According to Wikipedia (always a dependable source), when Roger Ebert writes film reviews he keeps the film's intended audience in mind. Ebert's reviews aren't solely dependent on if he likes the film, but also based on whether or not he thinks the people paying to see the film would like it. For instance, when reviewing an animated Disney film, he awards the film high marks if 4-year-old kids and their parents might have a happy time at the movies, not if he himself enjoyed the show.

Relative critique is an interesting idea, especially when applied to nightlife reviews. So how do I, a much younger, much less intelligent man than Roger Ebert, go about reviewing Lacey's Viking Lounge?

Upon entering The Viking, I immediately notice the place is more neighborhood bar than energetic downtown club. There is a single pool table and a small seating section. Neon beer signs decorate the walls. Commercial-grade carpeting absorbs the ketchup from spilled tater-tots. The age range of clientele varies, starting in the mid-20s and running all the way up to the late 60s. Faded Wrangler jeans and camo baseball hats are the standard wear. I spot barbed wire-style tattoos, country music tour T-shirts and individuals chewing tobacco. There is no dance floor.

Yet two factors separate The Viking from the dive bars of the area. First, The Viking has nightly karaoke. Second, The Viking is packed on the weekends. By 11 p.m. on this particular Friday, I can hardly elbow my way to the bar. Tall, muscular dudes (some looking like they just returned from a hunting trip) jostle me for position. The Viking's few single ladies are chatted up. A middle-aged man sings a rousing rendition of Afroman's "Because I Got High," his low-pitched crooning reverberating from wall to wall.  

Now, would I frequent The Viking? No, sir. But we must remember Ebert's technique. Keeping that in mind, would I recommend The Viking to a beer swilling, 40-something looking to laugh, sing some karaoke and drink with friends? Yeah, probably.

But even still, Ebert might have something to say about the lack of chicks.

The Viking Lounge

nightly karaoke 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
6318 Martin Way E., Olympia
360.456.1555