It's not very often that you'll find a girl like me in a bar located in a strip mall.

Sure, I've rocked it in those kind of joints when I'm supporting my boys who are playing softball tournaments in obscure cities (like Auburn) and they're in between games, but other than that, strip mall watering holes really don't appeal to me in any way.

However, I have to admit that there's one that secretly has a special place in my heart: The Green Pup Sports Bar at 2510 84th St. S. in Lakewood, aka LakeHOOD.

The Green Pup is right next door to the Regal Cinema, and I've spent more than my fair share of time rockin' it at the Green Pup before midnight shows, before or after early evening premiers, and even following some matinee bliss.

The Green Pup is a comfy sports bar with a juke box that always seems to be pumping '70s, '80s and '90s rock and roll and the occasional unfortunate pop country song.

Each and every time I've been to the Green Pup, I've been amazed at how cheap it is to buy a round (it's good to get out of the T-Town city limits!), which usually drives me to order more rounds than I really need.

I rarely feel bad about how much I've had to drink there because two hours of sober-up time typically follows. A prefunk before a good movie is a great night in my book!

I also have another confession: I do horribly in scary or overly violent movies. I have enough nightmares on my own, and I personally don't like experiencing them when I'm awake. If a movie is ever too much for me to stomach, I just head to the Pup, and I'm so grateful that it's there. I'm always surprised to find people that I know there, but then again, I do tend to get around socially.

As for those I don't know, the crowd at the Pup is always entertaining because you'll find a mix of military guys, Lakehood locals, hipsters, Camaro cruisers, puffy coaters and blue collar buddies.

So if you're after a good, safe night, start the party at the Pup, then cool off with a flick at the Regal Cinema.

Who cares about the strip mall: The Green Pup is cool.

LINK: Pup and a movie