It’s a new year, and we’re heading to the bar! Well, the friends of Lakeside are, anyway.
What We Know So Far
In my post, Your First Clue, I revealed that the romantic comedy novel I’m writing takes place in the summer. In the post, First Reader Input, I introduced our heroine and one of you fabulous readers gave her a red Mini Cooper (thanks Margaret!) That car plays an important role in the Meet Cute of our Hero and Heroine.
Most of the story takes place in the town of Lakeside, Washington, not far from Seattle (your GPS might not find it, but it wouldn’t find Brigadoon either, so how reliable is it, really?)
Setting the Scene
One of the early scenes takes place in a local bar. A popular spot to drop by after work for a beer and a game of pool. And don’t forget the buffalo wings! Despite the crowds, you can usually find a table. Oh, and parking. You can always find parking. And there’s never a line for the woman’s bathroom. (Okay, now I’ve gone too far. Dammit Jim! This is a RomCom, not a fantasy novel!)
Now, here’s where I need some Reader Input: what’s the name of the bar? Wait! Before you decide, let’s take a look around…
The Vibe
The venue has a mix of classic and modern décor, with ample seating options including comfortable booths and bar stools by the pool tables. The vibe is relaxed, casual and social. Lighting is a mix of warm, subdued overhead lights and neon signs, contributing to a cozy yet lively environment.
The Music
Audible but not overpowering, the background music is a mix of classic and contemporary hits (unless you happen to be there on Flashback Friday or Nashville Night. Break out those cowboy boots!)
The Drinks
The well-stocked bar hosts an array of spirits and craft beers. One of our new friends says they make a great Old Fashioned. If you’re feeling adventurous but indecisive, you can’t go wrong with the featured cocktail.
The Clientele
Our bar is a local favorite, where everyone (over 21) is welcome, and people come to unwind after work or gather with friends on weekends. The clientele, ranging from mid-20s to adults, is a diverse group who appreciate a good drink and a relaxed setting.
Overall, our bar strikes a balance between being a comfortable hangout spot and a lively social venue, making it popular among a broad age group. It’s the kind of place where new friendships are formed over rounds of pool and drinks, in an unpretentious, welcoming environment.
Reader Input Challenge
And so I’ll ask again… What’s the name of the bar? Your idea could end up in my upcoming romantic comedy book!
Put your suggestion in the comments. If you’re feeling bold, please add your first name or screen name. I like to know who these great ideas are coming from!
If your bar name is selected, I’d love to send you a small thank you gift and give you a shout out in my newsletter and on the website.
READ FIRST: Legal Stuff
Please read the legalese before submitting your response.
Thank you for helping shape the story!
“The Corner Pocket” to tie into the billiards theme; to me it also connotates a local / smaller hangout. if it happens to sit on a street corner (vs in the middle of a block), then it’s a double tie in 🙂
That’s it! The Corner Pocket. Perfect. Casual and fun. Highlights the pool tables. I’ve already updated the scene where one of the characters first says, “we’re meeting at The Corner.” And yes, it absolutely will be on the corner. I hope you like the whiskey stones heading your way 🙂 Thank you!
Lakeside Pub
The Quill
Quill and Quiver
The Gray Mist
Rack and Rye
Writer’s Block
The Rooster Tail
Heads and Tales
M’s Den [wait for it]
Eric Rothenberg
HA! M’s Den. Took me a few verbal readings. I think M’s Ahsm would be great too. Even better if Ahsm was an actual word 😁.
These are all really good. Thanks Eric! Rack and Rye, Rack ‘n Rye… hmmm….
The Cove.
Cove makes me think cozy, which I like. It’s a cool name!
Gail here.
Ruby’s. I don’t know why but I like the name Ruby and she does drive a red car.
Because Lakeside is near Seattle (in my world, anyway), I tend to think of Emeralds. So I like the irony! 🙂
For PNW vibes, I’m thinking something like Cascadia Tavern or DrizzleTown Pub.
Betsy Cohen
Nice! I kinda’ love DrizzleTown 😂
My Friend’s Place
Keep Drink Inn
See You Saloon
Oh Pour Me
Pour Decisions
Geoff Walker
I’m glad to see Inbar and I aren’t the only ones who love puns 😁 These are great! My Friend’s Place reminds me of the bar that seems to appear near every college… The Library. I really like Oh Pour Me (the locals call it OPM 😉) and Pour Decisions. So good!
There’s a trend of bars and restaurants that have two names connected by an “and”. Here are my guesses-
Bird and Feather
Aspen and Cedar
Comfort and Cove
What about Basil and the Bell
Or Basile and the Belle 😏
I have no idea what that means, but I like how it sounds 😀 Love this creativity!
Interesting! I like the pairing idea. Very creative. And Comfort and Cove would be a great name for a cozy nook where you go to curl up with a good book and a hot spiked cider. I want to go there now!
Crimson and Clover
The Crimson Tide
Go Crimson! 🙂 But I will now have that Crimson and Clover song in my head for a very long time. Crimson Tide makes me think of Alabama, but I do like how it sounds.
Rachael again…The Velvet Oak or just Velvet Oak. Ah! I love it. If you don’t use it, I might have to. 😉
I really love how that sounds! You should use it! I don’t think “Oak” is going to work for this, but that needs to get in a book somewhere!!
Human edited suggestions from Bard (prompt: create a new hip name for a bar that is not too loud, classy, mix of fashion, literature and nerds, all are welcome)
The Turing Twist
Pours and Prose
The Last Chapter
Too funny! I’ll wonder if ChatGPT would identify different nerds 😀 I also have a bookstore + cafe to name, where these would be an even better fit!
fun idea! This is Rachael Mitchell…it sounds subtly upscale, not a dive nor a club, so I think the name has to have a subtle bougie ring to it…The Oak Tavern, The Oaks, The Oak, Oak Bar, Under the Oak….
Thanks Rachael! Subtly upscale is a perfect description. You must be a writer 😉 I like the way Oak sounds in all of these. Round but sharp at the same time. And you’ve “unlocked” the hero’s occupation – Landscape architect!
But because of that, I’m not sure if I want to have the tree theme show up here. The bar is in the town of Lakeside, so if I go with a nature theme, I think I’d go that route. But I do like how it sounds!
“Tequila Mockingbird” is a name I like, because:
1. I like tequila
2. I read the book
3. I like puns
Thanks for reposting, Inbar. Love this! You’ve unlocked the name of one of my characters 😉 …Atticus! It’s not the hero’s name, but one of his good friends. This is on the short list.