Friday, August 9, 2019

Jazz For You at 1881

By LEO ALMONTE

Looking for a new watering hole that’s different?

The 1881 Bar and Lounge in North East Pasadena is a favorite watering hole for eclectics who loves music and cocktails.

A diverse crowd composed of intellectuals, artists, rocket scientists, academics, entertainers, and musicians spend their evenings in 1881 to while away their time enjoying live jazz performers.

“We don’t come here to get drunk or to hit on girls,” said one customer. “We come here to talk to each other, have a good time, and just embrace the community.”

The ambiance makes this jazz bar unique. Many regular patrons come from neighborhoods that are walking distance away from 1881. They prefer to engage in social dialogue and get into insightful conversations with other customers.

The owners of Altadena Ale & Wine House bought 1881 some years back and infused new life to the bar. They upgraded its beverage selection and included classic cocktails, daily happy hours with beer, wine, and champagne.

“The owners revamped this place, and the concept is very different from the previous 1881,” wrote a customer in a review. “There are craft beers on tap, and carefully selected wines. Their cocktails are especially interesting.”

One of the owners of Altadena Ale & Wine House explained that they wanted to extend their community from the westside of Altadena to the eastside of Altadena and northeast side of Pasadena at 1881.

Customers of the ‘old’ 1881 are pleased how the bar had been ‘reborn.’ The refurbished look includes improved lighting, quality stools, more comfortable chairs, artworks, better acoustics, and excellent repainting work. Patrons rave about a digital jukebox that can be operated using an App on their phones.

1881 is synonymous to a haven with soothing jazz music, worthwhile conversations; and choicest drinks.

1881 Bar hours are from 2:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily, with Happy Hour from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day. Friday night Jazz, Saturday Jazz/Folk/bluegrass, Tuesday Night is Karaoke, and Wednesday night is LGBT Disco Night. The bar is located at 1881, E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 314-2077 or visit www.1881Pasadena.com.