"Dive bar" does not adequately describe the level of this bar. I mean it does, but when you consider the variety of bars that fit into the "dive" category, this type should have its own subset.
When I walked in, there was NO MUSIC. The place just stopped. You could tell by the look on the collective faces that we had never been in there before. I think the floor is concrete. There is a layer of something similar to dust obscuring it. May have been cigarette ash.
I wanted to order a class of Dom just to be obnoxious, but I guessed that would have garnered me an asswhoopin from the two ladies (ahem) seated at the far end of the bar. It was clear that my kind, in my "flashy" $45 boots, weren't welcome there. Apparently, there was concern that we were going to break out a mop and rake to sanitize the place. Their fear was unfounded as we just plopped down and ordered some beers.
The bartender was competent..... OMG the smoke smell. I don't mind a bit of smoke, but there is no filtration system in here. My shirt and jeans were stripped off on my front porch and left outside.
Eventually, the jukebox wheezed to life and people gathered around the pool table laughing raucously and having a grand ole time.
We got a few looks but eventually people warmed up and we started playing in teams on the pool table. The people were nice and interested in why we were in there and why we would come in laughing and carrying on. We told them we had been drinking at the other bar in Norco, and they said "you left there to come here?" apparently the crowds don't mix, and with the benefit of hindsight, I can see that.
Most of the hour or so I was in there was spent with no music, but hey, it's not a dance club.
This bar has patrons that seem to like the slower pace in life and to concentrate on their drinking and their umm..hookups. A far cry from the FQ scene, and most of the bars in the city. I can't even promise you charm of its own in Club 99, but I can tell you it was an experience. However, I am unlikely to repeat it. read more