Best place to drink if you’re broke

Five bucks doesn't get much these days. Even the nastiest bottom-shelf, plastic-bottle hobo hooch is going to run about $6.50. But the Mercantile Saloon is a magical place that turns $5 into a Jack and Coke with half a bottle of whiskey in it. The Merc features colorful clientele that's trying to get drunk for the joog, just like you. If you're frightened by gay bars, the Merc (or planet Earth) probably isn't the best place for you. But if there were ever a force to defeat homophobia, it's alcoholism. 1928 L Street, (916) 447-0792. R.R.