Old Ale and Claymore scotch Ale. Both were flavorful and full-bodied.
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Crowd:</b> The atmosphere is casual and inviting but slightly upscale as well, a touch above a standard brewery. There was a full crowd at the bar and about half of the tables were occupied when we arrived around 8 p.m. Diners from Ad-Lib stopped in for nightcaps, and the late-night crowd arrived shortly before we left. Attire ranged from shorts and sandals to casual summer dresses and jeans.
<b>Music/entertainment:</b> Saturday nights often feature live music; Wednesday is trivia night. Beer dinners are also on tap, as well as special gaming events with proceeds often donated to local food banks.
<b>Service:</b> This was the highlight for us, and a big step up from other no-kitchen bars and breweries where you can expect long waits and have to order your food by phone. Not so at Chances. The table service is top-notch and includes full menus from both Rosati's and Ad-Lib. Food is served restaurant style, and our server took great care of us, recommending beers and cocktails.
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Parking:</b> There are plenty of free spots in the lot out front with additional parking in the rear.
<b>Overall:</b> With great cocktails, top-notch service and a fun atmosphere, Chances makes for a relaxed and casual night out.
Chances Bar & Video Gaming
455 Route 45, Lindenhurst, (224) 372-7493,
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday