It's hard to be confused on what kind of crowd
Trader Jacks Roadside is catering
to if you've been to the bar in DeLand. The motorcycle hanging inside and the
other one hanging off of a tree out back make it obvious.
Even though my
friends and I didn't ride in on Harleys last weekend, we felt quite welcome. The
bartending staff greeted us with smiles and was quick with the beers. That's as
long as you're inside -- once we went out back to the covered deck it was a bit
harder to flag someone down, most likely because they are so busy
inside.
With $1.75 beers and 25-cent wings, it's no wonder the place had
a good crowd, even with the deluge outside. The rain probably wasn't as much of
a deterrent for locals as it was a pain for me. Even though the address is
DeLand, this bar isn't right off the interstate; it's a bit of a trek, bordering DeLeon Springs. In fact, when I told my friend who lives out there to meet me, she
countered with a "you sure you want to drive that far?"
An hour to be
exact, but the folks at Trader Jacks had put up quite a mail and phone campaign
a couple of months back to get me out there to check it out, and I know you all
don't live in downtown Orlando. I always try my best to not make this column all
Orange Avenue or Church Street.
That said, this city mouse had a pretty good time, even with the drive. My
friends and I took seats under the outdoor covered deck, where we were
entertained by a guitarist who really loved Pearl Jam -- it felt like every
other cover was a song from the band. But I like Pearl Jam, so I dug it, and the
guy was a good singer. It also helped that a good portion of his catalog was
early '90s, which is always looked upon favorably in my camp. Especially when
inside, where it was as though country music had exploded all over the
jukebox.
Even though we stayed outside, inside there is a lot to do, with
video games, a pool table and one of those grab-a-stuffed-animal machines that
will eat up more of your change than it would to buy the toy
outright.
TVs and projection screens were playing NASCAR or some kind of
car racing when I was there, and picnic-style tables were scattered in the front
of the bar with people noshing on those 25-cent wings. I knocked down 10
teriyaki style myself, and they were not only tasty but huge, always a plus when
it comes to wings.
Inside there's another stage in the corner, where the
bar hosts live entertainment most weekends. In fact, this Sunday would be a
great time to check out Trader Jacks if you're in the area -- every second
Sunday the bar has free barbecue; this Sunday there will also be a poker run
benefit for a patron injured in an automobile accident. Registration is 9:30-11
a.m. at Trader Jacks, $5 per hand. There will also be an auction, raffles and
live music later in the day.
Whether you live in the area, ride a
motorcycle or dig yummy cheap wings, Trader Jacks is a stop you may want to
check out. The bar is at 4425 N. Highway 17 in DeLeon Springs, ahem, I mean
DeLand. Call 386-985-3636.
