by the eu professional drinkers
Since everyone around the EU offices was out “Dining with a View” this week, us professional drinkers decided to look for some new scenery as well. But we aren’t interested in your traditional views. The ever-tired “breathtaking sunsets” or “gorgeous views of the water” are tired to our drunken eyes. We prefer the view with a little more character. Give us a graffiti wall or a stripper over a brilliant patio view any day of the week!
Address or Directions: 1838 Cassat Avenue, near San Juan on the Westside
Type of Place: Sports bar with a view.
Serving: Full liquor bar with a large assortment of bottled and draft beers.
Amenities: Small little escape with a beautiful view
Drink Specials: Isn’t the view enough?
This hidden gem located in my old stomping grounds, the exclusive and always-charming westside of town, can prove to be its own little home away from home. Overlooking the vast and impressive twenty-four lanes that make up the majestic wonder that is Cassat’s Batt Bowl bowling alley, this curious little joint serves up full liquor, drafts, bottles and the regular bar grub you’ll find at most bowling type places. You can never go wrong with nachos. Stay in the pub, safe from the out-of-control leaguers, or the jacked-up-on-Mountain-Dew-fueled children’s birthday parties, or join in the fun. Whatever your choice will be, grab a group of your friends, drive out towards Cassat (it’s in the heart of car-buying land) and do something different for a change. I mean, when was the last time you’ve gone bowling with friends? Don’t worry, your usual watering hole will be there when you get done, but try on these bowling shoes for a change. Cassat Lanes is open Sunday through Thursday, 10 am until 11 pm, Friday and Saturday, 10 am until 1 am.
–Christina Wagner
Address or Directions: 3701 Emerson Street
Type of Place: Bar, restaurant, and “gentlemen’s club”
Serving: Full liquor bar with bottled and draft beers (mostly domestic)
Amenities: From the countertop touchscreen games to the champagne room, the amenities really get you going
Drink Specials: From 3 pm to 6 pm on weekdays everything is buy-one-get-one-free, liquor and beer.
Famous for its view, Wacko’s is known for having some great burgers and stiff drinks at reasonable prices. Oh yeah, and bikini dancers. If taking in a meal while a lady struts her stuff along the counter is your thing, this is just the place. But a word to the wise, don’t get ketchup on your singles. The girls may flip upside down while they are dancing to Marilyn Manson or Nelly, but they don’t like your greasy, ketchupy dollars sticking to their costumes. I wouldn’t bring a lady in here on a date, in fact I’m not sure they allow it, but you just might meet a lovely little thing who will be your closest friend. Twenty dollars for thirty minutes. And no, that isn’t her real phone number.
–Johnny St. Thomas
Address or Directions: 22 W. 6th Street near 6th and Main in Historic Springfield
Type of Place: DJs and Live Music Pub
Serving: An impressive variety of domestic and import beers on draft and in bottles. The wine list is not bad either.
Amenities: Quaint and authentic pub serving up cool brew and hot tunes
Drink Specials: Metal Mondays: $3 Quarts of Malt Liquor, Tuesdays with Matt Oliver: $2 Guinness, Wednesday with the Gilmore Boys: $2 Yuengling, Ladies Night Shanenigans with Jason and Jody: discounts on ladies beverages, Fridays and Saturdays live music: $2 Tecates and PBRs.
Located in the heart of historic Springfield, this quaint little pub boasts a breathtaking view of the kiddie pool in the back patio. If that’s not enough eye candy for you, check out some of local graffiti artwork that fills up the walls surrounding this lavish water wonderland featuring work by Shaun Thurston and “Whoever goes back there.” It’s a great place to relax with one of my favorite brews. Metal Mondays are especially fun. Dylan puts in the best movies (although that Elvis movie was a little bit on the disturbing side). Every Friday and Saturday, pop in to experience some of the best in local artists, ranging from hip-hop to comedy to metal and everything in between. Check out their MySpace page for updates on their weekend events at myspace.com/shantytownpub.
–Christina Wagner
Address or Directions: 3210 Roosevelt Blvd.
Type of Place: Down Home Bar & Grill
Serving: Bottled and Draft Imported and Domestic Beers; Bar Foods.
Amenities: Uncle Louie entertains with yarns of life and love, there’s a juke box loaded with your favorites, horseshoes by the highway, and electronic bowling.
Drink Specials: The beers are always cheap and cold.
We’ve drank here and written about it before, but when you are on the topic of ironic scenery, you just can’t exclude Tootie Greens. They have a patio with beautiful trellises (bungee-corded to beams) and a gorgeous 360 degree view. To the west is Roosevelt Boulevard, with traffic zipping, screeching, and swerving past, bringing a thrilling movement to the air around you. You can also enjoy a game of horseshoes out by the highway, when the water isn’t too high. To the north is an enormous power generating station with intricate lattices of steel and compelling spires. To the east is a railroad track, which hails in a regular “toot toot salute” from patrons. And to the south is the green room itself, the interior of Tootie Greens. Smile, you’re on camera.
–Johnny St. Thomas
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EU Critic’s Choice Awards
