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Three-1-Three, Version 2-Point-0

The last time I had seen Amanda, the girlfriend of Three-1-Three owner Don Bailey, she was crying on my shoulders about the bar's demise on Jan. 3 at its former location, 313 E. Main St.

Wednesday night, Amanda was much happier. She shared hugs of joy with me and other Three-1-Three regulars as the bar reopened tonight at its new home, 20 Mascoutah Ave. in Belleville.

Amanda and Don now realize that leaving the old location is a blessing in disguise. The new home, which most recently housed the Caribbean Breeze restaurant, is about 900 square feet bigger than the old bar. It's in much better condition, too.

Even though Don wasn't completely finished with the bar, he decided to open up shop, and a large crowd of regulars welcomed him back. Tthe most important thing -- the bar itself, was ready to go.

The new Three-1-Three is a much warmer and cleaner building than the old building. The booths from the old bar have been reupholstered. It's simply a much nicer atmosphere for what Don wants to do with Three-1-Three.

In the next two weeks, Don hopes to have his kitchen done so he can offer a lunch buffet for people who work and shop downtown. The stage should be finished in the near future because Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe is scheduled to play there Friday, Feb. 18.

I think the future bodes well for Three-1-Three. Don sounds like he a clear vision of what he wants to do with the place, and I wish him all the best!

Roger 0 comments 2:50 AM