Best Place to grab a drink in Davis?

[divasue.livejournal.com]

If I am meeting friends for drinks in Davis, where is the best place to go?  Atmosphere?  Crowd?  Price?

I felt inspired by the restaurant post below, and thought I might glean some information from people who have lived here longer than I have (only 5 months)...  Thanks!

Comments

[arrowintwolakes.livejournal.com]

Red Bones' downstairs is very nice, I think.

[vibrantabyss.livejournal.com]

If you like beer selection, Redbones is probably top choice. The downstairs is dark and somewhat noisy, with vibrant artwork. You may need to wait to get in. $5 or so for beers and cider, more for Belgians if the have any in.

For mixed drinks, Orleans is probably your choice. It has more upscale atmosphere atmosphere. not sure what the lines are like nighttime. Mixed drinks are... $6-$10ish?

If you want music (with a cover) then Johnny D's - also not bad for either beer or mixed drinks.

[lyonesse.livejournal.com]

i don't like teevees in social space, so for me there's no substitute for the bar at gargoyles. nota bene: paul makes REALLY STRONG drinks, so it's nicest if you live within staggering distance, which is one reason i'm glad it's in the square :)

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

I also support Gargoyle's for very strong (and yummy) mixed drinks. Diva Lounge makes some interesting ones as well.

Redbones has the biggest beer selection, but I prefer the atmosphere at PJ Ryans, which also has an amazing selection of whiskey.

If you want a cheap, decent beer, Mike's is your best bet (they always have a list of $2.75 specials that includes something that doesn't suck), but for better atmosphere, I'd wait for the baseball season.

So yeah, the big question is what exactly are you looking for in a drink out? :)

[teko.livejournal.com]

Pretty much echoing what's been said here.

Redbones has the best and most eclectic beer selection in the area, a loud and fun atmosphere, and good soul food.

The bar at Gargoyle's is my favorite in the area for classic cocktails and creatively infused bourbons.

Diva Lounge is more problematic. I've had a few decent drinks there, but some terrible, ridiculously overpriced ones, too. I remember one that was simply a glass of straight unflavored vodka with a cinnamon stick in it -- for $12.

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

There are def no lines to get into Orleans. The bar area can get a little crowded on the weekends, but it's usually not totally ridiculous.

[ron_newman]

Burren is a good place to go if you absolutely don't want any TVs.

Answers

[divasue.livejournal.com]

I am looking for what everyone has posted! Basically, what people likw about the atmosphere. I like myself a good beer every now and then, but also a good martini every now and then. Price should be considered (I am willing to pay more for something great, but not for atmosphere alont). I hate a big crowd but again, can put up with it if it's worth it.

These answers below are great, thanks! Never considered Orleans...and I have been to Diva and really didn't like paying $12 for my mediocre drink, so that's pretty much confirmed. :)

[lyonesse.livejournal.com]

yup, also if you like live music, which i do. though it's not always quiet enough to be conducive to meeting someone for drinks, unless they're into that too.

[cutieperson]

Sabur is a mostly undiscovered gem right outside of Davis closer to Teele.

[hissilliness.livejournal.com]

Just came back from the bar downstairs at Elephant Walk, about three blocks from Davis on Mass Ave. I have never seen it crowded, they have easy chairs and sofas, and they have an excellent booze selection and an okay on-tap list.