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The first thing you notice at J.B. Obrien's is it's friendly atmosphere. I've never been in a tavern which has OLC's poker machines that exudes "good times" like J.B.'s. Pictures and artwork coupled with sports paraphernalia adorn the walls, and although it's a bit small with around 15 tables, and a 20 foot bar, along with a center butcher block for eats and treats, it seems bigger.

We were greeted by the managing partner who promptly took our order. Now, this was the best part for me, because as I was busy looking for the happy hour menu and draft beer list, the owner mentions the words "Stella Artois", which to my ears means "EUROPE!!". I couldn't believe it. Oregon is known for it's beautiful mountains and coastline, and it's thousands of acres of farmlands and prairies, good cheese and lousy drivers. Oregon has a reputation for being a clean, environmentally conscience state, fishing treasures and game hunting. Oregon is NOT known for it's lengthy list of available spirits or wines, and here I was, sitting down in this neighborhood bar, hearing that one of my favorite beers is not only available, but ON TAP blew my mind.

"How the hell did you get Stella?" I half shouted at the poor guy. He told me that Mt. Hood Beverage Company had been carrying it for a couple of weeks or so, and that he'd had it all that time. I just about fell over. I KNEW I should have listened to Midnite when she whined about not having done a recon into J.B.'s earlier! And to top it off, they served Stella in a cool etched glass, with an etched step and gold rim that I was willing to thrust into my pants just to take home with me! Fortunately, J.B.'s gave us a glass to take with us, and Midnite, having had a few too many (way too many) well drinks, found a few inches in HER pants to put one.

We didn't eat the food, as most of us were not hungry from having first stopped by another pub, but since Midnite had been there before, we listened to her description and longed to return in order to sample MORE STELLA and the beaudacious quantities of appetizers available at reasonable happy hour prices!

This was the first time I had ventured into Billygans and I must admit it was a delightful surprise. There were plenty of tables and booths to handle the Happy Hour Tribe. Lots of high tables with the bar stools, a big plus in my opinion. Gives you an elevated feeling of superiority. Just kidding. :) Plenty of appetizers to satisfy the diverse tastes of the tribe. The bartender was great too. She made a killer strawberry margarita, (right Ed?) and paid attention when our glasses became empty. Another bonus was the treat of throwing your peanut shells on the ground. At first it just felt wrong, but as the night wore on it, it felt good to be bad. Yeah, I don't get out much. :)

As soon as we were seated in this pub the owner/bartender greeted us with a big smile and warm conversation. As I asked about the beer on tap it was revealed that they served Stella. Recon almost fell out of his chair. Apparently Stella is an all time favorite of Recon, who sat in amazement with a huge smile on his face. In typical nature he then bombarded the owner with question after question. Go figure. The establishment was comfortable and showcased some great tunes. There were plenty of TV's placed strategically throughout the pub for those who have roaming eyes. All the tables were arranged with enough space between them but close enough together to listen in on other people's conversations, (right Ed?). Yeah, booty call for the young ladies. It was a good night: Ed stepped outside of his box of Coors light and iced teas and sampled margaritas, Recon was reunited with his ol' pal Stella, and Midnite Mover surprised me with her covert maneuver of removing a Stella glass without setting off any alarms. :) Ha ha. JB O'Briens received high marks from all who attended that night. Highly recommended for the next five Happy Hours. But that's just me.

J.B Obrien's

May 1st, 2004