My friend Conrad likes to play pool. I like to explore different places. So we comprise and go to new bars (and other joints) that have pool tables. That is how we ended up here, and I am grateful for the experience. Before he and I went to Banter bar, he and I went to another bar. We were told that we could play pool, for Wednesday nights in Culver City belonged to pool players that belonged to leagues. I asked the person who gave me this information where we could go that was near, after he visibly consulted his thoughts, he offered Banter Bar. So off we went trusting the direction of this stranger, with a pool stick in hand.
Conrad and I found street parking, right across the bar, but as we approached a sign informed us that the bar has parking in the rear. As soon as I entered I knew that this bar had personality, a personality that I wanted to be around in. We entered and immedetiary we were greeted by a snack bar. Please do not imagine a Sizzler salad bar with snacks, but imagine about 12 bags of different snacks-- like Peanut M&Ms, Wasabi Peanuts (that I avoided), Salt and Vinegar Peanuts (that I indulged in) and a plastic pumpkin filled with fun sized candies, like Hershey and Mr. GoodBar. There were also trays full of chips, pretzels and other assorted goodies, including popcorn, of course. I shared with Conrad how I felt about the spread; how I had never seen something like this, and how the selection was varied, and how smart it was to have such a selection for those enjoying beer and cocktails. I think I gushed a bit. Then I felt the gaze of another bar-goer. I turned to him, and I asked why are you smiling? I assumed that he was amused, at my loud positivity, but, I quickly found out that he was being delighted by it. For you see, he was the person responsible for the snacks. His name was Jimmy Snacks. I asked him why do you do this? And he said because I can. I am assuming part of his reality, but I hope when I retire, I find a bar or place that can be a home that I contribute to with splendor and joy. I am also glad that my sincere reaction communicated to Jimmy Snacks sincere appreciation, not like I just saw the snacks and thought free!
The bar had two pool tables and it also had a lot of regulars. As Conrad and I sat and enjoyed bowls of snacks, we got to see regulars play pool. There was a culture already in place, revolving around he tables, that we did not belong too. If we wanted to play pool we would have to wait awhile. Conrad did not want too. Most bars with pool tables have regulars that kind-of understand the steps of securing a pool table with more ease than a non-regular. To get a pool table, Conrad and I will go earlier next time, in that manner we slide in before the bustle happens.
The night we went on was Karaoke night. The melodies did not define the night. The bar was spacious enough for different pockets of fun to happen. The Kaaoke was a special fixture of the night, not the dominating one. So non-karaoke fans can go and do their own things, while the warblers can fill their heart desires. For instance, one guy sang a song that I did not recognize- it was slow and soulful. He sang it well, and I enjoyed it because he did good, not because the song was a Taylor-level hit. It was also nice to hear good singers, and not just singers who butcher a hymn for fun.
One of the things that I appreciated immensely about this bar, is that it did not just have sports on their tv's. On this particular night they had an episode of Modern Family, a show that I have consumed and loved! I felt like the bar got me. Sure, it had the other regular things showing on television but it also had something showing for the rest of us.
The bar had plenty of liquor, and a lot to make it feel like a place with good vibes. including a neon hot-pink sign that read Good Vibes. The sign had a pink heart as well, not instead of the dot above the I but as a standalone figure in the sign. I appreciated that in sum the bar has a little something for everyone, and it feels like a spot to grab drinks and relax because you do not have to fear bar brawls or fights. I also saw someone sitting in a couch that was well into her Golden Years. If she belongs in this bar, then anyone belongs in the bar. Why? She has earned the wisdom to chose what is great and what is not. read more