Preston C.
Yelp
For some weird reason, we don't keep booze in my house. Maybe it's because drinking at home is kind of depressing. I don't know. So, when it's 11pm on a Wednesday, and the crew is looking to share a beer (or 3), it's off to Showtime we go. It's kind of crazy to admit, but I'm there at least twice, and more often three times a week.
I don't like to carry cash, but I am probably the #1 proponent of Showtime's cash-only policy, for the simple reasons that: a) it weeds out a good % of terrible people; b) it massively speeds up service; c) I laugh uncontrollably every single time I see a wannabe flashy 21-year-old CUA idiot try to buy shots for all his friends with a credit card (which, unfortunately, is all too often).
Showtime's vibe is kind of a mash-up of the following: high school theatre department reunion/industry late night spot/local neighborhood hangout. Since Bloomingdale is far enough from the Metro, you don't get a lot of bridge and tunnel types, which is a godsend (see, 'Codmother, The' for how a cool spot can be ruined by Metro proximity).
While the Comb'oh is definitely on point, the new Tecate/tequila combo (El Topo) is where it's at. I'm more than willing to pay an extra dollar for the upgrade.
One pro tip for you amateurs out there: the move at Showtime on weekends is to go straight to the bar, order a combo, take the shot, chase it down, then immediately get in line--before you really even have to go. Otherwise, you're going to be hopping up and down for 20m while you wait for the bathroom line to clear. You're welcome.
Also, Showtime deserves six stars for the hilarious and fantastic Showtime Theme Song by the Sunday night house band, Granny and the Boys.