One of several absinthe fountains stands near the edge of a newly recovered copper bar inside Maxine’s Tap Room. The fountains are used to deliver a drizzle of ice-cold water into a glass of absinthe, a process that dilutes the alcohol-rich drink and liberates the liquor’s herbal ingredients.
Photos: Todd Gill, Flyer staff
We’ve made it no secret that we love our sponsors here at the Flyer.
They are the local places that have decided what we’re doing is worthwhile, and that Flyer readers are exactly the type of folks they want to do business with.
Flyer sponsors are typically the most forward-thinking, progressive, interesting business in Fayetteville, that help to make his place the awesome, unique, friendly, and non-homogonized place that it is. They are the local places that give Fayetteville its spice, run by thoughtful people who make cool things happen that also help to make this town such a great place to live.
We say all that, because our newest sponsor is none other than Fayetteville institution Maxine’s Tap Room, and the place could not fit that description any better.
The bar, opened in 1950 by the late Maxine Miller, and recently revitalized by new owners Rebekah Champagne (Terra Tots), Matt Champagne (Hammer And Chisel), and Ben Gitchel and Hannah Withers (Little Bread Co.), has been a Block Avenue icon for decades.
The four friends leased the bar space from Miller’s great-niece Andrea Foren in the spring, and after a brief hiatus for remodeling, the bar has quickly become the place to be for locals looking for an off-the-beaten path location for a cocktail and good conversation.
Maxine’s focuses on a vintage cocktail menu inspired by the era when Miller first opened the bar and served Moscow Mules and other drinks. They also serve an extensive menu of wine and beer, including locally-brewed creations from Fayetteville’s thriving craft beer scene.
The bar offers nightly drink specials, with $4 punch drinks on Monday, a whiskey happy hour on Tuesday, $5 mule drinks and $3 Fossil Cove beers on Wednesday, a gin happy hour on Thursday, and more.
Maxine’s also specializes in entertainment that you won’t typically find in other bars around Fayetteville. On Sunday nights, the bar hosts a cover-free “Sunday Service” series from 7-9 p.m., featuring a rotating assortment of improv comedy, storytelling open mic nights, theatrical performances, occasional live music, and other unique entertainment.
It’s an awesome place to hang out as most of you guys probably know, and we couldn’t be happier to be working with them. Please help us welcome them to the Flyer family by stopping by and enjoying a beverage, why don’t you?
