A few weeks ago, I was walking, more kind-of exploring without intention, and passed the door of this place. I went in because the decorative webs of the joint drew me in, like a moth to a flame. I walked the place quickly, and knew I had to bring my friend Conrad, 'cause he is way into pool and this place had at least 5 tables. He would be spoiled for choice, and truth be told, I wanted to immerse myself in the great Halloween decorations of the joint, and see what would happen when I let Tony's Saloon be the stage for happenstance to occur.
The decorations seemed to be professionally done, mostly because they did not read tacky. The decorations were Halloween inspired, obviously, but they were not scary nor were they negligible. Instead they were beautiful, not in a haunting way- that description fits a Zombie who is movie-star handsome. These decorations were beautiful in the way art is because they made me feel curiosity and wonder. For instance, I took a picture of purple and red string lights, draped in webs. When I saw the web in the bar I thought pretty, like a pretty witch who dressed like a pretty princess for Halloween. When I see it now, I see a nebula, a spider web that belongs in a galaxy not close to our milky way (which can also be given after a youngster says trick or treat). Then there is the picture of the skeleton draped in web, sitting in the bar. He was a customer--- but did he die and never leave or did he come in as a skeleton and sat and drink? The former is the answer because if he drank beers there would be a puddle near him. The bar had so much too see just on decorations, it was spooky moment that did not frighten me, which is good, I do not like the scary side of spooky season.
One of the draws of this bar is that it is a mix of billiards, table games, good drinks, potential, secrets to be seen and personality. The personality mostly comes from all of the stickers, graffiti and promise in the joint. Like this bar is like a punk rocker girl (who is not a fan of Barbie) who is wearing a crazy print dress- dreamt by Pollack and a toddler who just discovered finger paints. She is wearing boots like Emily the Strange, has jewelry found in flea markets, and her hair is curly, yet in huge pig tails. She whispered to me, go get some air, and when I did, I saw a parade or rollerbladers just outside the bar. The girl (who is the bar) has your back. This place definitely supports a good time, with friends, with new ones, and just, in general, is a cool vibe.
Conrad and I went on a Saturday night. The place was pulsing. There was no open table, and to my recollection no way of signing up for a table. I asked a trio who was starting a game, if Conrad and I could join for a doubles game. One of the trio said, not right now. Finally, Conrad and I found a table to join. We played the winners. I cannot remember if we won or lost but at the end the table was ours. I asked a pair if they would like to play, and they said, they were ok right now. Then Conrad and I were playing, and I saw a guy looking at us play. I then invited him to play. Conrad and him began to play. Both of them took the pool game seriously. If you never play, pool has rules. It is not just shooting balls into pockets. For instance, you have to call your pocket- where the ball will go in. And if the ball makes contact with another ball, before going into the pocket that may not count. But both of them respected the rules and thus the games they played were good. I spoke to his wife. She was a wedding designer. One time, she said, that she helped a young girl escape her wedding day. Her parents wanted her to marry and she did not. She entertained the parents in another room, while the girl left and got in a car with her boyfriend. I share all this to say that this bar allows for stories to be made and for people to be met, but effort is required. If you are a wallflower then you might become another sticker, who might be seen but not interacted with.
I parked near the place in a structure near 7th and Mateo. It was 13 dollars for two hours. And if you did not make it back to the car before the time runs out, then your car will be towed. That is what the staff members informed me when I inquired. Hopefully this saves someone from their care being towed.
I want to go back to place a sticker somewhere in the bar. Then I will be part of LA's story because I added to its collected artistry. read more