Chris C.
Yelp
OK first I have to tell a story about the time I almost faked having a seizure here. So my friend was in town and we decided to do some day drinking. We went here and got burgers and large beers. I managed to knock mine over, spilling beer everywhere. So I get another one and when the bartender brings it he's like "lemme know if you need anything... like a bib" haha.
So the next thing I do is reach for a tater-tot and my elbow just smashes the glass and almost tips a full, giant beer onto the bar. As I'm trying to grab it, I'm like "omfg if I spill this beer there is going to be no way to live it down and ever drink here again... I will have to fake having a seizure and leave here in an ambulance...." I'm like making my fake seizure plans when I manage to steady the beer. Everything was OK.
ANYWAY... Leny's is a pretty amazing neighborhood bar. I live a little too far away, and I drink a little too little to be a regular here, so I think I can evaluate it objectively. (I'm probably there 15 times a year, max).
First, as long as you aren't dumping beers on the bar like a jackass, the bartenders are pretty friendly, whether you're there every night (as some people clearly are) or not. Patrons too. Put another way, even if you're not a regular, you're not going to get a cold shoulder here. The crowd is a little young some nights, but the vibe is always positive. I've been here with a variety of different people, on any night of the week, and never been vibed out or anything, even though I'm not a regular. If you come on the weekend or during football, it's going to be crowded and loud and lively. There's pool tables and a janky af trivia machine. A Ms. Pac-Man would be a stellar addition.
The kitchen is great. The Warrior Burger is probably my favorite hamburger north of the Ship Canal -- hand formed 6oz patty, red onions, fresh tomatoes, good bun -- and the tots are world class. (Obviously props to the little burgers at Mike's Chili Parlor, but these are world class.) There's lot of fresh beer on tap and crap that appeals to the kids, like pudding shots, but I just drink Rainier usually.
One of my favorite things to do here is grab the new issue of Thrasher, get a beer and burger and just read the magazine. It's kind of solitary bar pursuit, but I've never had any hassle, and there's good people watching.
Bottom line: good vibe, great food, fresh beer, what else do you need?