I have lived in three different apartments since I have lived on my own, and in each one – I had a homebar and always hosted parties instead of attending them. In doing so, I never really went to any neighborhood “hangouts” and discovered a favorite of my own. But now that I no longer have a homebar in my house and attend parties instead of hosting them, I have finally found a bar that I consider to be my “hangout,” my “spot” – and my Cheers – because when I go there – everybody knows my name – Applebee’s.

Located at the intersection of Emmons and Bedford Avenues in Sheepshead Bay, it is one of the coolest places to hang out with friends and eat, drink and be merry. I must say that I am there at least three times a week, and I always have a blast each time that I am there. Their décor is very reminiscent of how I kept my homebars, with walls full of memorabilia, the waitresses are welcoming, and my fellow regular customers are a lot of fun to talk to.

But the real reason I go there is for, what I call, “The Fab Five” – Alla, Cindy, Deena, Erin and Theresa. These five wonderful and beautiful ladies are the nicest and most pleasant bartenders I have ever met. Whenever I see them, they interact with me as if I am their friend rather than their customer. We engage in fun conversation while they pour me my favorite poison. We ask about each other’s lives, talk about the latest headlines – and sometimes even hang out after their shifts are over. For every million bartenders there are at least ten million customers, but I think it is really nice that I have developed a mutual friendship with each of these five fabulous ladies.

I was just there this afternoon for Christine’s birthday. I got there an hour before her and sat at the bar until she arrived. As soon as I sat down, Cindy said hello and Erin came by to pour me a Budweiser Select without me even having to ask for it. For the hour that passed until Christine got there, Erin and I bantered about our own lives and life in general. We discussed her college education, her life goals, and fashion. She also asked me to bring her another copy of my book, because someone had stolen hers. Each time I go there, my conversations with Alla, Cindy, Deena, Erin and Theresa are similar to the one I had today – and that is why I love to go to Applebee’s.

Unfortunately, five will become four when Deena leaves Applebee’s to become a Flight Attendant. Although I will miss her deeply, I wish her the best of luck in what she wants to do – and made her promise that she will bring me a refrigerator magnet from each city that she lands in. Her last day is this Friday and clearly, I will be there to say goodbye and wish her well – although I wish she wasn’t leaving.

Everyone who enjoys the nightlife has a place that they love to go to and have a good time at. Mine is Applebee’s. So if you are ever in the Sheepshead Bay area, come join me for a cold one – which will no doubt be served by a friendly and beautiful bartender.