What was originally a nightclub on Deacon Boulevard is now a successful restaurant and pub just off of Hanes Mall Boulevard. The idea may have changed, but the intent is still the same - to make people feel at ease, or at least give them a good place to get a great drink, which inevitably leads back to the former.
Corbin's Bar Grill is divided into two sides - the dining room and the bar.
One of the nice things about Corbin's is that each side has its own feel to it - the long, dark wood bar occupies the majority of the space on the bar side, but with the built-in finger-like tables jutting out from one side and rows of bar stools on the other - there's really more room than meets the eye. The dining side is naturally more open and expansive, with a series of booths running along both walls and a series of tables and chairs in between.
Once or twice a month Corbin's will have live music, usually of the blues or rock 'n' roll variety, although it is the latter that will be served this month when Tack kicks out the jams for a free show Jan.
19.
No matter what night of the week it is, there's always something going on, even if it's just the usual levity and mirth that arises from the combination of good friends, great drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere. Whether you're just stopping by for a quick pint on your way someplace else, or you're well-rooted for the evening in a seat at the bar, Corbin's is a good place to kick back, enjoy the local scene, maybe take in a game, and have a good time.
Where are you: Corbin's Bar Grill.
Address: 520 Hanes Mall Blvd., Winston-Salem (in Pavilions Shopping Center).
Phone: 768-3301.
Hours: 11 a.m.
to 10 p.m. Monday, 11 a.
m. to 11 p.m.
Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.to 2 a.
m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.
Sunday.
Cover charge: None.
Web site: None.
What it's known for: Being a scenic central gathering spot, just off the interstate, where a wide variety of people can be united no matter which team, party, or agenda they're rooting for, to enjoy some common pleasantries: good food and great beer.
The crowd: Lots of 9-to-5ers gather here after a hard day's work, as well as a sizable college crowd that congregates when the sun goes down. Sports fans find sanctuary at the bar next to fans of fine barroom dining and lovers of live music, in addition to the occasional random passerby from the shopping center seeking suds and shelter.
The music: For the most part your Corbin's soundtrack is supplied by the house sound system, generally playing something of the rock 'n' roll variety to where it's not unusual to hear Tom Petty, AC/DC, The Clash and the Stones in the same sitting. Once or twice a month, Corbin's treats its patrons to live music courtesy of some of the Triad's own blues, acoustic and rock 'n' roll talent.
The stuff: On the bar side are five TV screens mounted high behind the bar and tuned to ESPN, in addition to a giant projection screen (for Sunday football fanatics) and the ever-loving grace of the foosball table in the corner (for the futbol hooligans).
There's also an LED sports ticker scrolling behind the bar. On the dining-room side are four TV screens for your viewing pleasure while you chew.
The atmosphere: Depending on what side of Corbin's you're on, and what night of the week you're there, the atmosphere can generally either be laid-back and low-key (the dining room side) or full-throttle and frenetic (the bar half), especially if there's a live band playing or a very intense game on the wall of TV screens.
Dancing: Even though there's no dance floor per se, when you're lucky enough to catch some live music here, dancing is just sometimes unavoidable.
What people wear: Everything from suits and ties to T-shirts and short shorts is allowed at Corbin's Bar Grill. Some folks show up in their work clothes; some come in their after-work clothes; some may be wearing their favorite team's away-jersey; while others can be dressed to the nines in whatever they wear to work the crowd.
Eats and drinks: Seven beers are on tap behind the bar (Blue Moon, Yuengling, Magic Hat and more), along with an impressively well-rounded selection of bottled import and domestic brews, not to mention a wide range of liquors, wines and spirits. To soak up those tasty treats, Corbin's has a food menu with everything from fresh salads and homemade soups to wings, burgers and homemade chili.
Smoke factor: Smoking is allowed on both sides of Corbin's and even though the ceiling fans and ventilation system give it their best shot to clear the air, when the bar side gets crowded the restaurant half is usually pretty smoky as well.
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