By Jared Curtis
Cumming Tap
Get on the trail and you’re almost there
Numerous small towns surround the metro, and the majority have a watering hole for the locals, which also attracts adventurous bar hoppers. One of the most popular small town bars is the Cumming Tap. Some (those with dirty minds) stop by because of the name. Some like that it’s close to the bike trail. But no matter the reason, once you get there you’ll find a classic, small town tap that’s worth the trip.
“We’ve owned it for 13 years, but it’s been here a lot longer,” said owner Bob Moural.
The bar has the look and feel of a small town bar, but brings in a lot more than locals.
“We have a neighborhood bar feel, but we are more of a tourist bar in a small town,” Moural said. “There are always people stopping, from bike riders on the trail to motorcycle riders on a cruise. We get a good eclectic mix of people.”
The bar is right next to The Great Western Trail, providing easy access for riders to take a break and enjoy a cold one.
“It’s a really nice, flat trail,” Moural said. “It’s only 14 miles from downtown and eight from Orlando’s, so we’re a lot closer than people think.”
Happy Hour runs daily from noon to 6 p.m., offering $2.50 bottles. On Tuesday, stop in for Fat Tire Tuesday and enjoy $2.50 pints. But if you’re really looking for a crowd, try the bar’s Steak Night on Wednesday. Patrons can grill their own steaks — top sirloin for $9.50 or ribeye for $12 — or just enjoy the potato bar and salad bar (which comes with steak purchase) for $5.
“People love it, and it’s a huge draw for us,” Moural said. “But it all depends on the weather. If it’s nice out, we’re packed.”
Patrons can also enjoy $5 Moscow Mules every day.
“We serve them in the big copper mugs (16 oz.), and they are very refreshing,” Moural said.
Stay entertained at the bar with five TVs, an assortment of video games (“Golden Tee,” “Silver Strike”) and a pool table. The bar offers six beers on tap and “an assortment of domestic bottles.”
“Don’t come here looking for a Heineken,” Moural laughs. “I make a lot of the old school drinks, but I’m not too familiar with all the new stuff.”
The bar’s claim to fame is the newly redesigned Cumming Tap T-shirt, which says, “I (heart) Cumming.” The shirts are $15.
“We redesigned the look of the shirt,” Moural said. “We have woman’s sizes now, and men’s sizes are on the way.”
A popular place to enjoy a drink is on the patio out back.
“It’s not a very big patio, and if I knew it was going to be this popular, I would have built a bigger deck,” Moural said.
With so many big and bulky nightlife establishments in town, it’s refreshing to experience a small town tap atmosphere.
“We offer cold beer and great prices in a relaxed environment,” Moural said. “People think we are far away, but we’re not. Head out on a bike ride and stop in for a beer. There isn’t a better way to spend the afternoon.” CV
caption: Owner Bob Moural pours a Moscow Mule at Cumming Tap, 117 North 44th St., Cumming. Hours are noon to close (normally midnight), daily. The bar is cash only (with an ATM onsite). For more information, visit its Facebook page or call 981-5149.
