If you sit by the front window of Civil Liberties, expect to meet the eyes of more than a few passersby peering into the establishment with a look of curiosity. The cocktail bar, in operation since November 2014, doesn’t have its name displayed outside. Instead, there’s a metallic pineapple motif where a sign should be and a black awning over the front entrance, emblazoned with a classic Talking Heads song title – THIS MUST BE THE PLACE – which understandably attracts glances of intrigue.
The exotic fruit motif outside Civil Liberties has earned it an affectionate nickname: The Pineapple Bar. But the meaning behind the pineapple has greater significance. “It’s the international symbol for hospitality,” explains bar manager Casey Ryan. “We wanted to do a cocktail bar that wasn’t stuffy, where people can just come in and have a good time.” The pineapple also makes an appearance in some of the bar’s tiki offerings. “We do a lot of island-style drinks in winter," Casey explains. “I find when it’s freezing cold outside, people always want to forget it’s freezing cold. Having a drink in a pineapple that’s on fire sort of does that.”
