A new watering hole — one boasting pool tables, shuffleboard, arcade games and other classic attractions — is coming to the Village at Shirlington.
The dimly-lit, 21-and-over bar dubbed “1969” will provide a relaxed sports bar reminiscent of a past generation, co-owner Geoff Dawson told ARLnow.
“We’ve been describing it as a smoky 1969 bar without the smoke, so really just a cozy place you can come down into and get away from the day and hide away from all your troubles,” Dawson said. “There are no windows. It’s cozy and just sort of that perfect getaway.”
After opening the Astro Beer Hall at 4001 Campbell Avenue last year, Dawson and co-owner Elliot Spaisman quickly identified a demand for a new type of hangout in the neighborhood, one that goes beyond basic food and drink.
The 1969 space, which is in the basement of Astro, hopes to accomplish that. The bar includes five pool tables, as well as two shuffleboard tables, four dartboards, three arcade games and nine TVs.
“There needed to be a place for people to do something besides just eat and drink in Shirlington,” Dawson said. “We just saw that basement as the classic spot and figured we could put pool, shuffleboard, darts and board games. It’ll be just a fantastic little clubhouse for people.”
Customers are greeted by a photo of former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson as they head downstairs to the new place, officially taking them back in time. The bar is themed with an assortment of 1960s decor as walls are adorned with vintage advertisements and art.
Alongside 12 different draft beer lines, 1969’s cocktail menu will also be a throwback to the era. It will include a Harvey Wallbanger and a “smoky” Old Fashioned, with other era-inspired and modern options available.
Targeting the late-night crowd, 1969 will also offer $5 burgers and $5 chicken sandwiches, as well as other bites, from 9 p.m. until last call.
The bar is still waiting for a certificate of occupancy, but after that it’s essentially ready to go. Spaisman is targeting an opening as early as this weekend.
When 1969 does open, it will operate from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 2 a.m. on weekends.
