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Struggling former dive bar The Hammer received a televised makeover on nightlife expert Jon Taffer's reality TV show Bar Rescue, but will finally shutter tonight, almost three years after being transformed into Hammer & Ales.
The 24/7 bar will replaced by a new, "different, better" concept, Owl, run by Stephan Galdau and his SMG Hospitality company. Galdau revealed earlier this month he intends to immediately get to work on the space and re-open on May 1. Offering his own spin on a tavern, he still intends to keep an emphasis on the "local," a central part of Taffer's lessons to luring regulars to this industrial section of West Russell Road.
Owl has applied to keep the bar's video poker gaming license and plans to feature 24 taps with eight dedicated to Nevada producers, including Tonopah Brewing Co. Also available, 120 beers in cans and bottles and "170 different spirits." Expect to hear "classic rock" and "classic hip-hop" while you try them out.
Hammer & Ales earned a steady following for their casual food, in particular their burgers, but Galdau will also be revamping the menu, turning it into a "100% farm to table" experiment, including "lamb, beef, pork, fish" dishes.
