Daniel C.
Yelp
To me a place intentionally or unintentionally targets a specific demographic simply in its choice of ambiance. I've gone to places where lounge jazz is playing with a shabby chic decor. I assume that spot is catering to a more classy, upscale patron. I've also gone to clubs where the double bass is blaring at 500 mph with the accompanying guttural "cookie monster" vocals. I'm pretty sure the intended population wasn't suit and tie people. No place can be for everyone all the time. I mean who wants to wear their fancy Jordache jeans and CK One cologne only to have the dude next to you in socks/sandals sporting a bat tattoo on their neck.
This is why "La Tuna Icehouse" in Southtown is an anomaly. Period. On any given afternoon or night you will not see the same crowd twice. For example I have seen: families, dog lovers, bikers, punk rockers, lawyers, hipsters, artists, LGBT, conservatives, teachers, coaches, metal-heads, rappers, cowboys, old, young, runners, slackers, council people etc. all co-exist here. A good cross section of the city comes here to drink and to hangout. For me part of its appeal is that it lets you be you. No one is going to give you ugly looks. You're not going to feel like you're not welcome. There's a "Live and let live" vibe going on all the time.
But to the basics of this place. Parking can be problematic particularly on Fridays after work or weekends. If you haven't made it here by 5 pm forget it. There is outdoor long bench seating. The spot where you order at is a small building. But recently they created an addition which now opens it up for inclement weather. Above all bring cash! I repeat bring cash money! They serve five dollar local craft beers in cans and bottles. I believe they serve sangria-ritas and wine. If you're looking for spirits or anything on draft for that matter you probably should just go to the Blue Star Complex across the street. You will need your "Cool Kid" card if you do.
The barkeep are typically friendly. Depending on if it is slamming service will slow down. As far as food you can order from La Tuna Grill which are two separate businesses but share the same space(go with the fried mushrooms or anything on their menu). Now that stuff is opening up again they have live music. In late fall or winter patrons usually hang out in the front next to their fire pits. This always tends to be their show stopper. In addition on St. Patrick's Day they have Irish Dancers. A stein holding contest for Octoberfest. They've added a Mariachi Power Hour with $3 dollar beers. I'm yet to have a bad experience here.
La Tuna's Icehouse has been here forever, since Ozzy Osbourne's, "The Blizzard of Oz." It is iconic, a nod to an era bygone when places facilitated hangout time without labels and categories. Now it seems like every place has a specific crowd and it feels clique-ish. If you want to hang out where a dude is sporting a Dirty Rotten Imbecile hat next to people dressed to the nines this place will be for you. They don't serve cocktails nor spirits. Instead they sling beers, seltzers and Topo Chicos. Cash is king here. If you are lucky to score a parking spot alongside Cevallos Street check it out.
ps. A gentleman with a dog that looked like Chewbacca bought me a round once. If I happen to run into you again next round's on me!