Don’t Leave High and Dry (Well, At Least Not Dry)

Firewaters, located next to nationally-recognized “dirty-old-man” paradise Hooters, offers an eclectic mix of exotic beers, ear-shattering music, and a Martini bar. Clearly it’s still trying to differentiate itself from the rest of the Bergen County bar scene and its seedy neighbor.

Leather seats and couches, a dance floor and darts area, all make up the main area. The less-inviting seats at the bar, however, are made of metal and provide little comfort.

The array of beers on tap are incredibly varied, including many East Coast micro brews including Magic Hat #9, Ommegang Three Philosophers, and Dogfish Head (priced $5.50 and up). They have nearly 40 beers on tap, so selecting a new drink by its handle can be half the fun.

The other half? The attractive women and engaging males (my heterosexuality prevents me from gauging their looks) working the counter. The bar staff is eager and adds personality to everyone’s experience. The enjoyable bartenders are clearly a plus for regulars and new-comers alike. Though often swamped with patrons eager to load up on Jager bombs and liquid courage, the bartenders are more than happy to offer a taste of an exotic beer on tap to entice a customer to try something new, or to suggest a shot choice to take one’s mind off the uncomfortable bar seats.

Firewaters also offers a large selection of bottled beers from all over the world in stock at all times. However, in my two years of frequenting the establishment, I have rarely seen someone leaf through the beer menu to purchase one of these exotic brews during a busy night. While this eclectic selection provides variety, it seems to get lost in the club-like atmosphere that surrounds the customer on most nights. When I leaf through their laminated “beer bible,” I often wonder how $8+ Belgian brews and beers such as raspberry-flavored Framboise mesh with dance music so high —the speakers were set to ELEVEN— that nearly all conversation is impossible. It’s like your taste buds are in one bar and your ears are in another.

On the other side of the room, opposite the beer bar, is the Martini Bar. Its atmosphere—contrary to that of the beer area—attracts a specific mixed-drink crowd of women, huddled ’round in hopes of snagging a Martini-sipping man ready to whisk her off to his nearby suburban apartment (or duplex) and soothe her broken dreams.

Mostly, it seems the physical separation and distinctly different atmospheres (and different desires) of the beer crowd from the Martini bar are at the root of this bar’s identity crisis. But, just pick where you want to be, and this crisis won’t become personal.

One other thing to watch out for: the Route 4 location and severely limited parking are less than accommodating to the inexperienced patron, unaware of nearby “creative” parking areas.

All things considered, if the opportunity presents itself, this bar is worth the trip. The personable staff, along with the selection of beers and mixed drinks, is enough to satisfy even the most discerning customer. The Martini bar provides a wide variety of top-shelf liquor presented in creative martini mixtures, inviting a crowd that stands in contrast to the club-like atmosphere, which grows as the evening gets later.

My advice? Arrive early. Use this spot as a launch pad for an after party. As the night progresses, the music gets louder and the parking more scant.

Firewaters
41 State St # 4
Hackensack
(201) 678-0100

— by Jimi
A lifetime NJ resident and former Eagle Scout, this fun-loving, beer-chugging sports fan holds a Biology degree from The College of New Jersey in Trenton. A budding comedian, Jimi has done amateur performances at Caroline’s on Broadway. He's always looking for a new audience and a cold beer.

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