Our Semi-True Story
(Hey it ain't Cheers)

You could say the bar business is in our blood. It definitely runs in the family.

During the depression my Grandfather died young and my dear old Grandmother found herself with eight kids, a job that paid dirt and no husband. So being a good, practical, God fearing Irish woman she did the only sensible thing - she opened an illegal speak easy.

Her brother, a carpenter built in hidden compartments and cabinets, the local cops drank for free, and just in case the anti-liquor agents were in the area her daughters stood watch outside.  

The bar was a success and a couple of her daughters even married regulars.

Since then my uncles, aunts, cousins and I think a few family pets have been involved in the bar and restaurant business.  

Hey it's an Irish thing.

This place was built in 1825 as a stage coach stop. While the drivers got fresh horses the passengers would grab a beer and some food, take a break from their trip and kick back a little. During the summer they'd eat outside, and the occasional fiddle player provided the music. I guess things haven't changed all that much in the last 180 years.

My wife and I started coming to Ratso's twenty years ago. It was a different place back then. We've come here through a succession of owners, and then finally this place - our favorite - closed. 

After kicking it around we finally said "what the hell" and Ratso's was born. 

Part Concert Venue, Part Coyote Ugly, part outdoor Florida / New Orleans / Caribbean bar and part Jersey attitude we hope you like the place as much as we do.

Just remember it ain't Cheers. The only time everybody knows your name is when you tip well or if we're describing something really dumb you did after too many beers.