J & Js Fox Laire Tavern
We chat with Ricci and Joe at J & Js Fox Laire Tavern in Bakers Mills/Dog Town about the history of the tavern and what the future holds.
My first encounter with J & J's Fox Laire Tavern was last year during the 2nd Annual Christopher Hitchcock Memorial Run held in August 2009. When told that the ride would start at a tavern named J & J's Fox Laire in Bakers Mills\Dog Town, I thought to myself, this place is more than slightly off the beaten path and must be a real hole in the wall.
I have been to J & J's several times since then and all I can think of now are the words from Robert Frost. "I took the road less traveled by and that made all the difference". J & J's is really a piece of Americana that you need to experience to appreciate.
For thirty-four years, John Monroe ran J & J's and created an environment that welcomed folks from near and far. For the last two years, Ricci and Joe have been running the establishment and hope to purchase it in the near future.. When I asked Ricci what changes they planned on making she just simply smiled and said none. This legacy of keeping the atmosphere the same is what makes this tavern both unique and successful.
I love a tavern where you feel welcome from the moment you walk into the place and J & J's is exactly that. Ricci and Joe work hard at making their guests feel comfortable. The service is fast and friendly, the beer is always cold, the mixed drinks a little more stiff and the food is excellent.
Located beside the establishment is a very large covered area with plenty of seating at the picnic tables and an area set up for pig roasts and BBQs. This makes J & Js a favorite end point for many biker runs held throughout the year. Besides being the end point for biker runs, J & Js also hosts numerous banquets and receptions throughout the year. These facilities are available for your use, just give them a call at (518) 251-0133. They are capable of providing for all of your food, beverage and facilities needs for your event.
Every other Friday night is Prime Rib night. I used to travel the U.S. for work and I can vouch for the fact that the Prime Rib prepared by Joe is comparable to the best that I have eaten anywhere in my travels. If you are planning on Prime Rib for dinner, arrive early or call ahead. Sometimes Ricci and Joe will throw in a half chicken BBQ on the off weekend. Check their Facebook page listed below to see what's cooking and when.
Live music is provided almost every Saturday night. During Whiskey Walkers Harley Bash, Flip Side will be performing from 9:00 PM to 1:00 PM on July 23rd and Finger Piddle will be performing from 9:00 PM to 1:00 PM. on July 24th.
Some major events that are occurring at J & Js are:
- 07/10/2010 2nd Annual Toga Party
- Not really a biker event but any party with even the slightest potential of half naked women desreves to be included in the schedule of events
- 07/23/2010 Whiskey Walkers Harley Bash
- 08/28/2010 The 3rd Annual Christopher Hitchcock Memorial Run
- 09/05/2010 End point for Whiskey Walkers' Bob Walker Memorial Run
- 09/25/2010 Annual Woodsman's Days with a timber sports competition
You can find the details of these events in the schedule of events on the North Country Rider Web Site. The best way to keep track of all that is happening at J & Js Fox Laire Tavern is to visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/J-Js-Foxx-Lair-Tavern-Dog-Town-USA/401429680649.
"I took the road less traveled by and that made all the difference". I found a very comforting place to hang out, with good food, live entertainment and plenty of cold liquid refreshments. But most of all I made two new friends and you will too if you stop by and give them a try.