THE PEARL

Pole to Return to the Pearl

2012-01-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

For nostalgia buffs, the dance pole will be going back up soon after a year in the basement during elections. Its a bit tarnnished but for the physically fit and those who want to play fireman it's coming back.

Watertown's Neighborhood Tavern Rocks On !

2012-01-19T19:01:00.000-05:00

       Just call us "The Pearl" for short....or "The Mayor's Bar."
       Either way the Fort Pearl Tavern on Pearl Street in Watertown is your hometown fun spot for drink, food, games, and Quick Draw from the NY Lottery.
       For 27 years, we have been the Oasis for good times and good people....
        We are open seven days a week at 10 AM....
       Stop by Today !

Holidays Await Where Customers are Family

2011-11-20T21:17:00.000-05:00

     The best part of a neighborhood tavern is you belong to a family of customers...Its comfortable and welcoming.
     Now Fort Pearl is improved, with new rest rooms and a new look.
     Please stop by soon and be part of the family !

Sprucing Up the Room We All Visit

2011-10-31T16:53:00.000-04:00

    What's the one room in the home you visit several times a day....The bathroom of course and while it's something we take for granted, at Fort Pearl we are doing more....
    We have just finished a complete remake of the men's and lady's rooms. They look great !
     This fall we are getting ready for a fun Holiday season...so be a part of the fun at Fort Pearl !

The Best Time of Year on Pearl Street !

2011-10-01T11:35:00.000-04:00

   Football, Fall, and the Holidays...What a time of year at Fort Pearl.
   This is the best time as friends come in doors for a good time...We have three giant Hi Def televisions for your favorite game...
   Have a pizza..wings..a delicious cheese filled soft pretzel. There is NY Lottery Quick Draw and lots of drink specials.
   Visit today and see Diana, Brianna, the Mayor or one of our fantastic guest bartenders.
   And don't forget to celebrate election night at the Fort...Its Tuesday November 8 !

Roller Derby Car Wash Comes to Fort Pearl on August 13

2011-07-26T08:43:00.000-04:00

    Ladies from the local Roller Derby team will hold a fundraiser car wash on Saturday August 13 at Fort Pearl.
    The Black River Rollers will be at the Pearl Street spot from 11AM to 2PM, so bring your vehicle and meet the girls.
     Your donations will benefit the team which next plays this weekend in Croghan and in Watertown on August 20.

Diana Tops Mayor for Sales Honors in April !

2011-05-01T21:18:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Diana for regaining her Mojo and winning top sales honors for April. Diana rallied on the final night to pull ahead of the Mayor and she is on track to make bonus again in May.
Help Diana make money ! Come visit Fort Pearl and buy extra stuff when she is on duty !

Diana, Brianna, and Veronika......Heaven on Earth !

2011-04-05T17:52:00.003-04:00

In addition to Diana, Fort Pearl is proud to bring back a couple blasts from the past to work a little here and there. Brianna is on Monday nights and the Czech Mate, Veronika to work a couple day shifts.... All the more reason to visit Fort Pearl....Watertown's Neighborhood Tavern since 1985...

Diana Heads Up Watertown's Neighborhood Tavern !

2011-01-01T20:17:00.003-05:00

With the dawn of a new year, I am pleased to announce Diana is staying another year and officially assuming the job as bartender in chief ! Everyone likes Big D and she is the reason Fort Pearl IS Watertown's neighborhood tavern.
There are lots of chain bars, but the tradition of the neighborhood tavern is being handled by a dwindling number of establishments....Places like BJs Tavern, Colesante's, or the Hitch.....
Stop at Fort Pearl....See Diana or me....enjoy a safe, congenial fun atmosphere...
Fort Pearl is Watertown's neighborhood tavern !

Big D and I Look Forward to 2011

2010-12-19T11:28:00.003-05:00

At Fort Pearl, we continue our tradition of being open for you all on Christman Eve and Christmas Day.....and of course on New Years Eve and New Years Day.
For us, you are family and we welcome you on the Holidays.
And as we begin the New Year, Diana and I look forward to making your visits enjoyable in all seasons.
Happy Holidays to you all and stop on down and see us soon.

Warmth at Fort Pearl Will Make You Forget the Cold Air Outside

2010-11-07T18:33:00.003-05:00

The Holidays are coming and what better place to spend quality time than Fort Pearl.
We Are Family is not just a song to us. At Fort Pearl, you will feel at home with bartenders Diana and Brittany.
We are open every day...That means Thanksgiving and Christmas....
The holidays are fun at the Fort...Join us for the good times !

Fort Pearl Has the Winners on Election Night !

2010-10-23T18:26:00.004-04:00

Check out Fort Pearl on Election Night as we celebrate for Kristin Davis and Matt Doheny....
We will have FOX, YNN , WWNY and more on the High Def TVs to keep track of all the local, state and national action !

Election night at Fort Pearl...Vote First and the come on down.

Two Great Holidays Coming Up at the Fort...Halloween and Election Night

2010-10-02T10:08:00.005-04:00

Fall is in full swing at Fort Pearl and we are getting ready for a Halloween costume party on Saturday October 23.
Our new bartender Brittany is a big hit during the day and of course there is Diana who is tops in sales five months in a row !
Check us out today and don't forget the gala election night party on Tuesday November 2, as we congratulate the winners whether they show up or not !

Candidate for Governor Visits Fort Pearl

2010-09-25T07:15:00.004-04:00

Fort Pearl patrons got a treat on September 22, when independent gubernatorial candidate Kristin Davis and her staff popped in for a visit following a campaign appearance in Carthage.
Ms. Davis wore her Fort Pearl shirt presented by Diana, and she graciously posed for pictures.
Kristin is the nominee of the new Anti-Prohibition Party...No argument on that platform from those at the Fort.

New Face at the Fort !

2010-09-18T22:04:00.002-04:00

Fort Pearl welcomes a new bartender....Her name is Brittany and she is so looking forward to waiting on all of you.....
The Fort also says a fond farewell to Racheal who has done a great job on days for the past several months...Best wishes to Racheal !
Fall is here and its the best season at Fort Pearl...Lots of football in High Def and all your favorite beverages at the best prices.
Stop in and see Brittany, Diana and the Mayor....

50$ Bigger Prizes Every Day for Three Weeks !

2010-08-14T11:11:00.003-04:00

Great new Promotion from the Lottery.
Quick Draw 50% extra will be EVERY DAY from 3 pm to 4pm from August 15 through September 4th.
This is a way to celebrate the expanded hours for the game.
Quick Draw is now available to play from open to close..and is available round the clock at convenience stores and truck stops.
Win more money...Stop in every day at 3PM !

Diana Rolls a Turkey !

2010-07-31T14:13:00.002-04:00

It's a "Three-peat" for Diana as she is top sales person in July...running a string of three months in a row at the top.
With her bonus in hand, Big D goes for four in a row in August...Come see why she is so well liked....
At Fort Pearl, we have added a Foosball table and with all our other games plus NY Lottery Quick Draw, three is always something to do.
Stop by this summer and see Diana or yours truly at Fort Pearl !

Hots Times...Summer in the City at Fort Pearl !

2010-07-03T14:26:00.003-04:00

The hottest month of the year is here at Fort Pearl !
Diana, Racheal and I are looking forward to keeping you cool with ice cold beer and mixed drinks...
"D' was our top salesperson again in June, so she is anxious to make it three months in a row!
We are still looking for our next Wednesday night pole dancer..Stop by and apply today...
And don't forget we have New York Lottery Quick Draw...Several HD TVs for your favorite show or sport....along with pool, darts and bowling.
And we can make you a great pizza on the spot and at Fort Pearl we have cigarettes priced at convenience store prices !
Stop in this Summer for a great time at Fort Pearl !

Getting Ready for June to Bust Out all Over

2010-05-15T19:54:00.004-04:00

We are headed into Summer and with Memorial Day coming up, remember Fort Pearl is always open for our regular customers who enjoy the atmosphere, value and good service of the Fort.
Our 'girl next door' bartender Diana joins me working nights and we try to make your evening out special. You can help Diana win employee of the month by coming by when she is on.
Don't forget daytimes, when Quick Draw service is at its best....And of course we have the only indoor smoking room and the coldest beer...all at great prices with regular weekly specials.
Wednesday is still Pole Night if you know anyone who wants to make some cash for just having fun.
Visit us at Fort Pearl today...!

Come On Down....We are Lots of Fun !

2010-05-08T19:21:00.003-04:00

Spring is here and we need to get revved up for summer....Make Fort Pearl part of your schedule.
With lots of specials including outrageously inexpensive Keystone Lights, you can still party like a rock star even if things are a little tight.
Bartenders are great and you will enjoy Diana and Racheal....and me too, I hope.
Visit the tavern that's fun, without the hassle, and affordable...
Fort Pearl Tavern...open everyday on Pearl Street in Watertown.

Big D Wins March Madness !

2010-03-30T20:46:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Diana for winning the sales competition for the month of March.
Big D beat the mayor by a decent margin to win her second month of 2010.....She won January as well.
Come see Diana and see why she is the best !

Year 26 Underway !

2010-03-28T11:27:00.003-04:00

A memorable day on March 27 as I was able to celebrate 25 years in business on Pearl Street....A good crowd of well wishers filed through all day and evening, including past and present customers along with former bartenders like Meghan, Des, Sarah, Katie, and of course, Tammy.
Thanks to all who stopped by.
Diana bartended and was a great hostess for the evening. I operated the grill and received high praise for my hamburgers !
Our second quarter century has begun and at Fort Pearl, there are many great times ahead !

Plans Afoot for Gala Event on the 27th !

2010-03-13T20:00:00.003-05:00

Saturday March 27 is the day we celebrate 25 years on Pearl Street....And we will do it with 1985 prices from 8 AM to 8 PM !
What better way to take note of this historic occasion than to reward our customers with a taste of what is what like in those Reaganesque days of yore when Men at Work played on the radio and people actually worked for a living.
Stop on down and enjoy the fun on Saturday the 27th.

25 Years Ago....A Lot of Water Under the Bridge !

2010-03-03T00:42:00.002-05:00

It was in the fall and winter of '84-85 that Marty Kelly, Randy Besio and myself began talking about getting into the bar business....The ultimate male fantasy for guys in their late 20s.
Two existing bars on Pearl Street were available...one was the Rockin' D....formerly Herb's Grill and now Shooties....
Right up the street there was the Brake Shop Tavern....It had closed in the fall of '84 and was for sale.....For $52,000 it could be had...and after several weeks of fixing up we opened in March, 1985 as the Pub on Pearl. (Steve Romig actually bought the Rockin'D and opened in May of 1985 as Shooties)
It was the era when the neighborhood's industrial past was still vibrant and it was common for machinists from NY Air Brake or Black Clawson to hit the bars for two or three quick Pabst's during their lunch break.....(Imagine doing that today !)
Marty and I worked many hours ourselves and built the business....bought the house next door and demolished it for parking and in general tried to work our regular jobs while keeping a gin mill open.
In the 90s, Marty and Randy sold their interest to me and I carried on while at the same time running a winning a race for mayor in 1991.
Ups and downs were part of doing business in the years ahead and there were moments when I didn't know if the old bar would stay afloat....It did, and now in 2010....After 25 years and operating as Fort Pearl....The bar three of us opened a quarter century ago is doing well and prospering.
The building is a plus to the neighborhood and I am proud of the long tenure.....
It hasn't always been easy but there has been a lot of fun...and a lot more to come !

Mayor Wins Tops in Sales......Diana Vows Different Result in March

2010-02-28T18:03:00.003-05:00

Thank you to all who came out Saturday night to help me win Tops in Sales honors for February. It was a fight to the finish with Diana as the scrappy LeMoyne grad rallied last week setting up the need for a big night on Saturday.
It worked out in my favor and I gladly accept Diana's challenge to go head to head again in March.

Winter Wanes and the Fort is Open

2010-02-26T11:03:00.004-05:00

The snowstorm put a crimp in Thursday night to be sure...But its all cleared away and Fort Pearl is ready to the February like a Lion !
Stop in today or tonight and enjoy your favorite cocktails...grab a bite to eat....play beer pong, pool or darts....and how about New York Lottery Quick Draw.
The weather's fine, and we are ready for you at Fort Pearl.

Down to the Wire

2010-02-25T06:08:00.002-05:00

A quiet Wednesday night and now its up to the Mayor to see if he can rally to best Diana in the race to be employee of the month at Fort Pearl.
Diana is there today and Friday during the day and Jeff gets the nights.
Diana took top honors in January and its been back and forth this month.
Don't forget March marks 25 years on Pearl Street.....A anniversary of note with a special celebration coming soon.
Fort Pearl is your neighborhood tavern with an edge and the fun spot to start your weekend partying.

Big D Roars

2010-02-24T08:03:00.002-05:00

A busy Tuesday night has put our girl Diana some 900 bucks in front of the Mayor as the month nears an end. Diana is trying to be employee of the month two months in a row and each time she does that its more cash.
The Mayor is calling himself the tortoise of this race as he gets to finish by working the weekend.....
Come on down to Fort Pearl tonight and visit Diana with her special friend.
Thank you for making this Winter a big success at Fort Pearl.

Diana Hangs in There in Race for Cash

2010-02-23T10:02:00.002-05:00

A busy Monday night put Diana back in the running for top salesperson of the month of February at Fort Pearl.
The affable LeMoyne grad now leads the Mayor by $290 with six days to go.
Stop by tonight for 50 cent drafts and help her.

Mayor Rallies in Neck and Neck Race for Employee of the Month

2010-02-21T15:13:00.003-05:00

Its a race to the finish to see who will be salesperson of the month at Fort Pearl.
Diana was way ahead after a super day last Monday....Now the Mayor has caught up and the two enter the final week of February neck and neck.
After winning January, Diana wants to repeat and take home the prize which will increase with every consecutive month she wins.
Like the tortoise, the Mayor plods along and with this week's schedule he has the edge.
You can help Diana on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week !

Call or E-Mail Your Legislator

2010-02-20T11:13:00.007-05:00

Its time to show support for our friends in the liquor store business by calling your legislator to urge support for the Liquor Store Revitalization Act..
The law would allow small stores to compete if supermarkets are allowed to sell wine. Currently only liquor stores can sell wine and liquor but nothing else....not even beer or cigarettes...Its all strange Prohibition Era laws that don't make sense now but the Legislature won't change.
We are now told the wine in grocery stores may not pass....But if it does, liquor store owners need relief from NY's silly regulation system.

A Celebration of 25 Years Coming Up !

2010-02-18T18:06:00.003-05:00

Coming in March is 25 Years on Pearl Street.
In March, 1985, Marty Kelly, Randy Besio and I opened the Pub on Pearl.
Over time, I became sole owner and a few name changed ensued.
It was Melvin's in 1991 when I first became Mayor....Then the Speakeasy as the bar became a NorthSide Institution...
Now it is Fort Pearl....A symbol of its institutional status on Pearl Street and a tip of the hat to the many from Fort Drum who come here.
Fort Pearl is the type of place anyone can go and feel comfortable.

Friendly Competition Brings Out the Best at Fort Pearl

2010-02-17T17:28:00.004-05:00

It's another down to the wire finish as bartender Diana and I compete for tops in sales for February.
"D" beat me last month and is ahead now...But I hope to make a strong finish....It all means the best service every night at Fort Pearl.

Spring Comes to Pearl Street !

2010-02-16T16:35:00.002-05:00

Spring is coming and that means NASCAR and Baseball.
At Fort Pearl you can watch Danica Patrick or Derek Jeter in splendid High Definition TV.
And you can enjoy a delicious Pizza or wings while being served by Diana or yours truly.
Fort Pearl is great in any season, so check us out today.

Super Bowl Fun at the Fort !

2010-02-06T01:36:00.003-05:00

Super Sunday is really super at Fort Pearl where you can watch the Colts and Saints on any of three HI DEF televisions.
Enjoy a great view anywhere in the bar and help yourself to free snacks.
There is Quick Draw.....an indoor smoking room and Keystone Lights for only a Dollar.
Join us at Fort Pearl for the Super Bowl..
Beats sitting at home !

Congrats to Big D

2010-02-02T14:21:00.001-05:00

Bartender Diana has beat out the Mayor to be top sales person for the month of January.
Congratulations on a job well done. You should come to Fort Pearl and find out why she did so well.
Kudos to Diana, Fort Pearl's Bartender of the Month !

Finally a Neighborhood Bar That's Fun- FORT PEARL

2010-01-30T18:21:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Fort Pearl Tavern, located at 557 Pearl Street in Watertown, NY !

Fort Pearl is the classic neighborhood tavern with a great atmosphere and a bit of an edge. It's more than just beer, shots and pool...We have Beer Pong, pool, darts and on Wednesday Nights, special entertainment!
And Fort Pearl has all your favorite New York Lottery Products, including Quick Draw and Powerball ! We have great bar food and snacks including pizza, wings, burgers and more.
We have the area's only licensed indoor smoking room for your comfort in all weather.
Come on down to the Fort and meet Diana, our ace bartender and of course I'd like to meet you as well.
Fort Pearl is the place EVERYONE feels comfortable and at ease.
visit the Fort that's Fun.....
Fort Pearl on Pearl Street. See you soon ! Call for directions 315-786-3333.

Your Host,
Jeff Graham