"They say the neon lights are bright, on Broadway ..."

I could hear the lyrics to the popular George Benson song in my head the instant I stepped inside The Pourhouse Pub downtown and realized I was walking on Broadway. An enormous map of New York City covers the floor, with well-known streets and avenues, big yellow stars marking such places as Times Square and Madison Square Garden, and a huge red apple in the center that reads, "The Big Apple."

The map complements the vast New York skyline, complete with bridges and the Twin Towers, painted on the wall behind the bar in the next room.

Co-owner Dan Troutman moved his barbecue business, Treybon, from Reynolds Street to the building that's now the Pourhouse two years ago, with hopes that a hangout-type spot with a new name might be more profitable.

The site had previously been home to a club called New York New York, hence the decor. Events led him to retain the decor.

"The week we were moving here, Sept. 11 happened," he said. "I didn't feel right taking the stuff down. I wanted to leave it as a tribute."

They arranged the bar around the skyline. A large illuminated smiley face above the skyline amicably lures in drinkers, as does a different $1 drink special each night.

"It's the 'poor' house. IF YOU GOt a dollar, you can drink," Mr. Troutman said.

Mr. Troutman said manager Steve Connor came up with the name of the pub because, aside from serving barbecue, buffalo wings and more, the pub pours beer and liquor.

Four TV sets hang down in the center of the room, which has purple walls, tables, chairs and booths, a stage, dance floor and pool tables. On Thursdays, the TVs display either lyrics or videos of karaoke songs. Singers get $1 off drinks.

The Pourhouse is roomy, with an extra banquet room in the back if the front fills up. The pub opens at 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday, with a full menu and happy hour 3 to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday. In-house band The Recaps with Sassy Brass play 1970s and '80s dance music Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The Pourhouse is located at 1285 Broad Street in Augusta.

MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF There's never a cover or a dress code, but the environment is laid back and mature. The facility is available to rent, and the Pourhouse also caters.

Mr. Troutman hopes his pub will attract more people downtown. "Either this works, or I'll end up in the poor house!"

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IMPORTANT FACTS

The Place: The Pourhouse, 1285 Broad St. (map)

Popular Drink: Beer, $1 drink specials

Hot Menu Item: Smacky's BBQ ribs, flavored buffalo wings

Dress Code: None

Information: 724-0632 or see the Web site www.thepourhousepub.com

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