If you ask a New Londoner to describe the Oasis Pub, it is almost certain that the word hipster will come up. Indeed, with its emphasis on underground DJs and up-and-coming indie rock bands – as well as an impressive beer selection – Oasis is generally classified as being among the most “alternative” bars in town.
By one token, this image is quite positive; it suggests good music, cool patrons, and an enticingly subversive vibe. But several potent concerns are also likely to arise as one contends with the idea of entering a particularly “hip” venue, especially – as was often the case in my own bar-hopping this summer – if one is alone. Will there be an air of exclusivity? Will my clothing, or other elements of my appearance, make me stick out in an obvious and alienating way? How will bartenders react to a patron whom they have not seen before?
To those for whom such questions may accompany the prospect of entering Oasis, rest assured that this bar is neither pretentious nor exclusive. Although many of its patrons may identify – or be identified by their peers – as hipsters, the establishment’s crowd is fairly eclectic. Particularly on weeknights, one can expect to see a diversity of ages and cultural backgrounds (to use a term which is terribly vague but, for my purposes here, effective) represented. Put more bluntly, Oasis is not just a kid’s club. It is also an after-work destination for individuals from a number of vocations. The bartenders are friendly and open to all patrons, young or old, new or regular.
Located on Bank St. (two store fronts away from Captain’s Pizza, between Y-Knot and Lost Soul Tattoo), Oasis is made easily recognizable by its large, white-lettered sign and a semi-cylindrical window – adjacent to the front door – which juts onto the sidewalk. There will generally be a few people smoking out front. (Prof. Graesch and I collected great samples here).
When you enter the establishment, you will find yourself in a single rectangular room, approximately 20 x 100 ft. Along the left wall is the bar, which spans roughly half the length of the room, lined with roughly 20 stools. Behind the bar (against the wall) are several shelves featuring various hard liquors (Maker’s Mark, Johnny Walker Black Label, Kettle One, etc.), a 20 tap system, and a mini-fridge featuring an array of bottled beers.
Oasis places great emphasis on its wide – and continuously changing – selection of beers, which range from PBR (which, along with Guinness, is always on tap) to various craft and seasonal brews. Among the beers that have been available during my visits to the establishment are Grumpy Monk (a Sam Adams craft beer), Pump King (a Southern Tier product) and several varieties of Dogfishhead – just to name a few. And if you don’t trust me on this wide selection, stop inside Oasis one night and look up. Along three of the establishment’s walls, close to the ceiling, run double-rows of taps, all of which were – at one point in time – featured among the twenty available draft beers at Oasis. I would estimate that well over 100 taps are displayed.
Perhaps the most striking element of these unusual decorations is that they are far from retired. Oasis consistently returns to each of the taps that peer down at patrons from its walls.
On the off chance that nothing available on tap is to your liking, more hard-to-come-by beers can be found in the fridge. These include Innis and Gunn, Stone, and Woodchuck Hard Cider. Also available in bottle are Corona Light, Bud Light, and several other standards.
Beyond the bar is a large floor area with a single pool table. Further back, against the rear wall, is a stage. During concert nights, the pool table is dissembled and tucked beneath the stage so that patrons can dance in the floor area.
Perhaps even more than its beer selection, the defining characteristic of Oasis is its commitment to booking high-quality musicians. Because the bar has no televisions, music is its primary form of entertainment. Every Thursday, Oasis plays host to a local DJ hired by Sean, the bar’s manager, who has been involved with New London’s diverse and highly active music scene for nearly a decade. The first Thursday of each month is dubstep night, while following Thursdays feature less dance-oriented DJs who perform fairly eclectic sets abundant with deep cuts.
Fridays and Saturdays often see both local and national bands – generally grouped under the designation of “indie rock” – perform on the Oasis stage. Although many patrons choose to dance, there is no stigma on sitting at the bar and enjoying some quality tunes over a slow drink.
Even on non-performance nights, one can expect good music at Oasis. The establishment has no jukebox (so no worries about someone dropping $50 to hear the entire Creed catalogue), and places bartenders in charge of song selection. All bartenders have (in my humble opinion) great taste in music, and consistently try to play tracks that their patrons will enjoy.
Overall, Oasis has the makings of a perfect space for college students. The bartenders (as well as the patrons) are friendly, the music is the fantastic and the changing beer selection keeps people interested. I’ve visited the bar alone as well as with friends and have always had a great experience.
