A Ridgewood bar that brings southwestern customs to Queens residents is preparing to host an all-American-themed 4th of July BBQ celebration tomorrow with affordable food and drinks.
Willows Tavern, a newcomer to the bar scene in Ridgewood, made its debut nearly five months ago at 64-18 Fresh Pond Rd. Cassie Bollas and Jesse Sullivan, co-owners of the watering hole, began their business with the goal in mind to create an affordable menu of drinks for working-class residents.
In a conversation with QNS ahead of the 4th of July celebration, Bollas says she’s keeping true to her mission to make affordability a priority at her bar with $5 burgers, $2 hotdogs, and $3 24oz BUDs all day.
“I really want to be one with the community,” Bollas shared. “I just want this to be like, their [customers’] local place that they want to be and they feel comfortable.”
Bollas says that the idea to host a 4th of July event came from a shared idea among the bar’s staff and a need for a place in the neighborhood to celebrate the occasion together.
After talking with her four business partners, Bollas shared that they couldn’t decide where to host a BBQ for themselves, so they instead decided to host a celebration at the bar itself.
In total, Willows Tavern plans to have 75 burgers and 75 hotdogs ready to grill for guests looking to enjoy the 4th of July in style. Sullivan, as co-owner of Willows Tavern and owner of Windjammer Bar, in Ridgewood, is expected to serve as the grillmaster Thursday afternoon until late evening hours.
The backyard setting of Willows Tavern, recently upgraded with picnic tables for ample seating, is also equipped with its own BBQ Grill, furthering the bar’s ability to embrace an all-American atmosphere.
The BBQ will start at 3 p.m. with friends and bar employees helping out, according to Bollas. The event is expected to last until closing time around 2 a.m.
“I want to have barbecues every Sunday. So even if it’s not us barbecuing, maybe it’s another person coming in and barbecuing,” Bollas told QNS, with the goal to feature more pop-up food vendors and live music as the bar continues to grow.
A recurring icon of the southwest music scene, Charles Watlington [better known as DJ Moonshine], will be showcasing his talents at Willows Tavern from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 4.
Bollas encourages everyone to stop by Willows Tavern to join in the festivities and try one of her red, white, and blue jello shots.
