Local Cinci bar re-opens as Corner Tavern and Grill

   Local Cincinnati bar, The Den/The Room has changed its name and overall approach to student life. The newly renovated Corner Tavern and Grill opened its re-envisioned doors on Sept. 8.

The renaming of the establishment came after a sense of confusion from customers, said Anthony Duncan, owner of the Corner Tavern and Grill. The new name was later adopted as certain renovations took place to enhance what the Tavern could offer patrons.

“We decided to rename it Corner Tavern and Grill, and that’s how we changed the den portion a bit,” Duncan said. “But we did leave the room alone and the same out here (patio) and we added a full kitchen in there.”

A big walk-in, hoods, grills and a number of other renovations were also made as part of the process, Duncan said.

Jonathan Torres, mechanical engineering junior, has re-acquainted himself with the new Corner Tavern and Grill, once the famed location of the O2 Lounge, which reopened in December of 2011 as The Den/ The Room.

“At first glance I thought it looked too small,” Torres said. “But after I went in, I was attracted to the dark, chill environment. The selection of drinks was extensive.”

Torres said the atmosphere made him feel relaxed.

“It’s really dark, but once you’re outside there’s lights, music and visuals,” Torres said. “Two different settings to be in.”

Ania Tchoshanova, English and American literature junior, described the venue as a comfortable option on Cincinnati Avenue.

“I think I like the way it’s been rebuilt, from what it used to be it’s a lot more spacious,” Tchoshanova said. “The placement is comfortable, I think it’s good for students and it’s aimed at the younger demographic.”

According to Duncan, the Tavern’s menu may be extended to accommodate more UTEP customers and create a lounge open to everyone.

“We’re trying to be kind of a nice college hangout,” Duncan said. “Where the professors would like it, the students would like it and some of the professionals that work in the area would too. So hopefully it works out that way.”

The Tavern’s menu includes burgers, salads, sandwiches and fish tacos, to name a few. Duncan said they are trying to have comfort type foods at fair prices, like the hamburger at $4.95.

Oscar Mendoza, political science junior, said he appreciates the new addition to the menu, which has built on what he felt was already satisfying.

“It’s a great addition and a great place to unwind and enjoy good food with a cold beer,” Mendoza said. “Their amaretto sours are crazy delicious, best in Cinci.”

Aside from the renovations, Duncan said that they are trying different things, such as deejays on Tuesday nights.

They will also have Sunday Funday, which will go through Oct. 16.

“I like the ambiance at night, I like any place that has an outside patio because I feel it gives you more freedom,” Tchoshanova said. “I think it is student oriented, especially because of the location, it’s very close to UTEP and it’s in the Cincinnati district.”

The Corner Tavern and Grill will host the Mike Price show every Wednesday at 7 p.m. during the month of September while it alternates between the Border City Ale House, which Duncan also owns.

“I hope that UTEP and the community embrace the place and like it and come in,” Duncan said. “If there’s something they’d like to see us do, I hope they’re open to come in and tell us, ‘like hey, you ought to try this,’ or ‘you’re missing something around here’ because we’re open for anything like that.”

The Corner Tavern and Grill is located on 2700 N. Mesa and serves food from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and closes at 2 a.m.

Mario Simental may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.