to slow down. Van Houten Ave., once purportedly in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most bars on any single street, began to lose establishments. With fewer patrons coming in the early morning or middle of the day, many bars changed their hours and, as a result, the lunchtime trade began to fade into obscurity. “A lot of people just aren’t coming out in the day anymore. Many bars open at 5 pm just to cater to younger drinkers,” he explained. “But what people don’t understand is that you can come have a great meal and don’t have to have an alcoholic beverage.” “We’ve got soups, lunch and specials every day,” said Skip, who has owned the Clif for a decade. “I get pirogis from Mike (Duch, the owner of Homemade Pirogis on Main Ave.) and make homemade chili every day.” The dwindling day time crowd, coupled with increased insurance rates, tougher drinking laws and the smoking ban, has changed the landscape of the Clifton bar scene. Skip concedes it’s no longer the heyday of the 60’s, but he still gets plenty of friendly faces in his joint. “People still come and sit on the front steps to watch the Fourth of July fireworks at Clifton Stadium,” he said. “And every year on Thanksgiving, the Marching Mustang band alumni association meets here to celebrate and have a reunion.”
Johnny’s Tavern, 110 Ackerman Ave. The late John Penkalski and his wife Emily established this corner bar in 1953 but the location has been a tavern since around 1900. Second generation proprietor John Jr., pictured with his mom, Emily, said like many older neighborhood taverns, Johnny’s still features a big hall in the back, which patrons can rent for parties and meetings. The front bar remains a cornerstone of Botany.
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Robert J. Wertalik,Esq. 881 Allwood Rd., Clifton • 973-777-2400 45 Essex St., Hackensack • 201-487-6200 November 2007 • Clifton Merchant
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