The Thunder Gals (some of the Thunder Hill Elementary moms) get together every year, just before Christmas at the Second Chance Saloon. This year, the Thunder Gals let their husbands tag along.

The Second Chance Saloon is my neighborhood pub. When Columbia, MD formed some 50 years ago, every village had its own pub. Over the years, the number of surviving pubs has dwindled to just a few. Despite the Second Chance’s out of the way location, it serves as a comfortable meeting place for the Oakland Mills Villagers.

Their tiny kitchen provides a challenge to the 2nd Chance staff, especially with big parties. I usually stick to traditional bar food which rarely disappoints. I especially enjoy their wings, burgers (Tuesday are 1/2 price), chili and frickles. Their 18 taps of beer are respectable, married with a substantial bottle list, providing a nice selection of craft beer.

Years ago, the Second Chance was called the Last Chance. It was a pub renowned for its amazing beer selection but was pretty much the same old struggling pub.

I was recently reminded of the Last Chance’s sad story just a few days ago. In those days, restaurants in Maryland and Howard County allowed smokers but required a “no smoking” section. For a short period of time, Howard County passed legislation that required restaurants to have a separate ventilation systems for the smoking and non-smoking sections. In essence, the restaurants had the choice of banning smoking altogether or installing ventilation systems. The Last Chance put in a smoking room around the bar. It was expensive but seemed very successful. The room was packed with cigar and cigarette smokers, full of very hazy, cloudy air. A few years later, Howard County outright banned smoking in restaurants. The Last Chance never recovered from their investment in the smoking room and closed shortly after that. (This is all a vague recollection of those days. If you know of any corrections, please let me know).

After the Last Chance closing, a restaurant opened, I believe called the Fire Rock Grill. They served terrific food but it was a bit pricey for the neighborhood. Sadly, the restaurant did not last long.

On a positive note, the Second Chance Saloon aka 2nd Chance has been open now for many years and has quite a steady following. I try to support my cozy little neighborhood bar whenever I can. You can too, at 5888 Robert Oliver Pl, Ste A, Columbia, MD 21045.

Cheers!

Warren