thePULSEGet Your Game Face On at The Banner
By Rachel Shuster
It’s that time of year when voices give out from cheering, rivalries grow stronger and team spirit is at an all time high. You got it, it’s peak sports season. All that’s needed now is a place to let loose that fiery passion. Luckily, the Banner Bar and Grille at 112 Green Street in Worcester can feed your obsession. Owner Sean McInerney, who describes the place as a “sports bar,” gives The Pulse an inside scoop on the bar and grille which recently opened on October 3rd.
“This is it, I’m down with it,” McInerney says about his full-time position at The Banner. As former bartender of 15 years at Stoney O’Brien’s, McInerney found the close of that bar to be “…a great opportunity to open a 21st century Stoney O’Brien’s.” Friend Jim Morris joined McInerney as business partner and founder of the new endeavor. Both McInerney and Morris found that Green Street was a great spot for the place since “…the Canal District is booming. We wanted to get it on the fun,” McInerney says.
The bar and grille is open every day, “11am – 1:59am,” McInerney jokes, anticipating an eclectic group of customers. “I expect a mix of everyone, from construction workers, college kids…everyone is welcome, the door is open to all people.”
The full kitchen offers entrees such as burgers, salads, fish and chips and meatloaf. Appetizers range from $4.95 – $7.95 and entrees are between $8 and $9. “Everything on the menu is under $10,” McInerney says. They also provide daily specials ~ including ten cent wings on Sundays and Mondays during NFL season. You better eat up though ~ the kitchen closes at 10pm. This variety compliments the variety of drinks offered. With 8 different beers on tap, McInerney plans on rotating them all depending on season.
As for the place’s set up, the laid back and casual atmosphere makes for a fun and comfortable visit. Don’t worry, you won’t have to miss a second of any game with 9 plasma TVs in on a variety of packages from the NFL to college football.
So whether you love pub style food, want to meet for some casuals with friends, or crave anything sports, head down to The Banner Bar and Grille…
Want to know more? Contact Sean McInerney at (508) 755-0879.
In honor of our annual Fashion issue, we asked McInerney what he thinks is the biggest fashion “no-no” he has seen this past year. McInerney replied with a grin, “Crocs.” But then he clarifies with a good-natured chuckle, “Men wearing Crocs. A friend of mine wears them and we make fun of him all the time.”
The Q …Is a Tasty Secret
By Rachel Shuster
The meaning behind the name might be a secret, but the refreshing choices provided by The Q are undeniable. Located at 362 Chandler Street in Worcester, The Q is a newly opened café with much to offer the city. Opening only this past August, the café is an eclectic mix of art, music, healthy food and drink, and community. Owner Emile Poulin is proud to have finally opened up her own place, having entertained the idea since high school.
Although a part-time nanny, Poulin’s “baby” is The Q. She devotes herself to keeping it all together and pleasing every type of customer. “Anyone can come in to find something to eat. Carnivores, vegans, vegetarians, etc. We provide options, choices ~ that’s really important,” Poulin says. Hearing from the community means a lot to The Q. Every month Poulin pulls customer suggestions from a fish bowl placed on the counter to read comments. “If there is a common suggestion or comment for sandwiches or something by a certain customer, we will name that sandwich after them,” Poulin adds.
Local artwork placed perfectly on the walls, soft lighting, candles on small tables and a serene and relaxing atmosphere make for a pleasurable and cozy experience. Poulin likes to keep the uniqueness alive by making changes daily. Whether it be different music playing, different art on the walls, moving the furniture around or creating new items for the menu, Poulin and her crew always try to keep it fresh.
“I don’t want to contribute to the health concerns in the world,” Poulin says confidently. The choice to focus on the healthy side of things is very important. The Q provides freshly brewed coffees, smoothies, fresh squeezed juice, sandwiches, bagels, and homemade bakery items. Poulin suggests trying the popular Caramel Mocha (which I indulged in and loved!). Closed on Sundays, open Mon through Wed 11am-12am and Thurs – Sat 11am-3am, The Q serves lunch and dinner and will most likely have breakfast in the future.
The Q isn’t just about great food, but also great involvement of the Worcester community. Tuesdays are open mic poetry readings, Thursdays are open mic music acts, and the busiest nights ~ Fridays and Saturdays ~ feature upcoming and live bands.
So whether you want to dine in or out, have access to the internet or simply are just in the mood for good food, good music, good drink, good art, or good company, The Q has it all. See you there!
More “Qs” for The Q?…Call 508-757-0411 or email Emilie Poulin at emilie@theqma.com.
