Roark’s Tavern

First and foremost this bar is a staple in Monticello, NY’s heritage. And to be noted I cannot give it a perfect 5 stars simply because Monticello itself cannot be justly rated. Incoming Human resource aside, this homely Irish pub sits just off Broadway and offers the gritty yet refined gruff that any and all blue collar north east Irish style bars can provide. If you have character in your knuckles behind your glass, this is your dive.
A working mans menu, a colorful yet tough family behind the bar and their kind hearted staff included, classic brick building surrounded by classic brick buildings. If you’ve got the guts go grab a glass.
The locals love it, the place turns up on a Friday or a Saturday but an early evening is perfect the shaky hearted philosopher or the sobering conversation you might never be ready for.

Drank here last year. Told my mom about it after and laughed when I found out that my parents used to hang out and have drinks there when they first moved to the area, before I was born. I got quite hungry while drinking, so we ended up having to get fast food, but it was a pretty good time. Might be back someday. :)

Roarks Tavern holds a lot of memories for me. This was my first bar when I was in high school, at a time when the drinking age was 18, and Jimmy Carter was president. Scary as it is to think that my first visit to Roarks was thirty five years ago, I visited Roark’s last evening and found that it is possible to go home again.
The place has changed some since my first visit, and for the better. It appears that they’ve brought down a dividing wall, resulting in a more open and inviting environment, and installed a few newer pool tables as well. I did not see a Foosball table (to me Roarks is synonymous for Foozball), but perhaps I did not look hard enough. On this Friday evening, there were about thirty people there, though I likely was at least 25 years older than anyone else there. Everyone seemed to know everyone else, and everyone was in a great mood. Though I only stayed for a drink, I was happy to know that the Roarks tradition continues in Monticello. I am now middle aged, Jimmy Carter is an elder statesman, and Roarks is still a great place to visit with friends.

If you don’t dig this place, you weren’t there for the days that Cricket poured pitchers and Woodstock leftovers played DJ.
If you’re a barfly, if you love barflys, or if you aspire to be a barfly, visit Roarks.
Drink it up and hit up Nap’s Pizza on the corner before you head home.
A Catskill destination.
F@ck NYC. Go swim at Minewaska and then douse your sunburn at Roarks.