neighborhood recommendation #4: bar.

how do i describe the one bar where i've always felt at home? i've spent afternoons there reading magazines (they have a great selection) and drinking coffee (which is awful and is usually exchanged for a beer sooner rather than later...) and finally realized at 2am that i never left but that i've met several friends who have popped by during the evening and enjoyed some frantic conversations with them.

my friend maire was once told by a friend of his that erottaja is a place where "everybody who's anybody" go to. dunno about that, but the place is frequented by musicians, graphic designers, fashion people and other such creatures who enjoy a dive with great music and a laid back atmosphere. as with most small bars, it seems everyone knows each other (or at least recognizes the faces), but the random passer by may find it equally cosy.

service is mostly really cold (unless you're a close friend of whoever happens to be working), but the staff have been known to smile occasionally. no fancy cocktails should be requested, but they do provide a slightly dried out celery stick for your instant bloody mary -- and it all adds to the charm of the place.

a certain je ne sais pas surrounds the bar, and for years it's been my drinking hole of choice. either you love it or ya don't, but it won't leave you cold.



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edit: after this was written the bar changed ownership and things went downhill from there. last weekend i walked by and realized that it has been turned into a karaoke joint. thus, not recommended anymore.