BRISTOL — A tavern called ND’s, named after proprietors Nina Badger and David Bannister, is set to replace the bar formerly known as Dan’s Place on the east end of Main Street in Bristol by mid June.
After Dan Palmer closed his bar in February, he was unable to reopen as planned in April.
Fortunately for the loyal following of Dan’s Place frequenters, Badger (who helped Palmer initially decorate and set up his spot) and Bannister (one of Palmer’s investors) are promising a bar very reminiscent of its former self.
“I would say that it’ll be kind of like Switzerland — a neutral place,” joked Bannister. “It’ll be a friendly town bar where anyone who wants to come and act respectable is welcome.”
The overall layout of the tavern, which the owners said is a new establishment and has nothing to do with Dan’s Place, will have a similar seating arrangement and bar layout to the previous pub. The bar, however, is getting a facelift.
“Behind the bar will be completely reconstructed with new coolers, new kegerators and a whole new look,” said Bannister, who also noted that the kitchen will be revamped with new equipment, the floors will be redone and a handicap-accessible bathroom will be installed. Pool fanatics can rest assured the table will remain.
ND’s will serve food, but Bannister explained that the menu might be less expansive than Dan’s, focusing mainly on bar food like burgers, wings, fries, pizza, salad and soups.
“The drinks will be very similar to Dan’s,” said Bannister. “We’ll have some domestic beers, imported beers and microbrew beers. We’ll have both draft and bottled beers. We’ll have a full hard liquor license, so we’ll be able to mix pretty much anything anybody wants.”
The bar will host a wide range of entertainment. According to Badger, Monday night will be trivia and game night, on Tuesday the tavern will hold darts tournaments, Wednesday will be pool tournaments, Thursday will be karaoke and comedy night, and locals can expect live music on Friday and Saturday.
Badger and Bannister are hoping to unlatch the doors on ND’s before June 15, but construction and routine state permitting still stand between them and their opening night. Additionally, they’re looking to hire a cook, a hostess and waitress and a backup bartender.
Although they’ll need the help of some extra hands, Badger and Bannister plan on doing most of the work themselves. ND’s patrons can expect see one or both of the proprietors behind the bar pouring drinks and they’ll be the one’s running the show.
“It will be a hands-on operated business by the owners,” said Bannister.
Reporter Andrew Stein is at [email protected]