Back Bay Bar

It's just that the bars I avoid (White Heart, Downtown Lounge, Brian Boru, Una) have already been reviewed by my predecessor, John Everett. And I love me a scathing review, but I won't trash on a place I like just for your reading pleasure.

So, once again, I must report that I really like another bar - Howie's Pub. Truth is, I'd never heard of the place until my editor suggested it. It's a little hard to find without proper directions. I passed it on my first try and had to do a U-ey on Washington Ave. Take the Washington Ave exit off 295 and Howie's Pub is the very first building on your right. Take a right onto Veranda St and park around the corner. You don't have to park at the Wash & Pump like I did. (Subquestion: What the hell is a Wash & Pump?)

Inside the bar you'll find your new best friends. Seriously. A guy at the bar gave up his seat for me. A few minutes later, Tony (my new friend) approached me with a handful of dollars asking if I wanted to contribute to the jukebox fund. He said the more money we put in at once the more songs we get.

"Do I get to pick songs, too?"

"Of course," he smiled.

"How many?" I demanded, handing him a dollar.

"A few." He took my dollar and left. I was sure Tony was scrounging up beer money until he came back to tell me it was my turn to pick songs. And once I saw the beer and menu prices, I realized that no one needs to scrounge to be satiated at Howie's.

PBR on tap is $1.75. Let me repeat that. PBR on tap is $1.75. And during happy hour (4-6 pm Mon-Sat), PBR on tap is $1.50. A DOLLAR AND FIFTY CENTS! No, we didn't just time travel to a different economy. This place is real.

Other draft beers include Shipyard Pumpkinhead, Shipyard Export and Geary's Pale Ale (all $3.25 or $2.75 for Happy Hour), Miller Light ($2.25, $1.75 for Happy Hour) and Guinness ($4, $3.50 for Happy Hour).

Bottled beers include Michelob Ultra ($2.50, $2.25 for Happy Hour), Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller High Life, Miller Lite and Coors Light (all $2.25, $1.75 for Happy Hour), Stella, Heineken, Becks, Amstel Light, Sam Adams, Corona, Smirnoff crap, Guinness, Red Stripe and Twisted Tea (all $3, $2.50 for Happy Hour). You can get Schaefer ($2) and Schlitz ($1.75) in a can.

According to the sign at the bar, Pink Lemonade is now available. You can also purchase wine for $4.50-6 a glass or $15-24 for the bottle. Get a tall Mimosa for $4.50 and any number of mixed drinks or shots for various, but cheap, prices.

Even the food is cheap. You can get a hamburger for $2.50. And it's not a tiny, little weird burger. It's regular sized and good! No, there aren't any "healthy" choices. Really, who goes to a bar looking for vegan mush? Also on the menu are typical pub choices: french fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, wings, chicken tenders, hot dogs, clamburger, and pizza. The most expensive item on the menu is the haddock & fries dinner for $7.95.

Cheap drinks and food aren't the only reason to visit Howie's. The atmosphere is turbo-friendly. You feel it when you walk through the door. Maybe it was Rolling Stone's "Start Me Up" blaring from the jukebox that invoked the amiable forces. Or maybe it was Tony.

**Don't forget to make sure your screen is fully open to view the sidebar!