Talia Gray, Features Editor
October is here, and that means the cool weather and holiday celebrations are quickly approaching. At this time of year, when everyone is trying to keep warm and spend quality time with friends and family, you may be in search of a venue with good vibes, good food, and perhaps even good drinks (if you and your party are 21+, of course). If so, you’re in luck, as I, your favorite food & lifestyle reviewer (at least here in The Carolinian), am beginning a series featuring my favorite bars to visit in Greensboro. So, whenever you’re planning a night out, be sure to come back to see my picks.
Now, not all bars serve the same purpose or are suited for every occasion. With this in mind, I have organized my picks into the following categories: “Classic Bars,” “Bars with a Twist,” “Bars to Visit for the Aesthetic,” and “For the Beer and Tap Lovers.” In this installment, I’ll focus on my go-to classic bars.
Stumble Stiltskins
With a slogan like, “Eat like a local. Drink like a regular.” Stumble Stiltskins positions itself to be the quintessential casual bar of Greensboro’s downtown area. This food reviewer is inclined to agree. If you’re looking for a classic bar with good food and flowing drinks during your night out, Stumble Stiltskins is the place to start.
Eats
On the menu, you’ll find bar eats we all know and love as well as a few unexpected twists for when you’re feeling adventurous. In my opinion, every classic bar must have good wings and/or chicken tenders to warrant a second visit. Luckily for us, Stumble Stiltskins has both. I am particularly fond of their “Chicken Tendie Basket.” Every time I’ve ordered it, the tenders are always hot, fresh, and fried to a perfect shade of golden brown.
Additionally, if you’re looking to take a bit of a risk, you may also want to try their “That’s My Jam!” burger, which is an elevated take on a classic American burger featuring “smoked gouda, garlic aioli, steak sauce, bacon-red onion jam, and crispy little shallots.” This sweet and savory sandwich unleashes a burst of flavor onto your taste buds from the first bite.
Whether you’re playing it safe or looking for something daring, Stumble Stiltskins’ menu has various items for you to choose from during your next visit.
Vibes
Like their food options, Stumble Stiltskins’ welcoming atmosphere makes it a spot that anyone can enjoy. The staff members are incredibly personable and eager to make sure guests are having a good time. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or winding down after a long day, Stumble Stiltskins is well equipped to keep the good vibes flowing. Just as their website states, “Come as you are, kick back, and leave with a full stomach and a smile.”
Jake’s Billiards
Jake’s Billiards is situated just down the street from campus, making it an ideal spot to frequent this fall. With indoor and outdoor seating, Jake’s is well suited to enjoy the upcoming warm days and cooler autumn nights. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat, watch a game, play pool, or simply mix and mingle, Jake’s Billiards is the place to do it.
Eats
As I said before, the quality of a classic bar is directly correlated to the quality of their wings and/or chicken tenders. In Jake’s case, their wings are a shining star on their menu. Every time I’ve ordered them, the wings are hot and flavorful. They have a myriad of flavors to choose from, but I always recommend that newcomers start with one of their dry rubs. The dry rub wings paired with the house-made ranch is a match made in food heaven.
However, if you’re looking for something on the lighter side, Jake’s also has something you’re bound to love. My absolute favorite item on their menu is the Cobb salad. Now, if you’re a frequent reader of Talia’s Tastes, you’ll know that I have never mentioned any type of salad as the highlight of an eatery. In truth, I’m not much of a salad person, especially when it comes to bar food. However, Jake’s Cobb salad is the exception to the rule. The Cobb salad features finely diced corn, tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, red onions, and bacon over a bed of crisp iceberg lettuce. Because each topping is diced, you’re able to get a beautiful mixture of every flavor in each bite. If that wasn’t enticing enough, you also have the option to add a protein of your choosing to your salad to give it even more substance.
Vibes
Jake’s Billiards maintains a chill and laidback atmosphere while also being a popular spot in Greensboro’s nightlife. No matter who you are or what you’re into, if you enjoy a classic bar, you’ll find your people at Jake’s.
If you’re looking for a staple bar to stay warm in for the colder months, Jake’s Billiards or Stumble Stiltskins may suit your needs. These classic bars have all the essential components for a night of eating, drinking, and being merry. If neither of these fit your vibe, be sure to check back for the next installment of Talia’s Tastes, when I’ll share my favorite “Bars with a Twist.”
Headline photo from Microsoft Stock Images.
