Clarendon Grill – Bring Your Hard Hat

The decorative scheme at Clarendon Grill is obvious. From the scaffolding on the ceiling to the embedded nails, hammers, nuts, and bolts at the bar, patrons are reminded that they are in a construction site. I understand what they were going for, I just can’t figure out why. Do young professionals secretly yearn to toil nine hour days in the piping heat, after which, they can crack open a few cold ones with their worker buddies? Is Clarendon Grill this fantasy realized?

Despite the odd choice of décor, Clarendon Grill is an ideal venue for entertainment. As you walk in, there is a lower level to the right where various bands set up. The floor is expansive enough to enable dancing and mingling without too much discomfort. Gonzo’s Nose, an 80’s and 90’s cover band, was playing on my last visit. They were extremely entertaining and managed to sound surprisingly like the original artists they mimic—from Duran Duran, to Everclear, to Gwen Stefani. The list is an extensive one. Fans can even visit their website to purchase the must-have of all fanatic attire, the Gonzo’s Nose women’s thong. I digress.

The Bar is set above the dance floor, and albeit by only a few feet, it offers a great perspective for not only watching the band, but for scrutinizing the often overly-intoxicated crowd on the dance floor. Perhaps the greatest feature of Clarendon Grill is the patio. It allows for a much needed escape to those whose ears are ringing, or to those with a nagging cigarette craving. When the weather is nice, the patio is a place to relax with friends--especially now, since they have used some of the construction paraphernalia inside to renovate it.

Clarendon Grill is comfortably expansive, thoroughly entertaining, and well worth the 7$ band cover. So bring your hard hat, and enjoy whatever weekend entertainment they have on tap.