Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The Beginning II (Club Scene)

The Beginning II, which started with The Beginning, was established in 1982. It is located on Manlius Center Road in East Syracuse.
The name of the club was derived from the Chicago song, "Only the Beginning," which for Mike Krajacic, the owner, was exactly what the club was, “a beginning to a long adventure.”
Krajacic, originally from Buffalo, moved to Syracuse in 1975. He attended culinary school at Cornell University. Krajacic worked for Greyhound food services and moved around a lot at the beginning of his career. He has now settled into his own local tavern carrying on the restaurant business that started with his father.
The Beginning II is not just any bar/club. It is often referred to as a tavern. When first walking into the building, the customer is instantly greeted with a full wrap around bar with plenty of seating. There are also two flat screen TVs directly at the bar that cater to Buffalo Bills and Boston Red Sox fans.
The Beginning II also features really popular live entertainment. “Live entertainment is such a passion of mine,” explains Krajacic. They have hosted musicians from Buddy Rich to Marshall Tucker as well as local favorites.
The Beginning II also has an outdoor volleyball court. Leagues are held every Tuesday and Thursday. Horseshoe pits and a cabana bar are also outside. There are also plans for more outside additions.
Inside people can enjoy an assortment of games. From a pool table and several dart machines to pinball and even a bowling game, everyone can have some fun.
The tavern also hosts plenty of private parties. These range from weddings and bachelor parties to clam bakes and even some catering. “There is nothing that we won’t attempt,” replies Krajacic. “And if we’re good at it, we’ll just keep doing it.”
Although the club has very limited seating and plans to add only a little bit more, this is done on purpose. “We just like to emphasize that we’re more of a tavern than a club,” explains Krajacic.
The Beginning II has a full kitchen and bar staff. The staff is all well seasoned in the business. “They all enjoy it here. I think it’s the best staff I’ve had in almost 28 years,” Krajacic brags.
Happy hour is Monday thru Friday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. During these hours a select amount of 16 oz. cans of beer is only $1.75. They also have the “all-the-time pitcher special” at $5 a pitcher.
Every Wednesday is “Party on the Patio” from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. They offer chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, pulled pork, ribs, and salads for only $10. This is an all-you-can-eat-and-drink offer. Molson and Miller Lite sponsor the event.
And Sundays are always huge with the football crowd. Normal business hours for The Beginning II are weekdays 11 am to 2 am and Sundays noon to 2 am.
The full tavern menu includes The Beginning II’s famous chicken wings. The special wing sauce is Krajacic’s own original recipe and is known to many as the best in Syracuse. The Beginning II boasts the best wings in town. And with prices at one dozen wings at only $7.50 anyone can find out for themselves.
The menu has the usual burgers, Philly cheesesteak, and beef, chicken, and deli sandwiches all starting at about $5. Patrons can also order some more unusual items like a “garbage plate” for $7.95 and pizzas. Most of what is made off the menu is strictly homemade like the dressings, the chili, and the wings.
“I feel the prices are fair to the customers and fair to myself,” states Krajacic. “You can get beer and wings for two for about $30 and go home satisfied.”
“With a large bottle and draft beer selection, you can come in knowing we'll be carrying your favorite beer, or have the newest microbrew. Along with a full beer menu, we offer a nice wine and spirit selection,” states the website www.thebeginningii.com. There are also several draft beer to choose from as well, including Syracuse’s own Middle Ages.
“Good things happen if you stick with what you like,” states Krajacic about his tavern. From food sales going through the roof to the many upcoming parties the tavern will be hosting, there is always something happening at The Beginning II.

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!
Published in August 2010 in Syracuse, NY

http://www.table-hopping.com/articles/aug10%20clubscene.html

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