The Buck, at 1498 Olive Way, is very clearly by the same people behind Bleu Bistro and Chez Gaudy. The layout is clustered in funny ways with bars stuck in awkward places, somehow managing to create a bunch of pretty private-feeling spaces in a little bitty room. It’s a lot more open than its siblings, though, without any claustrophobic curtains or fancy twists and turns, and it is hilariously Western-themed.

The staff was incredibly friendly, setting aside a table for us while the first of our party to arrive chatted with friends at another table, and not minding at all when we outgrew our space and invaded the large table when it emptied. When I sat down they plunked a glass of water and a giant bowl of buttons and Cowboy and Indian toys in front of me. We didn’t try the food–I’m sure it’s great, but a little pricey, and there were rabbit and lamb tacos right next door–but the cocktail menu is typically extensive and happily themed, everything that we sampled was good, and the beers are poured into giant frosty mugs. It’s a nice addition to the growing Olive bar scene.

But be warned–Bethany was not kidding about the terrifying mannequin in the lefthand-side bathroom. Even though we KNEW that it was there, not one of us managed to open that door without being startled by the damn thing. People who have trouble urinating with company would be better served by sticking to the bathroom on the right, because that bathroom is a truly uncomfortable experience. It’s one of the scariest things I’ve ever seen in a bar bathroom.