Raising the Bar: Blind Lemon

Bartender Steven Kloeker draws a draft beer at The Blind Lemon in Mt. Adams. (Credit: David Sorcher | Metromix)

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It's tiny, but it's not the basement of Mount Adams Bar and Grill. In fact, Blind Lemon is far from one.

Maybe you've imagined a Hard Rock Cafe, a hobbit's den and an Irish pub rolled into one cool bar - a place decorated with copper pots and mugs, platinum records (Thriller!) and celeb photos. This is that bar.

Named after blues guitarist Blind Lemon Jefferson, this is Mount Adams' culture hub.

THE EXPERIENCE

My girlfriend and I have been to the Blind Lemon a handful of times - and each time we leave with a fond memory. We've been there for an evening with singer-guitarist Nick Tuttle, who plays Tuesdays, and we've enjoyed wine and a bonfire on the patio.

On a recent Thursday we were alone with the bartender - that's because we arrived around 6 p.m., the earliest we've ever stopped in. He took the liberty of playing the entirety of John Mayer's bluesy Continuum as he stocked the bar and took our drink orders.

We were drawn to the "Hot Drinks" menu. My lady opted for a Blind Bailey's - hot chocolate, coffee and Baileys Irish Cream ($5.75). She was convinced this would be an addictive candy bar, too.

Taking a friend's suggestion, I had the Hot Buttered Rum - cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, brown sugar and Bacardi Select ($6.25). I wouldn't complain if the bartender subtracted the nutmeg and brown sugar, items buried by the kickin' core ingredients.

When the hot drinks were gone, we changed things up a bit. Jess had a bottle Sierra Nevada ($4.50) and I opted for a draft of Peroni ($5.25).

DID IT RAISE THE BAR?

Yes, and we didn't expect any less. Before the weather warms up, we'll definitely return for another bonfire.

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