Editorial Juice Review: Two Drinks at Cooney's Tavern

The Look: I wasn't sure I was in the right place when I first saw the dark front door tucked in the same parking lot as a dry cleaning business and car wash. The back door was more inviting, and led down a narrow hallway into the main bar. Old photographs and maps almost completely cover the walls of this dark bar, and seating is made up entirely of high tables and comfortable fabric chairs. A couple strategically placed TVs allow you to keep up with scores, but you hear conversation and light music over cheering crowds.

The Crowd: The Tuesday night we visited drew about a dozen patrons, divided into groups of two or three. While middle-age and older seemed to be the norm, there were some younger faces in the crowd. Typical, bartender Sarah Sanders said.

The Two Drinks: Sanders first served up a bloody Mary, which a friend recommended to me beforehand. She said it's the closest thing they have to a signature drink. "I think they're the best in town," Sanders said, "but I'm biased." The drink was good, with just the right spicy kick, and olives and a cherry pepper to go along with it. Instead of randomly picking a second drink - she had already exhausted the signature drink - Sanders asked what I liked, in true neighborhood bar fashion. I got a Captain and Coke, and it was as good as could be expected.

The Grub: Pre-packaged sandwiches are available, but the typical bar munchies are what you'll likely eat. Greasy, salty bar popcorn is available for free and peanuts can be purchased (or free on Monday). Cooney's is all about the booze.

The Verdict: This is a bar you could easily feel at home in. Although they don't offer any specials, "every day is special at Cooney's," Sanders said, admitting that 10 years behind the bar has allowed her to say that line often.