Willie's used to be the Shenago, which has since moved to 15th and Wakarusa. The Shenago was a great place to get away from the college kids, but for a lover of melodious words like myself, I always got a kick out of saying, "Hey! Let's drink at the Shenago!" or "Hey! Let's join in some shenanigans at the Shenago!"
Now the Shenago is Willie's, and that's where I found myself at 3:30 on a Thursday afternoon. I should note that I've never been a regular at a bar. I prefer to lounge on my front porch rather than perching on a barstool. When I do visit a bar, I prefer to do it in the afternoon. Not only are things a little bit more laid back, but I like the feeling of being disconnected from the rest of the population, who are probably at work, school, or anywhere but a bar. I do fantasize being a regular at bar. When I retire from teaching, maybe I'll spend my days welding metal sculptures of great literary scenes, and then by late afternoon, I'll occasionally slip off to a bar. Of course, it would have to be the perfect bar, so at Willie's I started thinking a bit about my criteria of an ideal bar.1. I look for a bar with good people. I need to reflect more on what I mean by this, but I liked the folks at Willie's. I didn't take any pictures inside and I won't write about the patrons of the bar because I don't like infringing on others. If I return to Willie's, I'll write more.
2. I like a bar in an unique location. Willie's fit this bill because it was attached to a motel that rented rooms by the month.
The motel also had non-operational pool, which earned bonus points in my book because a rundown pool makes a place more interesting.
3. A good jukebox. Willie's had a solid jukebox, but they needed more female singers. Patsy Cline was notably absent.
4. The bar should have something good to eat or we ithin walking distance of good food. Willie's had hotdogs and chips for $2.50 and free popcorn. It shares a parking lot with a Japanese Steak House, and there's a grocery store across the street.
What variables go into your equation for a good bar?
muddy
PS. . . Be sure to vote for my next fieldtrip. The polls will close on Monday, June 16 at 10:00 AM.
1 comment:
Being a regular at a bar is pretty sweet. There's something validating about getting a shout out from the bartender before you get to the hostess table and then having your Ad Adstra poured and waiting for you as you saddle up to your stool. It's great to get seated upon entrance even though there are 8 parties on "the list." It's comforting to grow into a family of wait staff and other regulars, to know no matter what time you show up - you're guaranteed of always running into a friend, and it's nice to always have your beer refreshed without having to say a word or even look up because you're just having one of those days when you just don't wanna talk to anyone and the bartenders know and they let you be (with your beer). Your front porch is nice. But I think there's a "regular" inside of you just waiting to be unleashed. Thanks for the report on Willie's.
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