The transition from dark parking lot to slightly less dark interior is a positive one, with a sprawling, zig-zag of a bar traversing the fullness of the space, with enough spare rooms and offshoots to make you take a second in order to comprehend the layout. To the right, a winding corridor runs past two bathrooms that are least intended as single-use (we don’t judge) and a phenomenon I’ve come across only in Florida dive bars, a set of ticket-style arcade games complete with a claw machine.
While we didn’t stay long enough to get inebriated to the point of absolutely requiring a stuffed penguin, I can see the appeal, and it’s always good to have options late at night. The path continues to the bar itself, a snake that provides ample corner spots and semi-secluded seating sections to make the space more interesting than a standard bar.
The bar itself is painted red and isn’t so much littered with signs as it is dominated by a prominent declaration of “Gays Always Welcome.” Behind the bar, the beer-heavy but liquor-friendly selection fits the vibe, and the bartender during our visit confirmed that he was about as classic as the dive bar itself. Rope lighting runs underneath the bar itself, ensuring a very classy aura around your knees.