Mervyn's

I was talking to a fellow Mountain View resident about our town when he asked me if I'd ever been to Mervyn's.

"You mean the department store?" I asked.

"No, the bar," he said.

"No, never heard of it," I said. "Where is it?"

"It's downtown off Castro Street, down an alley," said Colin in his Scottish accent. "It's a little dive bar."

"Cool," I said. "I'm a dive bar enthusiast."

"I go there every week," said Colin. "My friends and I usually go there Friday nights. I'll invite you along sometime."

That time was tonight.

I met Colin and his drinking buddies at Molly Magee's. We had a few pints and then headed over to Mervyn's. Colin wasn't kidding, the place was down an alley off the main drag. If you didn't know it was there, there's little chance you'd find it.

Mervyn's was packed with people of all colors, ages, shapes and sizes, but no wheelchairs, at least on this particular night. The drinks were cheap. There was no sale on 501s. This place is a one-room wonder. One bathroom, too, for both sexes to share.

Alas, I've found my new local watering hole.