RaleighWood.net

The Long Branch Entertainment Complex which was a staple in Raleigh night-life is going out of business. The Long Branch was a country bar /saloon complete with a mechanical bull and a real dance floor. the “Entertainment Complex” also housed several other rooms including a “hip hop” room. The club was a popular venue for several big name performers and some not so big performers and events like the “Slaw Slam,” a col-slaw wrestling match. Another long standing Raleigh tradition was to head to the Long Branch after a country concert at Walnut Creak Amphitheater which was always a great time.

There is a note posted on there web-site informing the public:

“It’s been the best 26 years of our lives, but now the time has come to say goodbye. Thank you for being the best customers through the years. Sincerely, Fred Wilburn”

Carolina Brewing Company is about to celebrate their 13th anniversary (marking the sale date of their first keg to 42nd Street).  They’ve named it #13 and it is a Weizen Bock. In an email to CBC fans today, they describe #13 as:

It combines the banana and clove characteristics of a German Hefe Weizen with the rich malt taste and higher alcohol of a Bock. It is deep amber in color, is 6.2% alcohol by volume and is unfiltered.

So get ready for the anniversary celebration on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 42nd Street Oyster Bar in Raleigh. CBC gang will be there from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Oh, and #13 will be on tap.

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There are a couple good shows coming to the Berkeley Cafe this weekend Including, The Nighthawks, Romantica, The Bittersweets, and Bill Kirchen & Too Much Fun. I’ve been told that Bill Kirchen, is one of the best guitar players out there and that he is “one of the most respected pickers in the industry,” by one local musician.

Details can be found on the Berkeley website:

http://berkeleycafe.net/events.html

February, 25, 2008 was the last $2.50 Pint Nite at the Flying Saucer. But do not fear, pint nite is not going away. A flyer posted a various locations at one of my favorite pubs informed patrons that starting on March 3, 2008, Pint Nite would be $2.75. The Two-Fiddy Pint Nite lasted for 10 years, an amazing feat for any bar trying to provide high-quality beer at a low cost.

For some reason, $2.50 Pint Nite had a nice ring to it, $2.75 Pint Nite does not. Maybe “11 Quarter Pint Nite” or “$2 buck - 12 Nickels Pint Nite” could work. Or go with the multi-beer slogan: 2 for Five-Fiddy. Anyway, don’t let this deter you from enjoying a great beer at the Saucer. I also understand that the $2.75 Fire Sale price also allows the Saucer to offer a better variety of beer on Fire Sale.

The Flying Saucer, one of the best bars in Raleigh, is organizing a beer tasting cruise.

Come and experience the unique world of beer from Cayman to Cozumel! Meet your fellow Beerknurds from all of our 12 locations and master new beer facts at tastings and presentations! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to cruise with top rated and award winning brewers and beer experts!

http://www.beerknurd.com/brewscruise.htm

Honestly the chicken wing is one of my favorite animals, very very tasty. There are a lot of good places to grab some wings in the Raleigh Area, so this not an easy one to call. Runner ups include, Ba-Da Wings in Mission Vally, BW3’s in Garner, and a couple others.

However in my mind there is only one place that has the best wings in town, Playmakers on Hillsborough street. They have a wide variety of sauces and their wings are large and meaty. Playmakers also has a great environment, full wait staff, good beer specials, and lots of big TVs.

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