This week’s column will focus on one of New London’s most recently opened bars, Dickson’s Tavern. Located on the east side of Bank St. – between Muddy Waters and Lost Soul Tattoo – Dickson’s is among the most spacious drinking/eating venues downtown. The establishment features a pool table, a stage, floor space for dancing, a deck overlooking the Thames River and a sizeable bar table (shaped like the bow of a ship). Two large televisions and a jukebox face the bar table.
Before reviewing Dickson’s available drinks and nightlife, I’d like to begin by discussing a highly important matter that has yet to come up in previous columns – food. Certainly, “bar food” is not a phrase always (or even often) used in a particularly lauding manner, but I will be the first to say that Dickson’s options for lunch and dinner are both delicious and affordable. The establishment offers a complete menu with very reasonable prices. Dickson’s is also one of the only bars downtown which serves food until closing (1:00 a.m on weekdays; 2:00 a.m on weeknights). Doors open at 11:00 a.m.
Now on to drinks. Dickson’s has what I would consider to be one of the most accessible drink selections in town: a number of beers, including Shipyard, Guinness, Long Trail and Bud Light are available on tap, and the bar is always stocked with various hard liquors if you are in the mood for a mixed drink or shot. Two dollar PBR tall boys complete the formula for a satisfied group of patrons.
Regarding patronage, Dickson’s attracts a very eclectic crowd – in terms of age, gender and cultural background. The average patron age on a Friday or Saturday night is somewhere in the mid-20s. Patrons tend to be very friendly and open people, but the establishment is also large enough so that you can always find a private space for you and your friends.
Due to its considerable space, Dickson’s is a great venue to catch a musical performance. The bar table is sufficiently removed from the stage and dancing area – so no need to worry about fighting for space with overzealous audience members as you enjoy a beer. In general, live music is booked for both Fridays and Saturdays. The DJs who play gigs at Dickson’s usually stick to hip-hop and dance music, while live bands are largely acoustic – and, in the past, have played everything from 80s pop to reggae. The bar hosts a popular dubstep night on the third Saturday of every second month.
Regardless of your musical taste, it is likely that a performance to your liking will be booked at Dickson’s within the next month. The musical selection is extremely diverse. And if you like listening to music but prefer a fairly laid-back atmosphere, the deck is always an option during warmer months.
Although they draw the largest crowds, Friday and Saturday performances are by no means the only active times at Dickson’s. The bar has also designated Thursday nights as college nights – which means $3 well drinks with a college ID.
This Thursday, however, will be slightly different. It is Halloween, and in the words of Tammy Dickson – one of the bar’s two owners – “we are going all out.” The bar will be offering grab bags for each person in costume, $3 well drinks all night for everyone, $1 jello shots, $3 signature specialty shots, and $2 bud light drafts. A costume contest will also be held, with a prize bag and $10 gift card awarded to individuals with the best costumes in each of the following categories: best couple, man, woman, scariest, most original, sexiest, funniest, and scariest. The person whose costume is voted “best overall” will win a $100 Dickson’s gift card.
Another event scheduled for Halloween festivities at Dickson’s is a basket raffle. Basket themes will include beer, wine, PBR, football, beauty, Jägermeister, Captain Morgan, Jameson, New Year’s Eve, bakery and gift card, among others. Tickets will be $1 apiece. You can also purchase 10 tickets for $9, or 20 tickets for $18. Proceeds will benefit breast cancer awareness in New London.
Considering its size and variety of entertainment and drink options, Dickson’s Tavern seems, in many ways, the perfect venue for a group of college students. In the words of Tammy, “We want to be a place for college students to unwind, have fun playing pool, ping pong, dancing, listening to music… where they can get good food until close…and good deals on drinks.” I can say with certainty that all of the elements included in this vision – pool, music, food, etc. – have been fully realized, and would encourage anyone interested in exploring the New London bar scene to give Dickson’s a try. The tireless commitment of owners and staff to this establishment has resulted in the emergence of yet another unique and, more important, enjoyable bar experience in New London.
