It’s not too often that I venture to Brady Street, simply because of the abundance of bicyclists. My abilities behind the wheel are less than desirable, and I can’t afford another insurance claim. However, I succumbed to my morbid curiosity when there was rumored to be a fireman-themed bar among the uncountable establishments catering to hipsters.
I thoroughly enjoy setting things ablaze. Whether I get off on the actual burning of items or the possibility of a hoard of uniformed men coming to my rescue is what remains in question. Unfortunately for me, the only firemen I would encounter at Hosed on Br
ady (corner of Brady and Franklin Place) were the risqué photographs strategically placed in the women’s bathroom. And they may have used the term “themed” in the lightest sense of the word because I don’t think tacking various pieces of gear to the walls and lining the bar in an old hose constitutes a theme.
But we the consumers don’t really go to the bar to admire the artwork now do we? While Hosed’s idea of décor leaves something to be desired, it’s apparently dog-friendly as I was introduced to Bruno the basset hound and informed that any well-mannered canine is a welcome customer. Plus, Hosed truly redeems itself in the specials department. A $1 can of PBR or Blatz on Thursday nights? Yes, please. A buy one, get one happy hour from 2-7 p.m.? Don’t mind if I do. And $4.50 mini-pitchers of Miller every weekend? Well hot damn, you guys really know
the way to a girl’s heart. (Check out the Facebook page for additional specials.)
Of course none of this would be quite as magical if the bartender was anyone but Reid (last name has been removed to protect the innocent). He politely obliged when we asked that he serve our shots donning a fire-proof coat and even showed us the circus that occurs should the trucks of Fire Station Engine No. 6 sound their sirens, which includes a round of shots on the bar. I could be subconsciously stalking him since he also tends at Red Rock Saloon and makes occasional cameos at Whiskey Bar. I asked him about the outcome of Hosed’s one-year anniversary party, which was scheduled for Sept. 18. He informed me that the event was in the process of being rescheduled, so be on the lookout for a new date and request an invitation. A bit of forewarning though, Reid seems to have caught Bieber Fever, so don’t be surprised should Justin start crooning from the speakers.
Hosed left me feeling slightly mislead in its firefighter claim, but it was nothing that free popcorn and some cheap beer couldn’t cure. What can I say? I’m a cheap date.
