Open less than a week, the bar at Tex Mex restaurant Laredos (555 Aloha St.) was already half full of repeat imbibers. A complete re-imagining of the old Veil space, the joint’s restrained border town decor is highlighted by the Mexican tarot screened hanging panels. Laredos may just be one of the only places to have Negro Modelo and Modelo Especial on tap, but hopefully not for long. (Anyone else loves Negro Modelo?) The menu is classic and affordable Ameri-mexi food, and happy hour runs 4:00-6:00 p.m., with most food at $3.50. I can even dig the frozen margarita machine (still fits my “no blender” rule). Everyone got free chips and salsa, and the bar staff was super sweet. I’ll take a Richie Cunningham type over a so-called bar chef any day. I would totally come here before the ballet. Alright, alright, hockey game. (Laredos, 555 Aloha St., www.laredosgrill.com)