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Neighborhood: Westlake
"The decor is amazing. It's a little smaller than I imagined from the pictures, but it's absolutely gorgeous in person. It has a sorta…" read more »
Love this bar...
...but hate that it opened after I graduated from Occidental and moved out of Eagle Rock!
It's owned by the same people behind 4100 Bar and Daddy's. Has strong drinks, a friendly staff and a ski lodge interior. Best of all, it's next door to Casa Bianca!
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Trip out on the monster bouncer...yo man, no fooling, this guy is going to the top...we are talking, he will be in Tarentino's next film...swear man, swear...not sure if bouncer is the right word, but the two guys at the door, really, we are talking Snatch material...interesting, yet highly intriguing characters...
Ok, but to sum it up, The Chalet is a great place to come with your closest and bestess friends...you don't even need to drink alcohol or beer, the company alone and setting is perfect for good times...
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There's nothing like seeing your ex walk into the bar while throwing back a few with some friends that will instantaneously sober you up real good. Regardless, I really like this spot.
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This place is packed. For what this place is, the price is a little high. Lots of dudes and dim lighting, not a good thing. It feels like a cabin where you should be wearing a knit sweater and chucking with your colleagues about stock portfolios, while sipping on your hot coco.
Good drinks and low, warm lights tend probably make people look a lot more attractive than they are....maybe that's a good thing.
i love the chalet because it's so damned cool looking. when i drink there, i feel like i really am in a fucking chalet. i don't even know what a chalet looks like, since i don't ski, but if i was skiing, and i was in a chalet, this would be it. i guarantee you.
the drinks are mighty potent and the seating is swanky and comfy at once. if it were closer to my neck of the woods i would get tastefully soused there every night and fall into a drunken fever dream that i was waiting on a ski lesson from some debauched and pervy ski bum instructor who had a thing for cheap thrills and easy chicks.
hey, i like the place, okay?
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We use to goto this place alot, I don't know why we haven't really gone back. It's a nice place, designed like a lodge with a fireplace and dimmed lighting. It feels really nice leaning into it's bar, especially with a jack rocks in front of you, that's how I like to post up :)
It's got a mixed crowd, though I would venture to guess that Occidental kids outnumber the locals, but they mean no harm, they drink their bud lights and keep to their own group.
There are plenty of places to sit, although when it gets crowded, I couldn't tell you the best place to stand. You can try and be a cool guy with some cognac next to the fireplace, but I wouldn't recommend it, we'll laugh at you. You might want to spend some time at the Juke though, it's got some great tunes. Oh yeah, they've got Hooegarten on tap, always refreshing! It's also pretty nice to have a Tommy burgers within a block or two, which compliments a heavy night of drinking perfectly, as we all know. And parking can get a little zany, it's all about getting lucky....you feeling lucky?
Since moving to Eagle Rock a few months ago, I've visited this bar on quite a few occasions. While it's lacking the dive factor that makes me really happy (and feel more comfortable for some reason), I do like this place.
Very low lighting and lots of comfortable seating areas give it a mellow vibe. Good selection of beer, and even of wine, I hear. Need to check on that next time! Everyone that goes here seems really chill. The bartenders are very attentive and quick to get you served. The bathrooms are clean and pretty nice, albeit cramped, for a bar.
My minor complaint is that I wish they opened earlier then 8 pm. Sometimes I like to get my drink on a little early.
My friend took me here last night for a 'welcome to the hood' drink. He described it as part pirate ship, part ski lodge. Well, he def. got the ski lodge part right. In fact, with the old school paintings on the wall, I kinda felt like I was walking into one of those Chevy Chase vacation movies. Weird, but if you knew me, I totally dug it.
There was a good amount of ppl inside, considering it was in the middle of the wk. There were some dimly lit tables which I thought made the place look really cozy. But the fireplace was my favorite. We settled in on the couch and I made sure to grab a couple of pillows to lean on. It was the perfect place to kick back w/ a couple of drinks and catch up. Totally felt as tho I was back at my boyfriend's cabin in the woods. This bar also has Hangar One (my fave) so that's another plus. Can't wait to go back, esp. when Casa Bianca waits are too long.
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I vaguely remember this place when it was still a dive and I would come here during summers home from school to drink with Oxy students and the local degenerates. I didn't have the same soft spot for dives that I did then, but even if I did, I think I would have still definitely seen the arrival of The Chalet as a good thing, a sign that Eagle Rock was coming up in the world.
With the arrival of The York, what I considered to be the only flaw in this gem -- too many damn people! -- has been somewhat mitigated. When you're trying to enjoy a drink or have a conversation, it can be a little frustrating when you're sitting or standing ass to elbow and having to negotiate the din of the maddening crowd, especially in an environment that is otherwise supposed to be projecting intimacy. Now there are more options in the area to sink a drink to give you time to think, and The Chalet's ambience is the better for it (even if ownership would probably prefer to ring the register a little more).
Still, the Chalet is probably best enjoyed on an off night, when you can take advantage of the dim lighting and cozy interior to snuggle with your honey bunny, share an assignation with someone who isn't your honey bunny, or meet with the private investigator who's tracking your honey bunny.
When ever I visit my friends in Pasadena or in Eagle Rock we always seem to start or finish our night at The Chalet. The juke box is probably the best that I have ever seen in a bar. The best music selection ever! I like the fire place that they have in here and all the candles.. Not only does the dim warm lighting look rad but it will make anyones skin look flawless..... The seats are cozy and I always feel as though I am in a wood cabin... Drinks are cheap and strong...... The good thing about this place is that it is roomy. It does get crowded on the weekend and only then may find yourself standing waiting for someone to free up a seat or a table....
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The Chalet delivered on multiple accounts:
#1. The decor reminds me of the Griffin. which i love. cuz it reminds me of harry potter and i love harry potter. please someone dress like harry potter. i'd totally love you. by love you i do mean love you long time.
#2. There's enough boys in skinny jeans but not too many where it makes my friends think its a assfuck bar.
#3. The bartenders are super hot and Adam is generous with his pours which lead to ...
#4. The drinks are stiff. Foodslut gave me a mouth invasion. All I remember is "down that shit".. "here's another one. take one for the team" (wtf.), and "its ok. you're the youngest" and other random (probably inappropriate) phrases.
#5. It's lively, crowded enough to mingle but quiet and spacious enough for you to have a good date and cop a couple feels without getting dirty looks or elbowing the party next to you.
Fuckability - 5/5 stars.
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This place reminds me of a woodsy cabin-type of lounge. If that makes sense. It's a great date spot IF you can find a seat in a corner somewhere. I liked the atmosphere and ambiance a lot. I would probably come here more often, but it is too far away... But for those of you in the neighborhood - LUCKY!!
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I may not have a magic mirror to show me a reflection of my true self, but I do have access to look gleefully towards my bartender at The Chalet. When I saw how Adam poured my Crown 7, I knew there was a chance I could be an alcoholic. Crown all the way up to the rim with a misty spray of 7up to garnish the top. But rather looking at being a possible alcoholic with grim eyes, I will whole heartedly classify it as an intense infatuation with drinking.
Me: "Holy fucking shit. I think I love you. What you did there is no doubt the only way a man could ever turn me on."
Bartender: "Haha."
Me: "Dude, seriously. I thank you, kind sir."
Bartender: "No worries. It's how the owner wants the cocktails poured."
Before throwing my tip money at Adam as if he were the hottest stripper at the gentlemen's club, I took a long and hard gaze at my glass and marveled at its potency. And while walking away from the bar, I stuck my free hand down my pants and cocked back my flagpole. I don't need anyone knowing how infatuated I am with The Chalet.
Much love to my freak in the box, Anh T for finally bringing The Chalet to my amorous attention. Had she withheld it any longer from me, I would've slapped her in the back with a half-eaten salmon abandoned by a grizzly bear.
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Not that I"ll ever promote it.....but if you want to get a girl "dirty dirty", you take her here. It's THAT type of classy joint.
no joke.
However, contrary to popular belief, tequila does not make girls wet..they make them throw up.
*tip from bartender adam - Cougars swarm this bar. Great place to roll solo and have at it for a night. A little cougar loving is better than no loving.
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One of my favorite things about lounges are bartenders who pour HEAVY. I just want to thank them for making my life nice and hazy. hehe.
Me: Can I get a grey goose and cran pls?
Bartender hottie: Sure! ...*pouring the goose*......still pouring.....still pouring...still effin' pouring
Me (saying to myself): Dude, I love this guy!!!!!
Bartender hottie: still pouring.....splash of cran.
Me: You're awesome!!!! Thanks. *someone's getting a good tip!*
All I gotta say is keep up the good work!!!!
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I haven't been here in a while, but I love this place, when it isn't too crowded. It makes me feel like I'm in a woodsy lodge in Utah, with attractive dim lighting, warm fireplace, comfortable sofas, and good stiff drinks to warm you up and get in a googoo mood. My favorite spot was in the dark corner to snuggle with my honey and you know..., or in front of the fireplace, but that's a little too public. Music is cool, good rock selection, and attractive bartenders with no 'tude. Clean bathrooms and well what else can be said that 130+ people haven't said already!
So I've finally decided to take the time to write a review about the bar that has held my heart ever since I first step foot through it's doors. Now everyone has a bar that they know they can fall back to and never be disappointed. A bar that no matter where the night takes you, you can go there and always have a great time. For me, that bar would be The Chalet in Eagle Rock.
Now before it was known as The Chalet, this bar was called Toppers and was one of the more seedier bars in the area. You know the kind I'm talking about. The kind of bar where no matter what time you walk in you're going to find a) a biker, b) a burnt out cougar, c) the town drunk or d) all of the above. Well this place was a definite d choice. 11am or 11pm you'd find the same crowd night after night.
However this was all to change once the place was gutted and redecorated. The Chalet was born and with it came a different breed of drinkers. Hipsters, college students, artists and many others from the surrounding area had finally found what they were looking for! The crowd inside is lively and talkative and the most common thing you'll find is that people generally congregate in groups here. And it's a good spot to come with a large group to throw back a few drinks. Just don't do what I did and LITERALLY throw a drink on yourself...damn Irish car bombs...
Being a semi regular here means I know how to navigate around some of the problems that newcomers face. The parking lot next to the building is almost always full and the plaza a block over is religious with their towing practices. Street parking on Vincent or Townsend will always be your best bet. The bouncers although tall and imposing are very friendly. Don't be afraid to ask how the nights goin or shoot the shit while getting your ID out.
Now that you're inside the best bet is to split up. Have someone look for seats or standing room while the other party gets the drinks. The bartenders are friendly yet busy so know what you want or don't leave them hanging for too long. A plus side to the friendly bartenders are the heavy hands they use to pour the alcohol. Tip them well for making it a little stiffer than the norm. It benefits everyone in the end.
All the music for the place is sourced from one jukebox that is located near the entrance. They have a GREAT selection of classic and indie rock that provides a good soundtrack for the night. It can get slightly loud so you'll have to pack in tight or speak up to be heard. One of the reasons why it's so loud is because there are so many people there.
This brings me to my next point. Show up early if coming in a large group! There are some great couches and a wraparound couch along some of the corners and it's a great place to situate yourself for a night of drinking and story telling. The fireplace will also help to take off that cold chill that followed you in. That in combination with the drinks should keep you toasty all night!
So despite the loud atmosphere and the slightly pricey drinks (hell it's not as bad some other bars "elevate" themselves to be), as long as you know the ins and outs you'lll definitely be treated to a great time at this local watering hole. Hell if you go there enough you're most likely going to run into me!
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Chalet is great... nice and intimate for some "gettin' to know you" type of time.
Feels like a ski lodge, without the funny walking.
Dinner at casa bianca n then some wine at chalet....
sounds pretty damn sexy
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The restroom really tells a lot about a place... The Chalet's restroom was clean and neat and earns 6 out of 5 stars!
Now getting back to the place itself...
The decor was nice. I like the warm and moody feel to it. The overly-dark interior really does its job of bringing intimacy between people.
My party and I got there early and were lucky to have a parking spot right in front of the entrance. And we were the first customers of the night too. Giving us the freedom of choosing the perfect seat. Although the seating around the fireplace are extended couches, the lowness of them and the tightly placed footstools still brings coziness.
The madori and amaretto sour were satisfying that I wouldn't mind getting more of the same if I had the budget.
The only thing about this place is the music didn't match the decor. The jukebox thing just doesn't do the place justice. Otherwise I would be more willing to stay longer till they close.
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I always liked this place. Totally not decorated like an LA-vibe inside. Looks more like a ski chalet in Wyoming or something random like that... which is a lovely departure from typical bars around here. Totally cozy next to the fireplace. LOVE the stone walls and non-fancy decor. Good place to have a drink with your friend, or relax for the evening. Assuming you can get a table or a seat...
And then there's the employees. I was with my boyfriend who happened to be wearing a baseball cap. Mean bodyguard man at the door took one look at him and said "no sports attire inside" and then he looked away from us with a snobby attitude. Mind you he wasn't dressed poorly or in "sports" gear - he just happened to have a cap on. Really, are they that pretentious to not let caps inside of their ski chalet? Ok, BF went back to the car and put his cap inside.
The girls at the bar were dressed up to the 9's... also doesn't quiet fit with their ski chalet vibe... and is sort of confusing. It's like this place realized it was 'cool' because it is purposely 'un-cool' ... so now that makes them 'too cool.' Or something like that.
Drop the pretentious 'tudes and this is a nice, intimate bar to chill at.
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Met up here after a birthday dinner celebration. This place is happening. Love the fact that the vibe is really mellow, not in a boring way but in a everyone is chillin' out, having a good time with their company and everyone is nice here. All walks of life hangs out here so it's great to see the different faces in the room. Has a nice fire place and all seating are at a few feets off the ground (except the bar section) so it's super comfy.
Like the other yelpers have describe, the decor looks more like a ski lodge especially with the comfy fire place rather than a bar but that's the charm. The Chalet is in mint condition, not run down or cheesy looking. Nice subdue bounced ambient lighting adds to that cozy feeling while you're sippin' your drink next to the fire place.
Best of all, it's in Eagle Rock!
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chill spot with a cool crowd. drinks are inexpensive. went on a friday night and it was packed, so there was no place to sit. everyone seems pretty friendly. would recommend it.
I must be coming at the wrong times. The 3x I've been here with friends during the weekend, this place has been dead. Maybe it's more happening during the weeknights? For more action during the weekends, I prefer going to nearby Vertical Wine Bar and Bodega in Pasadena. I do like the convenience and homey feel of this place though and the drinks are good.
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This is cozy little bar in the middle of Eagle Rock, its close to pretty much everything. The music is ok and the bartenders are the BEST!!!!
If you tip well you will get a GREAT drink so tip away!!!!
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Just a very chill local bar for meeting up with a couple friends and chatting. Very low key. Small and cozy at times. Street parking sucks.
Came here for a friend's birthday get-together. I actually thought it was rather crowded. It was hard to find a booth or table. We moved around from the bar to the fireplaces to a cozy little corner suitable for around 10 people. But that wasn't until it got a bit later.
The birthday girl ordered a mimosa and, as usual, she was given a glass of orange juice and a tiny bottle packaged with the standard sparkling wine. She brought it over to our group's table and one of the staff thought she brought in her own bottle of champagne. What a clueless moron. Most off-putting moment of the night.
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Yes it can be crowded but you are not here with the amatures on Friday and Saturday, you are here on a weeknight and sinking in the comfy interior. The drinks are good but the price can add up quick. the bartenders are cute and friendly. Not the place you want to be when someone lets their abercrombie clad collegiate butt cheeks rip one loose.
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When it first opened I was very sad that it had replaced Topper's Tavern. I loved Topper's in all its neighborhood dive bar where old-timers break into spontaneous karaoke tributes to Guns and Roses glory.
Then when the hipsters arrived and I saw them milling about outside the new pink neon sign, I was repulsed. (I'm a reverse snob)
So give it a few years, hang out with some friends when everyone is feeling a little blue and, surprise, Chalet is actually a really REALLY cool place to hang out. The crowd isn't all artsy kids and scenesters. It was very mixed and democratic. The drinks aren't overpriced and they're well made.
It's good for date night and for small clusters of friends to hang out and chat. The moody lighting and rustic interior is really kind of sexy. But maybe I just have a thing for parkas and wood paneling.
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Why is it so dark in here???
THE hang out spot of Eagle Rock. Where you're guaranteed to see someone you know or someone who knows you.
I like it on weeknights when no one's around and you can chill with your beer and close friends. Good luck finding a seat or even a place to stand without people walking in between your conversations on other nights.
Let me start by saying, I liked this place but it really didn't do much to blow my hair back.
I got the impression that the bar was trying to look like the line for the Matterhorn at Disneyland, but they could have taken the decor just a little further, as it's a bit forgetable.If you're shooting for something kind of cheesy, you need to take it there, not just flirt with it.
My drinks were well made, but not strong, the price was average and I couldn't wear a hat inside. The croud looked like the rebirth of Swingers, decked out in vintage store cast offs, some of them beautiful, some of them not.
Good, not great seems to sum it up. Ill return at some point.
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My high school friends and I had our own reunion and gather for dinner up on Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock.
We were set to hit up Casa Bianca but can you believe this?!? Of all days to go, we went on a Thursday before Labor Day, and Casa Bianca decided to take an early vacation. We were pretty bummed out but we couldn't let that ruin out night...so we hit up a Thai joint down the place, which was quite good.
After dinner, it was a no-brainer to hang for some drinks at The Chalet. It's a pretty low-key place on the outside...when we walked in, we were pleasantly surprised to see a nice, neat bar inside. It's clean but has this air of being one of the hippest place in Eagle Rock. The seating is sectioned off so crowds of different sizes can pick and choose.
It's a nice, low-key bar to be at. Obviously, there's no room for dancing here but if you want a night for food on Colorado Blvd. and then a nice place to sit and have a drink with friends, The Chalet is the way to go for you.
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Less than a minute after walking in the door, some guy was buying a round for the entire bar. Now we're talking.
Dark, cozy, and if you time it right: low key. That's the tricky part, from what I understand, but if you can make it to this place on a weeknight you'll be pleasantly surprised. Maral likes to get sloshed here on Tuesdays, so mark your calendars! Very chill location, great seating, honest drinks served. Bonus points for roaring fire and all-around Alpine chic.
You know what I really appreciate in my potentially dive-y local bars, though? Cleanliness -- you don't find that everywhere. Now, whether or not this place is as sanitary as it looked is anyone's guess; but it FELT clean, and that's certainly worth something.
If this place weren't in the middle of nowhere, it'd be worth that 5th star.
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This place is like the lure of the siren whenever I head out to eagle rock to get my grub on. It's located along colorado blvd, as you head towards the freeway onramp, and you just can't help yourself and stop by for a drink. Now how do I rate a bar? First and foremost are the drinks. Drinks here are stiff. Price is reasonabe. Second, how attentative are the bartenders? No problems here, the bartenders are great, very chill, personable. Next is the atmosphere....place is dark which I like, loungy, cabin feel, great local vibe. Now it can be a sausage fest at times, and it's street parking only. But for quick drink to shoot the shit with friends after a great meal, there's no place better than the chalet.
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Great place, but it sure seems to get crowded here. The drinks are pricey and the place runs out of bar space quickly. The bartender is nice and even the bouncers are nice here.
It's best to come here on a weekday when its not crowded to take in the full atmosphere of the bar and get one of the booths in the back.
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The only reason I give this place 3 stars is because it seems to be one of the few places you can go on a Saturday night in LA that isn't jam packed. Its always a problem in LA: It's 10 pm and you wanna go out, but you know that every place is packed and you'll have to stand! Which sux cuz you wanted to wear you new heels...so anyway, this place is just kinda boring. Not really a destination place, but more of what I would guess a locals type bar. It's a good place to chill, hang out and talk with a group. nothing special in my opinion.
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If you want to head to a place for a quick and quiet night cap or to take the edge off from work, the Chalet is a great spot.
Lots of couches and cushioned ottomans to relax on, very low lighting, and a warm fireplace. Very mountain lodge and cozy feel.
On weekend nights, it does get packed, so grab empty seats the second you spot one. Regular week nights are very chill and not so crowded.
Great drinks at the bar (great Mimosas, Kamikazes) and awesome selection at the jukebox. From 80s classics to current chart toppers, like Muse and the Killers.
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I like this place...it's chill and the drink are quite strong. the prices are just as much as any place in hollywood, but it's never that crowded. You can have a good time as long as you're with good company.
it's not a place i'd be willing to drive far to, good thing it's just a city over from home. Plus, i don't have to try so hard to doll myself up, you can get away with a good pair of jeans and a tshirt and you're golden.
the staff there are friendly and seem to be pretty helpful, and it's not too loud so you don't have to lose your voice for a conversation.
overall, a great place to chill w/ your closest pals on a saturday night
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As a bar, this place gets 3 1/2 stars.
I've only been once and it's okay.
It is really small and cozy! I love the decor and the pictures on the wall.
The bartenders are cute and have this relaxed attitude and they make really strong drinks. The drinks are v. good! So good that I think I only had one drink. haha (And I'm a minimum 2 drink girl!)
The jukebox has a collection of really good bands! The only downside is that you don't know when your song is going to play. I was a bit bummed that we left before our songs came on.
But I think I may be back and give this place another try. Like I said the bartenders are cute.
Very cool local bar (only those who know and can remember what this was before ["Toppers"] can truly appreciate the transformation). I've lived in Eagle Rock since 1999, so I've seen the metamorphosis this place has undergone in the past few years. Trust me, respect this place and its owners (who are three young and hip 30-something guys from what I understand).
The Chalet is mostly a college crowd (20s, some 30s and one or two 40s sprinkled in for garnish). It's a laid back-really craving a good drink-and-decent music place where I don't have to drive kinda place.
The decor inside is awesome...it looks like...well...like a Chalet (fireplace and all). Seriously, though, it's very dark and when you're hanging out inside you can imagine it being 20-below and covered in snow outside. They have a very eclectic juke box selection with everything from Led Zepplin to Al Green to many indy bands I've never heard of. The seating is comfy (large sofas spread out throughout the place and cool booths) but it can be really hard to find somewhere to sit on a Friday or Saturday night after 9 or so.
This is a great place if you want to go out with a friend or two, grab a drink or two, listen to a song or two and stay for an hour or two. :)
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