Small print: Open 11-1 a.m. daily. Happy hour is Monday through Friday, 5 to 7 p.m.
Why you should go: In a town where some people frequent the same bars every night, Bentley's is a cozy hideaway where you're guaranteed not to run into your ex or that guy you just kicked out of the band.
Plus, if you're looking to meet someone new -- having already dated every ear X-tacy clerk and Lynn's server -- you just might meet a sexy, bored young sales rep from Tacoma, Wash., who's here for only two days.
Why you should think twice: It's a fairly basic room. No billiards or jukebox or lizards under glass here, just cable TV. If you just want to drink and watch Comedy Central, maybe you should buy a six-pack and stay home.
Why you should still go: It's an oddly attractive room; one can imagine that the production designer of "The Brady Bunch" drew up the plans. With a little imagination you might be able to trick yourself into believing that you're on vacation.
PHOTO BY DAVID HARPE
It might seem like a safe, predictable environment, but on my second visit I found myself being counseled by a Vietnam War veteran on -- how do you say this? -- what I needed to learn if I wanted to keep my woman happy. He also told my companion, Sally, that she reminded him of his late wife, except that Sally wasn't "wearing Daisy Dukes and a tube top."
When our new friend became too much fun, the friendly bartender, Mike, was quick to usher him out of the establishment without causing a scene.
Bottom line: If you're looking for something a bit off the beaten path, but right in front of your nose, or if you're looking for something obvious that might contain hidden treasures for those willing to look, Bentley's is an above-average hotel bar.
I hear they serve some food, too, but that's beside the point. Why anyone would go to the Holiday Inn for a steak is beyond me, but I suspect that some people wouldn't think to go there for a Bourbon & Ginger, either, and they'd be missing out.
