I was somewhat disappointed that the 222 wasn't at all what I was expecting. It wasn't scary, it wasn't dirty, the neighborhood was what it is, but the 222 is a WINE BAR, and a confusingly snoody one at that. No one had informed me of this. I took a breath, regained composure, and tried to understand this piece of Pacific Heights located deep in the TL.

FIRST ACTION: Ordering a drink

Would I care for something from... an assortment of Mexian and Italian beers? a glass from their extensive list of Europeon wines (only one Napa is offered)? Sangria? Expresso? Soju (a Korean vodka for those who don't know, and I certainly didn't)?

I said, "Uh, I would like a beer that doesn't taste like much," and promptly recieved a Peroni.

SECOND ACTION: Checking out the spot

The walls were all red brick and the ceiling was high, which was enough atmosphere for me. Scattered on said walls were various chalkboards advertising wine and food. (Yes, there is a "kitchen" behind the bar. Would you care for... Tuna Poki? Cheese plate? Caprese Salad? Sausage Sandwich? Gourmet pizza? You can order these items until midnight and I thought that was pretty cool, even though they're all a little too schmancy for me. Items like these shouldn't be eaten at a bar. It felt wrong.)

THIRD ACTION: Hitting on the DJs

If you go down some steps past the bar you will find yourself in a very decently-sized, unsuffocating basement of sorts. There are large booths, a few tables with chess boards up for grabs, and windows (why couldn't I smoke down there? It really would've swayed my feelings on this place.) The DJ set-up was accessible and there were a couple of guys messing around, my friend included, playing mostly downtempo. The bartender/owner said that the music selection goes from hip-hop to reggae to jazz. One drunk DJ liked to describe his style as "downtempo cinematic hip-hop with a jazz influence." Pfft on that guy.

FINAL THOUGHTS

222 Club was dead on a Saturday night. I realize that it's only been open three months, and the wife-half of ownership was very accomodating, but I just don't "get" the location... or even what vision is attempting to be manifested. This is not your neighborhood bar. Lunch was a mentioned consideration for the future, from 11AM to 4PM, but I think that only some very strong, respected DJS nightly will allow this place to stay in business. That and, at the very least, some Amstel Light, am I asking too much?