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Life & Arts

Cecil's offers a friendly crowd

Bottoms Up

Sarah Tressler 

If you find that most bars and clubs you go to are looking suspiciously pre-fab (like the owners sent away for the Irish bar kit), you may be in need of something that has a little more authenticity. For a genuine pub experience, we must turn our attention to Cecil's Tavern.

Cecil's has a well-worn appeal derived from its laid-back character and loyal following of regulars. The crowd is always peppered with a few people in Buddy Holly glasses and plaid trousers from the thrift shops on lower Westheimer near Montrose.

Most of the patrons are friendly and approachable. If you find yourself lonely and forgotten by your more studious pals (are midterms over yet?), you might want to strike up a conversation. 

Antique church pews serve as snuggle booths and worn-in upholstered chapel benches line the walls by the pool tables. In the world of pubs and taverns, Cecil's is the altar where the serious drinkers pay tribute to that which gives them solace.

Off to the side of the bar, you can find a living room corner with sofas, a coffee table and a TV. Even on its busiest nights, this corner remains a good place to grab a spot to sit because its position makes it low-profile and one of the last spots to fill up.

The pub's three pool tables are usually in high demand, so if you show up late, be prepared to wait for a chance to break in.

The dart boards are a little more accessible, so you may want to opt for these if you're anxious for something to do.

Thursday is Scotch night (my favorite): Choose three different scotches (top shelf premiums included) to sample for $13. Basically, you can spend $13 and drink premium scotch all night while you're hanging out playing pool with the cute punk rock girls you just met and their bohemian buddies.

Does it get any more authentic than that?

Cecil's Tavern

600 West Gray St.

Verdict: The vibe is friendly, casual and welcoming, and you can get hooked up on drink specials any night of the week.
 

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