Jonah Dombroski has turned a nostalgic tavern into a new, country-themed hot spot.
Timber Tavern is a new full service bar located on Route 48 near the southern edge of Van Buren. In true country-fashion, the bar will begin offering a mechanical bull for patrons to ride on Friday nights starting this month. While the bull is sure to bring in a crowd, Timber Tavern also features traditional activities such as pool tables, dart boards and games including a boxing machine.
“The boxer machine is very popular,” said Cheryl Dombroski, Jonah’s stepmother.
There is also a stand of cowboy hats for patrons to borrow or purchase to get into full country fashion.
Formerly known as Kowalski’s, Timber Tavern has been renovated to reflect a brighter, warmer atmosphere.
“We had hopes that Gerry would see her establishment reopen, but she became sick,” Cheryl said of the former owner, Gerry Kowalski, who passed away earlier this year.
“When Mrs. Kowalski passed away, she had a whole crowd of people in here sharing stories,” added Timber Tavern’s Melissa Hennessey.
The tavern draws a lot of former Kowalski clientele as well as people of all ages from all over the county, Hennessey added.
“People are making new memories while sharing old ones,” she said. “We have a very warm atmosphere, a good mix of everyone. We want people to visit, feel comfortable and welcome.”
While Jonah kept the shape of the old bar, he got rid of the storage racks above the bar, a move that really brightened the place up. New bathrooms, a new patio and landscaping give Timber Tavern a modern look and the former motel rooms are now efficiency apartments, which were quickly rented out once renovations were complete. “They were rented out before the bar was open,” Hennessey said.
In addition to the bar, there is a banquet room, which can accommodate up to 100 people. It is available to reserve for $100 per evening with an additional $50 deposit. The room features private bathrooms, which have also been renovated, and patrons can choose to bring their own food or have the event catered; all alcoholic beverages must be purchased at the bar.
Other renovations are still underway for portions of the facility, specifically the kitchen. Once finished, Timber Tavern will begin offering typical tavern fare.
The establishment offers entertainment every Saturday ranging from blues to country. Local country crooner TJ Sacco will also begin performing at Timber Tavern two Wednesdays a month. In addition, Sacco will bring the 4 Man Country Jam to Timber Tavern from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23. Joined by Blaine Holcomb and Dave Brown of the Fulton Chain Gang and Chad Mac of TJ Sacco & The Urban Cowboys, Sacco will tell stories and jam during the highly anticipated event.
If you haven’t yet visited Timber Tavern, Hennessey said you should because “We have good prices, good people, good entertainment and good times.”
Timber Tavern specials
Wednesday: Red Solo Cup Night – $5 pitcher, $2 pints of draft beers
Thursday: Jack night – $2.50 for Jack drinks from 9 p.m. to close
Friday: Be Your Own DJ – Jukebox is free from 10 p.m. to close
