Ballards being replaced by an Aroma Joes

 A Ballad for Ballard's...

ahem:

Ballard's you got me drunk

the news of your closing has me in a funk

you had plenty of really cheap beer

and when it got packed you could barely hear

Your patio made you unique

I often used your bathroom to take a leak

Ballard's, you will be greatly missed

 boy, am I really pissed

Discounted pitchers and beat the clock

this news came as quite a shock

At Ballard's I was often trashed

Let's have another night when we all get smashed!

The rumors started swirling this afternoon, but it looks like it is more than a rumor. Apparently Ballard's Restaurant, known for being the only place to drink outside downtown, is being replaced with an Aroma Joe's coffee shop. This is a very sad day for UNHers. Ballard's (formally the Tin Palace for all you oldies) definitely, without comparison, has the best beer selection of all the Durham bars. Sitting out on their patio on warm afternoons, evenings and nights was one of my favorite things about going out downtown. Factor that in with no more Ballard's Beat the Clock and the fact that the other bars just got that much more crowded makes this even worse.

I am not sure on the timetable with this, but hopefully they'll have a final closing bash or something. Ballard's will definitely be missed and UNH nightlife won't be the same without them.

No more Ballard's drinking game, no more patio nights and no more dollar drafts of the best beer selection in Durham.

New Hampshirite = devastated. Rest in peace Ballard's, rest in peace.

Update: Apparently there is a sign on the door that says they're closed the rest of the week for refurbishing and inventory. Sounds like it has already happened.