Barhopping - Faded Glories, and Scary Paul

 I was in Downey looking to drink and socialize but the bar I wanted to go to didn't open till 8:30 pm. Downey must have zero tolerance for drunks during the day. "Puritanism and Productivity." is probably the city's motto. I cruise down Bellflower Blvd and see this hole in the wall, The Midway.

 Somehow the name is apropos since the bar is probably a relic from World War II and most of the clients look to be from "the greatest generation." I wanted to use the head and I accidently walk in on a guy who's peeing. I apologize and excuse myself. After he comes out of the head, I apologize about the door not being locked and he goes on: "Its okay, I'm only holding my Johnson in my hand." My reply back, "Well, so long as its not another man holding your Johnson. (That's a schooner-size of Newcastle for $5.00. The only dark beer they have in the place. They don't even carry Guiness.)

Iron Lion. Zion.

MaryAnn is tending bar. She has the deepest dimples I have ever seen. They are deep because of former piercings. Some older middle age guy is going on about how he used to be in a band and how much pussy he used to get. What purpose does that conversation serve? Anyways, I thought this was going to be a straight up country western bar until they started playing U2 and this gem from REM. 

On the other side of the street from the Anarchy Library Bar is as the sign says. Patricia is tending bar. Paul's been drinking for while, prepping himself before he goes to the karaoke bar, where he says there are a lot of hot women. Paul says he's never blackouted from drinking too much and he starts his story  of how he argued his way out of a drunk driving arrest.
"So why did you stop me officer..You think I was drunk...So you THINK  I was drunk..HOW DO YOU ESTABLISH SOMEONE IS DRUNK BY THINKING THEY ARE DRUNK!!!" The further he got into his story, the louder he got, the more obnoxious became and he'd get in your face. Then he goes on about how much profit can be generated as a business owner. I play myself off as the ingenu, watch the show and enjoy the ride. My take away is lose the chip on your shoulder and you'll be free.

As far as decent beers, Cocktails is the only place with a good dark brew, Arrogant Bastard Dark Ale.