Wally's Mills Avenue Liquors
If you live in Orlando, you've driven past Wally's and if you're anything like me, never thought anything about it. In pursuit of new experiences, a friend of mine decided to open my eyes to the culture behind this half-century old institution. Gotta say... I was slightly scared. Walking up, we headed to an unmarked blue side door that swung open as we neared to let an upset-looking guy storm through it. After slowing my pace and questioning my friend, I was reassured to just "have faith" and continue following. Behind that blue door was a packed bar filled with so much character it was oozing in the air. Saddling up to the bar, we ordered our drinks and settled in for what proved to be a very entertaining hour. Let me describe some of what was going on around me. To my right was a gentleman who looked to be in his 60's nursing a cranberry and vodka (so I assumed), chain smoking cigarettes while enjoying a slice of birthday cake. Before that hour was up, he would turn to me to share quotes and poetry from his blackberry. To my left was a young guy (30's maybe) who was holding a peanut bag and straw, with a beer in front of him. The bartender (a lovely woman who would fit in nicely at any biker bar along Route 66) obviously knew almost everyone in the joint, and presumably all of their bad habits that accompanied them into the place. The young guy on my left was on the receiving end of her love and concern about 10 minutes after we arrived, when she walked up, grabbed the peanut bag saying "do you cocaine in here Bobby (name made up to protect the guy of whom I really don't even remember his name)?!" as she proceeded to tip the bag over, dumping white powder along the bar counter and then wiped it up. Just then another young guy walked in and took the peanut-bag guy out of the bar. Yup. True story. Honestly have no idea what those regulars thought when we walked in b/c 15 minutes in the place and it was obvious that we fit in as much as a pair of cowboy boots at a débutante's wedding. But I have to say it was one of the most entertaining places I've been... the people watching was colorful to say the least and the stories I observed are endless (I'll spare you the rest). Not sure I'll choose to revist Wally's on just a regular Friday or Saturday night, but I'm glad its part of this Challenge. Who knows... maybe I'll pass along the wisdom shared with me to some other uncultured friend.
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