Dunbars

[www.cornellsun.com]

Sad news indeed

Cornell Daily Sun
Such memories will not make selling the bar, a Collegetown fixture that has seen hundreds of Cornellians pass through its doors, easy, Peppin said.

It's a wonder he was able to keep the place open for 33 years.

I hope he knows how much we appreciate it. And I agree -- God knows how you keep a dive bar open for 30 years after they hike the drinking age and make 80% of your clientele illegal.

Our Cornell experience was created by people like Dave. It didn't just "happen."

Hopefully there will be generations more who carry on, not necessarily that bar or even that type of place, which may by now be as anachronistic as 19th century dance hall with today's yutes, but whatever is analogous now.

Trotsky
I hope he knows how much we appreciate it. And I agree -- God knows how you keep a dive bar open for 30 years after they hike the drinking age and make 80% of your clientele illegal.

Our Cornell experience was created by people like Dave. It didn't just "happen."

Hear, hear.

but whatever is analogous now.

I hope it's not a web site.

ftyuv
I hope it's not a web site.

It needs to have a non-zero* chance of catching something, or they're doing college wrong.

* In the case of Dunbar's, that chance was roughly 50/50.

Trotsky
I hope he knows how much we appreciate it. And I agree -- God knows how you keep a dive bar open for 30 years after they hike the drinking age and make 80% of your clientele illegal.

1) I was making fun of the Sun.

2) If Dunbars 2012 was anything like Dunbars 1990, the change in law did nothing to change the clientele. I drank with a drivers license that a friend found in a cab that said I was 27, blonde and 6'5".

Trotsky

ftyuv
I hope it's not a web site.

It needs to have a non-zero* chance of catching something, or they're doing college wrong.

* In the case of Dunbar's, that chance was roughly 50/50.

aLdKhE_WX36DKe8REnnsNQ_jVPJbEg-avsnHL3K6Zaw.jpg

Not sure how you came to be posting a picture that I could swear I took on my phone, but hey, I guess there's no such thing as bad publicity.

I really hope a possible new owner keeps it exactly the way it is. Although maybe purchasing a broom and a mop would be appropriate upgrades. Every college needs a true dive bar. For Cornell to have one that the Stanley Cup has visited is pretty special. I always make a point to stop in before last call when I'm back in Ithaca. It's truly comforting that Dunbar's has stayed the same all these years. And it seems just as crowded as ever, so it's I would assume it's probably financially viable to keep it running under new ownership. Anybody have an idea what the asking price is?

The problem is that Dunbar's is only crowded for 2-3 hours 2 or 3 nights a week. So it probably isn't that profitable. That is one of the reasons there are so few bars in Collegetown these days.

Students drink where they live, and go out to Collegetown at 11 pm to be seen before hitting after-hours at a fraternity or apartment. And that is if you have ID [fake or otherwise] to get into a bar.

Back in the good old days, when the drinking age was 18, virtually everyone at Cornell, including all the fraternity boys, went out to party at the bars, arriving at 8 or 9, not 11 pm, and staying until closing. We did so for sure Thursday - Saturday, and the other nights of the week weren't completely off the table. While there were fraternity parties, they were the exception, not the rule. I remember spending at least 3 nights a week at the Chapter House, virtually every week, for my four years at Cornell. I actually worked there with Kevin Pettit who tended bar sometimes in season and the place was always packed on weekends.

dag14
The problem is that Dunbar's is only crowded for 2-3 hours 2 or 3 nights a week. So it probably isn't that profitable. That is one of the reasons there are so few bars in Collegetown these days.

Students drink where they live, and go out to Collegetown at 11 pm to be seen before hitting after-hours at a fraternity or apartment. And that is if you have ID [fake or otherwise] to get into a bar.

Back in the good old days, when the drinking age was 18, virtually everyone at Cornell, including all the fraternity boys, went out to party at the bars, arriving at 8 or 9, not 11 pm, and staying until closing. We did so for sure Thursday - Saturday, and the other nights of the week weren't completely off the table. While there were fraternity parties, they were the exception, not the rule. I remember spending at least 3 nights a week at the Chapter House, virtually every week, for my four years at Cornell. I actually worked there with Kevin Pettit who tended bar sometimes in season and the place was always packed on weekends.

Not true with Dunbars, I say they usually get a good crowd 4 nights a week. They're not open Mondays (or is it Sunday?). But Wednesday through Saturday, they are packed.

gonyr
I really hope a possible new owner keeps it exactly the way it is. Although maybe purchasing a broom and a mop would be appropriate upgrades. Every college needs a true dive bar. For Cornell to have one that the Stanley Cup has visited is pretty special. I always make a point to stop in before last call when I'm back in Ithaca. It's truly comforting that Dunbar's has stayed the same all these years. And it seems just as crowded as ever, so it's I would assume it's probably financially viable to keep it running under new ownership. Anybody have an idea what the asking price is?

Looking to see what I could find, I stumbled on this listing for The Nines, which includes the building, for $2,950,000. The Burrito Place business is available for $97,500, presumably without the building. It's not clear from the Sun story whether it's the business or the building plus business that are for sale.

dag14
The problem is that Dunbar's is only crowded for 2-3 hours 2 or 3 nights a week. So it probably isn't that profitable. That is one of the reasons there are so few bars in Collegetown these days.

Students drink where they live, and go out to Collegetown at 11 pm to be seen before hitting after-hours at a fraternity or apartment. And that is if you have ID [fake or otherwise] to get into a bar.

Reminds me of the dire straits facing English pubs, which are closing at calamitous rates. 20 years ago, 90+% of English beer was purchased in pubs (including takeout for consumption at home), but with the rise of American-style big box supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's), the percentage is, IIRC, under 50% now.

Does anyone know if Dave owns the building? I spent a lot of time there. Maybe I'll buy it with some Cornell buddies. I'd be much more interested if he owns the building. Probably not a good investment, but a good excuse for me to get to Ithaca more than once a year.

Would people be offended if some of the music in the jukebox wasn't 40+ years old?

RatushnyFan
Does anyone know if Dave owns the building? I spent a lot of time there. Maybe I'll buy it with some Cornell buddies. I'd be much more interested if he owns the building. Probably not a good investment, but a good excuse for me to get to Ithaca more than once a year.

Would people be offended if some of the music in the jukebox wasn't 40+ years old?

Yes. And don't even THINK about making American Pie one song.

Josh '99

RatushnyFan
Does anyone know if Dave owns the building? I spent a lot of time there. Maybe I'll buy it with some Cornell buddies. I'd be much more interested if he owns the building. Probably not a good investment, but a good excuse for me to get to Ithaca more than once a year.

Would people be offended if some of the music in the jukebox wasn't 40+ years old?

Yes. And don't even THINK about making American Pie one song.

Carly Rae on single-song repeat. Make it so.

I'm pretty confident he does not own the building.

Robb

dag14
The problem is that Dunbar's is only crowded for 2-3 hours 2 or 3 nights a week. So it probably isn't that profitable. That is one of the reasons there are so few bars in Collegetown these days.

Students drink where they live, and go out to Collegetown at 11 pm to be seen before hitting after-hours at a fraternity or apartment. And that is if you have ID [fake or otherwise] to get into a bar.

Reminds me of the dire straits facing English pubs, which are closing at calamitous rates. 20 years ago, 90+% of English beer was purchased in pubs (including takeout for consumption at home), but with the rise of American-style big box supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's), the percentage is, IIRC, under 50% now.

There also seem to be a proliferation of clubs and American-style bars (loud music, small glasses), at least in the cities, for competition. Those places also used to be open later, but my understanding is that the 11pm pub closing time has been relaxed in recent years. Personally, I find people's apparent preferences in that area upside-down. Even in pubs (or gastro-pubs) you'll see e.g., a pint of real ale for 1.85 and a pint of Carlsberg for 2.10. (This was Cardiff a few years ago, so prices may be higher now...)

RatushnyFan
Would people be offended if some of the music in the jukebox wasn't 40+ years old?

You'll have to pry that from the Boomers' cold, dead fingers.

(Which is pretty much what's happening, here.)

Truly the end of an era, but I can't say as I blame Pep.

Dunbar's was my "local" in Collegetown. I lived right around the corner on Dryden Rd. and was in there several nights a week. Usually I'd show up without a jacket because it was such a short walk. Friday happy hour I'd claim a seat right in front of the taps at 4 o'clock, and wouldn't leave until closing. I was such a regular that Dave would cash personal checks for me if I ran out of cash on the weekend (this was in the days before ATMs). I'll have to check, but I may still have a Dunbar's t-shirt or two in a drawer somewhere.

And a trivia question for you youngsters: Who was Dunbar?

Jeff Hopkins '82
Truly the end of an era, but I can't say as I blame Pep.

Dunbar's was my "local" in Collegetown. I lived right around the corner on Dryden Rd. and was in there several nights a week. Usually I'd show up without a jacket because it was such a short walk. Friday happy hour I'd claim a seat right in front of the taps at 4 o'clock, and wouldn't leave until closing. I was such a regular that Dave would cash personal checks for me if I ran out of cash on the weekend (this was in the days before ATMs). I'll have to check, but I may still have a Dunbar's t-shirt or two in a drawer somewhere.

And a trivia question for you youngsters: Who was Dunbar?

I always just figured they named it that due to the color scheme of the bar...

Jeff Hopkins '82
And a trivia question for you youngsters: Who was Dunbar?

I don't know and would like to know if nobody answers!

Not just youngsters might be in the dark; some of us oldsters spent more time with Jim at the Chapter House than with Pep at Dunbar's....

dag14
Not just youngsters might be in the dark; some of us oldsters spent more time with Jim at the Chapter House than with Pep at Dunbar's....

Or the Palms.

And the answer is: Dunbar was Pep's dog at the time he bought the bar in 1979. He was a black lab and appeared on older t-shirts wearing a red scarf and sunglasses.

Jeff Hopkins '82
And the answer is: Dunbar was Pep's dog at the time he bought the bar in 1979. He was a black lab and appeared on older t-shirts wearing a red scarf and sunglasses.

Cool. What was it before?

Jeff Hopkins '82
And the answer is: Dunbar was Pep's dog at the time he bought the bar in 1979. He was a black lab and appeared on older t-shirts wearing a red scarf and sunglasses.

I Googled Dunbar's when this thread started just to see if there was any other information. What I did stumble upon is that the business is incorporated as Dunbar's Fenway Tavern West. Any idea what that's about?

nyc94

Jeff Hopkins '82
And the answer is: Dunbar was Pep's dog at the time he bought the bar in 1979. He was a black lab and appeared on older t-shirts wearing a red scarf and sunglasses.

I Googled Dunbar's when this thread started just to see if there was any other information. What I did stumble upon is that the business is incorporated as Dunbar's Fenway Tavern West. Any idea what that's about?

If the dog was a purebred and registered (like in the American Kennel Club), that might be the dog's formal name. Purebred/show dogs have very fancy names, but their "call name" is something short and easy like "Dunbar" or "Topher".

And if you are going to incorporate a business named after your dog, might as well go all the way.

Rita

nyc94

Jeff Hopkins '82
And the answer is: Dunbar was Pep's dog at the time he bought the bar in 1979. He was a black lab and appeared on older t-shirts wearing a red scarf and sunglasses.

I Googled Dunbar's when this thread started just to see if there was any other information. What I did stumble upon is that the business is incorporated as Dunbar's Fenway Tavern West. Any idea what that's about?

If the dog was a purebred and registered (like in the American Kennel Club), that might be the dog's formal name. Purebred/show dogs have very fancy names, but their "call name" is something short and easy like "Dunbar" or "Topher".

And if you are going to incorporate a business named after your dog, might as well go all the way.

I know Pep is/was a Red Sox fan, so that fits, too.

Jeff Hopkins '82

Rita

nyc94

Jeff Hopkins '82
And the answer is: Dunbar was Pep's dog at the time he bought the bar in 1979. He was a black lab and appeared on older t-shirts wearing a red scarf and sunglasses.

I Googled Dunbar's when this thread started just to see if there was any other information. What I did stumble upon is that the business is incorporated as Dunbar's Fenway Tavern West. Any idea what that's about?

If the dog was a purebred and registered (like in the American Kennel Club), that might be the dog's formal name. Purebred/show dogs have very fancy names, but their "call name" is something short and easy like "Dunbar" or "Topher".

And if you are going to incorporate a business named after your dog, might as well go all the way.

I know Pep is/was a Red Sox fan, so that fits, too.

Really?!? Well, good riddance then!!!

Jeff Hopkins '82
I know Pep is/was a Red Sox fan, so that fits, too.

Is he a Red Sox fan? I know he HATES the Yankees, so that could just be part of the same spectrum. I always thought he was more of a Mets fan. Or just grumpy.

For the record, I'll be wearing my Dunbar's hat tonight, if anyone wants to find me. I don't have the dog shirt, but a number of my (slightly older) friends do, so I figured there was a dog involved in the naming somehow.

Greenberg '97

Jeff Hopkins '82
I know Pep is/was a Red Sox fan, so that fits, too.

Is he a Red Sox fan? I know he HATES the Yankees, so that could just be part of the same spectrum. I always thought he was more of a Mets fan. Or just grumpy.

For the record, I'll be wearing my Dunbar's hat tonight, if anyone wants to find me. I don't have the dog shirt, but a number of my (slightly older) friends do, so I figured there was a dog involved in the naming somehow.

Yeah, I know he likes the Mets, too. And I know he likes the Sox, but that may just be an artifact of hating the Yankees.

Jeff Hopkins '82

Greenberg '97

Jeff Hopkins '82
I know Pep is/was a Red Sox fan, so that fits, too.

Is he a Red Sox fan? I know he HATES the Yankees, so that could just be part of the same spectrum. I always thought he was more of a Mets fan. Or just grumpy.

For the record, I'll be wearing my Dunbar's hat tonight, if anyone wants to find me. I don't have the dog shirt, but a number of my (slightly older) friends do, so I figured there was a dog involved in the naming somehow.

Yeah, I know he likes the Mets, too. And I know he likes the Sox, but that may just be an artifact of hating the Yankees.

He used to have drink specials for every Gooden strikeout, millions of years ago.

Sheesh

Trotsky
He used to have drink specials for every Gooden strikeout, millions of years ago.

Now, specials for parole violations and re-arrests. No longer limited to any one player. It's continuous happy hour.