Love to Hate South Beach's Love Hate Lounge

As a Miami Ink fan, I heard about their new venture on T.V and decided to try it out for myself. Chris Nunez and Ami James from, the popular T.V. show, Miami Ink recently opened up their own bar called Love Hate. The name comes from loving what you do but hating it at the same time. The bar/lounge has an unusually laid back ambience for South Beach. It is beautifully decorated with tattoo inspired artwork. It features live music, rock, ska, hip hop and almost everything in between. Bottle service is available and there's enough space to dance or lounge on a couch.

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The Village Idiot

When a bar/restaurant has a name like the Village Idiot, there is bound to be buzz surrounding it. If the name immediately conjures images of frat boys chugging Bud Lights and munching on questionable popcorn and peanuts, you might want to rethink your plans to take your former college buddies there when they are in town and cruisin’ for a boozin’. The Village Idiot might cater to a younger crowd, but the New York-esque atmosphere houses professional, impeccably dressed patrons looking for fine wines by the glass, eclectic beers, and food that goes above and beyond standard bar fare.

Because the Village Idiot draws inspiration from English pubs, the menu features standards like the juicy upscale pub burger, fish ‘n chips and pork sausage. For those looking for a finer dining experience, there are a host of other options, like a goat cheese tart, warm frisee salad with sherry shallot vinaigrette, and a cornmeal-battered catfish served with black eyed peas. Dessert options include a warm chocolate chip cookie served with vanilla ice cream, and a much-revered strawberry shortcake. As for the bowls of peanuts and stale popcorn? You’ll have to look elsewhere on the always bumping Melrose Avenue.

With the upscale menu, classic décor and more sophisticated beverage offerings, the Village Idiot has become a hot spot for many in the entertainment industry to grab drinks during the work week, or rub elbows on the weekends. Despite the presence of celebrities and young professionals, the Idiot also attracts a host of characters from the surrounding West Hollywood neighborhood who are looking for a nice glass of beer, and lively conversation with their friends. While the sophisticated atmosphere has potential to be off-putting, ultimately, the ambiance is warm and welcoming. Just be sure to bring cash for the valet, and an iron will for the wait to use the one stall in the ladies’ bathroom.

English - Chicago Bar

If you are one of those people who think English and Irish are the same thing, you'd be shocked at the differences between your Lincoln Park-frat-boy-Irish-pub and English, located at 444 North La Salle Street . C'mon-here, you'd find a WAY more mature crowd at least 1 whole year out of college…

The smorgasbord of appetizers we ordered was my favorite part of the meal because, as Mom always said: there's no way those little pieces can fit any calories in 'em. And that's probably the only rule of hers I ever followed.

The English Fries tossed with sea salt and parsley and served with a side of curry sauce and the English Crisps - waffle fries topped with smoked cheddar, braised shredded pork, scallions, red cabbage and sour cream- were my favs, obviously, because I'm a total sucker for any form of fried potato that lends to dipping. The Warm Bacon Spinach- Artichoke and Goat Cheese Dip served with a toasted baguette is not your ordinary spartichoke appy. The Goat cheese bite contrasted nicely with the toasted bread and, as usual, there was not enough on the platter to give everyone their fill.

The English House Salad, consisting of country greens, grape tomato, carrot gaufrette shaved red onion and goat cheese tossed in a walnut dressing, was the obvious choice for lunch, given the heart attack onset during the appetizer phase of the meal. The healthful salad was loaded with plenty of goat cheese and colorful veggies and I’d like to believe it helped balance out some of the grease I’d consumed just moments earlier. The Deconstructed Meatball Sandwich to my right and Chopped Salad to my left had my friends fappy (full and happy), but my overstuffed esophagus couldn't find room for even a sample of their food.

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Make Art Not War by Yezenia Herrera

In the city of San Francisco, supporting the Arts is as common as the foggy weather. Murals can be seen on the side of buildings and exhibits bring in an array of fascinating paintings, sculptures, and modern pieces. But, as amazing as these murals and exhibits are, unfortunately we just don’t find the time to get there. On a Friday night when you are debating what to do with your friends, visiting an art galley is the last place you want to be. Or maybe not…

At 111 Minna you will find yourself in a trendy bar amidst the eccentric and urban crowd. 111 is hidden in an alley of San Francisco patiently awaiting your arrival. But once you’re in (usually after a $5 dollar cover charge), you experience the beauty of art and the feel of a slightly industrial setting. The street gallery is divided by two rooms yet both fully equipped with a DJ and bar. The music played depends on the night, but on Wednesdays, except to listen to some good house music. Oh, and the drinks there are more than satisfying!

What I like about 111 Minna is that it combines the beauty of art, the essence of San Francisco. It is young, lively, and entertaining. So I recommend that this weekend, leave behind the Marina and be one of the many supporters of the Arts.

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The Globe Pub: An International Bar

The Globe Pub is a bar men love. Especially foreign men. My husband is Australian and he likes to go to the Globe because they consistently show sports events that Australia participates in. It reminds me of an English pub, dark with a wooden interior. There are two sections of the pub, which is great on a crowded Saturday night. There’s a lot of people minus the cramped space.
The Globe Pub offers a variety of events throughout the week in addition from a sports schedule that involves rugby, soccer, and American sport as well like the NFL.
Mondays are reserved for Comedy Open Mic, which I haven’t gotten to witness just yet but am very curious about. Tuesdays are Quiz nights. I went a few weeks ago and it was loads of fun. The categories are obscure and quite difficult, but it was a laugh when my team were scrambling to answer some of the strangest questions we’ve ever heard. And we didn’t come in last! Wednesdays are Acoustic open mic and Fridays are for a Retro DJ.
The Globe Pub has a full menu and so far, everything that I’ve had off of it has been delicious. Their beer selection is huge and loaded with British ales.
. If you’re a single girl with a weakness for accents, I suggest the Globe. Or if you want to take your boyfriend to a pub that’s a little bit different, then check out the Globe Pub!

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