Cassidy B.
Yelp
Friday night done right.
Walking by the El Rey, I would not expect it to have a bar such vibrant and diverse with options.
Just a 5 minute walk from my hotel (The King's Court Inn) I stopped in for a drink, hoping to find some good conversation.
As I entered I was immediately taken back by the cleanliness of the lobby/bar area, as well as the beauty of the patrons. Seemingly, there had been an art sale going on and as it dispersed, they all filed into the bar for some drinks.
I sat at the little bar (it only seats a few, but they have a lounge area as well as 2 patios) and orderd the Batan Bourbon. The bartender explained, "It's an effective marriage between an old fashioned and a manhattan." YES!
It was great, and well worth the $12 pricetag.
I was also taken aback by the kindness of the patrons. Each one that passed addressed me, and their vibrant conversations were so thought provoking and lively. Additionally, the bartenders interjected often too, creating a really great familiar feeling among everyone.
I had been speaking to a woman at the bar about my work, and one of the bartenders stated that she was an LMSW as well. The gentleman bartender asked about my work quite a lot, as he made my second drink. I ran into another guy named Cassidy from Dallas (only once ever has this happened) and I cannot say enough for the wonderful vibe of this place.
The bartender ended up buying my second drink, and for that kindness, I am so thankful. He said, "We need more people doing the good work, like you." I rarely hear that, and in that particular moment, it meant the whole world. The staff here were genuinely kind people, quite unaffected by the weight of life, and really cared for people, it seems.
Overall, this created an experience I will never forget, and even managed to give me a bit more hope, as we stumble through the pitfalls of living in this iteration of American life.