My neighborhood boozer is Charlie Brown’s, (980 Grant St.; 303-860-1655). It is mere steps from my apartment, it serves pizza and its twice-daily happy hours offer two-for-ones on domestic beers and well drinks.
I know the servers and bartenders. Who could ask for more?
Strangely, I’d never been there on a Sunday until last weekend. Meeting up for a post- concert drink with some friends, I looked forward to a small, sleepy crowd of locals recovering from the weekend.
Instead, I was greeted with a throng of red-faced, warbling strangers, swirling lights and pounding rock music. It was breathtaking, and not in a good way. More like a sucker punch to the gut.
I forgot — it was karaoke night.
The bar was so crowded I couldn’t find my boyfriend and other pals, so I went home, assuming they’d bailed immediately. A phone call revealed they were still there, stubbornly sipping their two-for-one drinks.
I went back (Charlie’s call is strong) and managed to tough it out for a couple of hours in the name of friendship.
The thing is, I hate karaoke. Yes, I’ve done it before. Yes, it is fun — when you’re the one doing it. For the rest of us it’s a terrible curse, one made stronger by an unexpected appearance at our favorite bar. (Even though Charlie Brown’s has done it for at least a year or two.)
I’m sure the managers of karaoke-hosting bars disagree on the curse aspect. Sunday at Charlie Brown’s had the bar as crowded as I’ve seen it on a busy Saturday night. Huge tables of 10 called for more drinks as they hunched over song lists. It’s a croaking, screeching cash cow. No wonder it’s sprouting up everywhere, like the flu.
I’ve been to other nights around town. Each is crazy and filled with howling, ABBA-mad lunatics. Some of them are my friends.
The wait at Armida’s (840 Lincoln St.; 303-837-8921) is often long enough that latecomers won’t get called to the stage. The narrow bar area at Mori Japanese Restaurant (2019 Market St.; 303-298-1864) is packed by midnight. I even stumbled upon a raucous Monday karaoke night at swanky champagne bar Corridor 44 (1433 Larimer St.; 303-893-0044).
I know I’m fighting a losing battle, but karaoke kids, please remember: Practice makes perfect. Spare us, the quiet drinkers, when you invade our local watering holes. Don’t make me get up there with you.
Pop life.
Thank goodness for champagne. Without it, our lives would be a little less joyful, a little more flat, a little more, well, sober.
In celebration of champagne and all things fizzy and fun, 24K (in the alley behind 1416 Market St.) is hosting “I Love Pop” on Thursday.
Accordingly, the party features Pommery POP champagne, a delightful bubbly you’ve probably seen at the store in cute, little 187 mL bottles. Ladies get free cocktails from 9 to 11 p.m., too.
DJ Macieck will spin a variety of tunes — with a pop emphasis — so clutch your bottle of champers and prepare to shimmy.
Advance reservations are recommended. Call 303-888-0655 to book a table. Pop people who make early reservations will also get a nifty gift: an adorable, golden Pop 9 35mm camera by Lomo.
No more pencils, books.
As if college students need another reason to drink, Le Rouge (1448 Market St.) hosts “Back to School Blues” tonight and Saturday. Present a student ID (and a legal one, please) at the door, and get a free drink.
There are specials galore as well, including $4 Corona, Heineken and Stella and $3 shots of Jagermeister, the preferred drink of college kids everywhere.
Kathleen St. John: 303-954-1568 or kstjohn@gmail.com
