The Vintage Bar with the Bass Playing Bartender!

Many times Retro Roadmapping we'll see a vintage sign and not know if the place it advertises has changed since the sign went up. But recently we discovered that the draw of a lovely neon sign has less to do with the Hotel part than the Entertainment part of the sign.

I'm happy to report that the cheery vintage neon sign at the Greenwich Hotel & Lounge in East Greenwich RI is a beacon in the night for those who want to raise their glass at an authentic bar with local charm and live music!

The bar is accessible from an entrance just off the street entrance to this historic building, though if you want a glimpse of the vintage glass block, don't forget to take a peek at the lobby entrance.

While this location has been a tavern and Inn since waaay back in the day (like 1770s way back) it wasn't until almost 200 years later(!!) 1971 to be exact,  that the Joseph family purchased the hotel, which had been built in 1896.

In 1989 daughter Joann Joseph took over and has been minding the bar and slowly improving the place ever since.

Check out the Before and After of their vintage neon sign! 

Now I get it why I did not see this awesome neon sign when I roadtripped down to RI that very same year and snapped some photos (link here) as this is how it looked before Joann got it fixed up in 2004.

Joann and I got to chatting one night when Retro Roadhusband and I stopped in, and she was a swell gal to speak with about the bar and the hotel.

If you want to chat with Joann yourself - look no farther than behind the bar - she's the sassy blonde - oftentimes playing the bass (!!) with the folks jamming in the front window,. There's live music or open mic nights nearly every night here.

The bar is a cash only, no frills type of place where everyone is welcome. If you want attitude, obscure beers or overpriced artisanal cocktails,  you'll have to go elsewhere.

The original horseshoe shaped bar and lit up liquor displays are authentic vintage as are the sassy Budweiser glass lamps flanking the backbar.

On the other side of the backbar is a cozy spot for shooting pool or just the breeze:

The bar is open 365 days of the year (except for when the stoopid snow causes them to close!) - so if you're looking for an authentic vintage bar to "wet your whistle" in - stop by the Greenwich Hotel & Lounge, and catch Joann between sets!

Tell her Mod Betty sent you, and that we'll try to swing by next time we're in the area so Retro Roadhusband can jam!