MOTR Pub

MOTR, one of my favorite bars.  It's the perfect spot in OTR if you want to hear and see a real live band.  There's much to be desired from the acoustics, but the sound guy (who is not a terrorist) can perform miracles.  The staff is warm and friendly and will know your name, just like on Cheers.  The setup: the main dining/bar area is perfectly lit, which means it's dark, and booth seating near the kitchen; there's an outdoor patio in the rear for fags and bonfires; a basement level bar, with a large screen for watching sports and a few old school video game machines; and if you're looking for the head, this is where you'll find it.  They keep 'em nice and clean.  Oh, yeah, they have great burgers.  Mushroom for vegans and cow for normal people, and brunch on Sunday.  And of course, the lovely Nonta., tending bar.

I really liked what I saw when we walked in here, but everything other than that wasn't exactly what I expected or was looking for.

I really liked the decor, the local art, the atmosphere, even the hipsters crowding the bar didn't look too ridiculous. The way everything is set up and the design of the building seems cool, though it was dark, crowded and I'm barely over 5 feet tall, so seeing much was a challenge.

The problem was that EVERYTHING was too loud to even think. Before the band even started, the combination of music and people talking was outrageously loud. I really don't care for incredibly loud places; call me old, but I'd rather not have an earache after a night out..."mumble grumble hooligans"

But seriously. It was far too loud here. Maybe if I were alone and wanted some booze and mind numbing music and chatter, I'd come here, but since I'm simply a visitor to this area, I doubt we'll make a point of coming back here; catching up with friends and spending quality time with people isn't really what this place seems to be for.

Maybe if we were here on a different day and time (it was probably 9ish on the Sunday before Christmas), I'd have something different to say. I'd like to think so!

MOTR isn't perfect. The P.A. isn't the best, for starters, and the basement space (which has an ingenious little second bar and the potential to be an ultra cool subterranean English pub) isn't fully realized. But it's still my favorite place to watch a band in town. A great old building with quirky design touches throughout, nice beer selection with very reasonable prices, and easily the best food I've had in any music venue anywhere. No need to grab an early bite elsewhere--you can support your local guitar slingers while getting great seats as well as great food.

Not a smart choice for a late dinner if you want it to be a quiet one, and apparently people who hate loud music need to be reminded not to go to music bars when bands are playing. (Another tip for you folks: If you dislike film, you might want to stay away from movie theaters.)