By Dr. Ink

The 30th Street/University Avenue zone in North Park used to be home to several neighborhood-y bars. But since Buster Daly’s transformed to U31, Scolari’s Office did a million-dollar Cinderella to become The Office and True North brought the velvet rope crowd to the ’hood – not to mention the addition of craft-beer haunts such as Ritual Tavern, Toronado and The Linkery – you might find yourself standing on the corner wondering where you can just get a simple drink in the heart of North Park these days.

So that’s why I sauntered in to the Redwing Bar, which advertises as “North Park’s Last Dive Bar,” on 30th near Lincoln Avenue.

For me, a “dive bar” needs to fulfill a list of rather specific requirements, including that it must be nearly cold in character, somewhat small and offer no amenities. Even with that short list, the Redwing doesn’t qualify as a dive bar in my book, but it probably is the least gussied-up bar in that few-block area if that’s all “dive” means to you.

If you’ve been reading my column, you know one thing always impresses me, whether it’s a dive bar or a five-star hotel bar: a happy hour menu that is simple and obvious. The Redwing Bar accomplishes that with $2.75 well drinks and $2.75 domestic beers until 6 p.m. seven nights a week. (Note to cheapos: Just because the bartender gives you a quarter in change doesn’t mean that’s the total tip you should leave, as I saw one guy do.)

Walking into the Redwing, I was surprised at how large the place actually is compared to its street frontage. A massive U-shaped tiled bar occupies the center of the space while there is plenty of room along the wall and front windows for more seating. Go toward the back past the refurbished and quite nice bathrooms, and then up the stairs to the patio, and there is another bar – ample but not as large as inside – and generous seating at the bar and at tables. Smoking is allowed on the patio. (Those two qualities – beautified bathrooms and a quaint outdoor setting – knock the Redwing out of dive bar contention for me.)

Inside, my drinking partner and I settled ourselves at the mostly empty bar at about 5:30 one Monday evening, thankful for what seemed to be a combination of plentiful air conditioning and a breeze. Baseball and sports updates were on the overhead TVs. A handful of other patrons were at the bar, with one table taken outside (the patio bar is only open on weekends or special events). I noticed a couple of people playing trivia against each other on one of the TVs using handheld devices.

The friendly bartender quickly came over, greeted us, took our drink orders and was back just as fast with two very cold pints. It’s easy to forget how many bars serve their beer too warm until you get a nicely chilled one, as this was.

While I sipped, I checked out what the Redwing has to offer behind the bar: eight beer taps, Patron and Jägermeister shot machines, the usual array of booze and an interesting selection of packaged snacks (even white cheddar popcorn). The munchies must come in handy since the Redwing’s kitchen is only open on weekends, although I did see a worker from the adjacent taco shop drop off an order to a customer at the bar.

One of the things I really liked about the Redwing is it isn’t trying to be anything in particular. Is it a dive bar? As I’ve established, it doesn’t qualify for me but that depends on your definition. Is it a gay bar? I certainly would call the Redwing gay friendly – a few rainbow beer lights and decorations were here and there – but as heteros neither my friend nor I felt unwelcome or uncomfortable. So what is it then? Well, who cares? Just sit down, order your drink and enjoy.

Another standout about this bar is the staff. During our time on the stools we overlapped shifts so we had the chance to talk with two bartenders. Both were genuinely pleasant and engaging. Even though they were working alone, they took time to check on the patio and carry drinks there, which most bartenders wouldn’t bother doing when flying solo. As our glasses would near empty, the bartender would ask for our next order without our having to flag him down. That’s just good customer service, and it shows a bar that is eager to make you happy (and make money).

As we were leaving, the bartender was preparing for the Redwing’s Monday night “1-2-3” special, which includes $1 hot dogs, $2 domestic drafts and $3 craft and import drafts from 7 p.m.-close. Other nights offer similar deals – the Tuesday night wells for $1.50 being a standout (and they don’t pour rot-gut liquor like some places do).

A few years ago, the Redwing was nothing special – a bar amongst bars. But by maintaining its easy-going, no-frills attitude, it’s actually become something of a novelty in an area that’s hipsterizing by the month: a good place just to get a drink. Or three.

Redwing Bar & Grill
www.redwingbar.com
4012 30th Street
San Diego, 92104
(619) 281-8700
Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Fri., 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Sat., 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Sun., 10 a.m.-1 a.m.

Ratings:
Drinks: 4
Cold beer and cheap wells but no wine specials (and no wine in sight, except the little airplane bottles I spied in the fridge).

Food: 1
Nothing but bagged snacks, although you can get a delivery from the taco shop next door.

Value: 5
Happy hour well drinks for $2.75 is about as cheap as you’ll find in San Diego.

Service: 5
Warm and attentive.

Duration: 5
Seven nights a week, which is a plus, and even though Happy Hour ends at 6 the bartender didn’t up-charge us for the round we ordered at 6:30.

Note about the ratings: Each category is based on 1-5 glasses, with 5 being best. Drinks and food are rated as to quantity and quality, while duration is based on the number of days and hours Happy Hour is offered. Value and service are self-explanatory.

Want to make me happy? E-mail Dr. Ink about your favorite Happy Hour and I’ll drop by with my stethoscope: dr.inksd@gmail.com.