Norm's Cocktails

Pretttttty random that I ended up here yesterday. I don't typically go out for drinks because 1) I like to stay pretty healthy 2) Booze sometimes makes me sick 3) It doesn't taste very good and 4) it's expensive ($9 for a drink? I can buy a box of carne fries).  But I ended up here because my friends wanted to go out somewhere and drink and I was just kind of dragged along. They couldn't think of a place... so apparently we ended up at Norms because it was already 1130pm and I wanted to go to sleep (I'm old, whatever) and so they compromised with me and choose Norm's which was just around the corner.

Apparently this is a local old dive bar for the neighbors in the area. It was empty as I expected but for my guy friends... booze is booze. I had a simple bay breeze and I could tolerate it.. simple. The bartender was awesome and was very funny. Decent dive bar for the local neighborhood if you just want a drink without the boughy trendy sh!t.

The term "5 Star Dive Bar" has been coined by another establishment, but Norm's easily earns a 5 star review.  Been frequently visiting this place for years, and EVERY time is a good time.  

It all starts with the bartenders.  All of them are attractive, efficient, and they know what good customer service means.  No, it does not mean heavy pouring - it means checking up on their customers, remembering their names, making sure they are happy with their drinks, and getting the drinks out FAST.  This is the first step to making a customer feel welcomed.

The next best thing at Norm's are the regulars.  This is a highly inclusive group, surprisingly welcoming each and every time.  As some of the other reviews have stated, there is an older group of people, but they are feisty and always ready to share a good joke. I think the regulars here help this place strike a balance between chill, but interesting and fun.

The bar itself is great - large windows in the front and side let in lots of natural light.  The bathrooms are clean.  The jukebox is state of the art, and they play at a good level - you can definitely hear the music, but you don't have to shout at each other during a conversation.  Except maybe on Thursday nights - it was pretty crowded during our last visit.  But again, friendly faces all around.

Prices here are fair - $11 per pitcher for domestics, $3 pints, and $4.50 for cocktails.  But as I noted above, I am happy to pay these prices for the competent customer service and relaxing vibe.  

I wish we lived closer to this little gem.  Every time I leave I have a warm feeling in my heart for this bar.  Thanks, Norm's!

Unfortunately one of the best bartenders is gone. Still a decent place, not sure if I'll visit as often...especially since the tender is a HUGE part of enjoying a bar...wish you luck Norms...