Bring a Pool Cue and a Smile
Everyone wants to be your friend at R.J. Grins, but no one has time for formal introductions. There’s simply too much to do in this cozy yet sleek bar and pool hall. Tucked inside Glendale’s Red Lion Hotel, R.J. Grins has one of the spiciest happy hours around, at least as far as the food goes. It offers a different complimentary appetizer each weeknight: On Tuesday it’s Cajun-style drumettes and meatballs. There’s a taco bar on Wednesday. And on Friday, a chef greets visitors by the door, then prepares beef or chicken fajitas for them on his grill. There’s also a dance floor for working off the food or the strawberry margaritas, but don’t be surprised if you’re the only one out there before 10 p.m.
THE SCENE: Tall, black chairs and tables form a circle around the three pool tables at the center of this Art Deco-inspired room. Dim lighting casts shadows along high booths against pastel green walls, making it the perfect place for a discreet rendezvous.
THE CROWD: Although R.J. Grins is inside a hotel, locals of all ages outnumber tourists, especially on Friday nights when regulars head straight for the pool tables and ignore D.J. Eddie Manili’s mixes of Top-40 dance tracks. Couples may wander in for a drink, but groups of working folks from Brand Boulevard’s business district are the more likely patrons.
THE POOL: Quarters are slapped down onto the wooden edges of the pool tables to determine who gets to play next. There are several places to rack ‘em up in Glendale, but 23-year-old Holleigh Taufer of La Crescenta said she sees more women playing at R.J. Grins. “There are some really good pool players and this is a great place to play with challengers,” she said as she assembled her stick and glared over at two young men shooting at a far table. “Those guys cannot play pool,” she muttered.
THE GOOD: If you’re a little shy around a pool table, regulars seem eager to teach or compete. The informal atmosphere should make first-timers feel at home.
THE BAD: Dancing is an option but the floor is tiny. That may be good if you’re eager for intimacy, but if you don’t like your comfort zone invaded, head for another club.
THE WORD: “We have a good time,” said one regular. “We’re escaping reality . . . that’s why we play pool.”
R.J. Grins in the Red Lion Hotel, 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale. Open from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday to Friday, 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday; Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. Cover charge $5 after 8 p.m. (818) 956-5466.