100 Proof Bar and Bites — Restaurant in Butler

100 Proof: A Cautionary Tale of Missed Potential

There’s a certain romance to the dive bar — the sticky floors, the hum of neon lights, the unpretentious promise of cheap drinks and honest conversations. “Track Side” was one of those places, a grungy little spot with character. But when it reemerged as 100 Proof, boasting a sleek renovation and higher aspirations, it promised to be something more. Sadly, that promise was never fulfilled.

The new owners, though ambitious, clearly came to this industry from elsewhere, and it shows. They introduced 100 Proof as an upscale bar, complete with prices to match, but their execution fell flat. Food that is inconsistent at best, service that borders on apathetic, and an atmosphere that feels more self-serving than guest-focused make for an underwhelming experience. One would think the owners’ strong presence might steer things in the right direction, but instead, it often feels like they’re hosting their own party — blasting jarring music and prioritizing their own enjoyment over their patrons’.

Regulars, myself included, have taken note. Reviews on Google reflect the same frustrations, and unfortunately, the staff doesn’t seem to help matters. One server in particular, Hector, comes across as more interested in hitting on female guests than actually serving them. The vibe he brings is uncomfortable at best, predatory at worst — enough for me to stop bringing dates entirely.

There are bright spots, though. Chris, one of the bartenders, is probably the best thing 100 Proof has going for it. He’s professional, skilled, and always seems to have a genuine focus on making guests feel welcome. It’s clear he cares, which stands in stark contrast to much of the rest of the staff. If only the owners recognized the value of employees like him and built the operation around that kind of excellence.

For a moment, there was even more hope. Enter Anthony, a manager who seemed to understand the industry and was working to correct the course. His hands, however, were tied by the owners, whose lack of experience seemed to stifle his potential to create real change. Firing him was a curious and telling choice, one that feels like the final nail in 100 Proof’s coffin.

A year after its opening, 100 Proof still struggles to reconcile its ambitions with its reality. What could have been a promising new chapter for a local favorite now feels like another predictable story of squandered potential. As it stands, 100 Proof feels destined to join the long list of failed Northern Jersey bars. My advice? Save yourself the...

The new owners gave this place a complete and total face lift. If you hadn’t been here prior you can’t fully appreciate the amount of sleek chic elegance they brought to the area. Think Hoboken vibes for Butler.

First and foremost the option of picking the fun bar down stairs or the intimate dining experience upstairs is an AMAZING touch. Some nights I want to party 🎉 and other nights I want to enjoy a dinner with good company and actually be able to hear them speak. Having these options makes this place a win win.

They throw phenomenal weekend events & celebrate holidays with DJ’s and room to dance! Highly recommend following them on social media to stay in the loop.

The custom cocktails are DELICIOUS! The Proof Punch, Prooftini and Espresso Martini have given my girlfriends and I an excuse to get out and support this local business.

The Chef has knocked a few dishes out of the park! The Salmon, Skirt Steak, Burgers and Pulled Pork sliders will make you drool! If it’s your first time I suggest coming with 3-4 friends and getting a little bit of everything! Oh and the bar pies are the thin crust kind you typically find in Europe…. absolutely yummy!

We have made this our favorite new spot and are delighted to know they also rent the place out for private events!!! If you’re passing by, in the mood to try something new, want to mingle with some great bartenders or just want to watch the game on one of their 10 tvs THIS PLACE IS WORTH CHECKING OUT!!

Wishing them the...

Walk in. The sweet lady who works the lunch shift greets me and gets me a beer in the middle of what seemed like a shift change. Wait 10 minutes while Stacy whines and moans that the bar isn't set up correctly. Tends to her only two other set of customers. I wait patiently. I finally ask for a menu from someone else as she hasn't even acknowledged me. Sit there for another 15 min with my menu closed. She finally comes up after my beer is empty for 5 min and asks what I'm drinking. I simply say... I'm good... Been waiting 25 min to order. Pulls my glass away and tells me gtfo and and some vulger comments follow. Lady needs to find a new profession. She's not meant for a job that requires customer service. She's foul to put it nicely. This was my 4th time there. Every other time was positive - polite and attentive staff with the exception of her. Ashame I have to even write this but no customer should be treated so poorly for being displeased for waiting 25 min. Place was empty. Not a chance I ever go back while...