It’s been an ongoing deliberation over whether or not lounges in Mexican restaurants could be considered “dives.” The deliberation has mainly taken place in my own head, between my right brain and my left brain. I argue with myself every time I pass by any sort of La Palma, El Toro or Guadalajara-type dining establishment. They seem so tacky — how could they not be considered dives? Yet they are so tastefully armed with delicious, homemade enchilada dishes — how could I possibly put them in a “dive” class? All this thinking makes my brain hurt. Ouch. I need a beer.
In order to cover my dive bar bases, I believe it would be only fair to review one Mexican restaurant’s lounge, and mark all like-minded taquerias off the list. As the saying goes: You’ve seen one, you’ve seen ’em all.
Flamboyantly Mexican in every realm of your “Mexican” imagination can go a long way. The place is stereotypically decorated with Mexican flags, piñatas, blow-up limes hanging from the ceiling, and tropical foliage plastered upon every wall, bench, and barstool. That’s enough ammunition for me to call Mazatlan’s lounge a dive bar right off the bat. But then you notice the lounge’s cleanliness.
The fresh smell of bleach, the clean carpets and the matching table sets are a dead giveaway that this Mexican lounge is part of a well-kept Mexican restaurant. Our bartender, Lily, greets us quickly, brings us chips, and quickly places my happy hour $2.50 Dos Equis pint right in front of me. Plus she’s dressed nicely, has a beautiful face, and has all of her teeth. I’m so confused. By looking around I want it to be a dive, but Lily’s service won’t let me.
So basically, I accomplished nothing today to set my mind at ease. Maybe they aren’t all the same, and maybe — just maybe — I might have to compare a few side by side. I think I feel a Mexican bar crawl coming on.
Mazatlan Restaurant
10518 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.588.8817
Beer: Domestics, and one Dos Equis on tap.
Food: Typical Mexican fare.
Bar Exam Dive Grade: C
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