As a Northsloper, I confess I don’t get down to the south side of Bernal as often as I’d like. Fortunately, Bernalwood readers have that covered.

Reader Sandy Cardoza writes to sing praises about the new and improved St. Mary’s Pub, on the corner of Mission and Crescent:

Though I’ve lived on College Hill for nine years, I’d only been into St. Mary’s Pub twice before its recent change in ownership.  The first time shouldn’t really count because I chickened-out before sitting down to order a drink by myself.  Instead, I ended up only asking to change a couple of dollar bills for quarters, since I was in the middle of doing laundry at the laundromat across the way.  The bartender was kind enough to give me change and I realized that I recognized her from Nap’s.  Months before at Nap’s, she had made me a margarita using only limes, sugar, tequila, a splash of water, and ice.

I wanted to order another margarita from her, but the indoor cigarette smoke and the rowdy 49er fans didn’t feel very inviting.

A few years later, my partner convinced me to give the place another try.  I went in hoping to see the same bartender as before, but I was out of luck.  It could have been the same customers at the bar, though: 49ers gear, missing teeth, chain smoking.  We ordered cans of Budweiser and went to the back room to play pool.  Walking through to the backroom, I noticed how the floors were warped in some places.

Fast-forward five years: Some friends mentioned that St. Mary’s Pub is under new ownership, and one of our favorite bartenders is now working there.  Finally, something cool in this part of Bernalwood!  The new owners have given the place quite a facelift, too. The floors are no longer warped. Plus, they raised the ceiling, which makes the ambiance more airy.  You’ll still find the old regulars there — but now they light up outside and watch trippy esoteric Japanese Sci-Fi rather than football games on the bar TVs.

Drink prices are still very reasonable and they offer some real Happy Hour bargains. Stop in and make yourself comfortable because St. Mary’s may soon to become your new favorite watering hole.  Don’t forget to ask your bartender what’s on special.

PHOTOS: Telstar Logistics