ELANA'S TAKE - Not so many bars are made to look good both at night, and in the fading afternoon sunlight of a Tuesday Bar 107, however, seems to pull it off quite nicely.The first time I ever tired to patron this bar, it involved circling the block about 6 times- no joke. There was an illuminated bar sign, yes, but not for the current bar. Instead, "Old Style" glows, confusing any first time bar-goer. I think at some point in time it was a gay leather bar, I think. Anyway, Bar 107 tops pretty much any bar I can think of for having the most, and having the weirdest shit, compete for space among its red walls. Rococo era paintings, an inflatable Spiderman, a giant cartoon depicting sexual acts... it all pours forth into your drunken, moist eyes. I've been here more times than I can assign a number to, and every time I feel like I've found something new and disturbing hanging from a hook that I never noticed before. But enough about the crap on the walls. The crowd here is always a varied mix- anywhere from hipsters to punk kids to cholos to just plain seasoned drunkards. You can apparently even bring your dog! Everyone either stays within their own personal space, or is friendly to you. It is downtown though, and not just on the outskirts like Chinatown, it is a hobo's piss from Skid Row. With this in mind you may put a nail in the coffin as far as visiting this place. BUT STOP! It's really ok! It's bright and on any given night they have several large dudes on security. I've even walked, by myself, two blocks around the corner to my car at 2 in the morning, and not feel the need to wield a giant stick. This does not mean exercise some caution if you do go, and it’s late. Don't be stupid.
The drinks here are reasonably cheap. They have your usual standards like PBR and Tecate in tall cans, and $2 Olympias, although I'm not so sure if this is an everyday thing, or a special night price. They have a fully stocked bar too, and the bartenders are nice and pour well. There is always someone's decent ipod music list going, except on nights when they have DJs. I hear Sunday night they have a pretty awesome Old Country night...
And the best part? A photo booth. An old school black and white dunk tank in the back room that also houses a stage I almost never see occupied anymore. There is also a side room right off the left of the bar that has old arcade games. And some nights that serve popcorn and hotdogs.
Bar 107 is an actual reason to go downtown sometime.
