The phrase 'Upstairs Bar & Grill' conjures a certain image, doesn't it? Perhaps a cozy, dimly lit spot tucked away above the bustle of a main street, offering a more intimate dining experience. It’s a name that suggests a certain charm, a place where you might find good food and perhaps a friendly atmosphere.
But as with many things, the reality behind a name can be far more varied and interesting than you might initially expect. Take, for instance, the Upstairs Bar & Grill in Tillamook, Oregon. Nestled along the Netarts Highway, this establishment is a well-regarded spot, ranking 8th out of 42 restaurants in the area. It’s described as serving American cuisine, with a focus on pub fare and a wine bar, catering to both lunch and dinner crowds. The reviews suggest a solid experience, with ratings around 4.1 stars, indicating it’s a place locals and visitors alike appreciate for its food, ambiance, and service.
Then, shift your gaze north to Montreal, Canada, and you’ll find Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill. This venue presents a different facet of the 'Upstairs' concept. With a higher rating of 4.4 stars and a much larger pool of reviews (220, in fact), it’s positioned as a significant player in Montreal's dining scene, ranking 134th out of over 6,000 restaurants. Its offerings lean towards pub fare, Canadian dishes, and international cuisine, with the added allure of live jazz, as its name strongly implies. It’s open for lunch, dinner, and even late-night bites, suggesting a vibrant, multi-faceted experience.
And if you venture into the realm of music history, the name 'Rainbow Bar and Grill' might ring a bell, often associated with legendary music venues like the Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip. While not strictly an 'Upstairs' establishment in its name, the legacy of its owners, like Mikael Maglieri, who recently passed at 73, speaks to a different kind of 'upstairs' – the elevated status and enduring influence these places have had on culture. These iconic spots weren't just bars and grills; they were cultural hubs, fostering generations of musicians and artists, becoming watering holes for the creative elite and their fans. The Rainbow, in particular, is noted for carrying on family traditions, with its menu even featuring recipes from Maglieri's mother, Scarlett, and walls adorned with memorabilia, creating a deeply personal and historic atmosphere.
So, while 'Upstairs Bar & Grill' might sound like a singular concept, the reality is a tapestry of different experiences. Whether it's a local American eatery in Oregon, a jazz-infused dining spot in Montreal, or a legendary music landmark in Hollywood, each 'Upstairs Bar & Grill' offers its own unique story, flavor, and atmosphere. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting discoveries are found just a little bit higher up.
