50 new bars in 365 days

Lan's #17: White Horse Tavern

2008-04-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

White Horse Tavern
635 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 673-9900

I was going to meet J at Cantina, but when I walked in, I realized I'd already been here last year (a review of this blog shows that the bar was called Lucid at this time last year. The decor hasn't changed). So, I walked up Sutter and happened upon the White Horse Tavern & Restaurant.

In Berkeley/Oakland, there's a gay bar by the same name on Telegraph. Here in SF, it is just a pub with a restaurant in the back. There seem to be a lot of tourists in this bar, which makes sense considering its proximity to Union Square hotels. In fact, while I was waiting for J to arrive (sipping Jameson and reading Camus--how obnoxious), a tour bus stopped in front of the tavern and dropped off a whole bunch of seniors. Most went to their respective hotels but some trickled in.

An old man with hairy ears stuck his hand into the bowl of pretzels/peanuts in front of me. He threw some of the pretzels back. EEEW. Good thing I wasn't eating those. Bartender was quite friendly, too.

Went to the subterranean sushi place for some uni and sake and called it a night.

Lan's #15 & 16: Alembic & Club Deluxe

2008-04-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Details to come:

Alembic: lots of whiskeys & scotches to choose from. Yummy sweetbreads, bone marrow, mussels, and frites. Knowledgeable waitstaff.

Club Deluxe: more whiskey and some comedy. Mostly bad but some good. Women's toilet doesn't flush.

Lan's #14: Cortez

2008-04-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

Cortez
550 Geary Street
(between Jones St & Shannon St)
San Francisco, CA 94102

Wandered in here with J and 3 friends on a Friday afternoon after some drinks and snacks at Grand Cafe. My original destination was Ponzu but they were closed for a private party--boo!! I've heard good things about their small plates, but the prices are a bit ridiculous. Since we weren't hungry, I opted for a glass of Viognier...which tasted like the bottle had been open for a while. Service was slow and a bit retarded (there was a waitress staring blankly at us).

Free rosemary popcorn, which was nice. The decor is kind of random and the crowd is ooooooold. Probably won't be back although the foie gras looked good.

Jamie took us home and we met some folks at Godzilla for sushi and copious amounts of sake. I did not run the ascribed 10 miles the next morning.

Lan's #13: Olive

2008-04-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Olive
743 Larkin St
(between Ellis St & Ofarrell St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 776-9814

This is where the Marina folks head when they want to get "dirty" in the TL. I came here for a drink while waiting for hh for dinner @ Pagolac (Vietnamese food for the Marina folk when they want "authentic" TL...but another story for another time).

I sat down at the bar and it took a while for the bartender to get to me. During these 5-10 minutes, I looked at the limited food menu (the only interesting thing was pizza and only because I like pizza) and tried not to make a face every time a girl would scream. What is it with drunk white girls and high pitched screeching? This place is LOUD--not just because of the people but because of the concrete interior. I hate having to yell.

Well, the bartender finally came over...but first, he took two fernet orders from some old guy that had JUST wandered in. Bartender probably noticed my dismay at the wrongful order of orders so he asked me what I wanted: Kaffir Lime & Basil martini. Fernet is just OBNOXIOUS (and disgusting). My drink tasted watered down but it did the trick at almost 9pm on an empty stomach. HH wandered in and ordered a beer...a very flat beer.

Would I go back? Probably not. I'd go up the street to Rye where I don't have to yell and the bartenders don't complain about making the drink specials.

There's a pic on my cell phone that I'll upload later.

Lan's #12: Royal Oak

2008-03-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

Royal Oak
2201 Polk Street
(between Bonita St & Vallejo St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 928-2303

After dinner (where our alcohol tab surpassed what we actually ate) at Luella (don't miss the oxtail gnocchi, skip the mac n cheese), we stopped in at Royal Oak for a post-dinner drink. I had a 10-mile run scheduled for Saturday morning so opted for a glass of wine. Beer would have been a better idea. This is a cozy lounge, none of the modern, minimal furnishings of the swanky downtown lounges. These were more like tables and couches you'd find at grandma's house.

We got a big round table...Drew showed up, and then a bunch of characters from Austin Powers showed up. It was Austin Powers' bachelor party. I'm assuming his fiance must have put the kabosh on something truly fun. Goldmember was a little scary.

Not a bad spot for being right in the middle of Russian Hill. The 10 miles was postponed to Sunday. I have until the end of April to do 40 pushups. Yikes.

Lan's #11: The Metro

2008-03-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

Metro
2124 Market St
(between 15th St & Church St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 703-9750

First stop, Anchor Oyster Bar (NOT the right spot for $1 oysters...oops) for a Hoegarden (sp?) and an oyster shooter while we waited for Bill to get out of his doctor's appt to tell us where the $1 oysters REALLY were. My bad for not confirming...

Second stop, Blue, for mac n cheese and a glass of wine. By the time Bill arrived, oyster happy was over (for future reference, its on Market & Church). Bill's car was parked in front of the Metro so we stopped in for a drink after dinner. It was gay pool night and one of the boys was into Bill (and Britney Spears). I was too full for beer so I had a glass of red...a bottomless glass. It took me FOREVER to finish.

The evening ended at the good ol' Pig & Whistle. Tuesday night, but no Andy. We miss Andy. I had forgotten how much I love Magner's. It doesn't fill me up as quickly as regular beer.

Lan's #10: Rickshaw Stop

2008-03-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

Rickshaw Stop
155 Fell St
(between Franklin St & Van Ness)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 861-2011

Last night was one of those rare "summer" nights in SF. I was walking around outside after dark with just a tank top...in March!

Went with Tania to see Tilly & the Wall at Noisepop. There were three opening bands and we arrived just in time to see the last opening band, also from Omaha, but not very good. The singer made the unfortunate fashion decision to wear the cowboy neckerchief...which hipsters love but I think looks ridiculous.

The space is pretty small and intimate. Security at the door is smooth and the bartenders are prompt. I enjoyed my $5 sangrias. My only complaint? Why do indie boys have to smell so bad??? Tilly & the Wall came on promptly and put on a great show. They make me smile. So does unusually warm weather. Why am I moving to cold, cold Chicago??

I have jury duty today. Boo.

Lan's #9: Izakaya Lounge

2008-03-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

O Izakaya Lounge
Hotel Kabuki
1625 Post St
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 614-5431

On our way to Tanpopo for some ramen, I noticed that Dot Lounge (which had been closed for a few years) had finally reopened...as an Izakaya Lounge! I love Izakaya (basically Japanese bar food) so we abandoned the idea of ramen (which I'd been craving all week) and stopped in to try this new spot. It has been totally remodeled and looks nothing like what it did during the Dot Lounge days. The hotel has also been remodeled and renamed.

The entrance from Post St is not the main entrance. The bartenders just kind of stare at you and we stare confused back. To get seated, you have to walk over to the hotel entrance towards the right. Strangely, none of the servers in this Japanese(-inspired) place are Japanese...I think the water lady was Chinese. The head chef is from the Americano down by the Embarcadero as are many of the cooks.

J ordered a $3 Guinness from the can and I got a Pinot Noir. You're supposed to drink beer or sake at an izakaya, but I was in the mood for wine. I've had too much beer this week and my belly shows it. For food, we ordered pork belly and beef loin yakimono (skewers). Sadly, they were out of Hamachi belly yakimono. I wish they were served a little hotter.

We also got yakisoba, which seemed to be pan-fried ramen noodles with a teriyaki sauce and some tofu & vegetables. SKIP THIS.

Finally, we got the O Lounge Burger, which is pretty good. Sooo...the best thing at this izakaya was the burger. However, their burger does not make it onto my list of elite burgers (Bistro Aix, Chez Maman, Zuni, Absinthe, and the Richmond).

Lan's #8: Red Devil Lounge

2008-03-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

Red Devil Lounge
1695 Polk St
(between Clay St & Sacramento St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 921-1695

This one is slightly out of order since we went here the night before I flew out to Orlando. We went here to see Digital Underground. Got a nice spot up by the balcony but some drunk chick kept trying to push me from my spot. Her boyfriend kept telling her not to push me, her ass kept trying to push me away, she was leaning her whole body weight on me (if I stepped back, she stumbled towards me), and her elbow came an inch from hitting my face more than once. This happened many, many times before I elbowed her in the back and shoved her into her boyfriend. After that, she never came back. So, Joyce, I suppose that's the closest I've ever been to a real fight. There was physical contact this time instead of just yelling :P

Had a couple beers but I was feeling like ass (coming down with a cold) and J had wanted to drive. I was the owner of the keys.

This place gets too crowded and though I've never liked crowds, I'm now REALLY too old (and short) for crowds.

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

2008-02-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

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)

2008-02-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

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)

2008-02-28T14:02:00.000-08:00

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)

2008-02-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-01T12:57:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-01T12:45:00.003-08:00

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

2008-02-01T12:45:00.001-08:00

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

2008-02-01T02:03:00.000-08:00

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

Lan's #2 in 2008: Beauty Bar

2008-01-26T18:35:00.000-08:00

Beauty Bar
2299 Mission Street
(between 18th St & 19th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 285-0323

The rain was relentless yesterday, but we had dinner reservations at Farina...so we stood in the rain waiting for a cab (skirt & boots = no wet pants!) to take us to the Mission. After a lackluster dinner (mine resembled an airplane salisbury steak, minus the smushy carrots) and copious amounts of sparkling wine, red wine, and a finishing shot of fernet (gross), Say dropped us off at Beauty Bar a few blocks away.

Who chose this place? I think HH made a panicked decision. Nevertheless, it was a new bar for me so we went in. It was a lot smaller than I expected and more divey than I'd imagined the many times I've walked by. A shot of jager and an ice cold can of PBR (a request that surprised MinhCao) and we were ready to hit the very very tiny dance floor over by the bathrooms. A good mix of 80s/hip hop...stuff like Bel Biv Devoe, Technotronic, Boys II Men, and Madonna...can't go wrong with that!

I discovered a photobooth right next to the kind of really gross bathrooms, but didn't have $3 to get the machine going. So...we took some pics with my camera:

My bangs do a weird curl thing in the rain. After a few hours here, MinhCao, Jamie, and HH headed over to Club Six. Angelina & I picked up Josh from BART and called it a night. A good time was had by all.

When I got home, J & Alden were sitting in the dark trying to conquer Guitar Hero.

Strangely, I woke up in the middle of the night on the couch by myself...how'd that happen? Spoke to Alden this morning and when he left, I was in bed.

Assgass #37-39: The Daily Pint, Speakeasy, The Room

2008-01-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

The Daily Pint
2310 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 450-7631

Finally made it to this local Santa Monica bar that has been on my to go list since the beginning. A great, energetic place with Chimay on tap, and a ...coffee-like Patron? that Dave let us sample. quite tasty. Layout is just like Hinano's (bar#21), including the pool table, minus the sawdust (and other hints of divey-ness). People who appreciate alcohol would likely dig this place. A crowd pleaser bar that I'd imagine most people would enjoy. Had a great time meeting and talking to Becky who recommended the next bar to hit up. I actually have a selection of photos to choose from (thanks to G) so I'm copying Lan's format and putting more than 1.

Speakeasy
1326 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 450-4989

Nestor described it as a hotel bar (he probably meant motel, a dingy motel), and G likened it to a bowling alley without the bowling. Both are fair descriptions. I dig this dive, where there was just as easily an older fella sitting there since noon, as there were folks coming from a black tie event. And of course your general drinking crowd. Do what ya like here, belt a tune on the karaoke machine (or just sing aloud like others), play quarter pool, drink and chat it up, or admire a hottie like Perry did. I felt appropriate here having come out in my pajamas. Not for everyone, but I could definitely see myself wandering in here in my pajamas again. Love it. Thanks Becky!

The Room
1323 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: (310) 458-0707

Wrapped up an awesome night of bar hopping here, dancing to awesome 90's throwbacks. A smaller hidden joint that you enter from the alley side, through a basement-like room that looks like a student could film a back-alley stabbing scene. Without the threat of course. It's Santa Monica. Like Barcopa (bar#8), another better alternative to the Arsenal (bar#6) as a bar with dancing for the 20's/30's crowd. Music is a little better at Barcopa, but the crowd here is more relaxed, less high-maintenance (though I would hardly call Barcopa high-maintenance). $5 cover, decently priced drinks, though I wouldn't recommend the girly special shots at $9. Unless that's your thing. I was excited to see the bartender wearing a 'Breakestra' shirt and excitedly jotted down some music recommendations. Ups to the same bartender who poured some whiskey shots and was genuinely friendly without being flirty. I like that. G dancing was probably the most entertaining thing that night. No pictures cuz the man with the camera was boogeying.
A well rounded night with the pub, the dive, and the dance lounge. 3 for 3 easy thumbs up.

Assgass #34-36: Barbara's, Footsie's, Le Blanc

2008-01-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

Barhopping in (North) East LA

Barbara's/ Barber's??
by Corazon's house in the bushes
Los Angeles, CA

A hidden bar near the warehouses/artist lofts, or chop shops. Gotta go behind the bushes to find stairs that lead to this hidden watering hole. Once inside, I decided the surrounding warehouse buildings were more likely artist lofts than chop shops. I think there's a restaurant attached. Dead that night, but the bartenders were entertaining. Inexpensive drinks.

Footsie's
2640 N Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90065

Corazon and Natilie were surprised to find their neighborhood bar packed and thumping. I was dizzified by the strobe light that I insisted on staring into. CHEAP drinks. $24 for a round of 5 drinks! Macha said, "You bought me a drink and I feel like YOU owe ME money." That itself is worth going for. Danceable music though too thumpy for my particular mood that night. Pool table and $1 PBR. Macha and Natilie wanted to stay, but I'm on a mission! On we go-

Le Blanc
2834 N Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90031
323-222-5705

If you look this place up on Citysearch, it lists "automotive, window tinting" as the type of business. Perhaps a bar that's open at 8am provides dual function. Greeted with, "buenas noches," and an, "hola mami," we were the sole non-latino patrons of this Latin bar with a French name. With the age range in here, it could've easily been a Mexican wedding reception; Older women dancing, men in cowboy hats watching soccer on TV, younger folks laughing and drinking, and Macha owning the dance floor. It looks like there may have been a live band earlier that night. There's alcohol, fun music, and it's across the street from Corazon's house. Can't complain. Thanks to my barhopping crew for helping me on my mission! Good times

2008: Lan's #1: Royal Exchange

2008-01-18T17:37:00.000-08:00

The Royal Exchange
301 Sacramento Street
(between Battery St & Front St)
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 956-1710

A new year and thus a new count begins. This year should be a little easier for me to hit 50 since I'm moving to Evanston and almost every bar will be new to me (unless you count some stuff around downtown Chicago).

Met up with some fellow Kellogg admits for a few drinks at this FiDi pub. Lots of good beers on tap (did I order Fat Tire or Newcastle? I can't remember) accompanied by LOTS of suits. Although Kellogg's M:F ratio is 7:3, all of the SF admits so far are Asian girls. Go figure. We were pretty much the only girls in the bar. Lots of yelling required to keep up a conversation. Not the best place to try to get to know new people, but oh well.

HH swung by and we headed to Perbacco for a late dinner. A glass of champagne, a bottle of wine, and some REALLY tasty Italian food...

Last stop, Fly bar (which I frequented for their happy hour specials during my happy period of unemployment in 03/04) for a pear saketini (good thing I'm a girl!) while HH tried to convince me of the merits of 1984 (the venue, not the year). Lots of Santa Barbarians (tall white guys in flip flops), per usual.

I promise to take more pics this year.

Assgass 31-33: Joxers Daly, Saints & Sinners, Alibi

2008-01-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

i am on a mission to hit 20 new bars this month to make the 50. gonna have to cut back on the drinks per bar to make that happen. and definitely no more 151. (yikes face!)

Joxer's Daly
11168 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 838-3745

place immediately reminded me of a specific san francisco bar i can't remember the name of. a great, unpretentious bar, with the feeling of a sports pub. the kind of bar that would have regulars who sit on a bar stool all day, some thuggish looking people isn't uncommon, and a 60 year old wouldn't look out of place. pretty energetic vibe with a lot of people, but not too crowded. a decent band was playing on the small stage in the corner when we arrived, giving the place an even more lively feel. joxer's also boasts a pool table which is always a plus. all the standard beers and spirits. jack and coke was nice and strong, a round of 3 drinks ran $18, pool table, and it's a mile from my house. i'd come back.

Saints and Sinners
10899 Venice Blvd.
W. Los Angeles, 90034
310-842-8066

what was expected to be a mellow night ended when we imbibed one of saints and sinners' specials on the house-the hell fire, consisting of a flaming shot of 151 dropped into a glass of red bull. chased with an "angel dust"-a blue house martini concoction, and another martini special of tanq and ketel (which i didn't finish), any productivity the following day also ended. other than being completely smashed, this place is awesome! feels like you're in a funky designer's living room. padded ceiling over the bar with shell-like chandeliers, a low dividing wall with a white (quartz?) veneer, velvet textured wallpaper, and a modern fireplace that looks like the flame is coming from the same shiny white rocks. check out the pics on the website (saintsandsinnerslounge.com); i love the look of this place and apparently my drunk ass didn't realize my camera was on zoom when i was taking most of the pictures. crowd is like the more well-mannered, more put together neighbors of the crowd at joxer's daly. (and probably quite literally, being just a stone's throw away.) crowd is a great mix of everyday culver city folks and very friendly. we all know how drunk joyce thinks everyone is her friend, and in here i feel like they were. a very happy birthday to one of those new friends, Tatsyana, happy birthday! (forgive my sp.) i hope N and her homeboy didn't mind my accosting them too much. the music was awesome as well, a short set of all my favorites dancehall tracks, and hiphop that made me go back inside and dance as we were trying to leave. the tiny bar does get pretty packed at its peak, but i didn't mind it here. it really feels more like a good house party, and even all the staff seem to be having a good time. i'll def be back.

The Alibi Room
12236 Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 390-9300

somehow we ended up at one more bar. can't remember too well. was pretty gone by then. was pretty empty, but it was probably near closing time. another place that looked like someone's living room, but much more sparse with not so desirable lighting, and not nearly as interesting. it was probably just the fireplace. i bought some drinks by pointing, and i'm a little afraid it might have been really expensive champagne or something. i think we abandoned them when perry started throwing up outside and we don't remember dave telling us he was leaving. i can't remember if there was music.

Assgass #30; My Fathers Office

2008-01-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

My Father's Office
1018 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-393-BEER

THUMBS UP. all the raves about this place were pretty on. abundance of beer on tap, and possibly the best burger in town. the bartenders are good about recommending a good beer. waitress did me good with the alesmith esb, a kind of nutty brown ale with a bit of spice. sweet potato's not normally my thing, but they do a damn good sweet potato fries. only drawback is that this tiny pub gets really crowded and can be hard to find a place to settle. even at 730 on a thursday evening, our party of 3 had to wait outside until 3 people left. fortunately, we didn't have to wait too long and the doorguy was nice about it. a popular after-work bar located on montana st., it's definitely a white collar bar, but a personable doorman and helpful staff, great food, great beer, i'll be back.
know if you go:
-order food at the bar
-be aggressive in finding seating
-they do not have ketchup, don't ask. they do however, serve their fries with a very yummy garlic aioli, so who cares

Assgass #28 & 29: M Bar, Tokio

2008-01-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

M Bar
1253 N. Vine St.
Hollywood 90038
323-856-0036

came here to check out an old film classmate from berkeley do a stand-up comedy show. he was pretty good! just seeing him up there would've been entertaining enough for me. place is an intimate restaurant bar, completely draped in red, reminiscent of an old speakeasy. drinks were made on the light side, and my ravioli tasted like a really good tv dinner. maybe it was, as it arrived in about 2 minutes, piping hot. dunno if i'd come here on a bar hop, but it was a nice venue for the comedy lineup i came to watch. we spent the rest of the night wondering if the last [musical] act dressed in a shiny shirt, sunglasses, and bling, singing songs with titles like "jacuzzi party" was a parody or not. the joke's on someone, we're hoping it was us.

camera phone pics :/

Tokio Bar
1640 Cahuenga
Hollywood, 90028
(323) 464-2065

full of interesting LA characters for sure. a lot of people, both men and women, i'm sure from podunk, usa, with hollywood dreams. i bet the "i'm a hollywood agent/producer" line gets used a lot here. def interesting people watching. i do like the cozy little raised corner where i feel tall. music was ok, $5 cover that friday night.

Assgass #27 Sachi Lounge

2008-01-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

Sachi Lounge
6400 E. Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-252-8434

looks questionable from the outside, located inside the seaport marina hotel which looks like the location of a hitchcock knock-off. as you wait in line in the 2.5 star hotel lobby, you feel like you're going to ghetto prom, save for the 40 and older group waiting behind you in line. not that it's greatly different in the club, but once inside (and past the stuck-up door people), it's a lot of fun. highlights were a taco bar on the patio and a pretty awesome 80's cover band. and of course the man love circle featuring charlie and rob. hahaha, oh that was good. ended the night with all of us singing, "wake me up! before you go-go..."

Assgass #26 Elevate

2008-01-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

Elevate Lounge
811 Wilshire
Los Angeles, 90017
(213) 236-9600

this fancier club with a dress code sits on the 21st floor with a view of downtown. space is pretty nice. the highlight being the "indoor patio"; the whole length of the lounge is lined with wall to wall, floor to ceiling windows that protrude a foot or so beyond the railing with a screen-like ceiling over the protrusion(well-ventilated, and great for smokers). i dig the flow of the space, very open with designated areas well connected, and some design details (although somewhat pretentious) to garner some "ooh, look!" drinks are mighty expensive at $12 for a regular drink. (thanks pat for hookin up the cover once again). charlie likes the way the alcohol is served at the bottle service table. at least the bartenders are good, and most of them friendly. music is pretty good. as with any fancier club, mainstream takes the main stage, but it's a good selection, and the dj knows his stuff. i tend to get whiny about having to dress up, but this is a well-run place, nice space, and definitely fun to be had here.

L50: Kilowatt

2007-12-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

3160 16th Street (at Albion St), San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 861-2595
www.barbell.com/kilowatt/

I'd wanted to go to Laszlo as my #50, but it was raining and I didn't feel like walking around and getting even wetter post-dinner. Angelina contends I've been here before, but I don't think so. I distinctly remember going to The Attic when we were with my cousins. Much smaller bar and a DJ I quite liked.

Jason really likes this bar because as soon as we walked in, he noticed a very well-behaved spuds mackenzie sitting on the floor. A little further back was a pretty brown pitbull. Even better, they had Downtown Brown on tap! Downtown Brown always reminds me of my first trip up to Humboldt. My friend and I were there to visit the college but somehow ended up at our very first Full Moon rave.

After this, everyone left for Double Dutch and I headed home. I'd had enough of wet jeans.

DONE!!

L49: Elixir

2007-12-28T12:03:00.000-08:00

3200 16th St (between Guerrero St & Spencer St), San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 552-1633
http://www.elixirsf.com/

I thought I'd been here before, but I guess not. The bartender was incredibly slow and never sped up even when the bar filled up (half were our folks). I had a $9 hot buttered rum that I didn't like much. It was raining, but I left in search of some dinner.

Edit: Shortly after this posting, someone from Elixir IM'd me, offering to make good on my poor experience. I actually didn't have a really bad experience--definitely not the kind that makes me swear I'll never go back. We'll be back. My only comment was that the bartender didn't seem to care that everyone was waiting for a beer. However, she was nice. We'll be back...if I lived in the neighborhood, it would be my Pig & Whistle replacement. I also appreciate their PR efforts.

Not liking the hot buttered rum had nothing to do with the bar or the bartender. Its a drink I've never ordered before, tried, and will never order again.

Lan's #48: Whiskey Thieves

2007-12-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

839 Geary St (at Larkin St), San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 409-2063

I recall liking this bar except for the fact they allow smoking inside. Bill's big mouth almost got him into a fight. But nothing Jamie + a free shot can't smooth over. The bartender, Cesar, was quite nice. 2 shots of jager and a magner's = too many drinks for the night. I also stuck my finger through some guy's ear plug. Good thing I'm a girl and they were friendlies.

After spending too much time here, my hair reeked of smoke. We moved on to Ace's but I wasn't seeing straight anymore, we had only had oysters & brussels sprouts for dinner. It was time to go home. I hopped into a cab and abandoned my cronies.

This night ended with vomit.

Lan's #47: Hemlock Tavern

2007-12-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

1131 Polk Street (between Hemlock St & Sutter St), San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 923-0923
www.hemlocktavern.com

For some reason, I thought I'd been here before, but when I walked in, it looked completely unfamiliar. So, I guess I've never been here before. Glass of champagne that the bartender made fun of me for. We played some pool, Bill got too rowdy, and we left.

Lan's #46: O'Reilly's Holy Grail

2007-12-28T11:53:00.000-08:00

1233 Polk St (between Bush St & Fern St), San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 928-1233 www.oreillysholygrail.com

Hemlock Tavern wasn't open yet, but O'Reilly's was open...AND serving $1 oysters for happy hour! Extra bonus points because they had pancetta & brussels sprouts. Topped with two glasses of tasty champagne, I was happy with this establishment.

MinhCao & Jamie joined us at this point. 4 dozen oysters later, it was time for the next bar.

Lan's #45: Ha-Ra Club

2007-12-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

875 Geary St (at Larkin St)San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 673-3148

At 4:30, the doors unlocked just as Bill and I strolled by. Had an extremely cold Fat Tire on tap and left. The only other person in there was a very old man who was definitely a regular. Him and the bartender were exchanging VHS tapes and pondering the missing parking meter out front that had been there just the night before.

I was expecting this to be more like the homeless bar we happened upon in Chinatown (#28 Grasslands Lounge). However, this was just a basic dive bar. No homeless people, no trash. Bummer.

Assgass #25:The Derby

2007-11-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

The Derby
4500 Los Feliz Blvd.
Los Angeles 90027

Old school restaurant space with unintentional mishmash decor in desperate need of a sound system check. Party reminded me of Storyville on the verge of phasing out. I'm guessing the vibe widely varies depending on the event. Sound check!

#41 - 44 Zeke's, Roe, Syn, Sugar

2007-11-16T15:51:00.000-08:00

Zeke's - hot and stuffy, but it was George's birthday. Neighborhood sports bar.

Roe - I'm too old, skinny, and smart for this place.

Syn - Used to be monkey bar but they just renamed it, so it counts as a new bar!

Sugar - This used to be Hayes & Vine. Liked the atmosphere, hated the house music. Made me feel like I was at a rave and gave me flashbacks to 1998. 1998 was a good year, but I don't do those drugs anymore.

Lan's #39-40: Nectar Wine Lounge & Finnegan's Wake

2007-09-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Castros suck at blogging. Joyce, good job.

Went to Nectar Wine Lounge after some drunk shopping at BCBG (when they serve booze, I tend to buy...though not as much as Jamie). I had the $15 bubbles flight. We also had the salmon flatbread and some salumi. I was starving and drunk already. I don't particularly care for the company surrounding me (there were some girls in suits screaming), but that's my fault for being in the Marina. Would I go again? Probably not. I like the wine bar on Chestnut better (forget what its called, but its painted yellow and has a large open window in the front).

Finnegan's Wake: I've been there before but didn't have a drink. This time I did. Good neighborhood bar with a backyard area. It would be my Pig & Whistle if I lived in Cole Valley.

Assgass #24: Q's

2007-08-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

Q's Billiards
11835 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Finally made it out to CE's regular hang out. For some reason I was expecting a dive joint, so was surprised to see a pack of girls in miniskirts and heels standing outside. It is not a dive. A 25-35 age white collar sports bar with a lick of club flavor, but def comfortable enough for the beater and flip flops I showed up in. I get it, "Q's" ...as in.. pool, Cues, I get it now. Yes, they have lots of pool tables, 2 floors of pool tables, many many TV screens playing different sports on each screen, and even an interactive general trivia screen. Pool tables at $12/hour during the week, free on Sundays! I'll have to go back for that. Played some ass spanking pool (literally, and NOT. figurtively), drank a lot of beer, and am now craving the very tasty bbq mushroom quesadilla I had. Bonus points-there's a Pac Man machine with an awesomely smooth joystick :D Good times. Not boring.

Assgass #21-23: Hinano's, Circle Bar, Rick's Tavern

2007-08-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hinano's
15 Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90292

I love it. Looks like the kind of bar you might see in a movie where a bar fight breaks out. Except that it's in Venice right in front of the beach, which, is probably the only thing that prevents this place from being a true dive. Bar serves only beer, which is exactly what you'd want in this atmosphere anyway. A decent selection of all the common beers and then some. Quarter pool tables, juke box, and pinball machine, I could definitely hang out here. The floor's even covered in sawdust. yessss. Don't know why it has a Japanese sounding name.

Circle Bar
2926 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

The opposite of Hinano's. But not nearly as obnoxious as I was expecting. This popular Main St. "Pottery Barn" bar had a pretty young (under 25), mostly white crowd on that particular night. Standard $8 drinks from a yes, circular bar, served by good looking female bartenders for the fellas. I also hear the men's room is decorated in porn. Damn the one stall bathroom! Long line forms outside after 11p, which we luckily missed. Eclectic mix of popluar songs of the last two decades play from a cd. Weak. Nice, small, open-air smoking patio decorated the same as inside-red paint, framed posters of iconic personalities. Had interesting conversations with a couple nice Israeli dudes, then ducked out before it got way too packed.

Rick's Tavern
2907 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Feels like a classic bar turned alumni frat hangout. Had a beer, think they have a full bar. Less crowded than Circle Bar and much brighter than the picture. My pictures suck.

Assgass #20: Tantra

2007-08-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

Tantra
3705 W Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026

This picture could be of any bar. Another red lit, restaurant by day, lounge/club by night, Tantra is the new venue for the Pause party that use to be at the now (unfortunately) closed Star Shoes. Full bar that made my jack and coke on the stronger side, crowd and music seem to vary even at the same party. This night, the music went from silly dance music, to jiggy, to hip hop, to dancehall, to salsa and other world music in the hour and half I was there. No complaints, got some good dance on, and big ups for playing Fela Kuti. The space is nice, high celing, which makes it roomy, and places to sit (if not too crowded). No cover.

Lan's #36: O'Neill's (SF); Lan's #37: Fat Lady; Lan's #38: Cato's

2007-08-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

Just do I don't forget. 12 to go, peoples!

Lan's #34 & #35: Blarney Stone & Kezar Pub

2007-08-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

Blarney Stone

5625 Geary Boulevard (between 20th Ave & 21st Ave)

San Francisco, CA 94121

(415) 386-9914

After running a half marathon (PR!!) on Sunday, we thought it would be a nice way to shake out our stiff legs, celebrate a good run, and visit Donall all in one activity. So, we walked the 2.2 miles out to the neighborhood. First, we had dinner and sake at Blue Fin and then walked the two blocks over to the Blarney Stone, where Donall tends bar on Monday nights. There were only two other patrons at the bar when we showed up, which was good, cuz we got to hang out with Donall, who I don't see much these days. 2 Magner's and a sip of some nasty Chill beer that Miller is promoting and the Hubby Cab (Javi) showed up and took us home.

Kezar Pub & Restaurant

770 Stanyan Street (between Beulah St & Waller St)

San Francisco, CA 94117

(415) 386-9292

After our regular Wednesday speed workouts at the track, we went to the Kezar Pub to celebrate with my training group. There's a lot of great beer on tap here, lots of TVs to watch sporting events, and lots of other sweaty people getting drinks post-workout, game, or match. The buffalo wings are REALLY good. Skip the chili--it's really sweet for some reason.

Lan's 33: Double Dutch

2007-07-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

Double Dutch

3192 16th St

San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 503-1670

Went here for Jamie & Jackie's soccer party, in celebration of them making the Pilipino (is there an H or F in there?) Women's National Soccer Team. Hooray for them!

I like that there is a boom box collection on the wall. The Mission is a bit more sceney than I prefer. I like neighborhood bars, but it is always fun being around good friends.

Assgass #19: Primitivo Wine Bistro

2007-07-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Primitivo Wine Bistro
1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310-396-5353
http://www.primitivowinebistro.com/

As the name suggests, Primitivo Wine Bistro is, apparently, a destination wine spot. Bit of a waste on me, who's favorite wine is a $6.99 jug of Carlo Rossi. In any case, the atmosphere and tapas are just as much of a draw. A small, intimate, and lively main room feels like a mix of old european with a touch of southern colonial. and mardi gras. ? Maybe it's the paintings. i dunno. There's an outdoor patio which I didn't get to check out.
Noise and atmosphere are right for either a romantic date, or a group of friends. The tables are crowded pretty tight, but you feel like you're in your own space. Richly flavorful tapas on the mediteranean tip and of course an extensive wine list featuring international and California wineries. They sell half bottles, and have wine tasting events from time to time. It can be affordable-a friend and reviews said $30 per person, though we put away over a bill worth of tapas and shocked the waitress, who was also helpful in picking an appropriate wine that accommodated Charlie's fruity tastes and my nutty tastes-no pun intende). Definitely a great dinner spot. I'd love to go back and try EVERYthing on the menu.

Assgass #18: Sangria

2007-07-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Sangria
68 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA
310-376-4412

When Cy said, "Sangria at Hermosa Beach," I thought we were going to drink sangria on the beach. Maybe my disappointment in not swigging a jug of Carlo Rossi on the sand carried over. This place is whack. 3 out of 3 drinks that are impossible to mess up, 7&7, captain&diet, and jack&coke, all tasted like a giant lump of cherry syrup. And they replaced my jack with some knockoff without telling me. Two different bartenders, 3 different alcohols, 3 different mixers, still 0% on the drinks. Definitely stick to the bottled beers. Do they even have Sangria? I'd be hesitant to try it. Vibe/crowd kinda reminded me of Agenda in Man Jose, which is not necessarily a bad thing. I think anyone of color out in Hermosa Beach that night was here. I looked at the website's calendar which actually looked like it might have potential with live flamenco and latin jazz on some nights. Unfortunately on this Saturday night, it was a 20 minute wait in line for a $10 cover charge, shitty drinks and un-mixed r&b/pop music. Definitely not horrendous enough to prevent one from having a good time, but damn, at least preparty and try to sneak in through the back if you must go here. Michelle Kwan must not be doing so well to be celebrating her birthday at this spot. For some reason all the pictures I took here are of people's butts. Pretty representative of this place. "this place is ASS." Oh, and parking is also a pain the ass.

Assgass #17: World Cafe

2007-07-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

World Cafe
2820 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

This casual classy restaurant bar looks great, though this shitty ass picture is all I captured with my overrated camera phone. Decorated in vibrant colors with a festive patio, and separate bar/lounge area, I came here for some Thursday night drinks. They had a few beers beyond your standard Corona and Heinken, though I can't remember the names of them. Longhorn? That one was not so good. Our waitress was kinda lame, recommending a Guiness after I said I normally preferred brown ales though was in the mood for something lighter. The food and desserts seemed decent, though on the expensive side. I'd probably go somewhere else to eat for those prices, but their kitchen opens pretty late which is nice. All in all, not a bad choice for a last minute Thursday eat and drink night, if anything for its lively atmosphere and ample space. I'd come back to check out the happy hour which features $2-$3 drinks and bar food-pretty fucking good for a bar in this class.

Assgass #3B & #16: Star Shoes & [Undisclosed]

2007-07-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

#3B
Star Shoes
6364 Hollywood Blvd,
Hollywood, CA 90028

No cover, no dress code, GREAT music, and an awesome energetic vibe. Many dj greats have graced the turntables without pay at this Hollywood gem. A small narrow bar that gets super packed, this place always brought a cool, funky crowd that appreciates the good music. Old and obscure cartoons and films are projected on the wall, while unique sequined 40's pumps line the entrance. The staff is pretty lax about smoking up on the narrow balcony strip if you keep it subtle. It's a damn shame this place just closed down. R.I.P. Star Shoes

#16 (Undisclosed name and location)

Ventured over to this hidden, unlicensed reggae after party on invitation from a fellow party-goer. Reggae hits the spot like nothing else. A tiny, 3 room lounge, fully decked out in straw, beads, rastafarian posters and tapestries, with incense burning, they fully transformed this half house into the quintessential reggae after party, if there is such thing as a quintessential reggae after party. A good mix of down to earth good vibed folks down with the mellow after-party. You can openly blaze in one of the lava lamped lounge rooms, and they even had some drink specialties. Ran into and smoked with the brother of the big black dude from "Old School." should i be posting that on the internet? o well. This was a great find. Thanks for hookin it up E. Don't try to take a picture in here.

Assgass #15: Jimmy's Lounge

2007-07-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

Jimmy's Lounge
6202 Santa Monica Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028

Relatively unobnoxious for Hollywood, but then again, half the people were in here for the same double birthday celebration I was. I don't know if anyone paid the $20 cover. Seems they have generous guest list allotments. A square, open warehouse-esque turned club space and dance floor with a dj that played crowd hiphop favorites including some flashbacks, and to my pleasure, a short dancehall set. A nice sized, very crowded patio for the smokers. Not very loungy, though maybe so for Hollywood. Satisfactory drinks and bartenders. Parking's a bitch, valet's expensive.

Assgass #14: Bravo Bistro

2007-07-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

Bravo Bistro
8442 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
323.852.6000

I don't know if this place is worth anything as a bar outside of after parties for events at the Fine Arts Theater down the street. Convenient for its proximity to the theater, definitely not a bar you'd seek out. Nothing stand out, nothing to complain about. They have a full menu as a corner restaurant by day which also appears to be nothing stand out, nothing to complain about. More of a mingle bar, no music, but they do have a small TV behind the bar playing sports highlights. The drink glasses look like water glasses from a Chinese restaurant. Place feels more like a modern 50's diner than what the photoshopped lighting in the website photos gives.

Lan's 31 & 32: Abbey Tavern & Gallery Lounge

2007-07-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Abbey Tavern

4100 Geary Blvd. @ 5th Ave

San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 221-7767

Met Celeste and her man here for a drink on a sleepy Wednesday night. They have Magner's on tap which they serve in a glass that seems much larger than a pint.

I've walked past here on weekend nights before and it gets pretty loud and crowded. Lots of people who aspire to live in the Marina but can't afford it seem to hang out here.

J was also thrown out of here once. Landed on his tailbone and had to sit on a donut for weeks.

*~*~*

The Gallery Lounge

510 Brannan Street

San Francisco, CA 94107

(415) 227-0449

Met up with Alden and the gang here for happy hour. The bartender is kind of retarded. I asked for a bottle of Newcastle and she said she'd have to go downstairs to check whether they had any cold ones left. I pointed to a fridge that she was standing in front of that clearly had a cold 6-pack of Newcastle. DUH.

After we had burgers at Brickhouse down the street, we returned to find J engaged in conversation with a gay couple who were clearly into him. When we went back up to the bar to ask for two extra dirty Grey Goose martinis, the bartender ended up being a little short for two. Instead of mixing up a little more, she just topped them both off with more vodka...causing a not very dirty martini to begin with to be increbly clean.

Thumbs down to the bartender. Thumbs up to the venue. Thumbs down to the creepy artistic zombie body floating above the bathroom. Thumbs up if you like hot dogs. There's a big vat of dirty hot dogs in the back that you can enjoy for free.

Lan's #20a: Cafe de Wildeman

2007-07-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Cafe de Wildeman
Markt 10
Eindhoven, the Netherlands

On a rare, beautiful, and warm day in the Netherlands, I went to join some coworkers in Eindhoven's city center for some beers and frites at the plaza. Lots of good people watching, since there are a plethora of outdoor cafes in this plaza (which also seems to be Eindhoven's only plaza, since it is quite a podunk town).

In Eindhoven, I just order "beer" and it is inevitably something light, served in a glass smaller than a pint, an 1/4 foam. Luckily, while I'm in Eindhoven, the corporate AmEx pays for everything. If not mine, then someone else's.

The fries weren't very good but the beer and company were just great. The interior of the cafe has a nautical theme, and I accidentally walked into the kitchen instead of the ladies room. Oops!

L30: Playground

2007-06-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

Playground
1705 Buchanan St
(between Post St & Sutter St)
San Francisco, CA 94115

If you can ignore the Korean pop blasting in this bar, eating/drinking in almost darkness (you're lit by Xmas lights and a neon sign), and the sound of karaoke drifting up from below, Playground is one of the few (if not only) places you can get Korean bar food in San Francisco. Oh, how I miss Sur Si Rang and Koko House! We ordered a big bottle of Hite, fried chicken (yum!), rice/noodle stuffed sausages (a little bland), and potato croquettes (can't go wrong with tonkatsu sauce!). We also got pan chan, whereas most Korean bars that I've been to start you with peanuts or shrimp chips. They also sent out this canned corn and cheese thing that I've had at another establishment but can't remember right now. It was quite tasty, and I must say that in the last two days, J has eaten more cheese than I've ever seen him eat in his entire lifetime...without dying. Thank you, Lactaid!

Because this is the only Korean bar I know of that still exists in SF, I will definitely come back. However, I wish it served fried chicken gizzards (like at Sur Si Rang aka Red Monster) and oven-roasted chicken that you eat with salt & daikon (like at Koko House on Telegraph Ave. back in college).

L17a - L19a: Olives, Ralphael Bar Risto, Union Brewery (Providence, RI)

2007-06-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Olives
108 N Main St
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 751-1200

Sara came up from NYC to hang out for the weekend, but I got held up at work and didn't make it out in time for us to head over to Newport as my coworker had suggested. Instead, our concierge suggested a martini bar near Brown University called Olives. We headed in at 8pm (I was ready to drink!) and it was just us and another couple. We each had two of my current favorite: extra dirty Grey Goose martini. There were plenty of other "martinis" available, but they were basically other mixed cocktails poured into a martini glass.

College kids began filling the bar and so we walked towards Kennedy Plaza to look for the RiRa, which our bartender suggested.

***

Raphael Bar Risto
1 Union Station
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-4646

RiRa wanted to charge us $5 so we said forget it! However, we'd stumbled upon subterranean-ish strip mall that was not visible from Kennedy Plaza. There were more bars and a Capital Grille, so we stepped into the first one we saw. The bar was kinda swanky--the kind with low red lights, house music, and stainless steel. We both ordered champagne, which is one of my traditional faves and Sara's new love.

They also served these salty snacks that were basically crispy baked old spaghetti noodles covered in salt. Kinda tasty!

***

Union Station Brewery
36 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 274-2739

I'm guessing we drank champagne here, but Sara will have to confirm. At this point, we were getting a little tipsy, so Sara started discussing various STDs with the bartender, who was from Johnson & Wales. We probably should have gotten some sort of beer since we were at a brewery, but...

That was my adventure in Providence! We had the best eggs benedict at this place on Broadway (not Nick's). It looks like a pub from the outside, and is kind of crazily decorated inside with pirate flags and chop suey in neon. YUM!

Assgass #12 & #13: The Good Hurt & Air Conditioned

2007-06-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

The Good Hurt
12249 Venice Blvd
West LA, CA 90066
310.390.1076

Crossed the street after an art opening and wandered in here. They were trying to charge $10 to watch local bands but let us through when we started to walk away. Pretty empty on a Saturday night. Not much more than well liquor and your basic beers at the bar. Roberto made the mistake of ordering me a mojito that tasted like instamix--don't order mojitos at a bar that only serves well drinks. Did they have some drink specials I missed? An Indian James Blunt provided generic music. At least there were pool tables...missing the 8 ball. Even the busty female bartenders dressed as nurses didn't do much for this place.

Air Conditioned
2819 Pico Bl.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.829.3700

A small and cozy wine and beer bar that resembles a hip cafe in a trendy neighborhood on one side, and lit like a vegas strip club on the other. Tasty beers, large selection of wine, some specialty drinks, knowledgable bartenders, and a fun dj. A good hang out spot and place to indulge your alcoholic taste buds.
Not the Air Conditioned on Lincoln that I never made my way to.

Lan's #23-29: Irish Bank, Murphy's Pub, Maggie McGarry's, Li Po, Buddha Lounge, Grasslands Cocktail Lounge, Spec's

2007-06-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a long list with brief descriptions since it was a long day and I don't remember too many details towards the end. After finishing my GMAT, I had lunch with my old boss, and then promptly started drinking around 1:30pm.

#23 Irish Bank

10 Mark Lane (between Bush St & Harlan Pl)

San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 788-7152

Who drinks at 1:30pm on a Monday? Aside from myself, there were two lawyers and another guy who kept trying to talk to me about my cell phone. I had a Magner's on tap while at the bar--there's also seating in the alley that would have been pretty nice on such a sunny day, but for some reason, I was drawn to sitting at the bar. The bartender was really nice, and there's an old confessional inside! The bathroom was pretty clean, and the hand blower is VERY strong. They also serve fish and chips, which the lawyers were raving about. They could also have just been hitting on the bartender, though.

***

#24 Murphy's Pub

217 Kearny Street (between Hardie Pl & Sutter St)

San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 693-9588

Had another pint of Magner's on tap here while watching Montell Williams on the TV. I found myself talking about morbid obesity with two fellows until B picked me up.

***

#25 Maggie McGarry's

1353 Grant Ave (between Green St & Vallejo St)

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 399-9020

After sharing a bottle of Chianti on the sidewalk in front of Calzone's, B & I walked over to Maggie McGarry's for some more drinking. I had another Magner's. This bar was devoid of lawyers. One guy was a crossing guard who claimed to have played for the Philadelphia Eagles (I told him there was no way because he was too small), the other was his buddy, and the third was a very drunk Asian girl that was obviously with them. After the big "football player" put B in a headlock, it was time to go.

***

#26 Li Po

916 Grant Avenue (at Washington St)

San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 982-0072

The bar had a cavelike entrance and I'm getting pretty drunk at this point. I ordered a beer in a green bottle that was not a Heineken, but I forget which one. There was another man sitting in the corner...this is where Angelina joined me on my drunken celebratory odyssey...

***

#27 Buddha Lounge

901 Grant Avenue (at Washington St)

San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 362-1792

Good thing Angelina arrived to remind me to take pictures!! Had more beer here, which is too many beers for Lan already...but the party continues! I don't remember anything about this bar, but I believe Alden & Grace or Minh showed up at this point.

***

#28 Grasslands Cocktail Lounge

905 Kearny Street

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 362-9570

We had walked by here earlier but it hadn't opened yet. A few hours later, the place "where good friends and girls meet" was finally open. When you first walk in, there are a lot of recyclables in rice bags stacked to the ceiling. When you sit down, there are lots of lollipops. I think this is also the place where I had to be buzzed in to get to the bathroom. I also remember a few homeless guys in there.

***

#29 Spec's

12 William Saroyan Alley (at Columbus)

San Francisco, CA

Tel. 415.421.4112

After a stop at Mr. Bing's (which I've already been to), I think Spec's was our last stop. There was a nice window seat at the end of the bar where I ordered another Magner's. I'm pretty sure I didn't drink much of it. They don't have jaeger, so they served me Fernet. YUCK!

Needless to say, after all of this, I was pretty hung over the next day. Unfortunately, that means I am now in Providence, Rhode Island with luggage that was packed while hung over. Luckily, I didn't forget tooooo much...

Lan's #22: Frankie's Bohemian Cafe

2007-06-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

More details later

Newcastle on tap delivered in large beer steins
Very garlicky garlic fries
Brambory: hash browns & Zuchini topped with whatever you want (I got Carnitas)

Lan's #16a: Zinderend

2007-05-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

Zinderend

Eindhoven, Netherlands

My entire blogger interface is in Dutch right now...good thing a lot of Dutch words are similar to English. Earlier today, I had dinner at a tapas place...but luckily all of the food titles were in Spanish, so I could kind of figure out what to order.

Anyway, in my week here in Eindhoven, I went to Zinderend twice, since it is one of the few places in Eindhoven open during the weekday (I'm being slightly sarcastic, but not really). They serve small plates, but primarily they are a bar. I had quite a few glasses of Bavaria beer here to pass the time. The one thing they do is fill up the beer with about an inch of head, so two glasses may be just short of a pint.

I also had kangaroo steak here one night...if it wasn't so overcooked it may have tasted better. The chairs outside remind me of the Cingular Wireless logo.

The waiters here are very nice, although one is a VERY close talker and the other one took 10 minutes to notice me (probably because I'm about half the height of your average Dutchman).

One final note: I learned today why the Dutch wear orange uniforms--it is the Royal family's last name (or something like that).

Assgass #11 & #1B: Point Moorea at the Wilshire Grand, and the Golden Gopher

2007-05-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

Point Moorea
Wilshire Grand
930 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 833-5100

This picture looks different than I remember. In my memory, I picture a dentist office feeling, condo rec room, and more green, maybe it was the lighting. A friend rented out the back section for a private celebration. It was a good space for the occasion, offered pool tables :D, good food, open areas, plenty of tables and seating, a big screen TV (that was turned off), and of course-the bar! Love for the bartender who was the highlight of Bar#11-the alcohol content of each drink, as confirmed by all the alcoholics of the night, was exTREMEly generous. A straight up jack was closer to a double. Just hang on to your drink! The waitress couldn't wait to get out of there and kept bussing our drinks before we were finished. But she was nice, and they happily replaced our drinks (with even more stiff drinks), so all is forgiven. I kept asking for the music to be turned up, but the barely audible level was as loud as the XM radio would go. Being a hotel bar, they close early-1230a, so a group of us continued on..

#1B The Gloden Gopher
417 W 8th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014

Walking in around 1am, the teaches of Peaches welcomed our alcoholic bunch..."suckin' on my titties like you want some..." A dark, kind of gothic looking, high ceiling bar, with an enclosed, open air smoking patio more crowded than the main bar, that reminds me of where a dominatrix might go (even without Peaches). Chill and laid back indy crowd, pretty standard bar with good service (no Hangar vodka tho), we had our shots and drink rounds to satisfaction. More of a social bar, no dancing, but nevertheless contributed to my first drunken injury.

Assgass #9 & #10: The Brig, Barcopa

2007-05-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

The Brig
1515 Abbott Kinney
Venice, CA 90291
310.399.7537

Reminds me of what Glen Gulia of the Wedding Singer's pad would look like, including the people. Neon lights, white leather benches, gold poles. First time I've seen, not 2, but 3 men exit a one stall bathroom. In their defense, there was a toilet and a trough about half the size of a tub. hm

Positive: Pool table and Hangar Vodka, an awesome new discovery-very tasty and smooth, better than grey goose!
Negative: Smelled like public bathroom in the front half of the bar, and the dj was HORrible. Music was all over the place, which gave the place an annoying vibe, annoying enough to make us leave and seek another hang out. But not until after a few rounds and an embarassing game of pool.

Barcopa
2810 Main St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 452-2445

$7 cover charge, whaat.. (thanks for covering me, boys.) But, at least the music was awesome-beat funky, groovy, get my dance on good. Very packed, smallish bar and dance floor surrounded by wall benches, lots of fruity drink specials, slightly dressed up mostly black crowd on that night, which meant finding a good dance partner was no effort. Better backup plan than Arsenal for the music, except for the cover charge.

I've resorted to online pics.

Lan's #21: Tunnel Top

2007-04-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

Tunnel Top
601 Bush Street
(between Burritt St & Stockton St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 986-8900

Yes, I've slowed down significantly especially with the continued delay of my test. However, while waiting for our table at Bar Crudo, we stopped next door for a drink. I originally wanted a martini, but when I noticed the bartender's slow pace and the bar's Cash Only sign, I figured I should go for the $4 Newcastle on tap. Conserve cash and conserve time -- I still had to take a cab home.

$7.75 for a pint of Newcastle and a bottle of Kronenburg. Not bad! However, when I put my $20 bill down, the bartender took a while to claim it...and then didn't give me any change. He gave money to another couple who said it wasn't theirs, and I had to holler that it was my change he was holding. To top it off, I had to do the math for him and tell him how much he owed me. Not a very good bartender, I must say.

However, the ambiance was nice and cozy. I like the giant door and we had a great seat at the bar, right next to the window overlooking the tunnel top and the street below.

Would I come back? Yes, but only on a day when I have more patience.

Lan's 15a: Whiskey Blue @ W Hotel, New Orleans

2007-03-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Whiskey Blue @ the W Hotel
333 Poydras Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Originally, I wasn't going to count this, since it is in the lobby of the W Hotel where I was staying. However, Angelina convinced me that since we would count XYZ at the W in SF, Whiskey Blue counts. The W is definitely a draw to outsiders...while drinking in the lobby, I met people that were visiting and staying in other hotels....so it counts!!

This was my 2nd trip to New Orleans in less than a month, so there was much less drinking this time--especially since I had to keep my wits in order to study. We had dinner somewhere where I had two Bloody Marys (New Orleans makes damn good BMs), and then went back to the hotel, where we stopped inside Whiskey Blue for an extra dirty grey goose martini. The bartender made it well...but I was distracted because her fake boobs were on display...and when she was shaking my drink...mesmerizing!

I don't have any pics of Whiskey Blue, so I've posted other pics from my stay at the W in New Orleans.

That brings me to 20 in SF, 15 elsewhere.

Assgass #8: Hollywood Higlands

2007-03-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Hollywood Highlands
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028

Babble Blog---
I don't really feel like writing right now, but I'm at work with no work to do, and I'm interested to see how this blog will come out in a non-writing mood. I'm probably going to babble.

...So, Hollywood Highlands. I wasn't looking forward to coming here-regularly a $25 cover charge, dress code, Hollywood crowd, located inside a mall... not elements that make Joyce go, "Yeah! Let's GO!" But, it was a triple birthday celebration with a big group of folks that are always a good time, so I knew I'd have fun regardless. Well, I have to admit, I was very pleasantly surprised. Though I normally prefer a loungy place to a club, for Highlands, I have all good things to say.

Staff-When we first arrived, it was slightly chaotic outside for my slightly high ass. Lots of people, different lines, different entrances, didn't know where we were suppose to go. Okay, not necessarily a good thing, but the staff was not the power trippin staff I was expecting. Instead, a pretty personal friendly. We tried to enter through a side entrance which we thought was the guest list line. Turned out to be different but connected club (?) whose guestlist closed at 1030 (It was 11p), but the nice gal at the door was willing to let us get in at a discounted price. Even more fortunately, we found out we were suppose to enter on the complete opposite side of the club. Apparently we were on the VIP list. That always helps. Once we found the right spot to enter, Jessica took care of us quite right. No hassles, walked us to the front of the crowded line and straight in. Bouncer even said, "Have a good time." Damn, Vegas clubs should learn something from these folks. The rest of the staff I came across all night all had some love too, friendly (huge) bouncers and security guards, bartenders, were all on the level. Thanks El, Jay, and Julio (not "Whoo-lee-o", but "Joo-lee-o"), and thank you PAT for hookin it up!

Crowd-Not hoity-toity as I thought. I was glad to see some folks in sweatshirts and tennis shoes outside, and not the glitter glam, shiny shirts, and guidos I was expecting. Yes there were people dressed up, but people looked good. Maybe I was high, but it felt more like a "Ye-ah, I look good" dressed up rather than a dress to impress. All my ladies were looking lovely and fabuloussss! Folks were friendly, and all across the dance floor people were having a genuine good time. Even met some fellas outside who were happy to share a cigaweed. or two.

Music was good! Not music that's good, that I would seek out and go here for, but that's not what you go to a club for. It was Good.dancing.party.music. Many a time, I did the hand in the air, and said "Yaaaaa!" and danced like I couldn't stop the dancing. And like I said before, everyone on the dancefloor was having a genuine good time. Oh shit!! and then guess who comes out on the turntables? SPINDERELLA!! Heyyy!!! Shit

Drinks weren't bad, $8.50, for a Hollywood club, it's nothing to complain about. I tried something new, a Henessey and pineapple. A little sweet for my sensitive throat. Venue was nice. I was a little high when I got in, so I'm still a little confused on the layout (which is probably extremely simple). From what I can dig out of my mind-at least two levels, an outdoor patio with a view that I failed to notice in my drunken stupor, an indoor/outdoor area, a small stage at the far end of the open dance floor, at least two bars, etc. It felt like an old 1920's building, tho, I don't know how that could be, being on the 4th floor of the Highland mall. hmm.

Well, this was a long blog for not feeling like writing. I had a good time. If you're looking for a club, sure, hit up Highlands. or the Loft. I'm still confused about that. Happy birthday folks

(Still didn't bring my own camera. That's my head at the bottom right. This counts as a bar right? I definitely drank. But not as much as drunk Mike here).

Lan's #20: Dada

2007-03-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

Dada
86 2nd St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 357-1367

The bar hunt has slowed down a bit for me and will continue to be slow until the end of April. Good thing I had the foresight to hit up LOTS of bars prior to the self-imposed hibernation! I didn't plan on going to this bar last Friday, but I was in the neighborhood and Angelina convinced me...and I hadn't seen some of the gang in a while...so I battled a few blocks of Friday evening traffic and parked at some meters that were about to free up at 6pm.

This bar was a bit too warm, filled to the brim with the after work crowd...and kind of had that stale smell of beer that many bars have. I ordered the $7 happy hour special: pomtini (pomegranite martini), gave the bartender my $10 bill, and got $2 back. I still left her a $1 tip, but in retrospect, I should have kept my $2 since the bartender already tipped herself!

The pomtini was just ok...all in all, a run of the mill bar where I got to see my friends. There was definitely an overpopulation of the mens, but it could also have been due to the Game Developers Conference that was at Moscone all week.

20 down in SF...30 to go!

Angelina's Bonus 10a (#21): The Yardhouse

2007-03-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

The Yardhouse

1023 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-YARD

Can you see that picture? Can you see all those kegs? This place had over 160 beers on tap! Now, how can you go wrong spending the afternoon watching the Superbowl at this place?

Apparently, this place is a chain, but it's the first Yardhouse I've been to. We had a booth with a great view of the TVs to watch the game. Food was tasty. But, I think what made the experince most worthwhile was our waitress Donna. She was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and attentive.

I tried three new beers that I hadn't had before:

* Ommegang Hennepin: Belgian, creamy, and very yummy

* Delirium Tremens: a 9% beer so watch out, got a bite, lager-ish, very tasty

* Rogue Hazelnut Brown: much darker and Newcastle-like

I would definitely return to a Yardhouse to try more of their selections!!!

Angelina's Bonus 7a - 9a: Below Market, Altitude Sky Bar & C Lounge

2007-03-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

So, after LA and a day at Magic Mountain, we drove down to San Diego to meet up with Jackie. Here are the bars we hit up in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego.

Oh, let me preface this area of town as being the San Jose of southern California...hence, Man Diego. Tons of mens all dressed up in their button down shirts or tight muscle shirts and the girls all looking like they stepped out of a sorority (and, thinking they are all that when really, it's just the lack of females).

That being said, let's move on to the bars.

Below Market

5th & Market

San Diego, CA

Not a bad find after walking the streets and finding bar after bar with anywhere from a $6 to $20 cover. Newly opened and sub-terranean level, this little dive bar had a nice mix of music and people. Comfy red couches lined one wall and the other was a brick wall with some cool projections provided for some interesting visual stimulation. Assuming this place stays cover free, it could be a return spot....for San Diego.

Altitude Sky Bar
Marriott Hotel
San Diego, CA

Thanks to Zoe's friend, we found another cool spot sans cover - this one on a different level...on the roof to be exact overloking the streets below. Other than the Marina like crowd, the actual venue was actually pretty cool. There are great views - one side overlooking Petco Park which was awesome. Lots of outdoor seating and lounges, some under heat lamps, some under the ivy covered canopy and others circling a huge fire pit. Oh, and the bar at the end had a waterfall with changing light colors. This place was all about the ambiance. DJ Nico (aka Mr. "Love Yah") was entertaining to say the least. Potential is the key word here...

C Lounge
756 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-2830

With 30 minutes left, we headed back underground again with the Zoe's friend leading us. Not a bad place to end the evening. Best music of the night...danceable and well-mixed. You wouldn't find this place on your own. Gotta be in the know. Find it and you won't be disappointed. Again, no cover. A bit small and can get a bit hot, but nothing to really complain about.

And, that brings the evening to a close. I have to get the pictures from Gaby so you can get an idea of these San Diego bars.

Oh, and these 3 bars account for numbers 18, 19, and 20 in the overall total. =)

Joyce's #7: Shooter's Sports Bar

2007-03-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

Shooter's
18582 Beach Blvd
Huntington Beach, CA

Looking for a spot to play pool in the area, we found Shooter's online and tried our luck. Our luck turned out well. This casual sportsy bar had a friendly local bar vibe with a mixed age range and many regulars. A one room open space featuring 4 pool tables, a shuffle board table (is that what it's called?), 2 or 3 dartboards, a jukebox, and some bar tables in front of two screens playing UFC and basketball that night, this bar had just what I needed (in addition to alcohol). Fun and friendly folks, cool bartenders, $5 drinks, and $0.75 pool tables.. I could see myself making this place a regular hangout. And, funny enough, met someone who reccommmended I watch the movie "Boondock Saints," (one of Lan's recent bar blogs).

Still need to bring my camera.

Angelina's Bonus 6a (#17): Grand Star

2007-03-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

Grand Star

943 Broadway

Los Angeles, CA (Chinatown)

Not much to say here that Joyce hasn't already covered. I met her here when I came down for the weekend with my cousin Gaby. My other cousins Clem and CJ came too with their girlfriends. I'll have to post a picture with them up here, but don't have those.

I'm in agreement with Joyce - great music/bad transitions, dowstairs live jazz band was sweet, cool mixed crowd. It was very crowded, but thank goodness Macha was there early enough to snag us a corner table.

Check Joyce's comments for more detailed info...

Bonus! Lan's 11a - 14a in New Orleans

2007-03-02T15:42:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I've been to New Orleans post-Katrina and it is definitely different. I'd guess that only 60-70% of the businesses have reopened and the ethnic makeup of the town has most certainly changed. As evidenced by some comments from my taxi drivers and some libelous t-shirts sold in stores, there are definitely some racial tensions between the post-Katrina Mexican population and the native black population.

Passing the Superdome on my ride into town from the airport, many of the businesses around the area had still not opened. Although they'd thought of condemning the Superdome after all that went on after Katrina, it looks like there are events going on in there again, a year and a half later. Since I was in New Orleans on business, I spent my days at the New Orleans convention center (acutely aware that this was where people went to as a safe haven after the levee broke).

Hotel rooms are scarce (& expensive) and flight schedules to New Orleans are few and far between. However, the native New Orleans residents that have returned are still as polite as I remembered from my first visit several years ago. The food is still delicious and fattening, but I'm very glad that I was able to visit New Orleans prior to the flood.

Driving on the freeways, water stains mark the height of the flood. Taxi drivers, waiters, and hotel staff all have their evacuation and survival stories, but what matters most to them is that they survived and they came back. The media has forgotten the Katrina victims. Sadly, a tornado hit New Orleans a few weeks ago, killing a woman who was staying in a FEMA trailer and ripping the roof off of a house that had JUST finished repairing the roof after Katrina (taxi driver told us and showed us the roof).

We didn't see Brad or Angelina.

I'll be back in 3 weeks to visit more bars, but here are the new bars I was able to visit on my 5-day stay. Because I'd been to New Orleans before, some of the bars we visited didn't make this list:

The Alpine
620 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504.523.3005

We walked into this bar because there was a cute husky doing tricks inside, and the bar itself had large doors that virtually made it an outdoor bar. Once you walk through the bar, you enter a beautiful courtyard where dinner is served (we'd already eaten). The bartender, who reminded me of a Pink Lady from Grease, made me a wonderful Bloody Mary complete with horseradish, pickled beans, jalapenos, and olives.

***

Boondock Saint
731 Saint Peter St
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-4950

The bathroom at this bar is teeny teeny tiny (but clean!). Had another Bloody Mary here with pickled beans and olives. I love Bloody Marys in the South! The bartender had neat tattoos and kept calling us honey. I love Southern manners.

***

Le Booze Bar @ The Royal Sonesta Hotel
300 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

After a 4-course chef's tasting at Emeril's NOLA (with wine pairing), I was already pretty drunk. However, the night was beautiful and balmy, so we thought we'd walk off all the fried butter and take a stroll down Bourbon Street. Since I hadn't been in this bar before, we stopped in. Once again, we were pulled in by the wide open doors. If I weren't already tipsy, I probably would have turned around upon entrance. Every asshole in this bar (undoubtedly in town for the same convention I was) was smoking a cigar. I got my glass of champagne, drank half, and got a to go cup from the bartender. I love the concept of alcohol to go--God bless New Orleans!

***

Bourbon Cowboy
125 Bourbon St.
New Orleans, LA 70130

Here, I rode a bull. Well, I wouldn't really call what I did riding. Balance is not a strength of mine.

Until next time, y'all!

Joyce's #5 & 6: Library Alehouse, Arsenal

2007-03-01T15:46:00.000-08:00

2/10/07

Library Alehouse
2911 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA

I walked in and immediately thought, dewey decimal system. Yes, this establishment is appropriately named. Looks like some taps were added to the checkout counter of an early 20th century library set. Cozy atmosphere with all wood decor, even has the book ladder leading nowhere. Nice selection of beers on tap (not as many as Yardhouse, but a fine selection nonetheless), and! an impressively tasty menu. Had a goat cheese quesadilla that was absoultely yummy, and my sample bites of my companions' entrees and snacks all proved to be equally delicious. My beer was quite tasty as well, though I forgot what it was now. some darker brown ale. it's a popular one that they serve there. The beer alone is worth it. The food alone is worth it. A garden patio out back is nicely unexpected. Aces. Thumbs up on this one

Arsenal
12012 W Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA

A bar on the Santa Monica/West LA border, I've heard this placed mentioned by quite a few locals. We ended up here after driving by Air Conditioned on Lincoln, and realizing it (Air Conditioned) was more clubby than we were expecting, at least on Saturday night. Aresenal's nothing special, nothing to complain about-three rooms including a main room with dance floor, a side room room with tables and a second bar, an enclosed smoking patio, and of course a variety of weaponry decorating the wallls. Of course. Danceable music, standard drinks, some specials, had a $3 fruity shot-tasty, but as far as alcohol, may as well have shot watermelon juice, hey $3. Wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but nice to know I can always end up here if nowhere else to go and I don't want to go far from home.

Now that I'm caught up on my blogging, I need to catch up on my bar visiting.

I need to remember to bring my own camera.

Joyce's #4 Grand Star

2007-03-01T15:45:00.000-08:00

2/2/07

Grand Star
943 N. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA

This spot in Chinatown is home to the "Firecracker" party every odd Friday of the month which is when we hit this place up. A jazz lounge downstairs with a live band and small lit dancefloor, a mix of old timers and new timers, dj upstairs with hiphoppers plus, no extraneous decor, an overall chill unpretentious vibe. Great place to get your groove on, or sit back and chill downstairs (sit in the couches, oooh). Dj selection of music was good (funk, soul, hip hop & r&b classics) though the transitions could use improvement, but no complaints. All the bartenders measure a shot per drink. I thought maybe they were all new at first, but hey, you know you're getting at least one shot, and sometimes plus. I don't think I've ever seen an old chinese lady play in a jazz band. nice.

Joyce's #2 & #3 Redwood & Chalet

2007-03-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

Redwood 2nd Street Saloon
316 W 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA

2/1/07
posting just in time

This pirate themed bar downtown is home to a delightfully cheesy mermaid painting my bar hopping manager, Corazon, fell in love with. That was my highlight. Not bad, kinda interesting but perhaps just not my crowd? Can't put my finger on it. Maybe because there weren't really any pirates. Or pirate undies. I'd like some pirate undies. NBC was doing a little piece here while we were there. They serve food. It's kinda red.

Chalet
1630 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA

It does look like a chalet. Boulders, wood, exposed beams, and open booth tables give that ski lodge feel. Back-lit bar reminds you you're in LA. Surprisingly happening on a Thursday night, it was a good kind of crowded, lively. Located in Eagle Rock which apparently is LA's Daly City (ie: Filipino town)-about 75% filipino, 20% white in this bar, I met some English folks, including a girl who liked to grab boobs more than I do. Big ups to the bartender who was able to recommend my indecisive ass a new drink to add to my standard faves-makers and ginger.

I need to start bringing my own camera.

Are we slowing down?

2007-02-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

Has the magic and intensity worn off? Have we hit all the bars?

I have about 10 more past bars to post...which will all be done within the one month time frame.

Just thought I'd see where everyone was.

Angelina's #6-11: Shanghai Kelly's, Buccaneer, Bourbon & Branch, 441 Cocktails, Rye, Ambassador

2007-02-19T21:20:00.000-08:00

Overall total with these six new bars are #11-16. This evening which was intended to only be 2-3 bars turned into a crazy 6 bar crawl. Probably not the best idea on a Wednesday night.
Lan and I started the night off at Shanghai Kelly's.

Shanghai Kelly's

2064 Polk St (Cross Street: Broadway Street)

San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 771-3300

I walked in and was the only female. Waltzed up to the bar and ordered myself a pint while I waited for Lan who cruised in 5 minutes later. Very casual and chill corner bar. If I lived nearby, I may frequent this place more often. They claim to have some special drink night on the first Thursday of every month, so that may be worth checking out. Cool stuff on the walls.

Buccaneer

2155 Polk St (Cross Street: Between Broadway Street and Vallejo Street)

San Francisco, CA 94109-2506

(415) 673-8023

Due to Nick's Taco's being closed, Lan and I kept walking and found ourselves at a pirate bar! Yesss!!! The Buccaneer. How could we not enter?

Another typical bar...the pool table in the back was a plus. Bartender was very friendly. Bought ourselves a beer and some red pirate underwear and we were good to go. Jamie joined the group and so we were three.

Bourbon & Branch

501 Jones St (Cross Street: O'Farrell Street)

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 673-1921

This is the bar that spurred our Wednesday night outing. Lan made a reservation so....

Anyway, after ringing the doorbell at the unmarked door and giving our password, 4 of us enter (Minh joined us). Jason and Alden soon followed.

As their gimmick is a speakeasy, everything in here was very hush hush. Extremely dim lighting, but pretty cool to see. Every table was occupied. Lots of booths and split level for more privacy between groups. Very skinny tables and even more expensive drinks. Tasty, but not necessarily worth $12 each.

We did, however, get some free mini drinks/shots prior which were ok. Nice idea though. The servers could be nicer, although I'm not sure if being an ass is part of the whole theme. Probably the coolest part is the secret door to the library in the back with another bar and room for private parties.

We had our one drink...saw the place...and left.

441 Cocktails

441 Jones St.

San Francisco, CA 94102-2014

(415) 474-2284

We escaped from B&B and walked down the street to 441. This is pretty much the complete opposite of what B&B tries to be. A typical dive bar with some very nice Korean ladies tending bar. Can't say the same for their regulars who managed to give me and Lan some kissy faces.

Yes, fresh popcorn was good. Went with a shot of jagermeister and that was it.

Rye

688 Geary St (Cross Street: Leavenworth Street)

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 474-4448

I don't how or why we decided to go to more bars, but we did. I really liked Rye....one of the best ones I've come across. Two rooms - very modern with minimal decor, but not cold. Two rooms, separated by a few steps and the bar in the middle. There was an outdoor area, but closed in by floor to ceiling checkered wire - almost as if you were in a cage. It didn't feel like a prison, but more like a safety and exclusion to keep those on the street out. And again, a pool table in the back.

Beverage wise, I shared a basil martini with Lan which was well made. Then, I had a vodka shot with Mr. Jason Chen. I don't order vodka, nor do I drink it often, but this one was pretty smooth and yummy. Good one, J. Nothing too expensive - average drink prices.

The bartenders were great. Jen and Justin. Very friendly, generous and attentive.

I'd definitely come back here for a drink with a friend or to gather a group of us for a party.

Ambassador

673 Geary St (Cross Street: Jones Street)

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 563-8192

Last bar of the night. After Rye, all we had to do was cross the street.

I loved the decor of this bar. I was immediately drawn in with the multiple chandeliers hanging from the pitch black ceiling, giving the impression of floating crystals. Several large boths lined one side of the large room with the bar lining the other. The great expanse of space in the middle made the room seem almost empty. I can imagine this place fills up on weekends and that middle area could become a sea of bodies fighting for air. There is limited seating.

If you do manage to get a booth, you are in luck. There are phones that can call the other booths, so you can chat with your neighbors if you are so inclined.

Drinkswise, nothing incredible or special. Their shots are served in tiny ass metal cups the size of thimbles....fancy ones. The waitress was snooty and not very attentive either. Go to the bar and order yourself if you can.

The thing to note is the upstairs area. Nice and private with couches and additional seating, another bar and more restrooms. This area is ideal for private parties. I'd do it in a second.

I'd just have to see this place on a weekend and see if it's under control.

Overall, Mike has done a great job! =)

And, that brings Wednesday, January 31 to a close. Sixteen bars overall for the month of January; Eleven of those sixteen in the SF/Bay Area. Doing well and more to follow!!!

Angelina's Bonus #3a-5a (#8-10): Hawaii

2007-02-19T07:32:00.000-08:00

Here are the three new bars on Oahu. I didn't have pics at the bars, so I thought a pardise beach scene might be nice. Refer to Lan's posts for pics and a more detailed description, but I've made a few notes....

Duke's

2335 Kalakaua Ave., Ste 116

Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 922.2268

Right on the beach in Waikiki. Your typical beachside bar, thus ordering a daquiri. And yes, we quickly added a 4th to our group with Scott from Florida by way of Georgia. Interesting, funny guy who had his loud, southern twang and incredibly drunk I thought he was going to fall over. But, he did buy us a round. (You can't take your drinks on the beach. You have to stay in their little sectioned area.)

Mai Tai

1450 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 3247

Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 947.2900

As Lan said, this place is a little weird since it's at the mall. However, that being said, the place was packed and it's actually a pretty cool spot with good music. And, it's free with no cover. You just have to wait in line for god knows how long.

Once you're in, it's a little tricky maneuvering through the crowd (mostly big guys, and of course the group of girls doing the white girl dance up front). One, the floor is crazy sticky. Don't wear flip-flops. Two, lots of big mens as Lan mentioned, each carrying and sipping from their own pitcher in hand...forget the pint glass. I mean, who serves a rum and coke in a pint glass? Guess I shouldn't be complaining.

Anyway, too bad I was tired. Lan and I found a nice comfy couch where we could observe all the drunk people. Some huge guy was passed out on the couch beside us. So big his friends couldn't carry him and his poor girlfriend was at a complete loss. After managing to get through our drinks, Lan and I took off and left Joyce and Binh to get their groove on.

On to the last bar of the island...

Da Big Kahuna

2299 Kuhio Ave

Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 923.0033

Rain kept us in close proximity to the hotel for our last night. We're always ok when there are pool tables available and a dj (albeit at midnight).

We kept the drinks rolling and watched Joyce hustle. Made friends with a big black guy from the University who ended up being from LA. He was quite the dancer though. He tried to teach me how to step (the couple version, not stomping). Also, when we were dancing and he turned his back to me, it was a bit awkward because he was so big that his butt was at the boob level. Made for some interesting dancing. Fun guy though. Me, Binh and Chris got the dance foor going.

That's pretty much it...it's a restaurant turned bar in the evening. Lots of people walking in off the street so there is a mix of locals and tourists. Nothing grand, but not a bad way to end our 4 day escape to Hawaii.

Angelina's #5: Irish Bank

2007-02-18T22:44:00.000-08:00

Number 7 overall. I'm keeping track.

Irish Bank

10 St. Mark's Place

(Cross Street Bush & Kearny)

San Francisco, CA 94108

Met up with the guys (Alden, Ed & Say) on a Wednesday night (1.24.07). Sat out on the 'patio' which is pretty much the whole alley with a bunch of tables, chairs and some covered. This place will be great in the summer when we are looking for some outdoor seating for some after work drinks.

The beer list seemed pretty good. I went with a Carlsberg followed by a Boddington's. Can't go wrong with those. They have some appetizer dishes as well. It wasn't too crowded, but I can see it getting pretty darn packed over the summer with the financial district folks which may deter me from going. But, for now, I'm down. And, it's walking distance to Belden Lane...the European restaurant alley of San Francisco.

Ok. That's it for tonight. More to come...about 20 more.

Angelina's Bonus #2a (#6): Pig & Whistle - Seattle

2007-02-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

Pig N Whistle

8412 Greenwood Ave. N

Seattle, WA 98103

Seattle bar number two and our treat after working so hard on Josh's house was the Pig N' Whistle of Seattle.

We came after a late home cooked dinner. Nice spot with pool tables and some specialty seasonal drinks. I opted for a "Winter Wonderland" as it seemed so apropos for the first snow I've seen all season. It consisted of coffee, kahlua, and peppermint schnapps that came in a mug I got to take home! Very tasty and perfect to warm up from the chilly winter weather.

That's it for the Pacific Northwest. Back to the Bay!!!

Angelina's Bonus #1a (#5): Prost

2007-02-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

Here is my attempt to catch up with all my posts. Pics will be posted slowly. Let me first get all my notes in.

Here we go....this goes way back to Jan. 19 up in Seattle.

Prost
7311 Greenwood Ave. North
Seattle, WA 98103

Prost means "Cheers" in German. And, this bar has the perfect glass for every beer which is awesome. The beer choices are pretty darn tasty too. Between Jamie, Josh and myself, we had the Spaten Oktoberfest Lager which was my favorite, Bitburger, and the Lowenbrau. Great local bar. Oh, they have games too.

My only complaint....there was a weird smell when we walked in. If I had to describe it, it was a mix of musty, dampness and some malty, beer smell. But when I asked Josh what the smell was, he said it was "Seattle". I'm not sure if that's good.

BONUS! Lan's 10a

2007-02-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

Jeffery’s Restaurant & Piano Bar
7533 West Sand Lake Road
Orlando, Florida

Plenty of drinking was done at this bar. Let's see:

3 extra extra extra dirty Grey Goose martinis w/extra olives (perfect!)
2 glasses of red wine (Rombauer & something else)
1 glass of champagne (while sitting through awards)
1 glass of champagne that was continually refilled while drinking on the patio (this was probably my downfall). I think we were out here for a few hours.
1 shot of jagermeister

We had a team dinner here (bread was good, but the rest of the food kind of sucked) and then stayed at the piano bar until 2:30am when they kicked us out. So, that was a good 6 hours of drinking and I think I did my job well.

I don't remember much about the bar except that the bartender used to work at a funeral home, the place is on restaurant row, the vocalist sang some good bossa nova, and I heard the final tab was about $20k (including dinner). A good time was had by all.

Here's a picture of Mary and the boys before the crazy (and long!) van ride home:

Lan's #17-19: Lucid, Starlight Room, Slide

2007-02-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

Lucid

580 Sutter Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 398-0195

On a rainy Wednesday evening, this place had a decent crowd, but was not too full that we couldn't find 3 seats together at the bar. Although it wasn't crowded, it did take the bartender a full 10-15 minutes to acknowledge our presence (definitely one of my pet peeves). I had plenty of time to scrutinize the cocktail menu and ordered a peach bellini. I don't think I've ever had a peach bellini, so I have nothing to compare it to, but it was a tad sour. However, Angelina & Jamie's drinks were well made.

Halfway through my drink, an old man came in, dancing to the electronic music playing overhead. His style reminded me of the old guy from the Six Flags commercials over the summer. Angelina should post a picture of him.

The venue was nice, but the bartender was not.

***

Harry Denton's Starlight Room

450 Powell Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 395-8595

Since we could see the Starlight Room from the entrance of Lucid, we decided to stop here before heading to slide. It probably would have made sense to go here first, since Lucid was in between the two, but it was only a block in either direction, so not bad either way. I forget which hotel this is, but its the one where the bellhops wear silly costumes.

The lighting is that odd lighting where I have trouble seeing...some people call it romantic lighting. There is a great view of Union Square, although I think the view from Alexandra's at the Westin St. Francis is much better--mostly because it is probably 20 floors higher than Harry Denton's. The crowd is pretty old and touristy--people from out of town on romantic dates, old people who like to dance, etc. Kind of expensive, stuffy, and not my crowd.

I think I ordered champagne. Angelina's drink was icky. Here is Jamie's reaction to the drink:

***

Slide

430 Mason Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

I really like the decor here: polished wood slide, brown decor with eggshell blue accents, and

DJ booth made from a baby grand piano! The ride down the slide (an homage to the space's speakeasy days) was super fun (swirly & fast!), although they made me wait at the top for a while (until the floor manager could supervise my exit from the slide). The bartender was very friendly but he did mention that the place gets pretty crowded. Based on its location (underneath Ruby Skye) I bet this place gets pretty packed with assholes on the weekends.

I'm not sure what I drank at this bar--it may have been an extra dirty Grey Goose martini--I remember carrying a cosmo glass. And I remember whatever it was being pretty good...

***

We ended the evening with some wine and moules frites at Plouf. Yum! Angelina has better pictures from this night, so I hope she posts them. Now, I am starting to think that maybe this happened on a Thursday and not a Wednesday? I suppose the requirement to post within 1 month is a good one--details are escaping me.

50 in 365 rules

2007-02-15T17:20:00.000-08:00

We're making this up as we go along, so this post can be continually updated.

Rules thus far:

1. You must have at least one drink at the bar. If possible, try a house special.
2. The bar must be new to you--if you have been to the bar before, it does not count
3. Lounges count. Restaurants are a gray area--the bar has to be a draw in and of itself rather than a precursor to the restaurant. Ame counts as a restaurant AND bar, but Boulevard, I'd only consider a restaurant. Bar status, if under question, is decided on a case-by-case basis: majority rules.
4. ~~This is any bar in the world.~~ (Amendment #1: This is bars in the San Francisco Bay Area only. Non-SF bars are labeled as 1a, 2a, etc. and count as extra credit. They do not count towards the 50.) (Amendment #2: For non-SFBA residents [Joyce & Chuy], bars in your local area count towards your 50. However, SFBA bars count as bonus points in your case and not towards your 50.)
5. Amendment #3: Per Chuy, all bars must be posted within one month of the visit. There's a temporary grace period to get all of your posts in even if it has been more than a month. Beginning Tuesday, February 20--the third amendment goes into effect, so get your (real, not mental note) posts in before then!

In addition, if you can, ask about info on private parties if it is a suitable space (and bathroom facilities). Target party date: May (when I am done with GMATs). Yes, my goals for 2007 are conflicting: drink more & study. Shut up.

If you have additional rules or questions, add a comment and your request will be reviewed by ME--proposer of the game!

Edits:

Original post: 1/16
First amendment: 1/24
Second amendment: 1/31
Third Amendment: 2/15

I Lag

2007-02-12T00:07:00.000-08:00

I have about a dozen bars to post. I seriously lag and I may just scan my planner for the update.

Two bars in Seattle, 3 in Hawaii, then the 6 bar night in SF, followed by the 5 LA/SD weekend, Colorado this week and back to the Bay this weekend.

Man oh man. I think I'm getting carried away.

Joyce's 3a-6a: Below Market, Altitude, Red C Lounge, and Yardhouse in San Diego

2007-02-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday night, 2.03.07

Below Market

I was glad to wander in here after walking the Gaslamp for a good half hour plus in search of a simple bar. Dodging many clouds of smoke (not the good kind) and loogie mines all over the sidewalk, while making my way through boobies and guidos among an unlimited supply of wannabe bourgie clubs with bad names like "Thin", and "BeLo", the Gaslamp is (as Jones said), SoCal's Man Jose. After rounding the corner from yet another club charging $20 to listen to "Fergalicious" all night long, our tennis-shoed gang saw our sign: "Below Market, Now Open. No Cover."
We walked down the stairs into this chill, uncrowded, underground (literally) bar with a dj spinning classic top 40 hiphop. "Ain't nothin' but a G thang" is always good. A brick wall with a projector playing visuals over it lended nicely to the look and atmosphere of the place, and low comfy couches along the opposite wall made it easy to kick back and watch some of the interesting characters. Standard drinks, a cool chill spot if you're looking for something mellow, if not slightly dull to spend an entire night. next stop,

Altitude Sky Bar
660 K St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 446-6088

This sky bar on the roof of San Diego's Marriott made me say "Ooh!" when I stepped out of the elevator. A large vine-covered trellis with hanging heat lamps and rope lights highlights a main seating area and leads the way to the fancy bar set against a stone-backed waterfall. Add the giant fire-pit surrounded by more comfy looking seating, and a view of San Diego, Altitude made for a pretty nice setting. The tanq and tonic was on the weak side, but at least reminded me how good this old favorite is. Hmm, come to think of it, it was quite tasty. Well, it was either weak or really well made! The cheesy dj playing horrendous house music and the somewhat standoffish all white crowd made this a one drink stop. "Luv yaaaa...." (that's what DJ Niko said! lmao)
Worth seeing, not worth staying.

Red C Lounge
756 5th Ave
San Diego, CA
(619) 233-2830

Our friend of a friend host led us to this unassuming spot in the middle of the Gaslamp for our final stop on Saturday night in San Diego. Another (literal) underground bar with a relaxed dress code and no cover made it worth checking out. Better house (and classic pop) music than Altitude and more lively than Below Market, C Lounge was not a bad place to make our last call. A Jager shot woke me up, the jack & coke was standard, and I wouldn't have minded staying longer to get a little dance on had the lights not come on.

Superbowl Sunday, Feb 4, 2007

Yardhouse
1023 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-9273

Beers on tap galore! This stepped up BJ's (think BJ's meets Pottery Barn) boasts the "most beers on tap in the world." If it's not true, I'm sure it comes pretty damn close. The two-sided bar is comPLETEly lined with taps on both sides, and you can view the numerous barrels pumping the taps downstairs on your way to the restrooms. Exciting, even to the mild beer drinker such as myself. Mad props to our fabulous waitress, Donna, who was down-to-earth friendly and had excellent, knowledge-based recommendations. I went for the Rogue Hazelnut Brown, which was like a thin Newcastle with a hint of hazelnut. Yes, yum! Jones had some pretty interesting beers as well, which I'll let her describe. Food was good, not great, but certainly satisfying. The fresh-baked brownie with vanilla ice cream was pretty yummy and goey (just as Donna said). As a place to watch the superbowl, it wasn't bad. There are certainly enough TVs, but not enough speakers, which made hearing difficult at times. Also, I like to have a straight on view of the TV which was really probably best at the bar. (We lounged more comfortably in a booth.) All in all, a pretty comfy place to spend 3 and a half hours (with restroom stalls private enough to feel comfortable to complete #2).

Pics to come

Joyce's 1a, 2a

2007-02-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

Just for the record, since I'll be blogging 3a-6a in just a bit, so we won't wonder what happened to 1a and 2a ..

1a: Mai Tai Bar (at the Ala Moana Shopping Center)
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. #3247, Honolulu, HI

2a: Da Big Kahuna
2299 Kuhio Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

see "BONUS! Lan's 7a, 8a, 9a in Hawaii" for blogs on these bars

Lan's #11-16: Shanghai Kelly's, The Buccaneer, Bourbon and Branch, 441, Rye, The Ambassador

2007-02-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Shanghai Kelly's
2064 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 771-3300

I always pass by Shanghai Kelly's on my way to North Beach, but I have never had the chance to stop in--mostly due to the parking situation in the neighborhood. However, we had some time before our reservation at Bourbon & Branch, and I really wanted to get some Nick's Crispy Tacos. When I walked in, everyone sitting at the bar was male...except Angelina!

They have Magner's, which I really appreciate. After a quick beer, we made our way to Nick's Crispy Tacos, only to find that they were closed for a private party! FUCKERS!

After the Buccaneer, we returned to Shanghai Kelly's for a quick $2 "Bart Simpson" shot--something with vodka, orange juice, pineapple...and other stuff. If you look on the wall behind the bar, there's a picture frame describing the $2 shot.

* * *

The Buccaneer
2155 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 673-8023

After finding out that Nick's was closed, our options were to find more food or knock down another bar. When we passed this pirate-themed bar our choice was made--ARRRR!! A pint of Boddington's and a bottle of Magner's for $5.50 (it was happy hour). Great price! To top it off, we all got pirate-themed underwear at a discount!

My only complaint? The cock ring dispenser in the men's room was jammed. My seventy-five cents went back into my purse and we went to the next bar (actually, back to Shanghai Kelly's for a quick shot).

* * *

Bourbon and Branch
501 Jones Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 673-1921

The speakeasy theme is kind of stupid and I felt like kind of an asshole saying the secret password ("mop") into the "secret" door on Jones and O'Farrell. The decor is quite nice once you get in, but the drinks are expensive and the tables are really skinny. The one thing I did enjoy was the bookcase which hid a door to another room (kind of like Anne Frank's hideout!). The free "amuse booze" that they gave us was rather untasty and my cucumber gimlet was pretty good, but I'd rather not have paid $10 for it. All in all, rather unexciting and we did not stay the full two hours that we'd reserved. Jamie can fill you in on further details.

* * *

441
441 Jones St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 474-2284

From the outside, it looks like a front for a brothel. When you walk inside, there's a simple bar, pool table, jukebox, and the wonderful aroma of popcorn! I love bars that serve popcorn. Even though I'd just eaten dinner, Jade the bartender put a plate of freshly microwaved popcorn in front of me and I ate the whole thing. Aside from our gang, there were four guys from the neighborhood (keep in mind we're in the TL) playing pool in the back. One of the regulars sitting at the bar was making kissy faces at the girls, which I tried to ignore. When he got up to hit on Angelina, the owner (an older Korean woman) grabbed the guy by the back of the collar, put him back in his seat, and apologized.

This is truly a neighborhood dive, so I just ordered a shot of Jager (this now common drink choice of mine can be blamed on Andy Vevers). I highly doubt anyone from the Marina-filled B&B bar a few doors down would ever spill into here. Oh, and I found no clues of it actually being a brothel. There were no males wandering in by themselves, and I couldn't find any secret doors when I went to the (very clean) bathroom.

* * *

Rye
688 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 474-4448

Right across the street from the Ambassador, Rye has this neat "outdoor cage" so that patrons can go out for a smoke and not get hassled by panhandlers (I'm guessing this is the reason, anyway). The inside area is also quite spacious with very high ceilings and brick walls...which means on a crowded night, it probably gets very loud in there. But it was Wednesday and NOT crowded...one of the benefits of living in the city. I ordered a basil martini (maybe not a martini--it was a basil something. Give me a break! It was the 5th bar of the evening and I was having trouble finding the buttons on my camera!). Jen the bartender was very nice. We told her about our project and she enthusiastically gave us a bunch of recommendations. Hopefully Jamie remembers, because I do not.

I didn't take very good pictures because my hands weren't steady enough for a non-flash shot. Here's proof:

Here's a shot of MinhCao imitating the guy from 441 hollering at Angelina:

***

The Ambassador
673 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 563-8192

When you walk in, the bar looks elegant, like a place you could wear an evening dress with long gloves to (at least it appeared that way to my drunk ass). There are pretty chandeliers on the ceiling, plush leather booths, a looooong bar, and a mezzanine with private bar. We scored the corner booth and discovered a telephone--in the booth! Angelina picked it up and heard a dial tone, but when I tried to dial, I was unsuccessful.

Since it was nearing the end of the night and I was already more tipsy than I should be on a school night, I ordered a quick shot of Jager so that driver Alden could take me and sleepy J home. The shots are served in thimble-sized metal thingies--hopefully they weren't too expensive.

I unintentionally skipped out on the check. Thanks for the drinks Minh!

jamie's mental note

2007-02-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

i am disappointingly behind on my posts, so i wanted to make a note of the bars i have been to since my last entry. i don't want to forget them and lose count. reviews to follow, i promise. maybe if there was a reward system for each post...? (i know, i know, it should be it's own reward...blah blah)

this project is officially making me look like a lush. not good.

jan 19
1a) prost!

jan 21
2a) pig & whistle (the seattle version!)

jan 25
4) vieni vieni
5) the saloon
6) sake lab
7) hemlock

jan 26
8) mcckormick & kuletos

jan 27
9) dogpatch saloon

jan 31
10) buccaneer
11) shanghai kelly's
1b) bourbon & branch
12) 441
2b) rye
13) the ambassador
14) jonell's

***in the numbering/tagging system, "a" is for a bonus bar that does not count towards the 50 because it are not in my home area and "b" is for a bar that i have been to already (and will still want to review), but drank at with the libation coalition because it was someone else's first time

Joyce's #1: Liquid Kitty

2007-01-31T16:02:00.000-08:00

Liquid Kitty
11780 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
www.thekitty.con

A great bar to kick off my 50 in 365! A visiting friend from out of town brought me out on a Tuesday night, and I chose this meeting spot having heard good things from a number of folks from a variety of social crowds. (Plus it's nice and close to my apartment:) There's no sign that says "Liquid Kitty" out front, just a green flashing neon martini glass (across the street from a green flashing neon sombrero).
It's a small, cozy bar, with a classic feel, very dark, and great for having a casual drink or to get completely plastered. Looks pretty clean too, at least in the dark lighting. Seating around the perimeter of the bar, some open space and a small dance floor make it easy to sit and chat, stand and chat, or dance and chat. Or just sit. stand. or dance. or drink of course! Noise level and atmosphere are just right, and the dj played some awesome rare soul and funk grooves. (I'm on a mission to find "Professor and Technology Experts".)
I went for a girly drink on my first round, one of their drink specials-the Harold and Maude, made of Banana Rum liquour and S&S Pineapple (whatever that is). Looked nice, tasted great, and packed a decent punch for a girly drink. hmm, still in Hawaii mode. I had a sip of their top rated martini, but I don't know anything about martinis so can't really say anything worthwhile about that. Thumbs up for my regular jack and coke, on the strong side, and still tasting good. All in all, I can see why folks love this place.
Thanks to Sorah and Phil, whom we met outside the bar, took our pics (we only had a camera phone) and invited us to the next stop on my 50in365-Airconditioned. Looking forward to it!

BONUS! Lan's 7a, 8a, and 9a in Hawaii

2007-01-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

Duke's Canoe Club Waikiki
At The Outrigger Waikiki Hotel
2335 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 116
Honolulu, Oahu, HI
(808) 922-2268

This establishment was right behind us while we were lying on the beach on our first day in Waikiki, so we figured we'd come back here after taking a shower for snacks and some drinks on the beach. We had hoped to sit on the beach patio, but some guys ahead of us swooped the last table, so we ended up on the deck, which was still outdoors and great. There was already a guy sort of sitting at our table, but we sat down anyway and he turned around and drunkenly started talking to us (Scott from Georgia on vacation with his parents). Live Hawaiian music on a warm night on the beach in Hawaii...not much to complain about! Scott bought our first round of daquiris (hey--drink the local drink!) and we ordered some salads, fries, vegetable stir fry, and pizza. In general, the food was alright and nothing to write home about but certainly edible.

I don't remember what my 2nd drink was, but there certainly was one. I forgot to take a picture here.

***

Mai Tai Bar
At the Ala Moana Shopping Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. #3247
Honolulu, HI
(808) 947-2900

After a long day of eating our way around the island and lounging on the beach, we went to the Mai Tai bar, which friends had recommended to us. The very odd thing about this bar/club is that it is an open air venue AT THE MALL! It doesn't have its own bathroom, but you are very welcome to use Bubba Gump's bathroom. It appears to be a very college-y bar with some people REALLY dressed up and some people REALLY dressed down (me).

There was a live band, which I just found out today was none other than Kawao, the very band that we'd been wondering about. On our drive around the island, we kept hearing a song that we liked...and it turned out to be the band at Mai Tai, although we didn't realize it at the time.

People in Hawaii can be quite large. I refrain from saying "Hawaiian people are large" because this applies to all races. I would look at one guy and think, "That's the biggest guy I've ever seen!" As soon as I'd made this declaration, inevitably, someone bigger would show up. These people were so gigantic, that many of them were drinking beer from pitchers, which proportionally appeared as a funny shaped cup in their hands. Because of all these big people, I was a bit afraid for my flip-flop clad toes while walking around the crowded space. If Joyce's 115 lbs can cause my toenail to fall off, imagine what 300-400 lbs. would do to my feet!

The only other comment I have about this bar at the mall was that the drinks are quite sizeable: rum & cokes were served in pint glasses instead of the usual cocktail glass. I wonder if they'd make them in a pitcher for the giants?

I also forgot to take a picture at this one.

***

Da Big Kahuna
2299 Kuhio Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-0033

It was drizzling this evening, so we didn't venture very far. Luckily, our hotel is smack dab in the middle of all the action so all we had to do was take the elevator downstairs and walk one door over to Da Big Kahuna. This place smells like most other bars--years of the same wood countertop and carpet being continuously doused with beer and vomit.

There are plenty of tables here where they serve typical bar food with 2 pool tables and 2 automated dart boards in the back. We stayed here for quite a while and again, every time I thought I'd just seen the biggest person ever, someone even larger walked in.

The Originator

2007-01-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

As I've mentioned in one of my early entries, the idea of visiting fifty new bars in the course of a calendar year is not new and is not mine. I got the idea reading through Yelp--a guy named Vlad had made it his mission for 2006, and I somehow ran across his list.

Since I'd spent most of 2006 training for the Nike Women's Marathon, I had spent a lot of antisocial nights at home sleeping. With work and training easing up in December, Vlad's mission sounded like a great idea for 2007. I knew plenty about restaurants in San Francisco, but tended to go to the same bars.

Just thought I'd cite my sources.

Lan's #10: C Bobby's Owl Tree

2007-01-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

C Bobby’s Owl Tree
601 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 776-9344

On our way back to the car was the Owl Tree, which piqued J’s interest. Inside, we discovered a bar full of people...and owl knickknacks everywhere. I kind of liked the décor—owl clocks on the wall, owl lamps hanging from the ceilings, owl wind chimes, owl paintings, owl cookie jars, etc.

My bird-weary cousins would have had a heart attack as soon as they walked in. And before you point out that I am also afraid of birds, there’s a difference. I’m afraid of REAL birds—the ones that hang out on the streets and shit from the sky. My cousins, on the other hand, are freaked out by any representation—real or fake—of any bird.

Aside from the décor, the other highlight of this bar was the women’s bathroom. After negotiating my way through the crowd to the back of the bar, I ascended some narrow stairs to find the a very clean bathroom and some lovely wallpaper (featuring drawings of naked women).

My sole complaint: a shot of Johnny Walker and a vodka/club soda set us back $17. WHAT?!

Lan's #9: The Hidden Vine

2007-01-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

The Hidden Vine Wine Bar
620 Post Street
entrance on Cosmo Place
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 674-3567

I’ve noticed this bar on visits to Le Colonial and Ryoko but never had the opportunity to stop in. The entrance is on Cosmo Place (the alley where Le Colonial is) and very easy to miss. Once you find it and descend the stairs, you end up in what looks like grandma’s parlor: comfy chairs, flowering décor, and furniture that doesn’t really match.

At 11pm on a Saturday night, all of the tables were full, but the three seats at the bar were empty, so J & I sat down to look at their offerings. There’s a pretty good selection of wines by the glass…but ultimately, we chose two different red wine flights—one featuring Cabs, and another featuring unusual wines from around the world. We also ordered a plate of salami to go with our tastings and waited for everything to arrive.

Looking around, we saw a very eclectic mix of young professionals—but not the sort of asshole you’d see in the Marina. It wasn’t too loud, you could easily hear your companion, and everyone there was with a small group of friends, so this definitely isn’t a place you go to pick up on anyone. My only complaint was that the room was just a touch too warm, especially when drinking wine.

When our wines arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the 3 glasses per flight featured heavy pours AND little paper rings around each stem identifying each wine. No other wine bar (that I’ve been to or that they’re aware of) does this. For every other flight I’ve had, you have to be very careful not to mix up the glasses…and you really have to listen to the server when they tell you about the wines. For a poor listener like myself, these little papers are a godsend. Plus, you can take the papers home so that you’ll NEVER forget what you drank!

Oh! And the salami was quite tasty--served with LOTS of sliced baguettes, dried blueberries, and some sort of tomato relish. Definitely a steal for $5-6.

All in all, $31 for a large plate of salami, and 2 wine flights—not bad!

Lan's #8: The Page

2007-01-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

The Page
298 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 255-6101

After unsuccessfully trying to get into the Madrone Lounge (they wanted to charge a $5 cover!), we walked up Divisadero a bit more to find The Page, a very casual neighborhood bar. We walked in an immediately found two seats at the bar. J ordered a Famous Grouse (I have no idea why, as that whiskey tastes like ass) and I had a Chimay. This is definitely a local watering hole with two pool tables in the back.

The bar was pretty crowded, but then again, it was a Friday night. As I made my way to the bathroom, I encountered a few patches of musk not unsimilar to what you would smell in a high school locker room. These scents prompted me to look around, which led me to realize that this bar has an inordinately high ratio of males to females. Because of this, there was no line for the bathroom!

Upon my return, we had our drinks, observed the people around us, and watched sports highlights on one of the two TVs behind the bar. If I lived in this neighborhood, you’d probably find me at this bar…at least they serve liquor!

p.s. Joyce is joining us!!

Lan's #7: Bar 821

2007-01-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

Bar 821
821 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

J & I walked from our place on a Friday night to Bar 821 to check out this wine bar. We walked in to find all of the seats filled except for one stool at the bar, so we parked it there to survey the menu.

Based on the drink menu, I wouldn’t exactly call this a wine bar, as the wine menu isn’t very focused. It is more of a former dive bar without a liquor license, half-assedly fixed up to resemble a wine bar. However, they do have REALLY cheap happy hour drinks--all cocktails & beers $3 from 5-7pm, but we were too late for this. Luckily, drinks aren’t much more expensive during regular hours. My ginger champagne (ginger syrup + champagne) was only $5. My only complaint was that my drink was only filled to somewhere between ½ to ¾ full…but I suppose that’s what you get for only $5.

Owned by the same people as Nihon Whiskey Lounge (Lan’s #8) this seems to be a neighborhood hangout filled with locals. Rather unpretentious…and on a street surrounded by other bars that also don’t have liquor licenses (Café Abir and Fly Bar). However, I’m glad this isn’t my neighborhood, because there are only so many soju cocktails and saketinis you can stand before you JUST WANT A REAL DRINK.

After a drink, we left to see what other bars we could find on this strip of Divisadero near the Panhandle.

This bar also mark's Jason's first new bar of the year!! Since "J" as a tag is also taken, I hereby declare you "YB"

Angelina's #4: Mojito's

2007-01-19T16:08:00.000-08:00

I'm catching up Lan!!! At least, I'm on schedule for one bar a week which is under control.

And, cheers to Lan and Minh for making it to all three new bars with me on a Wednesday night.

The last bar of the evening was Mojito's (right across the street from Royale - another fun little North Beach find). By this point, I really needed some food, so I ordered a Quesadilla Pollo(pronounced Kay-suh-dill-uh Po-low) per Donald's recommendation. I was not disappointed and neither were Rog and Alau who ate the rest.

Although I did not need another drink, I had to have one to make it count for the 50, so I went with the bar's namesake and got myself a mojito. Pretty good. And, pretty strong. I honestly don't remember much more of the evening after that drink. Chatted it up with the folks and that was it.

As for the bar, it had colored lights strung at the bar. There was a big space with a wooden dance floor in the middle...apparently, this place is quite packed on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with some hot salsa dancing. I'll have to return and verify. Otherwise, I'd say Donald was the highlight of Mojito's. He's in lan's pic so check it out. He's quite friendly and ever so accomodating with the endless baskets of chips.

That's the evening...I'll have to rethink doing that many bars on another Wednesday night due to the Thursday morning struggle. But overall, quite a good night!

Angelina's #3: 15 Romolo

2007-01-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed 15 Romolo. Again, we were the only ones in there. We crossed the street from Impala, and headed up the mini alley. 15 Romolo is located in the hotel and consists of a few booths and the L-shaped bar. The juke box with the selection lan loves was in the corner...with some free credits courtesy of the bartender. You can also rent this place for the evening. The single bathrooms didn't bother me, like they lan.

We opted for the bar and got to ordering drinks. The bartender, Benito (ele e paulista), made me a mighty fine margarita. High quality tequila, perfect mix and very tasty. Minh's martini (made with gin, of course) was also very very well made. The selection of draught beers wasn't too shabby either, all served in the correct glasses.

I think what made this bar so likeable was Benito, the bartender. He hooked me up with some extra margarita as he made one for himself. Then, I tried a mai tai, but don't really dig those. So, he took it back and dusted off some scotch off the top shelf and poured me a nice glass of that. Needless to say, after eating only chips at Impala, I was a bit more tipsy than I had intended for a Wednesday night.

Off to the last bar of the night....with food, please!

** Benito's other bar suggestions: Rye, Ambassador & he works at Rosewood & Gravity (mondays).

Angelina's #2: Impala

2007-01-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

I'll just add my little bit...Lan is the fastest, master poster, so look to her Impala post for pics, etc.

This was lan and ed's choice. The place is pretty big, but we were the only ones in there on a Wednesday night, so it may have felt bigger than normal. I do hear that this place is jam-packed on weekends. Probably your typical North Beach crowd - mix of the Marina overflow and tourists.

Food was not that exciting. The Fundido was not really fundido....maybe that's why they spell it "Fundito" on their menu. The margaritas were run of the mill like they used a mix and premade a vat full. And, probably why there were only $3.

Decor is nice...and so is the location. I probably wouldn't go there again unless it was someone's birthday and I had to.

Lan's #6: Mojito

2007-01-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

Mojito
1337 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 398-1120

I guess I was feeling pretty good at this point, since it was my 4th bar of the evening. I mistakenly told Donald, the friendly bartender, that he was #11 in my quest for 50 (which he proudly reminded me of throughout the course of our stay), but this morning, I realized that I was a number off. In retrospect, I should have ordered the restaurant's namesake, the mojito. Instead, I ordered a cava, patatas bravas, and 2 tacos (1 pork, 1 shrimp). The cava was served in a shallow glass, which I feel resulted in less drink for me. The tacos were good enough, as I was hungry, but I can't really judge given that I'd imbibed far more than I'd ingested at that point. The corn tortillas were nice and crispy and it was served with a wedge of avocado. I also got a bonus pollo taco, which I gave to Rog. I didn't hear any complaints from him.

The crew at Mojito was almost completely different than the crew we began with. 4 people went home, and 4 new ones arrived (early & late shift?). The only common threads between where we started and where we ended up were me, Angelina, and MinhCao. The bill for food & drink came out to roughly $60 for 7 people...not bad.

For a Wednesday night, there were plenty of people at the bar and a few tables were occupied. Kitchen closes at 10pm.

12 down, 38 to go.

Lan's #5: 15 Romolo

2007-01-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

15 Romolo
15 Romolo Place
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 398-1359

This is a neat little bar in a quiet little alley off of strip club row attached to a small hotel with a great jukebox. Yes, that was a lot of prepositional phrases. When our crew of 6 walked in, the bar was completely empty aside from the bartender and the Smiths was on the jukebox. The bartender wasn't very friendly at first, but Angelina fluffed him up with some talk of Brasil and he warmed up (even giving me a bottle of water, which I later discovered had been previously opened, on my way out).

I ordered an extra dirty Grey Goose martini which didn't fully satisfy, but then again, he said his specialty was margaritas and I wasn't really feeling the margaritas after Impala's flop. This is also a nice venue for a private party, with one minor issue: the bathroom is a single room, no stalls. We hung out here for a while since the bartender had credits on the jukebox for us.

What we chose: Pharcyde, Bjork, Patsy Cline, Jurassic 5, the Smiths, the Jam...they had my music collection on their jukebox! The bartender (Benito) recommended that we head to Mojito next for some food (that was our original destination) and we were on our way.

Lan's #4: Impala

2007-01-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

Impala
501 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 982-5299

Ed & I chose this as our happy hour meeting place based on the fact that neither of us had ever been there, it was close to where we were both coming from, they had a happy hour, and the clincher: the servers wear skimpy outfits. The skimpy uniform consists of a tight pin-striped trouser short (ass shorts with a cuff) and a black tank top--more stylish than the Hooters outfit and serves the same purpose (exposing the appropriate goods).

We were basically the only people in the bar--it is only Wednesday, after all. Yelp reviews state that this is a popular hang out for Financial District suits and their Marina girls. The facility is cozy, the bathrooms were clean (2 stalls for the women) and there's a nice VIP room downstairs--good for a party and slightly larger than what the Rosewood offers. I forgot to ask about pricing. Happy hour runs until 8pm and features $3 margaritas, beers on tap, and well drinks. There are no food specials except on $2 Taco Tuesday (btw, a taco shouldn't cost much more than $2 in the first place, which makes this special NOT special).

I ordered a margarita (too tart, wouldn't order it again) and our friends started trickling in as they got off of work. The fundido we ordered was basically velveeta with beans, but it hit the spot. The fundido definitely did not pique my desire to try any more of their offerings. A drink or two for 6 people + chips & salsa + fundido & plaintain chips = ~$40. Not bad.

NEXT!

Lan's #3: Mr. Bing's

2007-01-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

Mr. Bing's
201 Columbus Ave (Cross Street: Pacific Avenue)
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 362-1545

B dropped me off in North Beach and I had some time to kill before Angelina arrived. On my way to Impala, I saw Mr. Bing's, which I'd been talking to Ed about earlier this week. With about 20 minutes to kill, I walked in to #9. This is a very divey bar--basically a room with a boomerang shaped bar, TV, and not much else. As I was the only female (and the only asshole in a suit), I didn't order anything fancy as I'm sure if I had ordered anything that required shaking, stirring, or mixing, they'd all have made fun of me. After the bartender (not Mr. Bing*) rattled off all of the beers they served, I settled on a Beck's ($4).

The guy next to me (pictured above in the red shirt) gave me the thumbs up on my beer choice and I was IN. However, I didn't have much time, so I shotgunned my impressively ice cold beer, paid the man, and went outside to wait for Angelina.

* Apparently Mr. Bing is an 80-year-old man who doesn't tend bar regularly anymore. He does still come in on the weekends and he does own the place. Ed mentioned that he may not even be the REAL Mr. Bing...