Chesty Ps

Nestled among the old buildings in Polo's Mason street is an unassuming bar called Chesty P's, named after legendary Marine LT GEN Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller.   Inside is everything you'd expect from an establishment named after a Marine. There is no loud music blaring. There are no garish bright lights, or perky young wait staff making small talk as they take your order. The furnishings and décor are sparse and spartan, except for the wall of bottles and glassware reminiscent of a Wild West saloon, plus a couple of flat screens tuned in on the sports channel.
      Joe, who is owner, bartender, and a Marine, proudly gestured at the display of bottles behind him and growled "If it's up there, we have it!" I opted for a Guinness, and was not disappointed. For a hot July afternoon, the cold beer and the thick masonry that housed the bar (although I'm sure the AC was helping, too) was a welcome reprieve. The late afternoon crowd was also friendly and come from all walks of life: men in T-shirts and jeans, as well as office girls in pantsuits.
     An added attraction is the mean mai tais concocted from a "personal secret recipe" by Joe's daughter, who also tends the bar. Although I'm not a mixed drink enthusiast, I liked that it was refreshing, and very potent!
      The place is worth a visit, whether you're an Old Salt who wants to talk the talk with Joe, or just in for cold drinks and some company. And if you've got a small insignificant souvenir from an overseas campaign, why not give it to Joe? He might find it worthy of being added to his shrine to the Marine Corps.