Response to Pastime reopening is resoundingly positive

A month past the opening of the renovated Pastime speaks to the positive changes and renovation work done at the iconic bar and grill.

Sure, the front entry was temporarily closed due to a concrete threshold pour to keep patrons from tripping, but the side/rear entry opens up into a welcoming uncluttered open space. Off to the right, a large raised carpeted floor alcove punctuated by a white bearskin is eye-catching.

A couple of wood love seats with pillows, a small round table and chairs, a plant in the corner, a wall photo and a stainless ram's head artwork suggest a home space rather than a bar. On Friday nights, between 9:00 and midnight, the alcove is the stage for karaoke.

The place is spacious; scattered small tables of various sizes and designs suggest conversational nooks in the midst of plenty of floor space. A large snooker table, billiard table, and pinball share the open space. A couple of digital dartboards line the far wall. Requisite TVs hang overhead or are mounted high so everyone can see.

One may expect a 100-year-old bar to show its age, but the Pastime now wears its age with grace-the bar and tables are clean, the ancient cooler behind the bar has been renovated to look almost new with the old neon lighting, and the interior carries a friendly well-cared-for ambiance. One patron commented that the place is "clean, nice and none of the odor" that permeates some establishments.

Dave Benedict, co-owner turned cook, is pleased that the Pastime is drawing patrons from a wide area; noting that Odessa, Sprague, Moses Lake and Wenatchee name the hometowns of customers-all with no advertising except for word-of-mouth.

He also noted that food sales in the days since re-opening have exceeded liquor sales, which is unusual for a bar. He knows that pizza and burgers make up most food orders, although the home-cut garlic fries have been very popular as well.

Benedict revealed that more additions to the menu are coming, but was not prepared to be specific. He did say that a gluten-free pizza crust is in the works, as is a chicken salad in order to provide a lighter fare option. Emphasis is placed on doing the few offerings well before moving on to multiple additions to the menu.

Sarah, a part-time bartender, said that the specialty cocktails have proved particularly popular. Unfortunately, children cannot come into the Pastime; in the past it was allowed, but the liquor license restrictions require a barrier from the alcohol drinks, which would negatively impact the layout of the space. Visiting hours at the Pastime are 11 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday opens at 11:00 a.m. and closes at 2:00 a.m. Sunday hours are 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

One local couple left a napkin note which fully describes their pleasure at the Pastime: "First impression: Awesome. Somewhere to go where everybody knows your name." Could it be that Cheers has been reincarnated in Ritzville?