The Usual is exactly what its name promises: a neighbourhood bar with no agenda, a long whiskey list, and the kind of lighting that flatters everyone. On the lower end of the Arts District, it draws the gallery-opening crowd, the after-dinner crowd, and the people who just want a drink without paying Strip prices.
The interior is small and gets warm on busy nights, which happen most weekends when there are gallery openings nearby. The cocktail list is competent but most people order bourbon or a local beer. Cash preferred. One of those bars that a city's arts neighbourhood absolutely requires and rarely produces this well.