Jc Hooks Cafe

*Might be out of business (again)*
Well I’m here in the parking lot. It’s 11:45 on a Saturday morning. The sign on the door says it opens at 11:00 on Saturday. Guess what? The door is locked! Their Facebook page confirms an 11:00 opening. The place doesn’t look out of business, just closed but it obviously is not a professionally managed establishment.
Several years ago they were located in a different part of Waterbury closer to my home and I would go there because it was close and ok too. I’ve never been to this one. Then their taps were empty/​broken whatever for 6+ months then went out of business. Looks like Mickey Mouse is still running it!

The worst chicken fingers I’ve ever had the misfortune of ordering. I think they just sautéed it because they were too lazy to actually batter and fry.
Only like five beers on tap– I hope you like bud.
I’ll never return as there is nothing redeeming about the bar or food.

So the first time I went here because my friend loves going here for karaōke. DJ didn’t show, bartender was not friendly, place was super dinge, and the patrons were creepy. Also, the place was dead.
Second time I came on a Fri night for a friend’s birthday. It was jampacked (I think a christmas party was simultaneously happening), and close to impossible to get a drink. There was also a cover for some unknown reason. Music was way too loud and just not my type. I also had to park in the back, where I was slightly uncertain if I would make it to my car without getting mugged.

I went there with a friend on a Friday night. We had to pay a $ 5 cover for a live band that started 10pm (we got there around 8:30.) We ordered Long Island Ice Teas and they were $ 8 each. They were strong and good. The bartender was not very friendly. There is one pool table that is in the path on the way to the enclosed smoking area. The pool table doesn’t really have enough room around it when it starts to get busy in that area of the bar.
The enclosed smoking area is the best part of the place. It has a kerosene heater in the center of it.
The live band’s lead singer had a curly mullet. The majority of the people in the place were in the 40’s or older. And for being in Waterbury, there wasn’t a lot of ethnic diversity if you know what I mean. The location of the bar is actually on Meriden Road and not on Chase ave.

Possibly the most happening bar in Waterbury, JC Hooks features DJ’s and a fun, inclusive dance floor. There are tons of drink specials, and like four bartenders, all of whom are nice people. They have an atm on-​site, and a big parking lot. Pretty much everything you need to have a good night out with your friends.