By Janet Stoica

The place is downright cozy, with low ceilings, polished wood bar and seating, along with a small area set up for musicians. Two pool tables await those who are ready to try their cue ball skills on the felt playing fields. 

Andy’s Neigborhood Canteen opened on November 18 with little fanfare, but inquisitive newcomers have now become regulars, mixing with all age groups, enjoying the easy-going atmosphere. 

The weekend entertainment schedule is published 12 weeks in advance. Thursdays are for trivia. 

Bill and Jessica Sabine, owners of The Rose Room on East Main Street in Webster, saw another opportunity in town to offer customers an enjoyable and entertaining evening experience. Judging from the Canteen’s customer numbers, it appears to be another wonderful success. 

Andy’s Neighborhood Canteen was named for Jess’s great-grandfather, Andrew Stefanik, who owned the former Andy’s Restaurant & Bar, which was located at the present site of KFC/Taco Bell in Webster. Jess’s uncle, Jeff Stefanik, visited Andy’s Neighborhood Canteen 40 years to the month after the original Andy’s Restaurant had closed shop. “He closed up the original place and was the last one to leave,” said Bill Sabine, “and when we opened on November 18, he was the first one here!” 

Bill’s background centers on fine dining and bar management. He has managed several brewery distilleries and restaurants and he definitely knows his beers, which is very evident from the varied and impressive list of brews his new canteen offers. 

The range includes from kolsh-style beers to bocks, lagers, IPAs, and ciders. Draughts include Night Shift, Whirlpool IPA, Timberhitch Red Ale, and Nite Lite, to name a few of the 12 varieties available. Canned beers offered are Narragansett (making a comeback), Miller Highlife, Troegenator Double Bock, and Jack’s Abbey from their list of 19. 

Red and white wine are on tap too, along with a non-alcoholic kombucha.

One of the specialty registries is named Happy Meal Combos, a listing of five shots and beers with the most popular being a Gansett and Fireball. You will have to visit to see the rest of the list.

Andy’s also has a refreshing batched cocktail on tap, Paloma, which is made with tequila, fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, triple sec, and soda, along with popular slushies of Mai Tai and Gin Rickey.  Standing out from the crowd of libations is a Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg shotski named for the skiing resort towns where it gets its second name “shotski.” There are four shot glasses attached to an actual wooden ski. A shot of a foursome’s choice is poured into each shot glass and the shots are consumed in tandem. Interesting indeed.  

Side snacks include four Panini sandwiches (freshly made to order): turkey Reuben, a tasty Cubana (ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard), veggie, and cheese.  Additional snacks: pretzels and house-popped popcorn varieties of plain, salt & oil, or cinnamon sugar.

The Canteen’s large outside seating area will be used in the warmer weather. Outdoor heaters, corn-hole tossing, and outdoor musical entertainment will be part of the scene.