First Look: Tooey’s, Off Colfax

PBR comes to life at Tooey’s

Anytime a former Pabst Blue Ribbon marketing maestro goes out on her own, the result is sure to be a gas. That’s exactly what’s happened with Alissa Anderson, and her new bar, Tooey’s, Off Colfax.

Using her undeniable connection to the fabulously trashy yet trendy beer, PBR seems to be the keystone of both the design and attitude.

Straight up, no frills, with a funky edge; Tooey’s epitomizes the contradictory classification of a "chic dive bar." It’s not trying to be more than it is, or even trying to divier than it is meant to be; merely it has set the bar low and is damn proud of it.

A shrine to Papst, there is PBR décor, PBR specials and even personalized PBR koozies for loyal customers. We haven’t tried “PBR bingo” on Thursdays, but we’ll report back whenever we figure out exactly what the hell it is. “P-3, B-2, R-1.” “PBR!” Perhaps you win, oh, we dunno…a PBR???

Knowing that man cannot live on beer alone, anytime before 8 p.m. patrons can indulge in a beer and shot for a reasonable $5. Also, almost every Friday and Saturday night, live music blasts through the narrow space. Sunday adds a little flavor, as DJ Ginger turns the tunes into hip-hop.

Nothing like the former tenants of 1521 Marion Street (the funky Club Boca most recently, and the fine dining spot janleone before that), even the name is an eclectic rebirth of sorts.

The rumor is it goes back to Anderson’s childhood, where she adopted a kitten after it almost became lunch for a neighbor’s dog. After the canine swooped up the unfortunate feline whole, Anderson prompted the pooch the spit it back out. The following onomatopoeic “pa-tooey!” from Fido became the kitty’s name, as well as putting in motion a chain of events of what would eventually become Anderson’s first foray into the bar world.

Shot and a beer, anyone? —Justin Jimenez, Metromix