Arts & Entertainment

There was a "little" problem …will put on the headline later!!!

Liquid Diet

By Mario Gudmundsson

A tree grows in the back of Lizzardis Pub -- literally in the back room. Located on the edge of stately River Oaks in a quiet street of small shops and large townhomes, Lizzardis looks like a small country house tucked away in the city.

A large deck hung with Christmas lights and River Oaksi famous spreading oak trees wrap around the front of the old bungalow that houses Lizzardis. The building looks small, but looks are deceptive; once inside, you can wander through a number of rooms, each with a different mood. 

The main room, where youill find the bar, is surprisingly well lit and plastered with beer signs and neon. In addition to the bar, thereis a jukebox with a decent selection, a pool table, dartboards and with a few tables overlooking the deck. 

Make your way to the back and youill start to feel like youire at a friendis house party. Youill enter a large, dimly lit room with sofas and easy chairs grouped around a fireplace. 

In the outermost room, which contains more battered sofas, an oak tree has taken root next to some arcade games and grows through one wall and out of the ceiling. This might be the quietest spot in the bar, perfect for getting cozy.

"You can always have some privacy here, and the drinks are good," said sophomore computer science major Sam Crecelius, who personally prefers the roomy deck, where raucous clients cram in with their friends to enjoy the night air.

"Thursdays are the time to go," said Crecelius. "Thereis always a pretty good crowd and always something going on, like shot girls giving out samples, but everyone goes late in the evening. The people are cool and you can get to know them."

Bartender Kelley Eleuterius agrees. "The younger crowd tends to show up later here, definitely after 11:30, sometimes around 1 a.m.," Eleuterius said.

That younger crowd, mostly frat boys and khaki-clad office workers along with some more eclectic types, shows up in force on Saturdays to meet up with friends, and on Thursdays, when happy hour features complimentary pizza.

Eleuterius, who has worked at Lizzardis for 13 years and knows most of the customers by name, mentioned that regulars come from all over the city and even from suburbia. 

"Some people live over in Spring, and they still make their way down here pretty often. Itis not just locals."

Lizzardis never has drink specials, but happy hour runs seven days a week, offering $2.50 domestic longnecks from noon until 7 p.m. on weekends and from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Along with free pizza on Thursdays, Lizzardis offers a free buffet, which changes every week, during Fridayis happy hour. After happy hour, bottled beers start at $3 and go to $5.50, and while no beers are offered on tap, cocktails are generously poured.

"Itis an all-around great place, a little laid-back pub with a random atmosphere and a random crowd," said Crecelius. "You can find anything you want here."

You can find parking in the lots next to the bar and thereis never a cover.

Lizzardis Pub

2715 Sackett St.

The verdict: This is a great little pub to bring friends to on a warm spring night.

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