Guest columnist Rose McMahem describes one of her favorite Renton establishments, The Pickled Onion Pub, “The Eastside’s Only Authentic English Soccer Pub” Here is her column:
Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this. I mean, why tell everyone about the bar I like and risk it becoming more popular and crowded than I prefer? I doubt that’ll happen, despite my vast influence and all, but still. The principle of the matter remains: if you like a place, keep it a secret.
Except I can’t, because I like it so much I’m compelled to talk about it. Inherent in my statements will be my love of the joint. I can’t avoid it. There is no hiding my enthusiasm.
First off, let’s get something straight- I’m not a drinker. I’m not a foodie, either. Or a pool player, or a sports fan. Which begs the question: why do I frequent a sports bar? Well, because there’s so much more to it than that. When I say I’m not a drinker, I mean not that I’m a complete teetotaler, but that I don’t drink enough to know one vodka from another, or whether the bartender knows what he’s doing. Or be able to hold my liquor. Oh, I enjoy my screwdriver or similar fruity-boozy thing from time to time, but is it good? All I know is that it’s nice in my mouth. Objectively speaking, I have no idea.
So clearly I’m not going to the place to tie one on; that’s just not my bag. Similarly, I couldn’t tell you if their cottage pie is top-notch, although my unrefined tastes don’t think it’s bad at all. I know the grilled cheese is good, but it’s hard to screw that up.
I don’t go to watch soccer, and I don’t go to play pool.
I go because there’s plenty of other stuff going on there. There are people I know- or who I know now, at least, owing to the generally friendly vibe of the place. There are bingo nights, and darts, and bartenders who remember your name and what you drink. There are trivia nights, karaoke, and live bands. I mean, this isn’t some boring little low-key dive, but at the same time it’s still small enough that after showing up a few times, you get to know the other regulars.
After seeing some dude with his mom at bingo night there last week, I decided to invite my own parents to trivia night. The idea of bringing my parents to the bar I frequent hadn’t occurred to me before. And you know what? It worked. The place isn’t too hip and loud for adults; it welcomes all ages and sizes…it’s like a little community center that just happens to serve alcohol and burgers. What’s better than settling in for a game of trivia and having people bring you Newcastle? I think my dad would argue: nothing.
If you’re going to show up, though, understand that we’ll beat you at trivia. We may have only gotten second place last night, but we’ll own that place next week.
Rose
Isn’t the Pickled Onion on Sunset?
We enjoy this place, although as the evenings get later, the music gets louder and tends to drive out all other activity! Another cool place for Renton Highlanders to relax and enjoy great Renton Schools memorabilia, is Jacks Bar & Grill, on 4th.