First Pour In A New City
Hi, there! I’m Charlotte Abernathy. Co-Vice President of JBTV, lover of anything neon, and your new favorite bad habit. I’m here for the stories worth telling, the drinks worth ordering twice, and the places that don’t bother pretending to be something they’re not. If it’s got a pulse, a little attitude, and something interesting lurking under the surface, I’ll find it.
And yeah, I’ll probably have a drink while I do. Call me Charley and hold on to your butts! This city is busy!
The grand reopening of Last Light Pub was first on my agenda. I’d like to claim that I knew exactly what was happening when I landed here. But yeah, no. That wasn’t the case. Jett picked me up at The Banner and took me to my first job right off the plane. What can I say? We’re a devoted team. I didn’t have to look far to find the heart of the action. Behind the bar, running the show with the kind of confidence that says this place is going to work whether you’re ready or not, was Jessie O’Neal. She’s a manager, bartender, and the one making sure nobody’s glass stayed empty for long. And trust me, you want your glass full here.
The current star of the menu? A Bloody Mary that Jessie describes as “simple,” which is either a bold-faced lie or the mark of someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. Tomato-based, sure. But there’s something else going on in there. Something just sharp enough to make you pause mid-sip and go, wait a second…
For those of you who prefer your nights with a little less mystery and a little more bite, shots are on the way. Jessie confirmed an upcoming deal with Paleto, bringing in a specially made vodka that’s expected to hit the menu soon. If the Bloody Mary is anything to go by, it’s probably worth pacing yourself now.
Or don’t. I’m not your boss.
But the bar isn’t just about what you’re drinking, it’s about what’s coming next for the business AND the community. Plans are already in motion for a trivia night, hosted by Jett Black, which feels like a dangerous combination of ego, alcohol, and people who are very confident they’re the smartest person in the room. Whether you actually are remains to be seen, but it should make for a good show either way. And honestly? That’s the vibe here. It’s polished without trying too hard. It’s the kind of place where conversations get louder as the night goes on, where strangers turn into regulars faster than they expect, and where the bartender might know more than they’re letting on.
So if you’re looking for something predictable, you might want to keep walking.
But if you’re looking for a place with a little edge, a little attitude, and a drink you’ll keep thinking about the next day, you just found it.
And The Bite will definitely be back.
