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Contents» Lodi: It’s more than a place to sip zin » Area pros have some useful golf tips » If you’re a golfer, Lodi is the place » Answering every golfer’s favorite questions » And then there’s the 19th hole » Plenty of rooms for every pocketbook » Love fun, music, festivals? Find them in Lodi » Pull out your map; make plans for a day trip » Lodi’s fine wines begin on the vine » Lodi wines continue to grow in prestige » Area wineries offer a chance to taste » Love to eat? Then Lodi’s the place » There’s a restaurant for every taste » Lodi’s best places to quench a thirst » Travel adventures that taste good » Lodi is paradise for antique hunters » There’s plenty of things to fly, see, do » For visitors, the great outdoors awaits » Visitors can find a hike to their liking » No matter your faith, Lodi has a place |
Lodi’s best places to quench a thirst
By J. Paul Bruton Welcome to Lodi. You spent the day doing the tourist thing, or visiting relatives, or taking care of business. Whatever it was that you did, you’re through now, and you are wondering about the local drinking establishments, pubs, taverns, cocktail lounges or simply — watering holes. Hmmm. For a small town, there are many nice establishments in which to down a few brewskis, or toss back a shot. Of course, it all depends on you. What do you like? What do you want? If you’re looking for a good margarita, the bar in the front half of Habañero Hots, 1024 Victor Road, Lodi, 369-3791, serves up some nice frosty glasses in a variety of flavors. They’ll have you relaxed and speaking habañero in no time. But do not think eating a habañero pepper after several drinks is suddenly a good idea. A habañero will have you cursing in Spanish and no shot of tequila, no matter how strong, will make it go away. You have been warned. Two pleasant bars with nice atmosphere that I’d recommend (and they are conveniently located side-by-side) in Woodbridge. They are Woodbridge Feed and Fuel, 18938 N. Lower Sacramento Road, Woodbridge, 369-0266, and Cactus Mexican Dining, 18961 N. Lower Sacramento Road, Woodbridge, 367-1632. These two are also just a few minutes’ ride from basically anywhere in Lodi. So if you’re going drinking, take a cab. It won’t cost nearly as much as say, an attorney. There are several little “hole in the wall” establishments, many of them located within a short walk from one another in Downtown Lodi. Check out the following for a place to kick back in a casual bar: Garry’s Lounge, 13 S. School St., Lodi, 333-9794. Ollie’s Tavern, 22 N. School St., Lodi, 333-9933. Pine Street Pub, 105 W. Pine St., Lodi, 334-1985. While doing the downtown drinking, there are two unique locales you might want to visit: Casablanca Wine and Piano Lounge, 20 W. Elm St., Lodi, 339-9825. While it is rather small, it is rather unique, too. It has nice décor, a unique menu offers many wines as well as specialty beers (not your average “beer”) and a black baby grand piano tickles the ears when a live pianist tickles its ivories. Rosewood Bar and Grill, 28 S. School St., Lodi, 369-0470 is at the other end of the street, but not at the other end of the spectrum. Enjoy mixed drinks or beers and an extensive selection of wines. Rosewood also provides live entertainment on the “light jazz” side of life. Of course, if you get hungry, you can dine there as well, but if your wallet is as thin as mine, check out the menu before you order that steak. And every time friends stop by Lodi for a visit, I take them to Sky’s, 116 W. Turner Road, Lodi, 366-2815. It’s casual and provides the basics — cold beer, mixed drinks, pool and darts! I took my cousin (from Texas) to Sky’s and we threw darts well, shot pool poorly, and got silly after several super-spicy bloody marys. My mouth is still burning from Tabasco sauce! Oh, and the only place in town that I know of that has a 20-foot long shuffleboard game that you can play for free is — appropriately — The Water Hole, 246 Cluff Drive, Lodi, 333-2338. While the early closing hours (Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) seem intended for school kids, it’s still a nice spot to check out. Just call before you go to make sure they’re open. Remember that this is just a quick sampling of some drinking establishments available to you. Even after several years of living here I still utilize and recommend the ‘ol page-flip method: Look in the phone book! It’s a great way to find places that suit your individual drinking desires. And above all: Don’t drink and drive! You can reach City Cab at 327-2963. |
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