X is for XO Lounge
August 12, 2010 at 2:13 pm 4 comments
If X marks the spot then XO marks a slightly more depressing spot. Much like the Elliot Smith album of the same name, this place will kinda bring you down.
Located on Broadway near the Tower Theatre, this would be a great spot for a decent bar. Instead, we get the XO with its worn down interior, surly patrons and overall unwelcoming atmosphere.
There are a few glimpses of the XO’s former glory…assuming it had glory at some point. There is an interesting decorative mirror behind the bar and some potentially flashy architecture, but none of it makes up for the overall stinker of a vibe.
I’ve walked in to a lot of seedy bars over my time, but I’ve never been stared down by the regulars like I was at the XO. The place basically went silent when I walked in like I was the sheriff busting in to their saloon. They watched me walk towards the bar, trying to remain cool as my eyes frantically looked for an open seat – preferably one with a buffer stool between me and the next nearest patron. I took my seat and immediately felt the pressure of my order.
This was clearly the kind of bar, where if you order the wrong drink, things could end poorly for a newcomer. If you ever find yourself in this position, it’s best to avoid mixed drinks – definitely don’t order anything with more than 2 ingredients. The safest bet, and what I did, was to order whatever beer they have on tap. The XO made this an easy call because I only saw one handle and it was Bud. I don’t think I’ve ever ordered a Bud, but I went ahead and did so this time to try to get in the good graces or the regulars.
It didn’t work.
They still gave me dirty looks.
I decided to go ahead and pound my beer and leave.
For the record, the bartender was super nice, but she wasn’t enough to make me feel comfortable in this sketchy establishment. Maybe I was just there on a bad day. If you’ve had a good experience there, let me know and I’ll be happy to give it another shot.
Entry filed under: ABCs of Drinking in Sac, Bars. Tags: .
1. john | August 13, 2010 at 6:59 am
Ummmm I whole heartedly agree with your assesment. Walking in tthis place almost makes you wanna curse the day joe martys burnt down. Now that was a great, welcoming bar, close to tower. Id even rather brave the unsafe walk all the way to jamie’s. You are just as likely to get stabbed inthe XO as you are on that walk.
2. Alice | August 17, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Was sitting at a table there recenlty and almost got poked in the eye with a pool cue by dudes playing pool. Not even an “I’m sorry” or “Excuse Me”!! The place and clientel was a whole lot nicer when it was the (New) Trio.
3. PWeekly | September 8, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Best NOTT opening line ever: If X marks the spot then XO marks a slightly more depressing spot.
4. George | September 16, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Never had the nerve to go in there to find out. Thanks for taking one for the team.