Friars Tavern — Restaurant in Town of North Hempstead

Met here at 9am before an Islanders game. The only bar open at such an hour. We walked in to then be berated with insults due in large part to my Bruins jersey. The bartender was funny, and quiet the handsome gentlemen. At the end of the bar, puffing a cigarette was a man know as Dougie Fresh - Little did we know, this chance encounter would change our lives. Dougie, with his thick New York accent with maybe a touch of Jersey - had a bellowing deep voice that could be heard like the crack of a bell. Claiming to be a millionaire with a bad attitude, this giant of a man turned out to be our greatest friend. Even if, for a breif night. We left, enjoyed the islanders game, went to a couple bars and met Dougie again. Where we drank and we drank till the wee small hours of the morning. Arguing, laughing but most importantly, drinking (it was like midnight at this point, we drank a lot). Dougie, offering a ride to our hotel and a quick stop at Popeyes for a healthy dose of fat and carbs to fill our bellies was the cherry on top of this Drunken Ice Cream Sundae. We left the next morning, without much of a trace but some leftover Popeyes and maybe some errant splashes of vomit from a long night of heaving. Though, a fleeting text from a kindred spirit as the town of Uniondale fades in our rearview... "Thanks for hanging. I will see you soon, my friends - Dougie Fresh".

All of this could not be possible without Friars Tavern being open at 9am...

Came here to watch the soccer game… I should’ve realized that it was a red flag that only 3 people were there on such a busy night. The bartender was sexist, racist, and homophobic. He was also drunk. He would make fun of Spanish, he would make fun of soccer, and call the soccer players the f word. I get that Long Island has quite a few racists, but the bartender whilst two Latin American countries are playing soccer? The BARTENDER? When I left he said “I would touch you but I don’t want to get arrested.” Hands down the worst bartender I’ve ever met. Does he want to get paid?...

The unfortunate part of getting older is the reality of a hangover in the morning. And there is no better cure then friars in the morning. Between the patrons and the bartenders it’s always a great time. The beers are always ice cold and the place is always spotless. Not everyone works a 9-5 so a bar open at 8am is exactly what this world needs. Family owned and operated for over 80 years. 🍻to another 80. Ask joe jr for a tic-tac, your life will be...