El Leñador Restaurant & Bar

I stopped by with a large group this weekend. Although the space easily accomodated all of us, overall this was the least enjoyable spot during the whole pub crawl.
— The place is kind of stinky & dirty.
— The last two times I went into the place there was no music, and it was hot inside.

I’ve always been in love with this place. What can I say? It’s a few blocks from home, it’s a dive bar, if you live in the area, you’re bound to run into someone (or a few someones) you know to chat with, the staff is awesome and friendly, there’s often live music (sometimes great, sometimes horrifying), they serve food late, and it’s got a good vibe.
The décor is bavarian, complete with woodcutter stained glass, gone Mexican. You can get a burger and fries, or some nachos, or some damned good tacos. I think they serve food until at least midnight. The drink selection isn’t huge. If you’re drinking beer, just get a Stag. But I have to give it up because they apparently now stock ginger ale for me because I love a James & Ginger. How sweet is that? El Lenador is the ultimate come-​as-​you-​are neighborhood dive bar, with a twist.

I knew from the moment I walked into El Lenador that I was going to love this place.
I went with a friend — his friend’s band was playing that night — and when we walked in, the feeling of the place was like no other. The loud, pulsating energy of the music and the patrons made me smile like a goofy kid. Oh, how I love live music. It’s even better when its at a dirty dive bar.
We grabbed seats at the bar, and I ordered a Blue Moon.
«We don’t have blue moon,» our friendly waitress giggled.
Oops! What was I thinking? I went with a Red Stripe instead. My friend ordered a Stag. We’re classy as fuck. When in Rome, right?
The place is pretty spacious, and there were plenty of good spots to watch the band. We had a pretty good view from the bar.
It’s not a matter of IF I’ll come back to El Lenador, it’s WHEN. Divey atmosphere, awesome patrons, kickass bartenders, and live music? Hello, heaven.

El Lenador reminds me of hanging out in a friend’s parents’ very large, dark, 70’s style basement where adult swim is the only thing allowed on the tv. It used to be a German restaurant, hints the Bavarian-​style décor. Now they have Mexican food (which I’ve been told is awesome), live music and cheap drinks. I’ve been three times now, and the crowd is always a random mixed bag, which just adds to the charm. Wednesday are Stag Nite, with a $ 5 cover, several bands and $ 1 Stags until midnight. Thursday is open mic night, which started slow last night but gained some serious momentum as the night went on. Oh, and the wallpaper in the women’s bathroom is seriously awesome. But I won’t spoil the surprise :o)

Divey. Dark. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a hole in the wall and possibly some live music. El Leanador is oddball, from its patrons (yay!) to its décor.
German-​styled stained glass windows, a Bavarian landscape mural, plus Mexican food/​Mexican name, with a 70’s kitsch that’s sure to please everyone.
The drinks are cheap and the food looked super tasty. This place has the potential to be a great music venue. It’s spacious and can accommodate large groups. It’s utilitarian with the insinuation of fun.
My next visit will definitely involve food sampling.