The Bacaro Venetian Tavern rides the line between a college hang out and a lounge-type bar. If you find yourself there before nine on a weekday then you can bet on having good service in a laid back atmosphere. However, if you go to Bacaro late on a Friday or Saturday you find yourself competing with frat boys for the bartender’s attention. Fortunately, there is enough room in the bar (and on the upstairs patio, open year round) to avoid most of the crowd.

Volunteer for the film festival and meet new people -legions of ladies volunteer -and floods of people attend the internationally-acclaimed event. It’s a “do not miss.” Plan your time wisely as the Mill Valley Film Festival dates conflict with Litquake.

This is a great routine because it works on several levels. First, there’s a relationship question. It’s a qualifier and you should use it when you’ve already got some interest going from her. You’re asking her if she’s the jealous type. Most women will say “yes” if they like you, especially after you’ve gotten her attracted to you. When you start going on and on about this funky place with Wednesday night karaoke, you’ll be diffusing the jealousy conversation for now. Don’t elaborate on her answer but just say “okay, cool” and get into the story.

Do not let the “hotel bar” image seep into your mind just yet, Catacombs bar is one of the best places to hang out and have a few drinks. Catacombs has tried in recent years to shed its ‘dive bar’ look with brighter lighting and a few updates but still has a ping-pong table, a few arcade machines, pool tables, and $1 well drinks.

Davey’s of course serves many drinks to go with your meal. Beers are approximately two dollars. Well drinks are usually $3.50 and sodas are $1.75. The punk-rock t-shirt country atmosphere transforms when the show begins with candles and table cloths in the stage room. In the main bar room other activities are there for you to partake.

“I like to do things that you can’t see at other shows. Last week we had the Kansas City Juggler’s Club and they brought several guys and did all these crazy tricks and shenanigans. There was a guy laying on the floor juggling knives by his face. Love it. You can’t go anywhere else and see that,” said Farrand.

A further unwritten rule of dressing for stand-up is “Don’t use shorts to a comedy club.” Comedy clubs want to set on a specialized stand-up comedy present and they are inclined to search down on even brand name new comedians who walk on stage donning shorts. If you’re walking on stage at a comedy club often use pants… (I suggest very long pants).

Did I mention the bartenders are awesome? Jen and Stephen are great, whether you’ve been there once or once a week, they treat newcomers and veterans all the same. When they work together (mainly just weekends) they make a great team and it’s entertainment enough to watch their antics. You would think they were siblings. They will not hesitate in taking your keys away and helping you find alternate transportation if they think you’ve had too much–I’ve seen that happen to a fellow patron. That earned them even more points of respect, the night I saw that.