The Bar’s Open! And Drinks Are On The House!

Remember, you heard it here first! That’s right, the bar’s open and drinks are flowing freely. Well, not the physical bars, but the virtual bars are open. From the looks of it, we hope they’re here to stay. And yes, you saw that right…drinks are on the house! Your house, that is. Leave it to a group of innovative bartenders to do what they do best and serve up an escape for the evening. However, this group took it a step further, adding live entertainment to the mix. For those of you who didn’t subscribe to the social media bandwagon in the past, you might want to get on board now. The desire to connect is just part of the human spirit. Fun seekers are now navigating their way back into socializing through venues like Facebook® Groups, while safely staying quarantined at home.

My favorite virtual watering hole is a Facebook® Group called the “Coronavirus Quarantine Virtual Bar”. This is possibly the most successful bar I’ve ever seen. Rivaling in member numbers, some of the most exclusive private clubs most of us will never enter. It has over 30k members and growing. On any given Sunday afternoon in April, you’d normally find the locals cheering on their favorite basketball, baseball and hockey games at the corner pub. But today, each member bellies up to the bar sitting in the comfort of their home. With no sports in sight, they’ve adjusted to a new kind of get-together. Enjoying an evening of barroom banter from the best seat in the house! All the while listening to free entertainment. This entertainment comes piped in, live, from the entertainer’s home as well.

The possibilities and benefits are endless with this new way of socializing. Think of how much money the bar saves on not having to pay for the taxi’s home when we down one-too-many shots (yes I too have had those embarrassing nights).

What’s In Store When The Bar’s Open?

So what’s in store for you at this evening out (in) environment? Well, after you run a brush through that quarantine hair, slap on some make-up and find your clubwear (or not…yoga pants are ok too), pour yourself a glass of your favorite spirit and settle in for a relaxing night among friends. See photos of other members at the bar. Join in on discussions. Add a video showing your view from the bar. Look for fun banter, meme games, and live music. Pretty much everything you would look for in your favorite saloon, without loud noise, waiting for drinks & DUI’s awaiting your drive home.

Who’s Serving?

The best part is, along with pacifying that need for human contact we all crave, you can help your new friends with tips. They are welcome and sent to the bartenders for setting up your entertainment. Instructions on how to send tips are right on the page (download the Venmo app before you enter the bar). Some entertainers can be tipped directly. All other tips go to the unemployed bartenders who started this awesome haven.

What Are The Rules While The Bar’s Open?

Keep in mind, as with any successful establishment, there are rules that must be followed. Not following their 6 simple rules will have the “bouncer” booting you out of the group for good. I’ve listed them briefly here so you’re prepared for what to expect (the full explanation of each rule is also listed on the page):

1. No political or religious posts are allowed in the bar
2. No selling or promoting any goods or services there either
3. Keep it peaceful. Debates happen but kindness is required
4. KEEP IT CLEAN! No nudity posts and no racial posts
5. No Rapid-Fire-Sh@t-Posting…meaning you can post MEMES that are fun and funny, but posting a bunch at once gets you muted. Keep it up and the bouncers boot you! and for their final rule…
6. Men should never rollerblade without hockey stick…(well, that just goes without saying in my book!)

How Do You Get There?

The bar’s open to the public and there’s no cover charge (as of yet). Just open your Facebook® account, search for ‘Coronavirus Quarantine Virtual Bar’ in the search bar. Then click on the ‘Join Group’ button. Next, you just have to wait for them to approve you. I got approved fairly quickly (no that has nothing to do with me being a blonde and them letting the cute ones in first) so you can probably just jump right in.

When Is It Open?(and other questions)

I did have some questions for the admins, however, they are understandably busy welcoming the newcomers and organizing the entertainment line-up for the days ahead. Some answers I found in the group, but if anyone knows differently please let me know by leaving a comment below. Here are some common questions you may have too:

• Q-What time is the bar open?
• A- The best part of this bar is it’s open for 24 hours of fun 7 days a week. So grab a seat whenever the mood hits.
• Q-Are there craft cocktails featured?
• A-Not really sure, but that would be kind of fun. Our bartenders can get their newest drink right in our hands!
• Q-For the full bar experience, is there an adjoining chat room where people can go off and get to know one another?
• A-I guess your Facebook® Messanger works here.
• Q-When is “last-call”?
• A-Probably when the quarantine’s over, I’d think. Although, the bonds are getting stronger here so people may just keep this going (I hope!..A girl can dream).
• Q-Can you get bottle service at this bar?
• A- No! But you can order a subscription box to have your favorites delivered (see my ideas for this at the end of the article).
• Q-Do you have Happy Hour.
• A-Apparently so! From what I’ve noticed, it’s usually when the performers are on. So the performance must be the “Happy Hour Special”. The great news is these “Happy Hours” can be at any given hour!
• Q-Is there a favorite drink?
• A-Yes! Whatever you’re serving (I prefer Margaritas)
• Q-Who’s in the line-up for entertainment?
• A-Click on ‘Events’ on the page for upcoming performances
• Q-Can anyone perform?
• A-Scheduling is recommended with the CQVB staff for maximum exposure so contact the admins on the page through messenger
• Q-Have any “bar-fights” broken out?
• A- I haven’t personally seen any, but the bouncers are pretty tough here so I wouldn’t chance starting one…they will throw you out!

If The Bar’s Open, Where Do I Get A Drink?

So, we have a meeting place, your friends have arrived. (logged on)…where are the drinks? To spice up the atmosphere and get the party going, sign up for alcohol subscription boxes. From the craft-beer lover to the most astute wine connoisseur, there’s a box for every palate. With so many to choose from, here are just a few I could think of that seem to be popular:

FLAVIAR

Whether you spell it Whisky or Whiskey (and they will explain the difference), this is part subscription box, part club. Expand your horizons here acquiring hard to find bottles and uncommon labels.

CRAFT BEER CLUB

Have some favorites on the U.S. Independant Brewers list? Get those coveted bottles here with their subscription box each month!

SALOONBOX

More of a cocktail type? Get craft cocktail recipes with all the ingredients delivered right to your door. Impress your friends and show them what a true mixologist looks like!

Mash&Grape

Have a healthy group with a variety of tastes? This subscription box is a dream come true. Choose from one of 6 spirits-themed boxes each month: Bourbon, Whiskey, Scotch, Gin, Tequila & Rum. Each box is curated from big names and independent distilleries sure to impress.

TASTER’S CLUB

For the wine or spirit enthusiast in your group, this is the perfect club. Pick your poison and they curate your selection from Bourbon’s To Bordeaux. This is truly the taster’s choice club!

Whatever the choice is, stay home, stay safe & be healthy! Since I’m trying to be responsible & stay inside, I won’t be on the road anytime soon (Thank God… that last Margarita I made was strong!), hopefully, I’ll see you at the bar!

Photo Credits: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11

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