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The Red Lyon Red Lyon: Roaring good time for the older crowd Story and photos by Max Galanty The downtown scene in Plattsburgh is for the youngsters, the students of Plattsburgh State University College who spill beer on each other at the bars. A lot of the older crowd in Plattsburgh finds this scene obnoxious and would love a spot all to themselves. If a calmer bar is more of your taste then consider taking a cab uptown and giving the Red Lyon a try.
The most unique and obvious details about the Red Lyon is its décor. The walls look like a bad traffic accident. It is lined with deer heads, blinking traffic lights, and nearly life-sized Budweiser race cars. Above the walls, suspended from the ceiling, is an upside down boat bearing the name “Red Lyon” and a model airplane. The overall theme is beer, lights, animals, and transportation but it's so busy that it comes off as rush-hour traffic. More than likely, the reason you head to a sports bar and grill is not for the stuff hanging off the walls; however, in Red Lyon the ten televisions on the wall might entice you. On Sundays, these TVs are crucial because the Lyon has an NFL Direct Package and they put each game on a different screen. The tables are so wobbly that you have to fold your napkin over about six times and slide it under one of the legs to keep it even. There are a lot of tables and a lot of space at the bar as well. If you plan on sitting near the grill then you should also plan on projecting your voice because the deep fryer is constantly sizzling and popping and sometimes even roaring.
Red Lyon offers a pound of their self proclaimed “best chicken wings in town” $6.25. Onion rings will run you $3 and some hot poppers will cost you nearly $5 and a burning tongue. The food from the grill comes in red plastic baskets and wax paper as do the bar nuts and the popcorn which is made in its very own popcorn maker. Cool down at the Red Lyon with a mixed drink like a Jack Daniels and Coca Cola that will cost $3.50 plus tip. Swing back and forth in the turning wooden bar stools which are comfortable enough to sit in and have a couple of beers. On tap, Red Lyon offers Stella Artois, Coors Light, Budweiser, and Yuenling for a few bucks. The bartender is friendly and pours strong drinks. The Lyon even has gift certificates available if you have a buddy who likes to drink.
The bathrooms are small and clean, which is a nice surprise, considering they are in a bar. There is some writing on the walls and you could pretty much guess what the graffiti says. The one thing you could appreciate is that above the urinal in the men's room is the scores and betting lines on the sports that day. All in all the Red Lyon is a nice little place to sit down and enjoy a few drinks. Nothing here will surprise any patron. It's not upscale and it's not a dump. It's a quiet bar where one could get some peace and quiet, play some billiards, darts or Quick Draw. It is recommended that you check out the Lyon if you are looking for a good time without a big crowd. |
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