Post #122034 by woofmutt on Wed, Oct 27, 2004 1:40 PM

With the exceptions of bad staff, high prices, or absolute filth, one element doesn't usually throw me off a joint.

However, if the place is mostly known for a particular thing, say really crispy celery sticks, and the reason I go there is for these famously crunchy veggie snacks but I find their celery to be about as good as the stuff in my crisper back home then I'm pretty much riding on a bummer.

Outside of the reasons listed bove I'll overlook a fair amount. The Islander here in Seattle has lousy drinks and spotty staff, but on a winter's eve it's a nice low light Polynesian environment to drink beer in. Noodles at the Bellagio in Vegas is a bright light blond wood and glass sorta irritating place but has the best tropical drinks I've ever bought. The Alibi in Portland, OR plays the oldies, has so-so drinks, and lotsa smokers* but its perpetual twilight, untouched Poly Pop decor, and Royal Reuben sandwich calls to me even as I write this. (My favorite Jet City pizza place, Stellar Pizza, doesn't even make pizza I'm that crazy about. But they've got cheapo Pabst on tap, a great staff, friendly decor, a tiny little pool room only big enough for one group, and a great jukebox.)

And though I'll ignore a lot of imperfections in a joint, it's still fun to do the "You Call THIS A Tiki Bar?" rant dance.

*For the record: On occasion one of the smokers has been me with a cigar.