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| - "It looks shady outside but trust me--It's fabulous inside!" When a friend guarantees 'fabulous' who can resist?
So, after taking 17S (when I shoulda taken the 17N) from the 10 and showing up 20 mins late, I'm irritable b/c it's blazin hot outside, I've wasted gas, and the skepticism starts to set in, as I pull into the small parking lot next to what looks like an abandon 3-story motel. The front door is unmarked and fashioned out of the metal commonly seen on tool boxes embedded in pick up trucks. For all I knew, it was the service entrance and after wandering to the Grand Avenue side, where I assumed the front door was located, I return to the shiny metal door.
The door flies open and I step into a swank little place with a beautiful mahogany bar, flat paneled screens, and various paintings on the wall. My friend introduces me to Renee, (the owner) and in an instant I go from being the 'new' person to feeling like a regular. At one point in the evening, the generous man seated next to me, buys everyone at the bar a shot and we all toast to making new friends. Before the night is over, I sing back up with another regular, while my friend takes lead vocals on a song during karaoke.
This is the kinda bar where the patrons make you feel like an old friend and you don't have to worry about dress code or obnoxious aholes. The crowd is a mix of couples & singles, twenty-something's and older folks that just want to hang out and relax. I didn't go outside but noticed a pleasant looking patio with misters.
Happy hour is technically from 4-6PM but the drink prices are so modest, it's a non-issue. They also host various events during the wk. Wednesday is karaoke night, Thursday live bands play and Fridays there's a DJ.
I absolutely adore this place and agree with my friend--it IS fabulous!
(4 stars only b/c the bathroom accomodates 1 person @ a time)
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