What else was there to do on an amazingly gorgeous sunny day like last Sunday but take in a few drinks in a dark, smoky bar?

The Thunderbird Lounge (and its Aficionado Cigar Lounge) is one of the last places you can smoke inside in Pierce County. I couldn't help but reminisce about the days not so long ago when the sound of clattering filtration systems rocked most Pierce County bars. I also couldn't help but be glad those days are over.

After passing a handful of retired ladies and gentlemen, Mr. DeRosa and I planted our asses in two of Thunderbird's cushy leather barstools.  We checked our Weekly Volcano Happy Hour App and took in the smile of our new favorite bartender, Shana.

DRINK ONE: Hot Buttered Rum (bartender's choice) - Ugh.  I've said it before and I'll say it again: I think watered-down, hot-flavored butter is one of the nastiest concoctions available for human consumption.  I slid the drink over to Mr. DeRosa, who said it was possibly the best hot buttered rum he's ever had.  Gross.

DRINK TWO: Budweiser draft (most popular within the last hour) - True to a good bartender, Shana hardly blinked an eye when I asked her to pour me the most popular drink within the last hour.  Without hesitation she whirled around to a glass-filled cooler, popped out a chilled mug and reached over to a red and white tap handle with the word Budweiser on it.  Oh HELL yes. Mr. DeRosa and I both nodded at each other in approval.

DRINK THREE: Bloody Mary (my choice) - Yeah, this is the third time in a row I've ordered a Bloody Mary as part of the 3 Drink Minimum column. I can't help it.  I crave them.  I love them.  I want to bathe in them and drink them all day. I would even dare to say I'd drink the Bloody Mary bath water, too. Yet it still wouldn't be as gross as hot buttered rum.

[Thunderbird Lounge, 7121 Waller Rd. E., Tacoma, 253.539.1995]