We took the Thorne Lane exit into Tillicum and after a mile stretch on Union Avenue we had passed about 12 barber shops before reaching Galloping Gertie's. More important than any haircut, We were jonesin' for a liquid lunch, so into Galloping Gertie's side door lounge we went. Right away Arlette greeted us like we were old friends, and old friends is what we quickly became. As we bellied up to the bar, we noticed why Arlette the bar manager was so hospitable - a handwritten sign below the TV read, "Be nice or go away." Arlette hooked me up with an ass-kicking spicy Bloody Mary (just the way I like it). Bad carpeting, four different kinds of mis-matched seating, and neon pulltabs made Gertie's a "dive bar," but Arlette made it "home" for most Tillicum residents. She apologized for the mess (there was none), as she hung up Halloween decorations. Hell, I haven't even hung up my decorations yet..Thank you, Arlette, for showing us such warm hospitality. It's rare we find a dive bar so inviting. Even if we did have to pass 12 barbers, five teriyaki joints, and seven check cashing stores all within one mile. Ah, Tillicum, we love ya.

Link: Happy Hour