Al's & Ales
Four stories of fun! Built right along the water in Grennig's western harbor, Al's & Ales has served sailors and merchants for over three centuries. During its heyday, under the watchful eyes of its original owners, the tavern had a twenty foot illusionary sign on its roof in colors so vibrant that sailors swore could be seen from ten leagues at sea. It was during these good times that Olaf Samsonsonsonsonsonsonsonson purchased the rights to establish a second Al's & Ales, this time in Karradone. While the concept of similar taverns in different cities never took off, suffering under the Three Strictures that came with the end of the Great War, the "franchising fee", as Olaf called it, did give the owners enough capital to expand.
And expand they did, purchasing their current four story building right on the waterfront, ensuring that those arriving in Grennig's first stop would be their establishment. While gambling, accomodations, stout beer, and personal services are available throughout the building, each floor has a decidedly different feel and attracts a different sort of clientele. On the ground floor lies a massive common room stocked with long tables surrounding an oval bar in the center. Laughter, curses, and lewd music tumble up the broad spiral stairs leading from the common room to the second floor which is has a small lounge and a number of small rooms for let - either by the night in the front of the building or for shorter periods in the back.
While a few games of chance - most dice and cards pop up in the common room, most of the serous games appear in the third floor casino. While the common room is full of warm shadows and typically boasts a bawdy tavern songs, the casino is clean, blight, and serenaded by a string quartet during the busiest hours. A dress code is strictly enforced and blades must be checked at the door. Access to the casino - and fourth floor which is full of private suites for discerning patrons - is only available through an artfully concealed set of stairs in the common room that keeps the common sailors from stumbling where they shouldn't go.
While the Grennig Gambling Commission certainly took a piece of their profits and the competition has grown in the city with establishments like the Grand Casino, Al's & Ales has persisted. The tavern has changed hands a number of times but the owners always take the name Al, with the current pair of Big Al and Little Al some of the most unlikely in its storied history.
And, despite its location, one never knows who one might find within its walls.
Founding Date
440's AC
Type
Pub / Tavern / Restaurant
Parent Location
Owner