By Susan E. Campbell
Craig Merrell is on a mission to make a contribution to the revitalization and economic growth of downtown Glens Falls.
He now has two eateries with “downtown” in their names. Downtown City Tavern at 21 Elm St. opened in 2013. His newest venture, Downtown Social, located at 190 Glen St., opened the doors to its bourbon room in early May, its main restaurant the first of June, and its deli in early July.
Merrell said he was looking to fill a gap among downtown restaurants with an establishment that offers deli take-out food and fine casual dining at the same time, along with live entertainment.
“I didn’t come across any other place that did this,” he said.
The space at 190 Glen St. became available and with 7,000 square feet, it had the room to accommodate many different offerings within one venue. But Merrell said the project wasn’t fully visualized until he leased the space last December and started renovations in January.
“You could not have shoe-horned this concept into a space,” he said. “We got the space and then evolved the concept. This building has great bones.”
He said he is utilizing the space in such a way that it is open from the grab-and-go breakfast crowd to late-night diners cashing in on “simple, yet elevated” food along with entertainment.
Moreover, the two businesses, Downtown City Tavern and Downtown Social, are so close to one another that Merrell expects to enjoy certain economies of scale.
Entering Downtown Social, “it’s a wow when you walk in but it’s not intimidating,” said Merrell. “You don’t think to yourself that you can’t afford this food.” Rather, Downtown Social is “approachable for everybody.”
Bonacquisti Brothers Construction was hired as general contractor for the extensive renovations.
One highlight of the space is the bourbon room, a separate room with a circa 1900 bar.
“The bourbon room is so-named as an esthetic term rather than to reflect what we serve,” Merrell said. “The design is masculine and reminiscent of 1920s or 1930s decor.”
There is also a wine bar that features higher-end labels “because we are wine-centric here,” he said. The restaurant area is elevated and looks over the wine bar.
The deli inside the restaurant helps Merrell realize his goal of catering to more kinds of people throughout the day and evening.
The deli is open for breakfast, lunch sandwiches, and lighter dinner fare. It has a counter and a few pub tables. But if the restaurant is not open yet, patrons are welcome to take a seat at those tables as well. Merrell hopes that this flexibility, coupled with its premium location, keeps traffic flowing at Downtown Social.
“I am very happy to add to the downtown area with the brand I am creating,“ said Merrill.
Downtown Social is open Wednesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to close, and is closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The phone number is (518) 480-4600. Its website is www.downtownsocialgf.com.