SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)–Located just steps away from Syracuse University on South Crouse Avenue, Harry’s Bar was unusually quiet for the start of the new school year. Harry’s was one of many businesses to be affected by COVID-19 and the guidelines set in place by New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo.
Becca Derezinski, a senior at Syracuse University, described the current nightlife at Harry’s Bar as a far cry from what it used to be.
“There would definitely be people right up against each other, sweaty, very hot,” Derezinski said. “No one was worried about personal space at all.”
Tables are now divided by plexiglass and can only fit up to six people. Masks are required at all times unless guests are seated at their table.
Harry’s Bar shut down on March 14 under orders from Cuomo. Every summer, Harry’s closes its doors on June 1 after most SU students leave campus. However, this year’s closure amounted to five months as opposed to the usual three.
John Shahin, the owner of Harry’s Bar, said losing business those last few months of the school year was damaging. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the bar typically welcomed about 500 people on weekend evenings. Now, Harry’s reaches maximum capacity at about 20 people. Shahin said he does not plan on changing his business model because students are not going out like they used to.
“They know,” Shahin said. “They’re smart. They don’t want to bring the virus back to the campus. SU is doing a great job of keeping it low. Onondaga County is doing a great job of keeping it low. We’ll survive this.”
The bar added an outdoor seating area much like many other establishments in Syracuse. When the outdoor seating fills up or the weather gets too cold, guests can order inside.
Harry’s Bar is open from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
