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- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Fri, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
185 reviews for Shorty's
Review Highlights
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Any bar that can convert me to the lauded game of PINBALL wins in my book.
I was visiting a friend in Seattle, only to find out that he lived, literally, less than a block from "Shorty's", a bar he described as "absolutely amazing." On a rainy Wednsday night, what else were we to do but go have some drinks?
Shorty's reminds me of all the things that a bar should be--dark, filled with neon lighting, floors covered with a layer of slime, a bar serving reasonabily priced beverages and appropriate bar food. It's clientele reflects the laid back, divey feel the club exudes--lots of hoodies, tattoos, and piercings, and more colors of hair dye than I knew exsisted. I felt right at home.
And then....I walked into the back room. I have literally never seen so many pinball machines in one place! Bear in mind I grew up in the late '90s after the pinball craze had died down, so to me, this place was a totally new experience. I obsessively played the Addam's Family machine for awhile, until the flashing lights and strobes gave me a headache. On a Wednsday night, the place was pretty crowded, but not enough to warrant a wait on any machine.
They also have, at the front of the bar, to your right after you walk in, a few "newer" arcade games, like Guitar Hero and some cop and robber shoot-'em-up game, along with PacMan (which deathly scares me) and a few others. A jukebox is across the floor from these machines and has some killer music on it--I found anywhere from The Blasters "Dark Night" to Bauhaus's "In the Flat Field". Nice selection!
Smoking is out front in a "patio" or an area of sidewalk barricaded off from the rest by a wrought iron fence. The people are down to earth, friendly and the bar food (dogs and nachos) is some of the best I've ever had. They even have a "hangover cure"--a bloody mary, a dog, and a single cigarette. NICE! (I may be a little off on the actual 'hangover cure' but the point is made).
The bathrooms are, well, divey, and the blacklight paint is a little much in the back pinball room, and if you hate clowns and old circus memorabilia, this place is NOT for you. It's like Coney Island regurgetated it's slightly off Siamese twin into a vat of black light paint, then banished the said creature to the dark corner of the Northwest. Not that I'm insulting the place--such a description could only fit a very unique and wonderfully eccentric place, which Shorty's definately is. Just don't come here expecting a sports bar, or a regular bar, or even a dive bar. This is something else entirely.
NOTE: I did make it out to Shorty's this past Halloween and I have to say that I saw some of the best costumes ever at this place. I also noticed that they have a back bar, to the side and behind the pinball arcade, that they apparently only open on holidays and other big events.
Shorty's is a fun date spot; beer, hot dogs, pinball and a great jukebox. What more could one ask for?
My date and I managed to snag a coveted booth by the window. The table was covered with snazzy sparkly vinyl--the sort you would expect to find on the seats of an amusement park ride. The other booths have old pinball machines for tables and the walls are covered with hokey clown art. They've got a decent selection of beer on tap, including PBR, Manny's and Mongoose IPA.
My only complaint is that the hot dogs weren't too remarkable and mine was lukewarm that night. Still, they are cheap and hit the spot. Shorty's casual, funky atmosphere makes it a fun place for a date--but it's also a cool spot to hang out or grab a quick bite before (or after) a show.
I'll keep it short...PUN INTENDED!
I love this place! If I could pick one bar that I want to hang out in and get drunk with my buddies, playing JOUST, this is it.
A few years back I was there and I ordered the chilli cheese dog...let me paint a picture for you...I was on hammered and the sauce/cheese was just slopping everywhere, all over my hands and onto the table...and I didn't care! hahaha!
I almost got into a fight here, WITH A GIRL! Did I mention I love this place.
Coney Island scary clown theme....cool staff....cheap PBR!
I wish we had a Shorty's in Canada.
Video Games and Beer, the meathead factor was subdued as well.
I have never written a review of a bar before so bear with me.
I'm a Portland-er and was up for the night to see The Pixies at your fabulous Paramount Theater - which, by the way - is awesome!
My friends decided to take us to Shorty's afterward for some drinks. They figured this was the closest they could get to a Portland-style bar. Needless to say, I fell in love!
I started the night at the front of the bar, seated, near the door. Besides being a little chilly (what do you expect in November?) I had some strong drinks and enjoyed people watching - especially those at the video games. From there I moved on to the Pinball Room - and was happy to find that for a very cheap price I could have an hour or so of fun.
The back room finally opened up and I was able to get one of the coveted seats at the bar. Only then did my experience go from great to amazing!! I have never quite met a bartender like Jawn Leland Wakefield. From his appearance to his demeanor to his downright genius knowledge of cocktails... I practically fell in love!!
Usually in a busy bar like this you are expected to know what you want to drink and keep it easy - shots and beer. But Jawn took the time to find out my likes and dislikes - and then created some amazing cocktails that were perfect. He has a serious knowledge of liquor - not just what they are but also in how they will taste together. I don't know if he went to school or it just came naturally, but it was amazing!
The best part: we didn't get that snotty-to-good-for-you-just-order-your-damn-drink attitude that you usually find in small joints like this. It was quite refreshing.
In fact, I got his number and am hoping to hire him for some events in Portland - in the event that he's willing to travel!
All-in-all... great night, great bartender, great drinks! Thank you Seattle!
Shortys - You slut.
1 - I hate that bear hunting game. I cant win at it and this causes me to drink even more here.
2 - I hate guitar hero even more, because when Im drunk, I cant win.
I hate to lose
3 - Pacman. You too.
This place is glorious. I have pictures from last night, but cannot post. They aren't PG kids....use your imagination.
It's a refreshing twist to Belltown. You can walk into a place and stroll around in your t-shirt and jeans without getting kicked out.
The pinball machines get crowded, so you'll have to wait your turn at times but it's all good, you won't be waiting too long. The beer selection is average and the prices are a little cheaper than other neighboring "hot spots."
The wine selection? They have those cheap little bottles that are served on planes. That's just funny.
Definitely the place to be when you're tired of the trendy scene and want to get away without driving outside of the area.
Shorty's has well priced booze. A good selection of well maintained pinball machines. And awesome junk food. I enjoyed the chili cheese nachos which reminded me of roller rink food (in a good way) and long islands.
The staff is cool but not overly friendly and definitely not hipster snobby as I had feared.
Perfect for the socially awkward drunkard!
I think this place is my dream date!
People who really know me would be shocked to see I am giving a clown bar a 5 star rating because you know what- F clowns. 1) they are creepy as hell and 2) a total slumber party deal breaker for me as a child. It's not just clowns though, it's self-proclaimed/ LEGIT clown lovers that make them truly obnoxious. Why frequent a "clown" bar when you might have to share boozin' time with Insane Clown Posse fans, faygo-guzzlers, or ex-carnies? Well never fear kids cuz I'm the only one with egg on my face.
In person, Shorty's reveals a zany coney-island clown atmosphere vs. a terrorizing "IT" clown feel. I kept expecting to see someone wearing JNCO jeans or a candy necklace but to no avail (it just keeps getting better!) and then I discovered they had a Big Buck Hunter Safari game and my heart exploded and shot a twinkle right into my grin. If you have never experienced the virtual ability to shoot a giraffe right in the face you have not experienced life. $5 buys you the kill rights to lions, panthers, and elephants. The jamaican james earl jones voice-over host and slutty safari ladies in short-shorts are a total bonus to your "rounds". oh pun snap!
Plus, I accidentally ordered a "PBR on the rocks" at the bar (an inside joke-drink my hometown friends and I used to order) and the bartendress was unphased and sass-free over it.
final notes:
- i saw some chick get 86'ed by the same sweet bartendress about 2 hours later which is awesome because that means they are NO nonsense....at the clown bar
-nachos. and you can order them with mama lil's peppers! although beware the wrath of the #2 if you do [doo]! (i just EW'ed my own joke)
okay, i think we're through here, plus i have $20 in my pocket calling for buck hunter safari and cheap booze...
You must love shortys and that's all there is too it. Back in the day you used to be able to get a $1 Lucky 10oz............ ahhhhhh the good ol days.
Oh and definitely eat the nachos. I know they look gross.
And if you happen to be near there on a Monday, check out the wrestling crowd.
Hipster Chuck E Cheese about sums it up. Pinball, Chili dogs, Alcohol slushies, great beer. I really enjoyed this place.
Reasonable prices, good location and close to my hotel. I was trying to bar hop the night I was in Seattle, but found myself coming back to shorty's.
If you are looking for fine cuisine I would search elsewhere, but to hang out, drink and have fun this place is great.
Side note they have a hangover special that includes a cigarette and alka seltzer. How cool is that!
Also has a cool stylish room to book for parties
Super fun bar and arcade. It's kind of circus themed. They have a lot of really collectible pinball games and a good mix of pretty fun arcade machines. It's got this back room with these high-back blue vinyl button stools. A small patio area in front for the smokers. It's an awesome adult playground.
I love pinball and was looking for a place to play in town when a friend recommended Shortys. The minute I walked in I was instantly hooked.
They have all sorts of games from the classics to fancy modern ones with video screens. Medieval Madness almost always has a waiting line, but the others are great too and usually run 25 cents to 50 cents a game. On weekends the place gets pretty busy.
They do offer food, but it's not something I'd recommend. Get food before entering Shortys.
Been here a few times after work now. Thinking of adding this one to the regulars list.
Situated in the seedier section of Belltown, this place has just the right mix of punks/bro's and bra's/street people/pinball nerds to be awesome.
Nothing pretentious at all about this place, which I love.
Clowns? check.
Darkly lit and hot as hell in there.
Dogs are decent
Pinball, classic arcade games, guitar hero!
$8 PBR pitchers!
Cool back room, but I've never seen it open to the public.
A patio with alot of seating
A definite place to go if you enjoy anything on the above list.
I've been to Shorty's twice now, for the Pre-PAX Drunkard Extravaganza in 2007 and 2008. It's probably one of the best places in Seattle - bar none. Very comfortable. No need to get all dressed up to hang out and meet people at Shorty's. Well-balanced comes to mind, it's pretty much the perfect, low-key dive-ish type of bar. The highlights:
1. PINBALL. Hardly anyplace has pinball anymore, and if they do it's a few poorly maintained, crappy machines themed from the a big media franchise like Family Guy or Pirates of the Caribbean. Shorty's has a room full of pinball machines, from the seriously old school to my favorite of all time: The Addams Family.
2. The BAR. Not the main one in the front, but the kickass drinking lounge in the back with large booths, huge gothic-type chairs, and perfect for groups. They also make killer drinks at reasonable prices. I can't even remember how many shots I've had here, and that's saying something.
3. CLASSIC VIDEO GAMES. I can't even recall the last time I saw a Galaga machine anyplace. Seriously.
4. CASH ONLY isn't an annoyance because they make it easy. They change machine is the oldest I've ever seen, which adds to the gritty, worn, comfortable ambiance. They also have an ATM.
The food? Well, it's hot dogs and sausages with a variety of condiments and combinations. It's not so much about gourmet dining but soaking up the copious amounts of booze you should be imbibing when you're here. Better than the hot dog carts, though.
Bathroom is clean and useable. However it is a bit open so don't be surprised if you catch a glimpse of something or other if you know what I mean. (and I think that you do!)
Shorty's is a bar worthy of being shown off. Not only is it packed wall to wall with pinball, but the place has more personality than it knows what to do with.
You may think you've stepped inside a mini carnival when you see the creepy clowns loitering about on the walls and the bar patrons holding a hot dog and an alcohol infused slushee in one hand all the while searching for quarters to play pinball to their hearts content. The music, lights and sounds are all a little hypnotic.
Shorty's is the carnie my mother warned me about. Love.
This place is still my refuge. The #3, a pitcher of Guiness and being part of the early crowd so I can snag a nice pinball table for my crew. It just makes life so good.
They have added an extra section in the back with a bar and some beautiful 1960's style chairs. The bathrooms have moved and have this voyeuristic open feel to them, kinky! And there is plenty of fun pinball. So glad they still keep Medieval Madness in good repair. And the ATM in the bar is always working.
I'm still always looking for Chucky though.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/10/2006
Perfect place to unwind and escape the regular bar crowds, get a pint and play pinball. I love it!… Read more »
We went in after a late lunch on a Monday, and were given no grief for only wanting to play pinball and not drink alcohol- thanks for that. The games are in great condition, and many decades of tables are represented. 24 is about as lame as it gets, and the Star Trek was much better than I had imagined. We were there a couple of hours, and was almost the favorite part of our Washington trip (lost out to swimming in a lake in the Olympic National Forest.) Thanks Shorty's!
Oh man. What a wonderful experience. A real dive with a plethora of pinball machines and video games. The best pinball machine was the NBA themed pinball that served lengthy rounds of game play. Very laid back with a friendly staff, especially for a place that isn't exactly the cleanest. The back area has a nice lounge which has unique chairs that feel like as if your surround by, as my friend described, "armor shields." Great, great place with some of my favorite music blaring through the speaker.
Icky poo puppies, Shorty's makes me feel like I need a lysol bath. Between the dirty feeling floors, walls, counters and tables, and some of the ick patrons I felt like I should shower when I got home, and with the quickness!
I also solidified what I already knew; I suck balls at pinball, and hotdogs really do taste like ass.
One thing I just never get about this place is that it's always so busy and crowded! It's just a dive bar with crumby food and pinball machines. what's the big deal? I don't make it a point to go here, but if the crew is down, so am I.
p.s. if you suffer from Coulrophobia (that's a fear of clowns) this might not be the place for you because the walls are covered with them!
So I ended up here one night with some friends. The place is definitely popular as there was no seating anywhere in the place. It had a great atmosphere though and my friends and I managed to squeeze up to a spot at the end of the bar.
We tried to order hot dogs but they weren't ready to serve, so our hot dog was substituted for german sausages. I was a bit underwhelmed with my dog, but I'm rarely enthused about them when sober.
What I learned from this place: I am *awful* at pinball. They have a ton of great pinball machines and each one seemed to make me play worse. Despite this fact, I still managed to enjoy the pinball room watching the people who are skilled and last more than 30 seconds with each ball.
Overall, I'd suggest hitting this place up at least once. And remember, just because there are fun pin ball machines, please leave the little ones at home! Ooohhh and be forewarned - CASH ONLY (or at least on the night we were there, but they have an ATM machine in the bar).
Mrs Pac-man, do I need to say more? Also try the strawberry frozen drink "tall" If your not knocked on your ass from it you have a problem. Best $5 ever spent.
I challenge you to a game of FAMILY GUY pinball. If you accept, then meet me in the back dim lit room of this bar/arcade dive.
I stopped by Shorty's during a Seattle visit, expecting to check out the place briefly before hitting up Tula's next door. My friend and I ended up staying for 2 HOURS, utterly entranced to this trip down nostalgia arcade-mania lane. Follow the eerie, green lighting to the back room, where you'll find punk rock folks with foul mouths slamming their palms against 10 or so pinball machines. It was awesome!
If flashing lights intrigue you, you have quite a few options: The Adams Family, Indiana Jones, CSI, Batman, and of course, Family Guy (try to get the baby Stewie mini-pinball). You also have a few other old school options, which aren't as flashy, but nevertheless classic.
By the end of night, we were $20-30 short with aching thumbs & fingers, flushed with anxiety, and embarrassed by our amateur plays. Memorable night, indeed.
I love, love, love this place!!! It's my favorite place to hit up after a game, a show, dinner, etc. They have AWESOME dogs and an even better atmosphere. The variety of people who frequent this place make it entertaining almost more than their sick collection of pinball. Shorty's is a Seattle staple that makes other bars seem too dolled up and pretentious.
Love it!
I don't drink and I usally advoid the bar scene, So why can you find me at this Hipster circus called Shorty's? It could be the Awesome music, Tasty Chili cheese nacho's, Hot dogs and Wall to Wall Pin Ball machines, The off Beat humor found around like the side show carnival game for the mens open Urinal, I went to the Lava Lounge to use their bathroom that is right next to Shorty's.
I like the people watching, I mean not them using the bathroom, i mean at the bar! It's mainly 20-30 Tattooed people who range from Gothy,Alt,Rockers, indie hipsters and at most times feel that I am not hip enough to hang here though I feel like that outside of this establishment but I don't really care so my don't give a crap attitude makes iit ok for me to go into shorty's but there is always the random guys and girls that looks like he just came from the Yatch club that makes me not as noticeable.
It's a cool cheap place to have fun and chill with some friends that anyone would enjoy.
a note you have to get the Chili Cheese Nacho's there soo Good even for chips that came out of a room temperature bag.
Hotdogs? PINBALL? BLUE MOON ON TAP!?
AWESOME UPHOLSTERY?!
This place is wicked cool. I like hotdogs. I like pin ball. I LOVE blue moon. And I like chairs.
This place is excellent.
Hooray for Family Guy pinball! Hooray for crusty punks! Hooray for crusty punks playing Family Guy pinball!
There is a shortage of portable meat product vendors in the Belltown area. I have no idea why. But thankfully Shorty's is here to fill that void with a Chicago dog (you gotta add tomato to do it right) or a plate of chili and liqui-cheez coated tortilla chips. Them's booze-soakin' foods, my friend. Or, even if you don't drink, them's still some tasty vittles.
Vegi dogs even. That's right, vegi dogs AND vegi chili. You would never in a million years guess that when you set foot in the door. Just goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover. Not even (or especially?) when it's covered with tattoos and piercings.
I spent an entire afternoon staring at the mural on the back wall where the entrance to the game room is...trying to figure out what a ONE and a ZERO had to do with the other letters painted inside the colorful balloons. A few weeks later, I stopped in for one of the aforementioned Chicagos, and it took me all of about 3 seconds to realize what an IDIOT I am. Yeah, it says B1G T0P. GAWD! IDIOT!
Long live Shorty's.
Blah blah blah Downtown, I don't go there often these days, and Shorty's is Downtown.
But if Shorty's were around the corner from my house, I'd probably go there every day.
Solid, reasonably priced drinks, I could give a shit about pinball, but I love the tables made out of pinball tables. I love the light and decor in here, and well, yeah, booze. So.
Shorty's, I'll frequent you over Gamedorks any day!
I've heard so much about Shorty's, but had never been, so after hitting the lie-berry today, I decided to check it out.
As a child of the '80's, I love me some video games and pinball. Granted, I am not a gamer (I think Halo, WOW etc. are just lame), but love the old, basic stuff. I went in, had a couple of Mongoose IPA's, and played me some pinball.
Someday, I'd like to purchase a pinball machine to put in my house. We had one as a kid (the non-electronic type) and I was a pinball wizard (insert "the who" joke here). I checked out almost all of the pinball machines in the joint, and my favorites were 1) Revenge from Mars- great back lit lcd or something display and great sounds and 2) Wheel of fortune-lots of lights, bells and whistles, and sounds from the show. I didn't win any games via score (next time!), but did get a couple of 'matches,' which made me happy. Oh, and I love the piece of wood structure between the machines to place your drink on......ingenuity!
Although I am giving Shorty's 5 stars, I do have a piece of constructive criticism for them. First, add some better lighting to the pinball area-like overhanging lamps, that don't reflect off the glass, above each machine to enhance game play.
This was my first visit to Shorty's, but surely not my last. This time I went by myself, but I'm sure it's more fun with a group. Maybe I'll team up with some yelpers and tear up some pinball next time!
As a kid growing up, I used to make the trek out to Arnolds and Spaceport in the U District to play the latest and greatest video and pinball games. Shortys reminds me of being that kid as they boast the largest collection in Seattle, hands down. Great staff, tasty hot dogs and cheap beer on tap polish off my review.
Oh, if you hate clowns this place isn't for you. Remember that clown from Poltergeist? Yeah, the ones here make him look like a freakin boy scout.
Very cool hole in the wall. Creepy clowns hanging from the ceiling and painted on the walls. Drinks were strong and a good gathering of friendly people! I own the high score on the disneyland indiana jones pinball machine and I couldn't touch the one on this machine. All around good times to be had.
Visited Shorty's over the weekend while visiting Seattle and fell in love with it. I found it to be non-pretentious, cheap, and pretty fun. I loved the idea of having a pinball arcade. Plus I'm a fan of the dimly lit bar scene. Next time I'm in town I'll definitely have to hit up Shorty's.
I've been recommending Shorty's as a destination bar for tourist friends for years and yet I had never set foot in the place myself until just this last Sunday. What the hell was I thinking? Letting my friends party here without me?
See, I'm Belltownaphobic. I used to avoid that area like the plague. But one spicy ass hot dog, a can of Hamm's beer in honor of my Grandpa, and my best game of Pirates of the Caribbean pinball ever and now I'm hooked.
"Danggg~ it's hard!!"
Yeah, that's what I said when I tried to play Star Trek. Those pinball machines are not as easy as they look, and they don't get any easier after throwing back a few libations. Yes, I tested this conjecture thoroughly.
The naked dog is $3 and provides sustenance while enjoying the spirits they serve at Shorty's. To be honest, I didn't think a bar like this would serve decent drinks and prepared myself to fall back on the beers on tap. I was wrong. They have an amazing bartender who makes the best Manhattan I've had in a long time. I also got to try his special Whiskey Press (I think it's my new favorite drink, as long as I can find someone who makes it like him) and witness his maelstrom of a process for making a Bloody Mary.
Now... if we can just do something about all these clowns~
To the tune of "Low" by Flo-rida:
Shorty's had them blended margaritas (ritas)
Buck Hunter Pro (Hunter Pro)
I was playin' the best, fo sho!
I grabbed some quarters (some quarters)
Next thing you know
Shorty's had mo' mo' mo' mo' mo' mo' mo' mo'
Things to do like
Pinball games in the back (in the back)
I turned around and gave my bartender a check (wha?)
He hit the floor (he hit the floor)
Next thing you know
Shorty's said whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
CASH ONLY, BIATCH!
This place was recommended to me by a local so I thought the crew would love to check it out so we went.....and we had an amazig time! There are pinball machines in the back...the tables are actual pinball tops from old machines....you can get hot dogs....chili dogs....and nachos....and who knows what else from the bar......
On my back from the bathroom I found myself in another room which had really high backed chairs and small tables and was very dark.....so very very Alice in Wonderland....
Cool place. I want to go back! :)
Best. Bar. EVAR!
Pinball and hotdogs and booze, oh my! Pinball and hotdogs and booze, oh my!
This place has Addams Family and Star Trek: TNG pinball, Ms. Pac-Man/Galaga, Joust/Robotron, Donkey Kong, a variety of reasonably priced snacks, and a great drink selection. There's not much in the way of scotch here, but there is a good assortment of beers, and bartender Josh introduced us to the Whiskey Press, which is a cocktail made with Old Overholt rye whiskey, soda, ginger ale, and lemon - phenomenal! He also makes a good-looking Bloody Mary and a mean sweet Manhattan. I had a Bulleit whiskey neat that went well with my Guinness. Dead Kennedys and David Bowie were spinning on the juke while I was hanging out. This bar is cash only, but very reasonably priced.
Warning: there are hobo clowns everywhere up in this joint.
Every minute they are open every thing is great. There are all of the characters that go along with the great dive bars, and the hot dogs (also served late) to keep you awake. When the place is packed its super fun and its also fun to listen to This American Life on your ipod at noon on a weekday with a beer and a pinball machine. I also long made this the first stop before i do laundry: quarters for pinball and the wash.
There are several classic and modern rotating pinball games, myself a novice player, feel great joy when i win a free game and those around me cheer.
Man, Shorty's has got it goin ON.
Im loving the pinball in this place. I love stumbling in from bar nights with friends for a few rounds of pinball and a tasty cheap hot dog washed down by a PBR.
Its my perfect place for a low key no pressure date. Which is the best kind to have IMO.
Anyways, it can get really crowded in there at night and more than once have I had some beer sloshed on me. But oh well, its all part of the charm.
I know I don't need to be the millionth (OK 120th) person to review Shorty's, but I'm gonna. I really dig this place, even though I don't care for pinball. Few noteworthy items:
-- My vegan friends like to eat here.
-- The secret room in the back is awesome (shh, keep it a secret).
-- Some "Boozy Smoothy" drink I had on Fri was very delicious and also surely largely responsible for my extreme state of hungover-ness the next day.


