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Happy Hours in Silver Spring

Review of Piratz Tavern

MCR Rating:

Good

8402 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, MD 20910

Google Map

(301) 588-9001

Venue Website

Specials		Drink	Food
Monday	4pm-7pm	Half-price Grog (rum concoction, becomes $2.50/glass, $5.00/mug), half-price sangria (becomes $3), $1 off bottled beers (become $3.25 to $5.50).	None.	Yes
Tuesday	4pm-7pm	Half-price Grog (rum concoction, becomes $2.50/glass, $5.00/mug), half-price sangria (becomes $3), $1 off bottled beers (become $3.25 to $5.50).	None.	Yes
Wednesday	4pm-7pm	Half-price Grog (rum concoction, becomes $2.50/glass, $5.00/mug), half-price sangria (becomes $3), $1 off bottled beers (become $3.25 to $5.50).	None.	Yes
Thursday	4pm-7pm	Half-price Grog (rum concoction, becomes $2.50/glass, $5.00/mug), half-price sangria (becomes $3), $1 off bottled beers (become $3.25 to $5.50).	None.	Yes
Friday	4pm-7pm	Half-price Grog (rum concoction, becomes $2.50/glass, $5.00/mug), half-price sangria (becomes $3), $1 off bottled beers (become $3.25 to $5.50).	None.	Yes

Special is available in the restaurant area.

Performance

Food:Good
Service:Excellent
Atmosphere:Excellent
Price:Average

Vitals

Capacity: Small # Bars: 1 # Floors: 1 # Draft Beers: 0 Wine selection: Some Liquor selection: Full Only in MoCo: Yes

Themes/Styles: Restaurant w/Bar Parking Accessibility: Tolerable About 1.5 miles from I-495 Exit 31. There are multiple garages in the area to choose from with varying rates. Avoid the smaller private lots, as they close early and may leave you stranded. The Metro lot on Bonifant St offers 3-hour parking until 7pm, at a rate of $0.60/hr; long-term parking also available for $0.50/hr.
Metro Accessibility: Easy Two blocks from Silver Spring Metro station (Red Line).

What is Piratz Tavern?

Piratz Tavern is a corner bar in the heart of Silver Spring. The front is the restaurant area, with a passage in the back leading to the bar area and patio. The owners did not skip any details when it came to filling out the pirate theme, and the dark furnishings and narrow layout create a cozy yet cavernous feel. Outside Area: Yes. Fenced-in patio in rear of building with tables and heaters during the cold months. Entertainment: No.

Our Review

The first thing you’ll notice about Piratz Tavern is the detail the establishment puts into its décor. Everything about the place says “Pirate,” from the staff outfits to the menu offerings. The Grog was strong and well worth the $2.50 (and if you go for the $5 mug, it is all you’ll need to drink for the night). The sangria is tasty, but not as strong as the Grog (but hey, not much is). There are no draft beers, and the bottled beers are of the more “exotic” type (and a bit pricey). The appetizers are quite original and pretty tasty, but the quantity was a bit small for the price. You’re better off sticking to the decently priced sandwiches. The ambiance is very cozy: dim lighting and sporadic candles, along with the dark shadows and wood fixtures, allow you to sink in to the surroundings quite well. The bartender was extremely friendly and engaging, even while busy with other chores. Experiencing all of this will delay your realization that the place is not very busy. We do believe the bartender that the warmer months bring more a crowd, so consider your time of year when choosing how much action you want around you. But even without being busy, the interesting style, cozy atmosphere, and engaging staff do allow socialites to enjoy a level of mingling and conversation.

The Run Down

If you’re a fan of true theme bars, pirate fun in general, or good rum drinks, Piratz Tavern is a good place to bury your treasure. If you’re looking for cheap domestic light beer and good deals on traditional, filling appetizers, you better walk the plank.

Reviewed by Lee on Wednesday, February 20, 2008.