COVER THE WORLD

BY VITO COVINO

Hey, folks.  I am glad to see all the votes and fan mail.  Although it is not all good, opinions are like assholes:  everybody has one.  Mine just happens to get printed on a weekly basis. 

This week, we’re going to change gears a little bit.  We are going to review a club. I figured we would start in Hoboken where New Jersey nightlife is always at its best.  This time out, we will take a walk through O’Donoghue’s on First Street.

I have the luxury of seeing this fine pub through two sets of eyes: as an entertainer and a club goer.  The new ownership has done a 180-degree turn since taking over just a few short months ago.

This place has already undergone some cosmetic changes and looks absolutely great.  The décor is subtle and extremely comfy.  The beer is always ice cold and I always enjoy a frosty Killians after a set.

The room is set up into two separate environs.  If you want to hear today’s best cover bands like the Nerds, the Benjamins, Big Orange Cone, Dogvoices, and Poppa Squat, the stage is there.  If you would rather shoot a game of pool and enjoy the sights of Hoboken’s hottest females, be Ken’s guest.

That’s what I like most about the place.  Whether it is your first time or one hundredth, it feels like home.  The menu is short but sweet, and the wings are awesome.  They have a large choice of bottled and draught beer, and Patrick makes slamming cocktails to suit any taste. 

From the band point of view, this bar always has an established crowd, and they are eager to dance and party.  They make you feel right at home with requests (usually “Freebird”: learn it; trust me) for the band and plenty of beautiful faces to look at and dance with while you’re onstage.  The staff is nice and always takes good care of all.  Plenty of security with Jester and Pedro, but they’re the coolest bouncers in the state.

To be honest, I’ve been to this venue about 10 times, and I have never seen or heard of any altercations.  O’Donoghue’s On First is like a great big house party with better beer and all your friends are always invited.

Whether you want live music, acoustic shows, or just a really good jukebox, this is the spot to be in the City of Hoboken.  They even have great parking.  Just kidding.  It is Hoboken not Heaven.  All in all, two thumbs up for this authentic Irish pub in the heart of Jersey nightlife.

Well, that was fun.  We may have to do another club in the future.  Make sure all you bands be careful; you never know when I’ll be there lurking in the crowd with my recorder so make sure you’re tight.