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Back in the early to mid 1980’s a few of my friends and I entered the Beer Tasting
Club (which would account for my haziness of specific dates in time) at the
Parting Glass Pub on Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
One only had to “sample” in the neighborhood of 200 beers in an approximate 10 month period
and grade it on a scorecard. If you could preview 2 to 3 beers a night, 2 to 3
times a week, this great gift to mankind was very do-able;
without requiring emergency room treatment. And do it we did. What a great
time we had sampling beers from all over the world. From little 7 ounce Pilsners to
the 25 ounce Fosters Lager can, we finished the important job with time to spare.
We built many bridges and solved many problems of the world sitting in front of
that wonderful bar. One night, during a heavy snowstorm, I
actually skied down with my faithful dog Rocky from my apartment off north
Broadway; refusing to let Mother Nature sway me from my dedication to important
matters concerning the human condition.

After the in-depth study of the beverages were completed, the “Glass” threw a swell party for those that made the
measure. Many of the beer vendors donated nice gifts of beer memorabilia for the
qualifiers. The owners mounted a plaque on the wall with all the
Beer Tasters engraved on it; something I’ve dragged many new friends in to see.
The last time I stopped in, the plaque was nowhere to be found. The barmaid told me
someone had stolen it (no doubt someone I had shared space with on the wall
trophy - oh, the inhumanity). She also
said they were thinking about starting the Taster’s Club back up, so go check it
out and keep me posted.

The Parting Glass Pub is located on Lake Avenue in downtown Saratoga Springs.
A short distance east from Broadway, it is down the hill from the Police Station, a
couple of doors
before the Fire House and kiddy-corner to the Armory. They host a lot of great bands
and it is a frequent stop for a popular local Irish group know as the McKrells.
The famous Saratoga Racetrack is not far away.

As a kid I remember it as Rocco’s Italian Restaurant and recall they had the finest thin crust pizza in
town. When it was Rocco’s, the booths were across
from the bar and the dining room was in a separate room. When the Parting Glass
took over in 1981 they removed the wall and opened up the bar to the dining area. The
booths were separated and moved to the outer walls of the dining area. Over the
years they have purchased adjoining real estate and
have expanded quite a bit to accommodate another larger dining / music area. The
joint has some really nice vintage woodwork and a great ambience.

The Glass also has an excellent dart room with
several dart boards and a nice selection of custom darts and dart accessories
for sale. At one time
they also owned a pub called Cohans (I believe that was the name) in Ireland and used to
have dart competitions between the two establishments; keeping score by fax machine. I always enjoyed the
fact that the place was family owned and patrons could feel a part of the family as the girls
and their mother poured beers, mixed drinks and waited tables.

With everything from pizza and wings to steaks and lamb stew, the menu is first-rate
and quite varied. I am especially fond of the sweet potato fries and the
Shepherds Pie. Parking is pretty good compared to Broadway and there is a
parking garage a short distance away, making it a good meeting place for
newcomers to busy downtown Saratoga Springs. Of course, The Parting Glass is “the” place to be on
St. “Paddy’s” Day with plenty of live music, dancing and lots of Guinness
on tap. Delicious corned beef and cabbage
specials are served on the week leading up to, and including, the big event.

You can visit their website at: www.PartingGlassPub.com

Owner Joan Desadora is said to have named the pub after the Irish song of the
same name. Following are the lyrics:

Of all the money that e’er I spent

I’ve spent it in good company
And all the harm that ever I did
Alas it was to none but me
And all I’ve done for want of wit
To memory now I can’t recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

If I had money enough to spend
And leisure to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in the town
That sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips
I own she has my heart enthralled
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Oh, all the comrades that e’er I had
They’re sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e’er I had
They’d wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I’ll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be with you all

Patrick Yellen is the Webmaster for http://www.SaratogaSuckers.com - Saratoga Springs, New York Horse Racing Rants, Raves, Gambling Tips and Stories.

SaratogaSuckers.com is an entertaining place on the internet to post and share stories concerning all things horse racing and gambling, with an emphasis on the great and historic city of Saratoga Springs, New York

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