Where everybody knows your name

Who isn’t familiar with the theme song from Cheers, right? Well, if you’re in your 20s at least, you’ll definitely know that famous ditty about the Boston pub that made Ted Danson and Shelley Long famous way back when. Cheers was as ubiquitous as M.A.S.H. back in the day. It was the show about the bar that old friends went to day in and day out for their favorite drinks, favorite stools, and favorite times. These days, whenever anyone finds a bar that makes them feel at home right away they tend to call it “their Cheers.” After all, with nightspots opening and closing all over the city on a constant basis, it’s often hard to find a place you can truly call home.

About four years ago, I found mine. Now, bear in mind that I’m not a drinker, so in order for me to like a watering hole it has to go far beyond a place to get sloshed. I need a place with something more — good food, good friends, good music. Music, in particular, is a big reason why I would keep going back to a certain place over and over. I’m pretty eclectic when it comes to sound so I can listen to anything from rock to hip-hop to pop, as long as it’s catchy and as long as it’s entertaining, something not dull or not repetitive. Yeah, I know: tall order, right? But like I said, I found the perfect spot for me. My “Cheers,” as it were, is Capone’s Bar and Bistro on Valero Street in Salcedo Village.

Capone’s Bar and Bistro opened its doors on Valero Street around five years ago and has been my second home for over four of those years. I stumbled in there quite by accident upon referrals of friends and friends of friends. But after my first time there I just kept going back. It could have been the awesome design of the place, which has grown and evolved over the years. I loved the huge glass windows and the great view from the second floor, that crazy-cool Mary Jane picture collage, and awesome diner-style couches and chairs that keep you comfortable even in the highest of heels. And the food — oh, wow! — the food was delicious and often had me craving it even when I was already home in bed.

But I think one of the key reasons I kept going back to Capone’s day in and day out (every single day back in 2004, if I recall correctly) was because of the great company. My good friend and Capone’s main man, Jay Server, always ensured that everyone who came had a great time. From crazy jokes to rocking music, to just amazing conversations with strangers, I’ve met and made amazing friends at Capone’s. I think I’ve met every single kind of person (that is what’s great about bars, after all): entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, politicians, models, actors, students, travelers, expats — the list goes on and on — and I’m constantly amazed by the never-ending supply of interesting people who populate my cozy bistro.

Last weekend, though, Capone’s Valero held it’s last party before officially closing its doors. I have to admit I was both sad and happy at the same time. Sad because my Cheers would be closed but happy because I got to see a lot of familiar faces I hadn’t seen in quite a while. It was good to reconnect. Besides, Capone’s closing is only a temporary thing. They will be reopening their doors again in a few months’ time — this time at The Fort so it’s not the end (not by a long shot), but it is the end of an era. At the risk of sounding like a sentimental sap, so many of the milestones in my life happened at Capone’s which is why it was natural for me to be sad on its last night. Those who were there with me know what I mean and at the same time I’m sure it served this same purpose for many other people as well. It was a constant evening destination and I was almost always certain to end the night bright and early the next day with a bowl of adobo flakes.

Yes, I already mentioned the food was good but that is most definitely an understatement. The food at Capone’s is delicious! It’s comfort food. A bowl of adobo flakes spells instant tasty crunchiness. They also have delicious pizzas, a really good Asian Chicken salad with a homemade dressing, addictive taco puffs (trust me: you can’t have just one), sinful chicken skin, and my personal favorite, really good rosemary chicken. I must have tried everything on the menu over the past four years and I have never been disappointed. You can seriously eat there any time of the day.

But even beyond all that, it really was the people that made it my home away from home. The staff led by Sir Danny and Sir Jun are warm, personable and amazing. I’ve made good friends with all the servers there and even know them all by name. They remember everything and really focus on the details — how I don’t like cheese, that I like my bread toasted, that I don’t drink alcohol. It’s incredible how at home they made me feel, even when the bar was jam-packed and you could barely navigate the crowd.

And the music! Well, safe to say Capone’s is my favorite bar to go to for awesome live bands. Over the years I have watched and cheered for several incredible bands that have graced the Capone’s stage. To name them all would take forever but some of my personal favorites include glam band NATF (naturally!) Overtone, Velcro, Blush, Indio I, Allona, and of course, Craig Davis and the New Waves! Hanging out at my favorite spot would not be complete with the awesome performances I’ve seen. And I don’t just mean by the bands — I think I have seen every kind of jammer in the world rock out on that stage. Some have been awesome, some entertaining, and some even scary. Either way, they made the ride interesting.

So, after five years I say goodbye to my version of Cheers. As I said, it’s only for a while, but still. As Capone’s closed its doors for the last time all my favorite memories of the place ran marathons in my mind and I realized just how much I loved it. To all the people who made these past four years amazing, fun, meaningful and just plain awesome — it’s been one heck of a ride. To borrow from Fall Out Boy: Thanks for the memories! And see you at The Fort!