The Place: KJ's Bar and Grill

What Prompted the Visit: A grand hangover from two days of patriotic fervor. Not only had the alcohol done me in, but waking up at 11 am on a Sunday morning with a splitting headache and the awful knowledge that gas prices are continuing to spike, job losses are mounting, food costs are soaring and the credit crisis ain't getting any better.... Well, you can see why I may have needed that stiff drink.

The Room: KJ's is just about the perfect place to nurse your nationalist hangover--a little slice of true Americana. It's smoky and dark in the interior and at noon on a Sunday there are plenty of gritty neighborhood types hanging around to remind you what a great country you're living in. Because, lets face it, if those guys are doing well enough that they can sit around on a Sunday afternoon and shoot the shit over copious amounts of beer, then things can't be all that bad, can they?

The Bloody: The $4 pint-sized bloody mary is a great reason to love KJ's. Okay, so it's not the best in town. It's not even close to the best in town, but it's ass-kicking strong and cheap. KJ's bloody is your basic tomato juice, horseradish, vodka type. No frills, no extras, no infused vodka. It's an unassuming and self-deprecating drink. It's not boastful or bold. It has no desire to conquer the world. It just wants to help you get your head straight and keep you on your feet. Goddammit, this bloody mary has all the qualities of a great American. If only I could vote you into the senate, KJ bloody mary, then maybe we might get somewhere in this country.

Affect: Holy shit! Was I talking to my bloody mary just then? Wow, these things are strong.