Welcome to Mugshots. I popped in yesterday evening on their third day of operation. It is located on the National Highway, directly across the street from the Catholic church in the same block as Bar Barretto. It is on the small side of the bar spectrum here but is well-appointed and comfortable. The space was formerly a bar named Wild Paradise, which has been closed for over three years now. The new owner has done a complete remodel and did a very nice job of it.
I was drinking soda and gin, but bottled beers are priced at 80 pesos. They didn’t have Zero in stock, and when I told Shawn it was a popular choice for many expats, he promised to order some.
I neglected to take a photo, but there is also outdoor seating with a view of the highway. That’s probably where I will spend most of my time on future visits.
There is also a kitchen and a limited menu available. Haven’t tried the food out yet, but maybe next time.
To my surprise, it is also used for videoke (karaoke) performances. I admit to being dismayed when I saw a young woman go up on stage and grab the microphone. I braced myself for the usual high-volume screeching you have to endure in a videoke bar but was pleasantly surprised that the music was kept at a reasonable volume. Shawn and I were actually able to carry on our conversation at the bar while she sang. I complimented him on this unusual way of letting people sing their hearts out without bothering the other customers. I asked if they had portable microphones for people to sing from the tables, and he said no, only on stage. I like that too.
Has anyone noticed what’s missing? I asked Shawn if they were going to hire waitresses or Guest Relations Officers (GROs) to provide company for lonely customers. He said there were no plans to do so; it’s not that kind of bar. Interesting. I think there are only a couple of other bars in town that take that approach, hope it works out for them. Regular readers know that I regularly partake in the “I buy lady drink, you pretend to like me” charade, but it might be nice to have a venue where I won’t be bothered if I just want to drink alone.
Anyway, this looks to be a great new addition to the bar lineup. I’m definitely up for a future visit to hear some live music at an appropriate volume. And hell, if I am drunk enough, I might even get up there a sing during videoke time.
The current rankings (still need to make adjustments for previously reviewed bars. I’ll get to it soon, I promise!)
- It Doesn’t Matter
- Cheap Charlies
- Snackbar
- Mango’s Beach Bar
- Alley Cats
- Wet Spot
- Bar Barretto
- Mugshots
- Adam’s
- Blue Butterfly
- Out Back Billabong
- Dynamite Dick’s
- Palm Tree
- Hideaway
- Hot Zone
- Alaska Club
- The Green Room
- Thumbstar
- Bottoms Up
- Rosies
- Rock Lobster
- Queen Victoria
- Voodoo
- BarCelona
- Annex
- MacArthur’s
- Redz Pub
- Whiskey Girl
directly across the street from the Catholic church
Them Catholics know their liquor. Always good to have a watering hole nearby after you’re done talking to God.
I’ll be curious to see what sort of food they sell at Mugshots.
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Well, I’m sure a few parishioners will find their way. The bar opens earlier than most at 11:00 a.m., maybe for that Catholic market.
Yeah, I thought I’d taken a picture of the menu, but for some reason, it didn’t come out. Next time for sure.
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