Get down at Bubba's Sulky Lounge

A Pennsylvania transplant friend of mine recently said, "We have got to go dancing, like, immediately." I panicked.

Did this mean she wanted me to don high heels, skinny jeans, a skimpy tank and head down to the Old Port for a night, bar-hopping from that place with the Hawaiian theme to that Frat bar to the Dirty Bird? (Names were changed to prevent nasty comments flying my way.)

We're both in our 30s, married with children, for crying out loud, and at those places I wouldn't be surprised if we were carded to make sure we weren't too old.

While I was coming up with ways to pretend I had the Malarian flu, I realized Bubba's Sulky Lounge was the answer. Phew, that I can do.

Never been there? Oh, you are in for an experience to remember - one for all your five senses. In room after room there is memorabilia galore - old photos and ads displayed, mannequins of men, women and babies sitting on couches, and hundreds of tin lunch boxes displayed from the ceiling. Clearly, Bubba loves collecting antiques.

With a huge bar and Cadillac-like seats and a back bar that opens as needed, this place carries a full bar and tons of bottled beers.

With $2.50 domestic beers and a range of prices, Bubba's offers Michelob Ultra, Michelob Light, Geary's Pale Ale, Corona, Red Stripe, Shipyard, Miller Lite, Budweiser, Bud Light, Sam Adams, Sam Light, Heineken, Allagash, Twisted Tea and PBR 16 ounce cans. On my last visit, a super sweet bartender named Christine made me a perfect martini. Have no fear about getting your drink on.

In the daylight tour I did see some kitchen equipment but I have never seen food at Bubba's. That said, however, you can rent a room or two - or the entire establishment and cater your own party.

Bubba's has a light up dance floor. That's right, rip it up and pretend you are in an 80's video. Also, with renovations to be completed by May, Bubba's will be able to boast a second dance floor in the back of the bar.

Bubba's is open at 8 am, Monday through Friday and has various closing hours (see side bar.) Since I've only visited this bar once during the day, excuse my accuracy for the daytime crowd - I saw some eclectic folk on that visit and the bartenders called them the "regulars."

I know you are dying to hear about the nightlife, so I'll lay it out for you. This is how I describe Bubba's to my friends that haven't been yet: grab as many friends as you can and create your own party. The more, truly, the merrier.

The events page shows their schedule, such as the infamous 80's Dance Party (get in for free if dressed in 80's garb), the "I Love the 90's" party, bands including Heavy Dime (a classic rock cover band) and The Awesome. If you are extra smart, you'd head to Bubba's Sulky Lounge for one of Maine Roller Derby's after parties, where their official DJ, Todd the Rocket, is spinning tunes so great the girls cry when he stops for the evening. (You think I'm kidding, don't you?)

Just talking about this place makes me want to go dancing. Who's in? I'll be right there!