Via Maria’s Action Takes Many Forms

CYPRESS — Getting frisked may be the most excitement you’ll have on a Saturday night at Via Maria, unless you like to watch somebody getting cuffed for being drunk in public, which has happened there recently, according to police.

On Fridays, when a hip-hop format jams the place, attitude as well as alcohol conspire to create a rougher atmosphere. A pat-down doesn’t seem out of line, although nothing more boisterous than a rare drunken brawl has ever broken out, management says.

“Disco Fever” Saturdays are considerably more mellow. In fact, even the small dance floor hadn’t reached capacity by 11 p.m. on a recent fair-weather weekend, and some songs drew only one couple or two.

The excitement that night peaked when one punchy woman celebrated her 22nd birthday. Without using her hands, she leaned over and handily downed the contents of a shot glass that had been placed on a stool between her male friend’s legs.

At any rate, most of the racially mixed, 20-ish crowd contented themselves with watching sports on the small-screen TVs, shooting pool on one of three tables, playing darts or just sitting, talking and slurping at several tables to one side of the dance floor.

No winner in the decor department, the 15-year-old club has an oppressively low, black ceiling. Neon beer signs, huge poster ads and flags galore easily outnumber patrons on any night. The carpet is dingy and some of the bar-stool upholstery torn.

There’s no pretense of prettiness here. Definitely don’t dress up.

Can’t beat the drink prices, though. Well drinks, wine and domestic drafts are only $1 from 9 to 11 p.m. On Wednesdays, any drink goes for $1.50. There’s an impressive array of margaritas too: banana, peach, Amaretto and creme de cacao are among 10 different flavorings. (Designated driver, anyone?)

Appetizers include buffalo wings ($3.95) and potato skins with real bacon and cheese ($3.95). If you’re really hungry, try the Mexican restaurant adjoining the club--it serves a full menu and a buffet.

Live bands play classic rock Tuesday through Thursday; Monday is karaoke night.

* VIA MARIA

* 9969 Walker St., Cypress.

* (714) 821-9300.

* Dance club open 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Sunday. Restaurant open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

* $5 cover on Friday and Saturday after 9 p.m.