Friends For Life

There was a time when I spent almost every night at Amigo's where I had some of the best times ever. I even met my sweetheart on that smoke-filled patio.

But I love Amigo's for more than that. I love it for the pitchers of PBR, pinball, Buckhunter, darts, the rose lady and the people. Well, most of the people. There are always small groups of predators, I mean women, who are disguised as someone you might like, but turn out to be holla back girls, swamp donkeys and emo-bloggers. Don't let them turn you off, though - I think they only show up during tourist-time and you can easily slay them with sarcasm and superior rhetoric.

During the summer, Amigo's is jam-packed. It's literally shoulder-to-shoulder on the first floor, second and the patio. On the weekends, you'll find a band on the patio (no cover) and one upstairs. The jukebox fills the downstairs bar with music and the bartenders have the authority to nix your song if they don't like it.

In the winter, the crowd is smaller, but still rather packed on the weekends. There's no band playing outside, but that doesn't stop the smokers from hitting the patio, especially with that industrial heater and the tarps over the ceiling beams to keep it not-so-freezing. Bands play upstairs for a varying cover ($5-10). It's near impossible to find out who is playing and when. Amigo's just has a myspace page, but they don't post who is playing. If you want to know, you're best bet is to ask at the bar.

The food at Amigo's is way better than Margaritas. (Read an old review of their food found here.) They serve appetizers of nachos ($6.85-9.85), chips and guacamole ($6.35), veggie quesadilla ($5.35) and jalapeno poppers ($5.35-6.85). Entrees are the typical selections of enchiladas, burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas and tacos that range in price by filling choice ($2.35-8.85). Also on the menu is the Burrito Supreme ($8.85), Colorado Burrito ($9.35 and full of Rocky Mountain oysters, just kidding), fajitas ($11.85-14.85), habaneros ($12.35-15.65), taco salad ($9.35-12.35) and combo plates ($9.35-11.65). Lunch is served Thurs-Sat from 11:30-2:30 and dinner is served Tues-Thurs from 5-8 pm and Fri-Sat from 5-7 pm.

One reason people love Amigo's is because the beers are relatively cheap. They don't serve anything fancy - just beer, mixed drinks and shots. Prices are definitely lower than any surrounding bar. Don't ask for a martini or a margarita - you'll get a PBR. I'm not speaking from experience - you can see that glib, don't-even-ask glare on the bartenders' faces. They don't like you until they've served you several times and you prove to tip well. And I find that charming. Amigo's is the anti-night-club bar for those wanting to throw-down in the Old Port but not in da' clubs on Barf Street.