It was about an hour past sundown when Jonesy (my
husband) and I walked into a nice little neighborhood establishment known as “ A Touch A’ Class”. Famous in Sacramento for its barbeque, southern cuisine and good times. We decided it would be a good place to pick up dinner for Pop (my father-in-law) since I was on “strike” (that’s another story).
When we walked through the door, we were welcomed by the sound of hot R&B, friendly faces, and aromas like the ones I used to smell in my grandma Hannah’s kitchen. Talk about comfort level. At any rate, we placed our order, found a table, took a seat, and began to really enjoy the “old school” atmosphere.
As I waited for our order, a slow smile moved across my lips as I began to reminisce.
In the early 80’s, when the numbers runner was still a mainstay in the hood (pre lottery), and the jheri curl was the coiffure of choice, there was an after hours spot in my old neighborhood that was the Black version of “Cheers”. It was located in the basement of a private home, and on any given Friday or Saturday night, everybody, and I do mean everybody, could be found there. The backstreet hustler and the working stiff, gathered there for a brief respite from the daily dramas of life and have a little fun. The lights were low and the bar was well stocked. Whatever your poison you could find it there. Dancing in the front room, gambling in the back, and in between, a bar that stretched from one end of the room to the other. At # 6 (that’s what it was called) deals were made, philosophies were developed, politics was discussed, stress was released, and lifelong relationships either began or ended.
And while it was more evolved than the “nip joints” in my parents day, it too would fade into the past.
And while it was more evolved than the “nip joints” in my parents day, it too would fade into the past.In the history of America, the “nip joint”, “juke joint”, “speakeasy”, “blind pig”, “after hours spot”, which ever moniker you wish to apply, can most times be found as a footnote listed under “illegal blight”. While that may be a factual view from the top, there is no denying that such establishments served a purpose. In the past, juke joints in the black community, aside from being a secular source of entertainment and social interaction, provided a showcase for local talent and a home away from home for many black musicians who traveled the “chitlin circuit”. They were a theater, restaurant, bar, and dance hall all rolled in to one.
I finally drifted back from my reverie of days gone by. Jonesy paid for Pop’s dinner and, promising to return, we made our exit. As we headed home, couldn’t help but think about how the curtains had closed #6 and other such shadow land establishments, clearing the stage for its more sophisticated, and certainly more, legitimate decedents.
So, if fabulous food is what you seek, one and a half blocks away from the long defunct #6, you can find it at the “Croaker Spot” restaurant, one of the finest soul food restaurants in the nation (ask Bobby Flay!) 
Wonderful food and an atmosphere that says “you’re welcomed here”. And if you need a shot of hot music and dancing the night away, you can find your niche anywhere across this country without knocking on the “Green Door”. If you’re ever on the west coast check out the Avalon night club in Sacramento. 
Fabulous environment, and the bar, well let’s just say that the old “#6” never looked like that!
Wonderful food and an atmosphere that says “you’re welcomed here”. And if you need a shot of hot music and dancing the night away, you can find your niche anywhere across this country without knocking on the “Green Door”. If you’re ever on the west coast check out the Avalon night club in Sacramento. 
Fabulous environment, and the bar, well let’s just say that the old “#6” never looked like that! I guess the moral of this story (if there is one) would be that time passes and circumstances change but the need for human social interaction and comfort does not, we will always look for places to meet and greet. Whatever your style may be, just look around, a good time maybe right around the corner.
