‘Garage bars’ are taking over this New Jersey town | New York Post

Garage bars are popping up all over Maplewood, New Jersey. Residents of this thirsty NYC suburb are spending big bucks to build their own neighborhood hangs - no liquor license required as long as homeowners aren’t selling booze.
“It sort of fills the void of having a real close, walkable local pub that you would have in New York City,” John Garbarino, the man behind The Gar Bar, told The Post. His decked-out $6,000 home bar has inspired neighbors to make their own gar-bars, including the six-figure “Garage Mahal.”
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[@Christopherpum]

“John doesn’t always have the beer I like.” Proceeds to open a Miller Lite..

[@pyrolinn2088]

Obviously the guy doesn't like beer..

[@TaaxiCaab]

Miller Lite is the best

[@gilph3]

He was holding a New Belgium beer later, so I’ll give it to him

[@dameatisbrown7470]

@@TaaxiCaab you spelled “water” wrong pal

[@tedjordan9038]

A vital part of a bar is a bathroom. I guess people go in their jouse anyway.

[@nahnahson]

Guy says " it's a way to save a few bucks" Proceeds to drop 100k on his bar

[@mr.reality9741]

Imagine what he spent in the bar then!!!!

[@reasonablespeculation3893]

It's just what guys do when they start building.

[@chucksgmgarage1116]

Garagemahal? Nice I would love to turn my 1,312 as ft garage into a bar.

[@cflo1386]

😁

[@texmex658]

Well, by the time you reach 50, you will eventually accumulate in drinking about 100 grand ???. So, yeah, it's worth it.😖

[@KellyTirman]

My grandpa built a bar in his garage in 1950. I guess he was ahead of his time!

[@bkbigb]

Same!

[@nottabidenfan660]

Italian?

[@mirageseekr]

Yup, mine too in Ohio and they had Hella wild parties in there. Nobody bothered him cuz he also happened to be the chief of police and later the mayor lol.

[@ralphchurch7]

yeah, because no one drank prior to 1950

[@JennsCorner777]

Your GPA is the real OG.

[@huckleberry5085]

John going around turning people’s garages into bars is a definitely a reality show waiting to air.

[@GarBarNation]

Did John put you up to this Ken?

[@jdub6153]

"Honey, there is a man sleeping in our flower bed...."

[@sarahfaith6531]

So. Much. Fun.

[@jerryrn5571]

“Don’t worry sweetie, I took his car keys 🔑 “

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Karen is furiously scrolling through the New Jersey Code, looking for a way to shut these down.

[@hedhigh520]

hxhdfj ifzir st c they aren’t blacks so it’s not an issue

[@johncuervo3019]

@@hedhigh520 you obviously don't know Karen

[@GotoHere]

hxhdfj ifzir st c Yes the power hungry Democrats don’t want people to enjoy life. They want people to be as miserable as they are.

[@mdc4runner]

rolback why does this have to be political? I would think this would be apolitical or at the very least bipartisan

[@jenniferlawrence9473]

@@GotoHere Lol, and you don't think the Repugs are power hungry? You're a fool.

[@unhombrelobo]

and the next TLC show is born!

[@drea6717]

phục êwê the BarBros 😂

[@saginawdan]

That's one I would watch.

[@TheSupremeDunk]

pitch it!

[@robibryantbautista6197]

more like hgtv

[@unhombrelobo]

@@robibryantbautista6197 after a year, i'm thinking more like Netflix

[@swat486]

Had to hit like when he said the 2nd bar was going to be called sloppy 2nds

[@carmay3600]

My favorite part 😜

[@foobers9203]

Roflmao

[@blue55blue15]

Totally agree XD

[@jwvideos7011]

Filthy first

[@blue55blue15]

@@jwvideos7011 :D

[@FunDuude]

Yeah one "doesn't pay anything" but I'm sure you take "Donations." LOL

[@henry7765]

They all charge money. Tax free too! The local bar owners should sue them

[@FunDuude]

@@henry7765 ....Wow. How do they do that?

[@gregorygraham9371]

no need for bars to sue these small operations, nor any legal grounds to do so. smh

[@chromaticsoundco.7664]

@@henry7765 No, they shouldn’t.

[@NoMoreBLUEISIS]

@@henry7765 you should move to north Korea you'd love it there 🖕

[@AxelSituation]

To be fair, a lot of women in the 50s turned the garage into hair salons, so not too far a stretch.

[@TheExcile009]

AxelSituation we ain’t talking about that we’re talking BARS

[@speakingtruths4215]

AxelSituation Jeff Bezos turned his garage into a billion dollar business.

[@shawnryan2197]

I remember that!

[@GarBarNation]

Not surprised and that is awesome BTW! We're simply following in the footsteps of others, the cameras just happen to be more readily available these days.

[@baggerchicforever2687]

For everyone asking about the " free drinks " ..there is such a thing as a Tip Jar. .

[@membear]

I'm telling Karen

[@ricochetey]

@@membear you do that

[@LucasMartin-im5ub]

Or maybe they just hand them the 'tip'. Just a thought.

[@MrBobberino01]

The IRS has entered the conversation.

[@couchpoet1]

Just like cannabis dispensary’s donation jar. Lol

[@jasonrackawack9369]

I remember going to an antique car show years ago and in the swap meet area there were 2 guys selling rocks for $2, if you bought 2 rocks you could get a free beer out of the cooler in their truck for being a loyal customer and personal friend......yea sounds like a legit business plan.

[@finscreenname]

It's NJ. They will pass a law putting them all out of business in no time. Some sort of limit on how many people you can have in a garage or some other BS like that.

[@danielkinn782]

It's not a business if they aren't selling or making a profit.

[@bikesqump]

Code 4:20: Thou shalt not enjoyeth, hoot or hollar while consuming libations in any and all structures heretofore aformentioned as "garage bars" for feer of fun being had whilst a new tax revenue opportunity is be-eth levied.

[@gregalexander307]

I’m from NJ and I concur. Never mind that cops here give DUIs after around 2 drinks lol

[@candid1954]

On your drink menus..instead of a sale price write suggested donation. Now...you're not doing business if your operation is in donations!

[@easternzone7869]

Leonard Shaughnessy Not true in NJ. The “donations” or “private social club” angles are all covered in the NJ laws. I’m sure the friends work it out among themselves. Unfortunately in this state, if it get too popular it will be done away with through local ordinances of legislation.

[@jimtownsend7899]

This takes me back to the way it used to be. Where I grew up, the neighborhood was blocks of rowhouses. The basement was at ground level, and the end house of each block was usually converted into: a grocery store, a barber shop or hair salon, a deli or pizza shop, and in a lot of cases, the proverbial "corner bar". Inexpensive, close enough to crawl home from, and since it was on your block, you knew everybody there. The downside was that many a kid was sent to the bar to retrieve Dad, and if he didn't come home, many a Mom walked to the corner to drag him home by the ear! By the way, I have a great name for these establishments in this video, but I may want to copyright it first. Oh, what the heck: It's a "barage"! Just give me a shout out when you use it, K?

[@flacofausto8084]

why im watching this ? i live in an apartment i don't even drink lol but hey cool bars

[@The_VANtastic_Pack]

Even worse when you live in a van 😭 Im sooo jellies wish i had a garage.

[@chachathegreat9633]

Same!!!

[@snusmumriken232]

phục êwê What do I do when I don’t even have a van? I live outside and charge my phone in a McDonald’s. How can I have a bar too?

[@shawnbutchko456]

@@snusmumriken232 Set up a tent! ;)

[@awilson816aw]

The Barvan!

[@pduran880]

John and Gar Bar - “not the hero we deserve, but the hero we need” 👍

[@danabinaz3173]

At a glance I thought this said Garbage Bars 🤣 I was like 🤔

[@mr.cubarinogaming8953]

Same here .. weird huh?

[@malachikeefe7873]

Same

[@carriejaramillo1811]

Me too!!

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

Love this trend. Love it! No driving, no parking. A sense of community. I have wanted something like this for 40 years. Literally my entire adult life.

[@quikie1984]

Do It! 🎉

[@SteeringSteel]

“John Garbarino is an inspiration...to mankind”, yes he is! 😁🍻

[@chrisheinenoutdoors8880]

This has been a staple in Wisconsin since as far back as I can remember. ....to go along with the bar in the basement and on the deck. Lol.

[@bikesqump]

Never heard of those, 1st rule of garage bar us you dont talk about garage bar! Hahaha

[@chrisheinenoutdoors8880]

@@bikesqump 👍

[@saginawdan]

Not to mention the the three taverns on every block.

[@ecoRfan]

Definitely sounds like an upper midwest bro thing

[@desiprince786]

I never thought I would enjoy a video so much

[@The_VANtastic_Pack]

This needs to become an Hgtv show or on the DIY network.

[@paulhewson4600]

They did a couple years back,,check the ole InterWeb

[@LionHeart3641]

People have been doing this in the south forever. They’re called “liquor houses”. But hey cool bars. At least these don’t charge you or so they say on camera. 😉😉😉

[@treacherousviper]

Yep :)

[@Bartetmedia]

Tip based

[@stopglobalswarming]

Private clubs

[@shawnlewis389]

Probably have membership fees so they can collect money and restrict who shows up.

[@PeterXian]

donations

[@standardannonymousguy]

This is encouraging! Thank you for making this video. Honestly, I think if we all had in-home buisnesses like this (or a cafe, or a small restaurant, or boutique dancehall) that the United States economy could take a turn for the better!

[@GarBarNation]

yes kudos to NY Post video team! 👏

[@Mkultra746]

This is the most Dad thing I’ve ever seen. Yo. I’m so here for these vibes thoooo

[@GarBarNation]

Truth. We wish out dads had GarBars.

[@adatshhc]

It's clear that it is easy for John to meet and talk to people.

[@SwitchFingers]

I have a friend with a bar like spot in his back yard. It’s really saved socializing during this pandemic thing.

[@davidgarcia9308]

The Garage "mahal" what a classic name for a garage bar! 👏

[@MrDavidBFoster]

I got dozens of friends And the fun never ends That is, as long as I'm buying

[@cindyyeager8627]

This looks like so much fun. Keeps people from behind the wheel. Inspiring.

[@Onix.556]

"Sloppy seconds" BAHAHAHABAH, I got a feeling you may have guest show up expecting something else.

[@ronbroyles151]

Thank you John! With your videos during Covid that I watched inspired me to create The Coaches Corner !

[@jagpitbull]

I’m making a bar in Texas this video has really inspired me to create an atmosphere like this thanks guys!!!!

[@matthaft2048]

Where i live we had the same law. People would start a “Club” and you’d pay “Club Dues” when you’d go there

[@benjaminmann6963]

Oklahoma has been doing the “club thing” for years!!

[@perryhart3172]

The hells angels?

[@matthaft2048]

@@perryhart3172 we’re an Outlaws state..... but it’s the same reason they’re allowed to operate a full bar in their chapter house, it’s a private club

[@perryhart3172]

@@matthaft2048 my bad!

[@popseworld28]

I can’t wait to buy my house so me and my wife can build a gem like these guys

[@alexandrea3740]

Creative Control media, you’ve got an interesting channel. Thumbs-up on one of your videos; will check out the rest later, but looks like you’re on your way to your dreams. Blessings to you and yours.

[@DJL0455]

All very nice bars. I just built one in my pool house. Can use it all year round down were I live. Heated and cooled by a mini split system.

[@GarBarNation]

Nice!

[@JasonFiske]

This is jersey, I will look forward to the article about how it was shut down. But I love it. What a great town filled with great people.

[@machinist7230]

Considering they did this all themselves, id bet building permits weren't acquired.

[@pavelomar4631]

One of the main reasons would be “oh you can’t serve more than one complementary alcoholic beverage in NJ”

[@samanthab1923]

Forgot how a lot of those older suburbs have detached garages. Great idea.

[@aidanlutz8106]

@@machinist7230 Well, it depends how they built it. If they built a garage from the ground up, then yes, they probably would need a permit. If you’re just moving some furniture and counters into your garage, then no.

[@ovihaliuc5884]

A hero we need and deserve.

[@lalalala-ly1zn]

I can totally see a reality show where John goes and helps ppl convert garages into bars.

[@GarBarNation]

Terrible idea. His family will never see him again! 🙂

[@brianafrojack5215]

Love the Gar Bar!!! These give me the Idea for our house.

[@smileyraw]

We have turned out garden shed into a camden/bricklane type bar during lockdown, and it has made a world of difference to our lives and the house.

[@BoslagerBBQ]

Sloppy Joe’s, “if I franchise the next one is Sloppy Second’s”. 🤣🤣🤣

[@GarBarNation]

Staying away from this one! 😅

[@veen9667]

This will end in tears.

[@EmiliaLanders]

That’s so cool. I love it. I bet it reduced drinking and driving whilst also increasing a sense of community

[@ShadowLight2012]

Can’t believe I watched this video, but glad I did. Pretty cool ideas....

[@GarBarNation]

We're glad you did.

[@1_fishin_magician153]

in the 90's there was 1 in Danbury CT and we called it the " after hours " bar.....constantly got raided...* loose lips sink ships !!

[@imnotsurewhy]

These guys are chillin during the quarantine.

[@skubz81]

Awesome! Made my day.

[@daniellempa4561]

Discovery channel or HGTV needs to get this guy his own show.

[@shogunhoneybear]

Soooo, last time checked, garages don't have restrooms. Riddle me that one John?

[@benjaminmann6963]

Bushes in the back. No big jobs!

[@awilson816aw]

Mine has a drain in the floor 💁‍♂️

[@DazzleThemForMe]

I was wondering about the same thing.

[@aidanlutz8106]

When it’s not Covid, you can just go into the house.

[@aidanlutz8106]

It’s not like these people are random strangers

[@sarahfaith6531]

Omgosh this is phenomenal

[@NoteConference]

We opened the NoteBar in Point Pleasant in 2016!! Great video

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

Awesome 👍 In Oklahoma we don't bar hop, we shop hop. Same kinda deal.

[@SnookOnTheFly]

Sloppy Joe’s is a historic bar in key west based on Ernest Hemingway

[@firepower7654]

And a sandwich that, as a kid, used to make me jump up and down when I heard we were having them for dinner.

[@SnookOnTheFly]

Fire Power Yeah buddy!!

[@dennisdecoene]

Been there in 2000!!!

[@weekendatbernies2265]

Duh

[@SnookOnTheFly]

@@weekendatbernies2265 thanks for the input.

[@nlahunter]

I love this!! Great idea!! 😃

[@SandraFerreira-me7xb]

That first guy has a Eagles McNabb Jersey in New Jersey! Lol. Go Birds!

[@amandakelley1665]

That’s a lot of money to spend to convince your friends to come hang out with you.

[@postapocalypticradiooq4134]

I grew up in neighboring Irvington, NJ. Definitely no garage bars on our side.. But there’s a lot of dice games and “lock doors”. Peace.✊🏽

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

That you know of.

[@postapocalypticradiooq4134]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH in Irvington.. we call those “lock doors” or “after hours” spots..😂😂

[@TheReverseParadox]

This is amazing man

[@flynnmalin]

My pub set is on the patio. Margaritas on the patio, on Fridays, are priceless.

[@tron3entertainment]

Karen: You can't have a bar in you garage! Owner: It's my garage, so I can do what I want. Besides, it's free. Want a drink? Karen: I'll have a Shirley Temple before I make a hyper-breathing call to the police.

[@kristynjohnson1193]

Whats her problem??

[@tron3entertainment]

@@kristynjohnson1193 - Superiority complex.

[@GarBarNation]

Karen was at one of our Halloween parties recently. She won't tell you, but she had a great time.

[@Todd_Monson]

Where do you take a leak?

[@HatedJared]

I have a 1000sqft heated polebarn on my property. Definitely doing this.

[@budor563]

J&J Dive Bar - that's our garage bar in Houston, pool table, darts, large beer assortment usually and always plenty of friends!! Yes we do have a tip jar as well!!

[@JeevesReturns]

“... gonna hire a wineo to decorate our home...” 🎵

[@noname-lq2kg]

"The Garage Mahal!" That name is what it means to be a masculine man! I love it!

[@aidanlutz8106]

He is a man of culture

[@GarBarNation]

Pretty clever actually right?

[@susanjohnson7679]

Great idea. Love it!

[@Razedot]

Wow. Garage and basement bars are virtually everywhere in Wisconsin. I don’t remember not being in one since childhood.

[@joelonzello4189]

Yep. After our bar closed a bartender built a bar in a large shed in his backyard 😉

[@GarBarNation]

Smart tender

[@kellyhill2410]

We all know that somebody is going to try and make a reality TV show out of this

[@mrjav1000]

Love love love this

[@nickm.9474]

These are amazing!!

[@melvingilliam1449]

The best invention since the wheel!

[@GarBarNation]

Someday someone will say, 'The best invention since the GarBar!' Until then, you my friend have won the best use of the least original comment award. Thank you.

[@lancelotdufrane]

Have a friend, calls, his, the “Barage”... my question is, does your neighborhood, use YOUR bathroom?.. cause, at my buddies, we use their in home bathroom? Just a thought.

[@kkgibbs1]

So cool. Building our backyard bar this spring.

[@GarBarNation]

Amazing! Hope it turned out ok.

[@gem-mint-cardscom]

2:20 Sloppy Joes in Key West is an icon. 24°33'33.4"N 81°48'17.9"W

[@djhinrg]

Not selling anything so it's free drink? Oh, it's called 'tips'.

[@mattgaming8717]

I see. "Donations" lol

[@cokemillion]

No no definitely random "gifts"

[@Chemnitz11]

Wisconsin be like, "Welcome to the 1960's New Jersey, have you also seen the two other bars in the house?" Technically in Wisconsin, if a structure doesnt have a floor or plumbing you dont need a license to operate.

[@jishimoari]

So build a shead, throw some sand and make a bar

[@user-qo1uv1eo9u]

New jersey is nice place to live and enjoy your life, i hope you guys stay true every time

[@ALT3REDB3AST]

Now THIS is cool!!

[@MasGood]

It took me the whole video to realize this wasnt a skit

[@GarBarNation]

Ha! Maybe we need a parody video.

[@hsrenterprises]

"do whatever you want" means drugs

[@LionHeart3641]

Light up the bowls and bongs baby!! Lol!

[@Bartetmedia]

bars and drugs go together since the beginning of bars

[@johnlawrence394]

Primarily the most dangerous but ironically legal drug alcohol.

[@mr.robinson1982]

Wait, if you are charging people money for drinking in your garage, then technically you are not paying taxes on your adult beverages....No matter what you are selling, if The Taxman doesn't get his cut, you'll be in deep sheet...

[@jimtownsend7899]

Hold on there, Phckng! Who said they were charging people money for drinks? I didn't hear one person say, "Sell me a beer." or "How much do I owe you?" There's no law against giving adults a beverage of their choice, and there's no law against people giving somebody a few bucks out of friendship. I'd be happy to help a friend get through some lean times, especially if I show up at his garage and he hands me a beer. Wouldn't you? It's the neighborly thing to do!

[@ReaversRespite]

These garage things have been a "new big thing" for decades. I do wish we had them in Florida. I miss the Web House in San Antonio, TX!

[@crashweaverda]

I'll stick to putting cars and motorcycles in mine. Nothing like getting into a snow free car in the winter.

[@aidanlutz8106]

Motorcycles make sense, if you have a car like my CRV, you don’t need to worry about snow.

[@GarBarNation]

Build a bar with a motorcycle theme maybe? But we get your point which is wise.

[@jarsithankgod7747]

Because of the economic crisis and the rate of unemployment now is the best time to invest and make money 💯

[@dinerodaniella5005]

Exactly sir

[@poonamnaik3491]

Crypto is the future 🚀

[@williamsmacroy2637]

Buy gold and crypto

[@silverlining8499]

That won't bother you if you trade with a Professional like Mrs Maria Garcia

[@MariaGarcia-rq4lp]

Yeah

[@jd4evapodcast86]

I already have a bar in my basement, connected to a locked grow room, gotta love Boston 👍🏽👍🏽

[@stevee.7419]

I love this! Right on, folks🍻

[@bigkid757]

Wonder how many marriages were ruined in this town 😂

[@jonredd650]

Can you imagine a hot single mom moving to the street! Lol

[@bigkid757]

😂

[@MrCharlesEldredge]

No more than any other town. Today marriage is hardly taken seriously anywhere. Sad, but true.

[@weeknders]

Or born out of the Gar Bar?

[@GarBarNation]

@@jonredd650 We can! No we can't! We can! No we can't!

[@BH-fi1sb]

You know you have a drinking problem when you spend $100000 on your garage to drink

[@slaplapdog]

If you have $100,000 to spend on a bar, you ain't got no problem...

[@saginawdan]

@@slaplapdog You took the words right out of my mouth.

[@BillyJ10]

Awesome,,need to bring some of that down here to Tom's River.

[@Sarconthewolf]

Make one yourself, and let me know when your done. lol

[@kristynjohnson1193]

Love this!!

[@eliaswhoflias3744]

At the time of this post, "Garbage bars are popping up all over Maplewood, New Jersey." is the first sentence in the description.

[@JillyBean860]

Hahahaha!!

[@Randomusername382]

Tha garage mahal was definitely the most expensive and has the least amount of people going to it.

[@TheEighthDay0]

"John doesn't always have the beer I like." *cracks Miller Lite*

[@reallybadaim118]

This is normal in San Antonio. I've been seeing these around in S.E. San Antonio back in the late 80's the locals just called them ice houses. Some even had live music.

[@420protoman]

didnt homer do this on the simpsons like 20 yrs ago??

[@edwinhill1341]

They make money buy tip jars.....most people will tip a reasonable price for the alcohol they drink.

[@rzawistowski33]

Facts, I could give $2-$3 per drink or $20-$30 a night. I save $ compared to a reg bar and he makes a few bucks.

[@robertpanzer7189]

You're actually wrong

[@rossej56]

This is great !!!

[@debbied7035]

My son and his roommates have something like this. We call it the frat house even though they are all well over forty. Only their's is a large covered patio where they have collected a bar, stools, some comfy chairs, a lg screen tv, microwave and a couple frig's to keep the beer and snacks cold. Mostly as a place to relax after work and not worry about driving with adult beverages under the hood. They are in a pretty down to earth neighborhood on the edge of the desert, so no flack from any HOA.