"Open since 1940, Al’s didn’t even have a sign until about ten years ago, and they did just fine, so beloved are they by Wallingfordites. This dimly lit tavern is extremely no-frills, with a Formica counter, vinyl booths, and a few pool tables and pinball machines — and that’s the way the locals like it. The smell of 90-year-old spilled beer hangs in the air, and there’s an old Pepsi-branded letterboard menu over the bar advertising pizza, tots, and “Bob’s Salty Nut Sack.” Speaking of which, it takes balls to stay cash-only in techy Seattle, but it goes to show that Al’s just is what it is and doesn’t aspire to be anything else. Arrive prepared to meet a dog." - Meg van Huygen
