Esquire Bar & Lounge

I'd never come here or noticed this place before, until this past Saturday.  We stopped in to see a friend who was celebrating her birthday here. She was having a blast. Once we stepped inside, we knew exactly why.  The music was bumpin' and it was all those old late 90's tunes that we love so much.  The folks inside were friendly. They weren't that type of bunch to stop and stare the minute someone new walked in.  Drinks here are nicely poured, and I'm not talking about how well the bartender is able to pour the drink into a glass, alcohol content...DUH!! Anyway, drink prices are reasonable. The bouncers are more like your tough homies that won't let anyone who doesn't meet the age requirement through.  You'll definitely feel safe around these dudes. Not to mention, they are so friendly.  I think you can almost always count on having a good time while you're here. I don't know what more you could ask for really. A reserved space was set aside for this birthday party. The bartenders and the guests for the birthday party all pretty much seemed familiar with one another. There isn't a cover and there is parking just next to the building.  Everything here was pretty chill. I'd love to come back some other time. Good times.

I've been living in Pasadena for just under a year, this place was my discovery, I frequent this place once or twice a week.  I will be leaving Pasadena soon and will be missing my favorite bar. :-(. The bartenders are super friendly, they are always making me feel welcomed.
Some of the negative reviews I've read have nothing to do with the bar, such as getting a ticket for making an illegal u-turn. Please give me a break.
They play great music, the VJ is a really cool dude. The atmosphere is always friendly.

The good:

It's close enought to take a taxi to - though, the last time I said 'take me to the bar on Foothill by Sears' the taxi drivers response was '...the gay bar? you don't look gay" *chuckles* There's a look??? He also thought I was a mix of Italian, Armenian and Mexican...ooook! No! I just talk with my hands, have a big butt and speak Spanish (my version of Spanish anyhow) .....that was an interesting little drive.

I don't generally run into people that I know here. I like to go places and not worry about having to do the whole 'how have you been?!' routine. Sometimes I want to go someplace where not everyone knows my name. Anonymity can be a good thing.

The bad:

The ticket my friend endured for making a u turn to park one of the times that we went to check this place out. It seems the cops like to roll by at random times. If wanted to be harassed by cops I'd wear my skittles gear on Colorado Blvd by the Motel/Hotel/Holiday Inn - ( * Skittles Gear: the little mini dress that every girl seems to own in every rainbow color imaginable- I know you know what i'm talking about...*)

The bartenders don't seem to be very friendly to me. They seem to be friendly to everyone else but I always feel like I'm standing an overly extended amount of time at the bar just trying to get someone's attention. *plays smallest violin for self* For such a small venue, it really shouldn't take so long to get a drink.

There is a lounge area located right next to the dance floor and to the restrooms. It seems like a strange place to put a couch and seating area. Though if you get a kick out of people dancing the 'I have to pee really bad dance' on one end while watching someone move out of rhythm to whatever is playing on the other end, then you are in prime retail location.