Last month, Seattle's best dive bar, the Rimrock Steakhouse, suddenly went dark—a tragedy on Lake City Way. But there's hope down the street at nearby El Norte, where Rimrock regulars The Davanos have taken up a new Wednesday night residency. The cover band is usually anchored by guitarist Jerry Battista, though the nightly lineup varies when Battista is touring with his other band, the Dusty 45s. Housed in the space formerly occupied by the infamous Rose Garden, El Norte is like a taco-truck version of Mr. Villa (same owners), only with a roof and a vast, expertly-curated tequila selection. Now they've got a house band whose repertoire is just as comprehensive and sharp, making patrons wish 2 a.m. could wait an extra hour. Or day. MIKE SEELY
