#474 - The Tonga Room - 3/10/2006

Excellent. I would rate the Tonga Room a very close second to the Mai Kai, and I can't understand why more isn't made of it by west coast tiki folk. Not only is the general decor close the Mai Kai, but the rain storms every half hour and the band -- though it's neither an exotica band nor a very good band -- coming out on a boat in the middle of the pool -- this is top rank tiki escapism.

#473 - The Bus Stop, San Francisco - 3/9/2006

An old bar -- Since 1900, the signs say -- and in the evenings crammed with attractive women. Unfortunately, it's also crammed with everything you hate in a bar.

#472 - Bayside Sports Bar & Grill, San Francisco - 3/9/2006

1787 Union St., San Francisco, CA 94123 - (415) 673-1565

#471 - The Blue Light, San Francisco - 3/9/2006

#470 - The Marina Lounge, San Francisco - 3/9/2006

A small Boston Southie bar transported to San Francisco. Blue collar, North Beach Italians insulting each other and using "fucking" as every third word. Complete with a patron whom the bartender and other customers openly wish (I couldn't tell how seriously) would leave. "Did Richie leave?" "Nah, he just went to the bathroom." "Ah, fuck, I was hoping he committed suicide." "You should just paint 'Men's Room' over the back door." I like the place.

#469 - Trader Vics, Bellevue - 3/8/2006

Closed August 24, 2008

#468 - St. Andrews Bar and Grill, Seattle - 2/28/2006

I expected this to be just another name change to the Lion's Lair, Greenwood Grill, etc. etc., but Craig, the new owner, radically upgraded the space. It now has very high ceilings, a fireplace, is tons cleaner, a Scottish theme (one can't help suspecting Craig's accent got a wee bit thicker after leaving his job at the Paragon to run this place), and good food that runs from standard to upscale pub fare. I can see myself visiting frequently, and this northwest end of Greenlake might be one club away from becoming quite the draw with the Scots at St. Andrews, the Aussies and New Zealanders at the Kangaroo and Kiwi, and the beer literate hipsters at Duck Island.

7406 Aurora Avenue North Seattle, WA 98103 - (206) 523-1193
Est. Oct 5, 2005 - Building constructed: 1927
Previous bars at this location:  Greenlake Tavern (40s-60s), Lion's Lair
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