Audio By Carbonatix
I don’t know about you, but I’m happy as hell to get 2007 behind me. Maybe it’s my age (38), or the fact that I hang out with other Booze Pigs, but it seems as though this has been a rough year for everyone (especially my liver). Good friends moving far away, dads getting diagnosed with cancer, troubled births, and near misses, the reaper grinning in his cowl. I lost my grandmother to old age, and I have a host of friends who are either putting their folks into hospice or spending weeks in the hospital with them.
Believe me, there have been plenty of reasons this past year to hunker down for a strong drink. (Not to mention the fact we’re at war and thousands of Americans have died — and for what?) If there’s something to remind us that we’re human, it’s nothing if not pain and suffering, and it seems as if every great dive bar has that kind of desperate psychosis to it: those places where stress, sadness, and loneliness are cured (forged) or at least forgotten for a bit.
So here I am and it’s the fucking New Year, and everyone and their mother is pontificating about giving up this and not doing that . . . WTF?! If this past year has taught me anything, it’s that life is short. Better live it and live it now. Last year, this pig’s resolution was to start drinking champagne. I started thinking that most of the times I drink champagne I’m celebrating something, or hooking up with a girl. Hell, why not celebrate life, and hey, maybe I’ll get laid a little more as well (let a pig have his fantasy). I’ve loved spending almost every Sunday afternoon trying a new bottle of bubbly.
Consequently, I’ve also thrown up more times in 2007 than I care to remember. Hey, you’ve got to take the bad with the good.
So my pig’s point of view is to try something new (sorry ’bout the rhyme). That’s why in 2008 I’m going to keep trying new dives around the Valley — because you never know when you’re going to find that great new place to help you get over the hump. Or to get on the hump.
My life has changed for the better, despite the roadblocks. After all, 2007 was the Year of the Pig. I look back at the great new dives and new friends I’ve made — places you’ll be guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face, a good story on your lips, and not a worry in the world.
And so my advice for 2008, dear readers: Resolve to dive.
As far as my own resolution: 2008 is the year of tequila (so much for not throwing up anymore). Anyone know of a good Mexican dive bar?
North Phoenix: Larry’s Place, 20027 North Cave Creek Road, 602-569-9912. Larry’s has a killer happy hour if you’re awake or haven’t gone to bed yet. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. $1.50 drinks!
East Valley: Try Kay’s Place, 315 South Alma School Road, Mesa, 480-833-0961. Great dive with tempting bar snacks. Try the olives soaked in Everclear (if you have the stomach for it!). Don’t forget the Rolaids.
Southwest Valley: Go to the Silver Pony Bar and Grill, 620 West Dobbins Road, 602-268-1318. The Pony is a great country hick hang with lots of local color. I go there just to gawk at the tacky old oil painting of the naked lady on the back wall.
Central Phoenix: Kats, 2309 East Indian School Road, 602-957-2444. Kats is one of my favorites for strong drinks, not to mention two of the best bartenders in town: Mike during the week, Marilyn on the weekends.
West Valley: Look out, here I come!
