Really, I’m not as demanding and bitchy as jeevmon’s post seems to make me sound…that was sort of a wish list, not a list of demands. And I certainly recognize that I tend to hang out in bars a lot less than some of you (no names mentioned), so I’m not as up on the pros and cons of various spots. We were just tossing around some criteria the other night, and there may be zillions of places (or none, as far as I know) that meet them.
Some random thoughts: the Black Rock was certainly lovely, and not too smoky when we were there last (although after I think 3 drinks, I barely knew my own middle name). I do recognize, however, that smoke-free is pretty much impossible, but please keep in mind that there are various circles and degrees of Hell for the asthmatic non-smokers among us. I always try my best to grin and bear it; results vary. Also, the curry fries at the Grafton were truly kickass, and hopefully they have corrected their plumbing issues by now. Plus I’m a sucker for the location.
I don’t know any of the other places mentioned, as I tend to go to bars more often because a particular band is playing there than to go boozing and schmoozing, so please share opinions!
Just kidding, Eva. Believe me, I join you in not being a big fan of smoky bars. I don’t much like breathing in that much smoke, and smelling like an ashtray when I go home definitely icks me out. It’s unfortunate but at least some degree of smokiness is gonna happen wherever alcohol is consumed – but I agree, if a place is particularly bad, I try to avoid it.
Black Rock has been a perennial favorite, and I have a soft spot in my heart for the Grafton (and hopefully this time we won’t be standing directly under the roof drain when it lets go this time!).
And I think a making-fun-of-Jack-Chick-themed bar would completely rock, personally. I think we may be onto a moneymaker, folks.
I dunno, **Zanshin, ** I’m kinda reveling in the image of you doing a Jennifer Beals-esque thing, soaked to the skin in ripped sweats. Maybe even with a bra strap peeking out…
Couple of weeks ago the Trib magazine had a “winter fun” issue - IIRC they had a rating of the best bars with fireplaces. One place had several, including one which had a whole moose mounted over it, the head in one room and the ass on the other side of the wall.
Just thought you might be able to get some ideas if you could locate a copy.
Have a great New Year’s Folks. And happy solstice today while you’re at it.
I got three - count em, 3! - NYEve invites this year. Ain’t I the social butterfly?! And this is for the cranky old bastard whose preference is to do his drinking alone before crashing to bed by 10 p.m. Who to offend this year? How to choose?
I will make every effort to be there, wherever it is.
For the record, the far-and-away best chocolate martinis in town are found at the Tiny Lounge under the El on Addison at Lincoln/Hermitage. This is NOT a suggestion for meeting place for a minidopefest as it is, as the name implies, tiny. But, still, go try a chocolate martini there.
I must register my revulsion at the very concept of a chocolate martini. I loves my gin, and am an unrepentant chocoholic. But some twains should just never meet.
Dinsdale Johnson is right! I feel exactly the same way – I loves me some alcohol and chocolate is God’s own gift to us for being good people, but I can’t do the two together. And let’s not even talk about the abominations that are fruit-flavored beers (Cherry Wheat, Strawberry Ale, Raspberry Vanilla Fruit Smoothie Light)… blaagh.
I hate to tell you, Joey, but you are WRONG. Best chocolate martinis are to be found at The Matchbox. I see you writhing in the grasp of my unassailable reason right now.
And any drink criticism coming from a guy who drinks Caffiene-Free Diet Coke by the gallon is easily dismissed, Zanshin.
Far be it for me, a relative teetotaller, to debate the merits (or lack thereof) of “girly” drinks such as chocolate martinis with such avowed alco…I mean, chocoholics such as yourselves. But I seem to remember chocolate martini recipes that involved vodka rather than gin. Gin is disgusting anyway; I can’t even stand the smell of it. And so combining it with chocolate, I must agree, would be like combining matter and anti-matter. Vodka seems less wrong.
Hey, at least they don’t serve the chocolate ones with olives…
Easily dismiss at your own peril, woman! Just because all the soda’s rotting my teeth and the aspartame is destroying my short-term memory, you think you can… you think you just… you…
Uh…
What was I just saying? Who the hell are you people? Where are my pants?
Well there’s your problem, folks. If’n it don’t include gin, it ain’t a martini!
So what distinguishes, say, a chocolate martini from a black russian? The cool glass? Hell, you can drink buttermilk outta a martini glass, but that don’t make you Frank Sinatra!
(I like to consider myself a pretty tolerant guy. But there are some clear lines that ought not be crossed.)
And Eva - sure it may seem disgusting at first. But with sufficient dedication, you come to accept it as nectar of the gods. (Could probably do the same with antifreeze if you work at it hard enough! Tho gin is slightly less likely to kill you.)
porc - don’t get me started on the horror that is vanilla vodka. I’m willing to let citron pass, but there is such a thing as going too far. Best to buy Stoli by the case, keep a bottle in the freezer, and throw down shots. If you want some vanilla, have yourself a frigging bowl of ice cream. Damned amateurs!
Chocolate martinis have no gin. Or vermouth. They’re just served in a martini glass…
The ones at The Tiny have light Godiva liqueur, dark Govida liqueur, vodka, milk, and hershey’s syrup (with a Hershey’s Hug in lieu of an olive and a cocoa powder rim).
But that’s got nothing to do with a Mini-ChiDope. I’ll go wherever Gundy tells me to go. So far that includes Hell and away.
The Casa J&J chocolatetini is vodka, godiva dark, baileys and a dash of chambord. Hersheys syrup around the inside of the glass. mmmmm breakfast of champions…
Anyways, just piping in to say: bar, dopers, Saturday night? Count me in!!!
