Lan's #7: Orlando B.B. King's (Orlando, FL)

Orlando B.B. King's
Located at Point Orlando
9101 International Dr. Suite:2230
Orlando, Florida 32819
407.370.4550

After dinner and lots of champagne at Oceanaire (my capacity has been weaksauce this entire week thanks to a nice cold from either Mary or Hai) , we followed the music over to B.B. King's. We were almost sidetracked by a Hooter's but it was closed. Inside B.B. King's was the tail end of a Dell-Intel party for attendees of the same conference that brought us to Orlando.

Half a Blue Moon. Yes, poor showing, but it still counts. Ran into an old sales guy and talked to him for a bit. And then sat down to talk to a truck driver from Minnesota on a dare. I win!

Lan's #6: The Social (Orlando, FL)

The Social
54 North Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 246-1599

I challenged Joel to come up with something fun to do in Orlando while we were down here (once again) for work and he came through. Nice work!

After dinner at Emeril's, we headed to downtown Orlando to see MoFro play at the Social. Our cab ride was quite the adventure...lots of swerving, wrong turns, windshield wipers turning on by accident, and some fumbles...but we made it in one piece.

One thing I didn't know: they still allow smoking indoors in Florida. Figures. Yuck. Standing next to me was a very fat man with a baby backpack. No kidding. In front of me was a guy who was REALLY feeling the music. Pantomiming. Happy Hands. I laughed so hard I was crying. Oh, and the band was good too. I'm a big fan of horns.

1.5 Newcastles...my capacity was limited this evening. I was fighting a cold and hadn't eaten much the day before. Oh, and I actually have a picture from this venue...just gotta wait for it to make it over the wires.

Lan's #5: MaxBar (Chicago, IL)

The picture above is actually one from Deno's Bikini Bar in NYC which Jason found on his cell phone. Why I'm making that face, I'm not sure. What's important are the bikini clad Eastern European barmaids behind me.

MaxBar
2247 North Lincoln Avenue
between Belden Ave & Geneva Ter)
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 549-5884

After the closing ceremonies for Day at Kellogg (at Millennium Park), we were shuttled on yellow schoolbuses over to MaxBar. First, we had to go into an alley to drop off our coats, and then we went into a space that was pretty well-designed. Two stories, two bars, a dance floor, and some private booths. The DJ was AWFUL. He never played any one song for more than twenty seconds so as soon as you get your groove...the beat changes. Of course, folks with no rhythm aren't bothered by this...so there were still plenty of people dancing.

I'd already had too many glasses of wine at the reception, but with a $30 credit card minimum, J matched me shot for shot (he drank whiskey and I had Snow Queen vodka). There's also a front room that kind of resembles a sports bar (I think) that had much better music, so we stayed there for a while. Decided to take the midnight bus home...wasn't feeling the place. I probably would never go back except for a private function.

Lan's #3&4: Nevin's Pub, the Keg (Evanston, IL)

I landed in Evanston on Thursday, Feb 14 for the start of Day at Kellogg (Kellogg's welcome weekend for new admits). However, lovely American Airlines did not have my luggage so I was left without a warm jacket. Luckily, it was a "warm" night at 45F and my cab buddy (a classmate) lent me his jacket for the night. I looked pretty ridiculous wearing a North Face jacket that reached my knees...

American Airlines delivered my luggage in the middle of the night...just in time for me to get changed before the real stuff began on Friday morning (and the REAL cold hit--10F).

Tommy Nevin's Pub and Restaurant
1450 Sherman Ave
(between Grove St & Lake St)
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 869-0450

This place is pretty big, with a million beers on tap. Had a 312 on tap followed by a Newcastle. Talked to A LOT of my new/potential classmates before calling it a night. Don't need to make my first impression be that of a drunken fool. We'll save that one for later.

My understanding is that this will be regular spot for me as a Kellogg student. Luckily, the apartment I'm renting is within stumbling distance.

Keg of Evanston
810 Grove St
(at Sherman Ave)
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 869-9987

After our small group dinners on Friday night (we had some really really small sandwiches at the Celtic Knot), we headed here to once again socialize with our future/potential classmates. There was flip cup in the back and a few all-Kellogg bands playing. However, we stuck to the bar since the boys ordered some cheesy foods to supplement our measly dinners. A few more Newcastles (following some Sam Adams at school, and wine at dinner) and I was at capacity. I knew it was time to go when someone kept dropping really really stinky farts in our vicinity.

2008 Rule Change

Since I'm traveling so much in 2008 (and its just me & Joyce anyway) the rules are changing. All bars around the world count for your fifty.

Also, some cross-pollination from another side project dreamt up by Ed & Jamie: Beer & Cheese Its not fully set up yet, but its there. Jamie has yet to come up with the rules, so stay tuned.

Further, I'm booting you non-posters (you know who you are).

Finally, I didn't keep track of any of the bars I went to in New York back in December. However, I do remember one called Bikini Bar somewhere in the West 30s near MSG. Sara & I were a bit wary, but the boys convinced us to go in. Upon entrance, all the men at the bar cast their eyes down in shame. All of the bikini-clad barmaids were from Russia. I wonder if there is private service upstairs? Are they slaves? indentured servants?

We stayed there for a beer and some potato chips (on the house) and then made our way on to the next bar...an Irish one with a jack russell terrier running around. The rest of the night is a blur but we ended up at my cousin's restaurant in the East Village drinking champagne with the executive chef (her man) and then eating street meat around 4am. Good times.

Assgass last call: #48-50: SF Saloon, Renee's, Ye Old King's Head

SF Saloon
11501 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064-1519
(310) 478-0152

Hit the SF Saloon to kill 2 birds with one stone. Feed myself, and 1 more notch on the bar list before the impending deadline. It served its purpose. My chicken sandwich left me slightly unsatisfied (woulda been better off with Carl's Jr. Santa Fe :D). Standard bar with all the typical beers on tap. Kinda hokey "saloon"/surfer look. eh?

Rene's
Wilshire & 4th
Santa Monica, CA
310-451-9341

Great indoor/outdoor space, reminiscent of a European bar. Bricked alley-like central outdoor patio with a warm atmosphere, 3 separate bars, and a gorgeous female bartender. Drinks are a little on the expensive side at $9. Good mingling, conversation bar. I hear it gets crowded on weekends. A stone's throw from the Promenade and better than anything on it.

#50!!!
Ye Old King's Head
132 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-1402

Somewhat of an overgrown fratboy vibe, but nevertheless a fun spot. Awesome Boddington's on tap, dartboards, and laughing, drinking people having a good time. I kicked Gerald's ass in darts! Good way to finish off the 50, right on time!

[not so good] pics are somewhere

Assgass #44-47: The Bowery, Magnolia, VineBar, 3Clubs

Tuesday night in Hollywood

The Bowery

Somewhat hipstery spot halfway between a bar and restaurant. Vast selection of beer and wine (as well as a full bar) in a nice space with just the right level of ambient noise/music. The website touts it as "quintessentially New York" which i suppose i could see. (nah, don't care to elaborate.) The mac & cheese wasn't as good as Kevin said, but it was worth trying for it's uniqueness. I'd come back and try the burger on an english muffin the waiters kept taunting me with. Good after work meeting spot for a bite and/or drinks. I'd probably sit at a table or the bar next time. The bench against the wall is about 10" shallow and at a slight angle forward so even my tiny ass felt like it was sliding off.



Magnolia
6266 1/2 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

It's nice


Vine Bar
1235 Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA 90038

I have since been here twice, once as the only customers, the second time on a packed Saturday night. I still have yet to form a solid opinion. Nothing terribly great, nor terrible. New owners recently took over and spruced up the place, looks pretty good, but perhaps trying to find it's fit. Fat tire on tap is a plus, full bar, narrow main floor, small additional level, smoker's corner. Walking distance from the 3 other bars we hit that night.



3 Clubs
1123 Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA 90038

My favorite of the night. Much grittier than the Bowery and Magnolia, and I suppose Vine Bar for that matter. Stiff Drinks. I nursed my 7&7 until the one ice cube melted, and it still tasted like straight Seagrams. 2 connected rooms: one is the regular bar with juke box playing mostly hard rock; The connected room features different events each night of the week including a burlesque show, commedy night, local bands, and djs. For some reason, when I picture this place, I see an s&m catwoman sitting in the corner.

i've lost track of the pics for these bars. corazon? help?

Assgass #43: Big Shot's

Big Shot's Billiard Bar & Grill
23512 El Toro Rd
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 830-2255

The only thing resembling a bar in Charlie's Orange County suburb, we came in here because I had 8 bars in 6 days to hit. At 10 minutes to closing and only one other party there, we thought it odd the bartender insist on calling in the doorman from outside to check our IDs and make sure to give us the red X on our wrist. Ok. It's an Orange County Billiard Hall with Newcastle on tap. What I learned this weekend. Beer=Bloating

Assgass #41 &42: Weiland Brewery, 2nd Street Jazz

Friday night in Little Tokyo



Weiland Brewery
400 E 1st Street
Los Angeles 90012
213-680-2881


Made a stop here for a quick drink before the main event of the night (karaoke, which unfortunately won't be part of the blog). Resembles any other brewery restaurant, like Gordon Biersch, Rock Bottom, etc. The plus is Fat Tire and some house brews on tap, which made me really gassy and bloated sitting on top of the burrito I ate much too quickly. Food looked pretty good.

2nd Street Jazz
366 E. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-680-0047

I was ready to head home for my early morning the next day, but with only 1 bar down this night, and walking past a place with "Jazz" in its name, we wandered in. No jazz this night, but we happened upon a pretty awesome dj beat battle. I miss hip-hop. Definitely grateful to have wandered in on this event that reminded me that hip-hop is home. The bar itself was eh. They were out of Jack and Makers. I thought I ordered 7&7 but the bartender must've thought I ordered a $9 cup of ice with a splash of 7up.

Ok bars, but Good night

Assgass #40: Lost & Found

Lost & Found
11700 National Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064-3600
(310) 397-7772

This place reminds me of the library from the Clue board game minus the books. Plus saloon doors. Though an unlikely place for a bar with Blockbuster on one side and an apothecary reminiscent of a small midwest town on the other, this neighborhood bar serves its purpose well. Just down the street from my work, I came here on a rainy weeknight to get some assigned reading done and knock off another bar on the list. It was a great place to do that! Sat by the fireplace with my $3.50 beer and read twice as much as I had intended to. The beer selection isn't so hot, mostly light domestic brews (coors, bud, etc.), but Heineken's only $3.50. The bartender said they were thinking about getting Stella, which I support. Pool table, darts, locals, personable and thoughtful bartenders, and classics on the juke box. I'd come back for a repeat.

Assgass 50 in 2007

just for the record...

made the 50!!! 21 bars down this January :D


blogs and best of, to come


34 Barbara's (or Barber's),(E) LA
35 Footsie's,(E) LA
36 Le Blanc, (E) LA
37 Daily Pint, Santa Monica
38 Speakeasy, Santa Monica
39 The Room, Sta Monica
40 Lost & Found, West LA
41 Weiland Brewery, Jtown LA
42 Jazz on 2nd, Jtown, LA
43 Big Shots, OC
44 The Bowery, Hollywood
45 Magnolia, Hollywood
46 Vine Bar, Hollywood
47 3Clubs, Hollywood
48 SF Saloon, W.LA
49 Renee's, Sta Monica
50!!!!! Ye old king's Head, Sta Monica