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Steve Terry

Steve Terry is a Reader contributor. See staff page for published articles.

Blind Lady Ale House

BLIND LADY ALE HOUSE (Part 1) Normal Heights has always claimed such a very nice stretch of Adams Avenue. Thirsty ones can find satisfaction at such places as Ye Ould Sod, Rosy O'Grady's, and now there's a "new kid on the block": Blind Lady Ale House. We discovered the Blind Lady on the first day of its third week of operation, February 14, 2009. The day before had marked the Two Week Anniversary of this new tenant of the 1928 Wilkins Block building, located at 3415 Adams Avenue. (Though the Grand Opening was Saturday January 31st, the Soft Opening was the day before, Friday the 30th). It was the striking logo, designed by co-owner and graphic artist Jeff Motch, painted on the open glass door that first attracted my attention. The image of what appears to be a turn-of-the-century (when it turned from 19th to 20th that is) gentleman on a bicycle is sandwiched between the words Blind Lady and Ale House. The two vintage cruiser bicycles chained to a bike rack in front of the open door added their voice to the invitation as well. I had been strolling the street while waiting for my lady, who was getting her hair cut nearby at Hairdrezzers On Fire. As soon as my date emerged, I took her by the arm and we entered the Blind Lady for the very first time, on this the first day of their third week in business, Saturday the 14th of February, at about half past four. "How's business?" I asked co-owner and craft brewer Lee Chase. He replied that they are doing well. There was a huge rush the first couple of days, which he attributed to people in the neighborhood being excited about a new place opening up. During our visit we witnessed a steady stream of people coming in to place their order for one of the approximately 20 beers on tap. Pizza and wine are also available. In the space formerly occupied by "A La Francaise - French Bakery Cafe", the Blind Lady Ale House has a very pub-like atmosphere. And by "pub", I mean the authentic sort to be found in the British Isles, where one goes and buys his drink at the bar and then finds a place to sit and enjoy it. Blind Lady Alehouse is co-owned by four people, actually two couples, Jeff Motch & Clea Hantman, and Lee & Jennifer Chase. (Continued in Part 2)
— February 20, 2009 11:51 a.m.

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