The pre-ferry booze scene is an angst-filled, frustrating affair. Establishments and their

Published 7:00 am Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The pre-ferry booze scene is an angst-filled, frustrating affair. Establishments and their servers must be sensitive to the unique needs of commuters who, if inadequate service makes them miss a boat, could end up spending the night under the viaduct. When it comes down to it, thereaE™s really only been the Commuter Comforts bar in the ferry terminal and the Owl NaE™ Thistle (on Post Alley between Marion and Columbia). Enter The Forge Lounge, a new bar and eatery in the old Downtown Cups space on the overhead walkway between First Avenue and the terminal. As the seagull shits, itaE™s right above Western. The Forge has a well-curated collection of taps, a full bar, just enough food, and an understanding staff. As an added bonus, its nookish aesthetic shelters commuters from the reality that youaE™re just outside one of the busiest transportation hubs in the city. Even if youaE™re not catching the boat, itaE™s worth the trip. CHRIS KORNELIS 65 Marion St., 612-9565, theforgelounge.com