There are those places (bars or restaurants) that for one reason or another, where I have never eaten.  When I pass through the doors dinner is not on my mind, only a cocktail or two, and I can’t explain why.  Food stops being appetizing, and liquor is the only thing I’m concerned about.

These are establishments that I (and probably others) only associate with drinking.  It’s not to say these places have bad food, some on the list are actually known for thier food, but I haven’t ever had a bite to eat.  It might be a connection made years ago, when I first started drinking in public between a certain bar and $2 Long Islands, or sheer disgust of the condition of the kitchen.  Either way, I’ve never noshed at these places.

Here’s a list by city:

Milwaukee (formative drinking years): The Landmark, Brit’s Pub, Jo-Cat’s, The Hi-Hat, Leff’s Lucky Town, Walter’s on North, Shepherd’s, Axel’s

Boston (early adulthood): Bukowski’s, The Model Cafe, Shay’s Pub

Portland, OR (middle to late 20’s): The Matador, The Sandy Hut, The Kenton Club, The Reel M’Inn, The Portland City Grill, Tony’s Tavern, Hungry Tiger (RIP).

Twin Cities (scattered twenties, begining of 30’s):Loring Pasta Bar, Chino Latino, William’s Bar, CC Club, Sportsman’s Pub, Rudolphs, Jimmy’s Bar, Grumpy’s (NE or Downtown), Mac’s Industrial, and of course, The Red Dragon.