Incredible staff, strong drink, good food, and prime people-watching are the things that make a good bar great.  The Cheeky Monk on Colfax has those in spades.

I would not recommend The Park Tavern for anything besides, maybe, karaoke on Mondays. The service is so horrendous that I don't even think the three minute walk from my friend's house is worth it. And from what I could tell, parking is a nightmare if it's busy.

I love Asian food, and happily take every opportunity I can to try some, so you can imagine my disappointment when 90% of the dinner menu turns out to be Chinese takeout-type options: crab cheese wontons, beef with broccoli, kung pao and the like.

As a writer, I bound from one coffee bean carrier to the next until I can land in a cozy nook that inspires and offers solace from emo attention seekers and poetry readings. I need a simple, passable nonfat latte and polite service. That's all. It's a simple concept, really.