Honest answer, usually animal sinew, or certain grasses could be used as well. The nice thing with string, once it was figured out was you could make as much as you could, and make it as long as you wanted.

In my experience it depends on the bar. I have a local that I like that is very laid back and relaxed bar scene, you still get some rowdy groups, but it’s not like fighting for the bartenders attention or blasting music. Perfectly easy to go in alone or with friends, sit down and shoot the shit for a few hours. Doesn’t really matter what’s in your glass.