I think it’s safe to say that any dining establishment who ends their name with “and Lounge” should be investigated as a dive bar candidate.  A’s Place Restaurant and Lounge in Milton was just begging us to stop in, with a name like that.  And yes, I was in Milton — obviously one of Dive Bar America’s best-kept secret cities.

Immediately upon entrance there were two words that those tiny voices in my head suddenly screamed: “Helloooo Vegas!!”  The restaurant’s congenial hostess looked like she just stepped out from behind a casino slot machine.  Painted on eyebrows, long glitzy fingernails, spectacles that would make Liberace jealous, and a huge white bouffant hairstyle that I’m sure housed many sparrows in its day.

Turn the corner into A’s Place Restaurant’s “and Lounge” part of the building, and you unexpectedly want to rip off your clothes and jump into something resembling a concrete oasis located in the center of Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace Hotel & Casino.  Or at least, I wanted to do that.

Basic domestics on tap, a killer jukebox, tons of windows and greenery, and a decent menu made me think twice about my “and Lounge” theory.  Large barstools complete with high backs, cushions, and armrests made me feel like I was curled up in the lap of a dive bar heaven.  Once again I was left with the mental image that this place had all dive bar amenities, just in a more refined and cleaner way.

I was really diggin’ A’s Place Restaurant and Lounge.  It’s a mini-vacay-hide-away located in the middle of NobodycaresaboutMilton, WA.  After sitting a few hours at the bar, I sincerely felt like I went on a paradise excursion.  Whodathunk I’d actually be rested and relieved after a few beers and a few hours of male conversation?

Oh, wait, I guess after all I am Steph DeRosa.

A’s Place Restaurant and Lounge

900 Meridian E., Milton, 253.927.5119

Beer: typical domestics, served with a smile
Food: happy hour from 3-6 with half price appetizers
Service: friendly

Bar Exam Dive Bar Grade: B