A Glossy Perspective of Home at Beer Goggles

The term “beer goggles” refers to the mutual attraction between two inebriated drinkers whose co-mingling was dependent upon the influence of alcohol. The mere fact that the unofficial phrase exists demonstrates how spirits can bring people together.

The newly opened bar, who takes its name from this phenomenon, hopes to establish a similar level of bonhomie.

Located in a storefront at the intersection of Belcher and Ulmerton roads, Beer Goggles is a community bar with a cadre of regulars, despite opening last month. This is due to the fact that Beer Goggles’ locale has featured one bar or another for the past seventeen years.

“The regulars have adopted us as their home,” explained co-owner George Boyer.

Boyer, and his business partner Nick Hall, both owned bars in Ohio. Hall migrated to Largo first, and soon convinced George to follow his path. Together they are working to establish something special.

“We want the customers to feel like they are at their own house.”

Albeit with much more booze.

The bar itself does well to create a snug ambiance in an otherwise charmless section of Largo. There is ample light, both from the wall-length mirror behind the bar and the glass panels that line its façade. There is a small stage in the back left corner, as you enter Beer Goggles, and it two is flanked by mirrors. All of this makes the interior feel larger than it actually is, a trick that many employ in their homes.

The well is fully stocked with numerous brands of vodka, rum and other hard liquors that one would want in one’s liquor cabinet. Beer Goggles has various beers on tap, i.e. Budweiser, Yuengling, Shock Top, which gives the drinker enough options to find something that he or she likes.

Its crowd, like many of likeminded bars, lean older during the day and a bit younger at night. There are several attractions to garner a more youthful patronage, especially a band called “Out By Nine”, which features students who need to be home early.

The regulars, however, enjoy two days of poker, and Friday trivia nights. In this way, Beer Goggles strikes a nice balance that caters to as broad an audience as it can.

As time meanders on, more regulars will be introduced in the small customs and norms singular to Beer Goggles. A shared sense of a home away from home will only deepen as the bar strengthens its ties to the community.