There’s Always Something Going on at Ol’ Mother’s Speakeasy
True, Ol’ Mother’s isn’t the swanky retro lounge paying tribute to the illegal watering holes operating during the Prohibition era, but the term “speakeasy” suits this unassuming bar in Bacliff, nonetheless.
Back in the day, people of all races and from all walks of life would gather in these illicit establishments to drink alcohol; they would mix and mingle, drink and be merry… together, with few or no problems at all. The speakeasy was taboo, the patrons were rebellious and the bootleggers were brave enough to break the law, risking their freedom to supply the public with a vice they were forced to give up. This “outlaw spirit” is alive and well at Ol’ Mother’s Speakeasy, a neighborhood bar with a diverse crowd. From bikers to businessmen and rockers to rednecks, from “the girl next door” to the blonde bombshell, everyone is welcome, and they all get along; as one patron says, “This is a drama-free zone. There’s always something going on, and if you can’t have fun at Ol’ Mother’s… you’re just not fun at all.”
Back in the day, people of all races and from all walks of life would gather in these illicit establishments to drink alcohol; they would mix and mingle, drink and be merry… together, with few or no problems at all. The speakeasy was taboo, the patrons were rebellious and the bootleggers were brave enough to break the law, risking their freedom to supply the public with a vice they were forced to give up. This “outlaw spirit” is alive and well at Ol’ Mother’s Speakeasy, a neighborhood bar with a diverse crowd. From bikers to businessmen and rockers to rednecks, from “the girl next door” to the blonde bombshell, everyone is welcome, and they all get along; as one patron says, “This is a drama-free zone. There’s always something going on, and if you can’t have fun at Ol’ Mother’s… you’re just not fun at all.”
That’s not an exaggeration. There is something going on every day of the week at Ol’ Mother’s. On Monday, they offer happy hour prices all day (from noon to 2 a.m.), free pool and 50¢ wings. Monday is also Industry Night with drink specials for those in the service industry (T.A.B.C. certification required to receive server discounts) and Instant Karma Karaoke starts at 8 p.m. Tuesday is Steak Night (Ribeye cooked to order, baked potato, one side, and one domestic beer for $15), with live acoustic music (5:30 to 9:30 p.m.), and Texas Tuesday drink specials ($1 off Texas beers, liquor and wine). On Wednesday, they host a 501 soft tip dart tournament (starting at 8 p.m.), $3.50 well drinks, 75¢ wings and $1 chilidogs. Thursday is Taco Thursday (two tacos for $1) with Thirsty Thursday drink specials and Instant Karma Karaoke (starts at 8 p.m.) Friday they offer $6 burgers (served with fries or tots), drink and shot specials and Instant Karma Karaoke (9 p.m.). On Saturday, they have $5 quesadillas (cheese or chicken) and a variety of drink and shot specials.
“It’s always a good time at Ol’ Mother’s,” said veteran bartender Kelli Roe, “But our regulars are what makes this place really special. We have a completely diverse crowd and everyone gets along, which makes it fun!”
The regular customers at Ol’ Mother’s seem to be more like family. They are so loyal, in fact, that when the previous owners decided to close the doors to the bar, it was three of the regulars who got together and bought their favorite hangout to keep the bar alive. Since taking over, they have made a few changes to the bar they hold dear to their hearts and plan to continue making improvements.
New menu items have been added, such as chicken quesadillas, fried pickles, garlic Parmesan tator tots, fried zucchini and even fried Twinkies. The customers really love the pizza and wings. Insider tip: With new and different flavors to try out (Dirty Girl, Lemon Pepper, hot and mild) Wednesday is the best day to order wings, for 75¢ a wing. Customers can mix and match and try them all without having to order six of the same flavor.
Additional dart machines have been added to the dart room and their weekly dart tournaments have been attracting more and more players. Saturday, November 18, Ol’ Mother’s will be hosting their Calcutta Dart Tournament with a $500 prize to the winner. Sign up is at 1:30 p.m. with the tournament starting at 3 p.m.
Biker Night is on the last Sunday of every month. Bikers come from near and far, on their choppers and hogs to take advantage of the $15 bike wash and special discounts given to those who ride their motorcycles to Ol’ Mother’s, filling up the designated motorcycle parking lot in front of the building. Non-bikers are also welcome. Additional parking has been added in the adjacent field behind the building, so the customers with four wheels won’t have to miss out on the fun.
Everyone is always welcome in this neighborhood bar “where everybody knows your name” (think Cheers with an edge), and everybody gets along; and a happy-go-lucky vibe permeates the place.
