It’s really got that Cheers feeling (well, a little smokier and muskier, maybe) and lots of nice folks from all walks of life — from Vietnam vets (our favorite goes by the nickname “Animal”) to trendy college-age kids to the yuppies next door. The decor is mid-’70s with low ceilings, earth tones and a fine illustration of Willie and Waylon. Singers from local bands like to grab the mic, and KJ Hollie Bruneau and her dad “The Captain” are good sports when drunk housewives scream Toni Braxton's “Unbreak My Heart” in the style of Jello Biafra. Bartender Patty Denmark is quick and friendly and takes an occasional break to belt out her anthem, “Short Dick Man.” Watch out for Joe Raguckas from Ella’s, who’ll set you up unawares with a song you don’t particularly know or like as part of a game he calls Karaoke Roulette. Our favorite Corneoke performance is Eric Mayers’ “Beat on the Brat” by the Ramones, sung like the Count from Sesame Street. Oh, and yes, the beer is the coldest in town, a decent variety of imports and domestics. Karaoke is on Friday and Saturdays, and starts fairly early in the evening, around 9 p.m., but most folks come around midnight. It stays open until 3. 1502 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 231-5010.
