Since starting this column, I've been careful to pay attention whenever I overhear the phrase "meat market." Like, when I heard a skinny brunette say, "The Swiss was fun. It was a total meat market." Or, "The Royal can be cool, but it's the biggest meat market in town." When I hear the phrase I listen closely, trying to gain a deeper understanding of what John Q. Public expects of his meat markets.

Now that I have compiled a general idea of what a meat market is, I can say that Legends Bar located within the Lakewood Denny's is anything but one.

A proper meat market is jammed with people. On weekend nights, Legends is lucky to see more than 30 customers. Meat markets offer drink specials like tequila slammers and liquid marijuana shots. Legends offers cheap draft beer. Meat market dance floors are packed with hundreds of sweaty clubbers grinding away. Legends lacks any space to dance. Finally, the most recognizable characteristic of a proper meat market is the hookup potential. People cruise around, searching for the next drunken make out, one night stand or casual fling. A smorgasbord of sex waiting to happen. The only smorgasbord of interest at Legends is the $12 Grand Slam platters coming in from Denny's. Not exactly the ideal place to find a one night stand.  

Legends Bar is not much of a meat market. But is it a bad bar? Hell no. Anything but, in fact. Karaoke starts at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Middle-aged locals set aside their pancake platters and draft beers in order to sing up on a tiny stage. A friendly karaoke DJ guides couples, homeward-bound truckers and others through the usual karaoke hits by Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springsteen. A general rotation of four or five singers forms, and the completion of each song is met with gentle clapping. The nights roll along slowly. Peacefully.

Legends is perfect for a low-key night. And if you're searching for meat at Legends, I recommend the steak and eggs platter. Served all day.

If you're searching for a meat market, however, better look elsewhere.

Legends Bar at Denny's

Karaoke 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, no cover
6112 100th St. SW, Lakewood
253.584.1574