It happened. It finally happened.

No, I didn't marry Chris O'Donnell..... No, I didn't swim the English Channel. Not yet...for both of those. (just kidding, hunny!)

(The bar at the Troy Bomber's)

What happened was the Bomber's in Troy finally opened its doors. There was a soft opening/sneak peek on Monday with a good array of people - I saw friends from Troy High, from post-college, from working at the paper. It was a good, fun group. (though, with an open bar and free food - I think it'd be hard not to find a good, fun group)

The new location opens officially on Wednesday in their location at the corner of Federal and King Streets in Troy, right near the Green Island bridge. And just in time for Rockin' on the River.

(Mmmmargarita)

The inside looks just like the other two Bombers in Albany and Schenectady. The slight difference is that the bottom floor is *not* just for food. The first floor is a large bar with multiple booths and tables and TVs, and a patio for outdoor seating. The second floor was closed on Monday, and I'm guessing it will be used for private parties (which are options for the Albany and Schenectady bars as well).

(the patio)

The décor is exactly like the other places - sombreros, chicks riding burritos - but it's larger than the original Lark Street location. The exterior kinda reminds me of the Schenectady one too since it's a nice, brick row house.

But, unlike both of the other locations, there's on site parking and plenty of parking after business hours in the lot adjacent to the Green Island bridge.

(the interior)

The Troy location will be open Mon-Wed 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Thurs-Sat 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sun 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

I remember when this project was first proposed - apparently back in 2010 (I can't believe it's been that long actually). Back then, they were talking about putting the site in Troy's Antiques District at 215 River St.

Then, in 2011, the location was proposed and approved for the site that opens this week - 2 King St. At that time, the city started getting a lot of good feedback about the business moving to the area and said it was akin to Dinosaur BBQ's arrival. But an estimated $700,000 was needed for renovations at the site.

The city is still hoping - rightfully so - that the new Bomber's will ignite a renewed interest in that area of the city. (As a reporter, I got a multitude of calls from people wondering when Bomber's was  going to open because they wanted to put in other new bars in that area - but only if the Bomber's opened. And they opened. Finally.)

So, on behalf of the Troy community, Slow Poke Rodriguez, I'd like to say - (in a kinda Moe's reminiscent way) - Welcome to Troy! And, in all seriousness, we're really glad you're here - finally. :)