Yesterday, after a very humid nine holes of golf at Hobbits Glen, my buddy Alan and I were ready for a nice cold beer. Unfortunately, since it was Monday and Coho’s was closed, there were no cold beers to be had at the clubhouse. I couldn’t help but thinking, “What kind of golf course is this?”
Since we both live in Ellicott City we decided to head on over to the Judges Bench Pub on Main Street. This was Alan’s suggestion. Though the Judges Bench has been around for a very long time, I had never actually gone into the place. I had always understood that it was one of those joints where, when a stranger walks in, the whole room goes quiet.
Perhaps that was the way it used to be but not so much anymore. 17 months ago Mike Johnson bought the bar and the building it is housed in. He immediately made us feel welcome and told us about some of the changes he’s made, the most notable of which is the addition of 17 beers on tap. The previous owners featured two. The new Judges Bench also features live entertainment every day of the week and has a party room/game room on the second floor.
The one thing he didn’t change was the name.
It was a pleasant surprise and yes, the beer was cold. I cooled off with a pint of Peg Leg Stout and then headed up the hill to home.
Daily
14 hours ago
2 comments:
I don't know if it is true, but I heard the place got it's name because Judges would leave the Court House, and go to the restaurant for something to eat and drink, and sit at the bench in front of the restaurant.
I have been in the place and was not impressed, but now that there is new owner/management I will give the place another try. Thanks for your posting.
Its definitely worth another try.
Basic pub grub menu, but its clean and has a nice vibe, live music at night, and excellent beer selection on 17 taps plus a great bottled beer selection.
Most of the regulars are still content to throw back the Bud/Miller/Coors bottles, but the beer geeks are clearly welcomed as evidenced by the impressive beer selection.
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