Super, super sketch. I've never felt so awkward in my life. Sure, we went at 9 on a Friday, but there were 4 guys and they all looked very awkward at me and my brother.
PS- NO Hookah! The bouncer said "Yeah, we got rid of that a while ago." Even after we noted that the sign still says hookah. It doesn't.
This place was generally undercover in Bradenton for awhile. Â It's immediately north of Cortez Rd in a very central, accessible location in Bradenton. Â I have always thought The Cellar was ahead of the game with the dark, more updated, borderline upscale decor (large leather couches, styled, tiled bathrooms, dark woods, coffee tables). Â Especially for Bradenton and when compared to other local lower rent haunts like the Distillery, Clancy's, Ace's and BadaBing's. Â They definitely captured the 'lounge' vibe at The Cellar. Â The environment in general though is still very much a casual one.
Every time I've gone to the Cellar, and I have been ther several times (last time around late 2009), I have experienced slow to moderate activity in terms of attendance. Â I've always had my fingers crossed that it would amp up and stick around for awhile because I liked and had high hopes for the place. Â The crowd, in my experience, has always been very 'local' (and if you're familiar with Bradenton you know whereof I speak), but still pleasantly mixed on occasion. Â At times I've noticed some younger, hipper individuals taking up some real estate. Â However, I never understood why the female bar staff, at times, seemed more Drift-In than anything else considering the environs. Â But I can confirm from the FL people I keep in contact with, the situation on that count has more recently improved. Â
For awhile the Cellar only served up beer and wine, but it seems once they got a liquor license (I think in 2009) things started to pick up and be on the upswing. Â I recall and expansive beer/microbrew menu and selecting some kind of import with 13% or so alcohol. Â I have never smoked a hookah there so I cannot speak to that end. Â The inside space is moderate to large in size with a decent sized bar and a couple of pool tables (maybe three, I forget). Â There are also a fair amount of televisions broadcasting sports and such. Â There is a small stage area where bands or a DJ sets up and a small space to dance in front of it. Â At times (again when I was there), a slide show of pictures of attendees and inside marketing promotions appeared on some of the screens. Â High five on the latter, but find it a little strange and shortsighted that no official website could be found online. Â There is Facebook access and a passe MySpace page for more info I guess (I am a member of neither). Â
Anyhow, one of my good friends recently started tending bar there (she's a testament that the bar staff has upgraded to attractive) and has informed me the place has gotten a bit busy. Â I can't directly vouch for the TYPE of crowd that frequents the place these days, but I hear it consists mainly of those in their later 20's to the gamut of 30's. Â There are insane drink specials going on pretty regularly most of the week (look for them posted up on the chalkboard by the bar). Â And The Cellar is practically giving away the farm on ladies night with TWENTY FIVE CENT drinks for the the ladies (how do they pay the light bill?). Â There is generally no cover and, from what I understand, there is a dress code of some sort now. Â Another high five to the owner on the dress code...keeps out the riff raff or at least spiffies them up to presentable riff raff at the very least. Â :-) Â That's the first place I have heard of in Bradenton with a dress code. Â I don't know if parking has improved or been added. Â There is a private lot, but it always seemed pretty small to me.
If you haven't been to The Cellar in awhile it may be worth checking out again if you're looking for a local diversion with a modicum of environmental hipness. Â If not in the people, then most assuredly in your surroundings (again, for Bradenton :-) . Â If the Sarasota/Bradenton area ever got some Yelp Elite events going, this may be a nice spot for a fine Yelp soiree. Â Until then, go see my girl, Erin. Â She'll take good care of you. Â :-)