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The Mole Hole
A part of downtown ’ s vibrant bar scene is The Mole Hole , sitting in Public Square since 2019 . While the establishment is most known for its fun and whimsical atmosphere , carrying a wide array of chocolates and eccentric gift items and home decor , the business reached new heights with the addition of The Tipsy Toad , which owner Tammy Hoehler deems a “ happy accident .” Initially , Hoehler sought out a liquor license from the state in order to buy and distribute bottles of bourbon and wine as a part of gift baskets . Though her efforts in doing so were unsuccessful , she discovered a newfound potential for the business by acquiring a license that would allow her to start up an entire bar within The Mole Hole .
Starting out with only serving a couple of light lager beers , a bottle of wine , and bottle of bourbon , The Tipsy Toad has since expanded to serving a vast selection of domestic beers , wines , bourbons , and cocktails . “ If you want something and I ’ ve got
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the stuff to make it , I ’ ll make it ,” Hoehler added . She also takes pride in patrons deeming their old fashioneds “ the best in town .”
Through the establishment ’ s pleasant atmosphere , it ’ s evident how the bar and gift shop whimsically compliment one another . “ We ’ re the only place in town that you can go to get a drink , go shop , get chocolate , and hang out ,” Hoehler stated . This fusion perfectly reflects the kinship of
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the best friend duo , from which both sides of the business derive their names , from the classic book series “ The Wind and the Willows .”
Hoehler finds it especially humorous when married couples come in . While wives peruse throughout the store , husbands kill time at the bar .
“ The guys like to come in and shop with their wives because they get to sit down , grab a drink , and watch the game ,” she
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Photo by Eli Parker
said .
On top of its regular business operations , enjoyment can be had by all through various events , whether it ' s their weekly live music performances , the occasional comedy show , or other hosted events like bingo , sip and paints , and reunions .
With hours aligned with The Mole Hole , The Tipsy Toad is open from Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 10 a . m . to 6 p . m . and Friday from 10 a . m . to 11:30 p . m .
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The Bar Upstairs
Across the street is a place that ' s a " sip above the rest ," literally so as it ' s named The Bar Upstairs . Sitting atop Embassy Tattoo Studio at 200 E . Mt Vernon St ., this establishment got its start in early 2024 .
What originally started as a memberexclusive business has since grown into a place that welcomes all to an experience not often found in the Pulaski
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County area . " We wanted a speakeasy vibe where you kind of felt like you weren ' t in Somerset anymore ," explained Samantha Fair , manager of The Bar Upstairs .
Patrons would agree as the entrance is accessed from the back alley behind the building , but don ' t worry , no password is needed to get in . Once upstairs , guests are taken in by what Fair calls a " modern vintage " aesthetic as the bar
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