An Ode to the Dive Bar

As I sit here in my favorite dive bar, my mind ponders a question, "Why do some bars just feel right?"  The answer? Truthfully I have no idea. I've been all over  most of these United States, visited countless bars, breweries, speakeasies, holes in the wall and dives. Had a great time at lots, a decent time at some and terrible times at a handful (a BW3s in Lawerence KS comes to mind hazily). But for what ever reason there are maybe 2 that I can feel like they fit my like a well worn glove. They slip right on, the beer comes quickly and cold. The music is always just right but keeps me in my toes. I can feel the blood pressure and worries drop away and my spirits lift. Why do they fit me this way?

One I've been to countless times, spent way to much of my small amount of cash on hand during college. Had multiple days where I would show up right when the doors opened and stay until they closed up shop. Sang along (poorly) to countless one man bands, had my first tastes of Guiness, Harp, Boodingtons, Jameson and Bushmills. It was my college bar, my stress reliever, my mind eraser, my get drunk and bitch about life place. It felt more like home than many an other place in my adopted city of Atlanta.

The other? Strangely I've probably been to no more than 20 times yet it's has hooked me. A hole in the wall on the edge of downtown in my hometown of Savannah. A strange little place with an odd mix of cheap macro and excellent micro. Funky music and an eclectic crowd pull me in. Bare brick, old wood, exposed beams and comfy reclaimed chairs. I prett much modeled the basement in my first house after this place. I could bring a cot and live here. 

So here's to the dive, the hole in the wall, the local joint, the place where everyone may know your name. Here's to Limerick Junction and Abe's on Lincoln. May I haunt your halls for the years to come and may I always find a cold beer and good time.