well, it had to happen. Then again, I guess it didn't. But it did. The B-Side Lounge has closed. Formerly one of the most dangerous bars that I have set foot in (incl. a couple in Govanhill, Glasgow), the Windsor Tap. Known for it's local 'color' including frequent stabbings, a couple murders (one body thrown in the dumpster) & 75 year old men stealing your quarters off the pool table glowering at you as they did so. But hey, it had cheap Lowenbrau on tap. When the B-Side opened, at first I was dismissive, thinking that it was some yuppie gentrification. It was. But it was so much more. As locals were released from jail (incl. some of the Bulger-Flemmi 'troupe'), they'd head over (still in prison orange) to the Windsor, only to find change. Granted, they were still heartily welcomed & could get cheap Buds, but they now sat amongst condo-yuppies from their 'hood, bio-tech researchers off work, bike messengers & tattooed punks. The B-Side welcomed all & offered something for everyone, from a PBR/shot of Jack combo, to the most obscure mixed drink menu, along with a fantastic menu & free hard-boiled eggs (a nod to the local Portuguese clientele). My favorite night was when I worked as the bouncer, when the local white power/neo-Nazi group was having some regional meeting & decided to visit. Well, the other conference was a middle-aged Lesbian group. Ah, the perfect storm so I thought. Everyone got along stunningly...I remember some 7' neo-Nazi with SS tattooed on his neck lighting the cigarette for a black woman from the projects...only at the B-Side. I have many memories from drinking there and working there when times were tough...but most importantly, it is where I met Skye. Although several pubs feel lke 'ours', the B-Side was our common ground, our memory. We are truly sad to see it go...& to see Patrick, Rob, Dave, Joe and all rest leave our neighborhood. I am sure that we will try out the new place moving in (some burger-pub supposedly), but it will never be the same...
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