Au Sable Forks’ favorite watering hole
How I Met Your Mother had MacLaren's. New Girl had The Griffin. Cheers had, well, Cheers. The point is, every story-worthy community has a friendly neighborhood pub. In Au Sable Forks, that’s 20 Main.
Whether you’re looking for a place to gather with friends over a cold beer, somewhere to grab a quick mixed drink, or the hottest spot for weekend entertainment, 20 Main is the answer. Full of personality and local charm, it will quickly become your favorite new watering hole.
Laid-back bar vibes
One of 20 Main’s stand-out qualities is that it doesn’t strive to stand out. That’s not to say that it’s mundane—it’s definitely not—but it cultivates a casual atmosphere perfect for every mood and occasion.
If you’re new in town or just passing through, be prepared to be one of few unknown faces at the bar. It’s a community gathering place, and most of the customers will know the bartender by name. That doesn’t mean newcomers aren’t welcome! It just means you might be asked your backstory by curious locals on the bar stool next to you. Lean into it and make new friends.
In the warmer months, head OutBack and cozy up around the fire pit. Share stories, raise glasses, and get to know Au Sable Forks in the best way possible—through the people who call it home.
Live music
20 Main is a hot spot for live music in the Whiteface Region. With acts every Saturday and Sunday, they bring in a talented cast of local and regional artists spanning genres. This isn’t a place to be shy and just tap your toe. Get up and dance under the technicolor lights! 20 Main is a judgment-free zone, so let your funkiest moves flow freely.
Frequent open mic nights give budding stars and just-for-fun musicians a chance to get in on the fun, too. If you’re a musician yourself, bring your guitar and join in the tunes.
Classic bar games
With a hint of retro vibes, 20 Main brings classic bar games back to the forefront of the pub/tavern experience. Whether you’re part of a pool league or, like many of us, learned to play billiards in your grandpa’s basement, there is a place at the table for you. Not handy with a pool cue? Maybe your luck lies in hitting the bullseye! Still a no-go with the darts? That’s fine! Pick up a fun game of shuffleboard or cornhole as you sip and smile.
If you’re the competitive sort, 20 Main also hosts pool and corn hole tournaments. Compete for the 20 Main pool champion “Trofy” or enjoy $2 drafts and $1 mugs while you toss corn hole bags to victory.
Food without frills
While 20 Main is not a restaurant, many of their live music nights are accompanied by food trucks. A frequent vendor is the Dogfather Food Cart, which serves up unique hot dogs, hamburgers, loaded fries, and other bar food favorites. If you’re lucky, you might stop in during a potluck, or you’re always welcome to grab take-out from another local eatery and bring it in with you.
Truly unique events
Where else will you find a Daytona 500 party complete with stock car racing on the pool table and free cupcakes every time there is a crash? Nowhere, we’re pretty sure. Or line dancing with a live band (that maybe only knows the one line dancing song, but that’s more than most of us!). Then, of course, there are special parties for holidays and bar holidays, like the Super Bowl. When you’re planning your trip to the Whiteface Region, check their Facebook page to see if there are any fun events on the schedule!
Whether you thrive in a dive, feel at home in an all-American bar, or find comfort in a classic pub atmosphere, you’ll be right at home in 20 Main. While this one-of-a-kind establishment is hard to categorize, there is no doubt that it’s Au Sable Forks’ “Friendly Neighborhood Pub” and a must-visit when you’re in the Whiteface Region. If you plan to imbibe, remember not to drink and drive! Instead, find a place to stay close by.
