Scooter's Bar Journal » Dive bar

New Delhi Cafe

scooterj — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Eureka Springs, AR)

Scooter’s 1877th bar, first visited in 2026.

We went to several Eureka Springs bars today, but this was the only of them I hadn’t been to before. We visited the upper level bar, located in the middle building of this ridiculously popular restaurant / bar / venue. We entered from the Spring Street side via the upper level deck, so while being the upstairs bar it was technically downstairs for us.

I had some sort of creamy chocolatey cocktail that I can’t remember the name of except that there was something definitely “gay” in the name. 😁

2 N Main St
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
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Edge On 7

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 18:10:00 +0000

(Blue Springs, MO)
Formerly Joe’s Standard Bar

Scooter’s 1874th bar, first visited in 2026.

There are two halves of this bar. The south half used to be the Class Reunion Lounge and was hosting bingo the night I was here. The north half used to be Joe’s Standard Bar and has pool tables. This is the half I was in for a birthday party. I did not see any obvious indoor connection between the two halves, but I also didn’t try looking very hard.

I had Guinness.

1204 SW State Rte 7
Blue Springs, MO 64014
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Finn’s Food & Spirits

scooterj — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Hannibal, MO)

Scooter’s 1873rd bar, first visited in 2026.

I really needed a good coffee and had been unable to find one in downtown Springfield. Hannibal was the city where we expected to need gas, so I found a coffee shop there (Java Jive) to navigate to. The other half of the convoy arrived 15 minutes before I did, so rather than wait in their truck they decided to head into a bar they noticed across the street.

I joined them there for a beer upon my arrive, choosing a Bobber Lager by Logboat Brewing.

214 N Main St
Hannibal, MO 63401
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Celtic Mist Pub

scooterj — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Springfield, IL)

Scooter’s 1872nd bar, first visited in 2026.

There were several bars available to choose from on the downtown square, but since we were planning to go to only two we chose this one due to it being across the street from our hotel. (We arrived minutes after midnight, so I’ve adjusted the date to January 4 instead of January 3.)

It was pretty quiet when we first arrived, but began to fill up during our stay. Before we left every person we had seen at Brewhaus ended up being seen here as well despite many of them heading a different direction when they left Brewhaus. In fact, even one of the bar-backs had been seen by us bar-backing at Brewhaus!

This was a fun bar, with a gaming area on one side while the bar itself filled the other half. Like Brewhaus it also had a sidewalk seating area, though this one was much larger.

Each time I tried to take a picture of the outside there were people standing in the way, so I took the exterior photo early the next morning while no one was there.

I had a Dank Meme (pale ale) by Triptych Brewing and a Zombie Dust (pale ale) by 3 Floyds Brewing — the latter is the beer pictured below.

117 S 7th St
Springfield, IL 62701
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Brewhaus

scooterj — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Springfield, IL)

Scooter’s 1871st bar, first visited in 2026.

We arrived in Springfield too late to visit out hotel’s bar, so after getting settled in we headed out into the downtown square for a couple of drinks.

Our first of two stops was a long, skinny building with a rather beautiful bar along the front half and ornate vintage ceiling work. The back half had pinball machines and shuffleboard, and a small separate room of electronic casino games. While we didn’t notice it and it’s not in my photo, Google Street View shows a small area of sidewalk seating — it looks temporary though so may be seasonal.

I had two glasses of Moose Drool (brown ale) by Big Sky Brewing, a reliable favorite of mine.

617 E Washington St
Springfield, IL 62701
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Beeters Brew Pub

scooterj — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 18:11:00 +0000

(Sebewaing, MI)

Scooter’s 1868th bar, first visited in 2026.

This wasn’t a planned stop, but it was (sort of) on the way back to the house and the owner is a friend of the bartender at Colwood.

The name is a bit misleading, because not only do they not brew beer, there isn’t any beer available on tap at all. There’s nothing displayed to indicate what beer they carry, all indications are it’s just the basics. I had Guinness, but had to wait a while for it to thaw as the bottle was frozen.

We played darts and a couple of us played with a little putting mat. There’s also a pool table.

902 Pine St
Sebewaing, MI 48759
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Colwood Bar

scooterj — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 18:10:00 +0000

(Unionville, MI)

Scooter’s 1867th bar, first visited in 2026.

Another favorite find of ours, especially due to friendly regulars and an awesome bartender.

This bar is located WAY out in the middle of nowhere, but worth the drive. You might mistake it for a strip club due to the signage, but it’s nothing of the sort.

We had appetizers and three rounds of shots. In order: Red-headed slut, Alligator piss, and the less-provocatively-named chocolate-cherry shot (the bartender’s favorite). I also had a Bell’s Two-Hearted IPA.

4990 Colwood Rd
Unionville, MI 48767
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Blue Water Inn

scooterj — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Caseville, MI)

Scooter’s 1865th bar, first visited in 2025.

After our earlier bar crawl we took a break for a couple of hours, then came here for the annual NYE ball drop. (Giant lighted wire-frame ball slowly lowered from a crane, followed by fireworks.)

The bar was EXTREMELY crowded so it was impossible to have a proper visit, will have to return another time for that.

This place is divided into two halves. The north half (shorter building) is the bar area, and the south half (taller building) is the dining area with a pool table, dance floor, and DJ booth. In back is a covered, heated deck. There appeared to be a second level but it was too crowded to get to the stairs.

It was surreal seeing young children inside at almost midnight, but apparently kids are allowed as long as they stay out of the bar side.

I had a Guinness.

6584 Main St
Caseville, MI 48725
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Biff’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:12:00 +0000

(Kinde, MI)

Scooter’s 1864th bar, first visited in 2025.

This was the third and final stop of our NYE afternoon bar crawl. They were serving a prime rib dinner and we ended up eating here, but I’m not a fan of any of the sides so I decided to get something else. This place is well known for its pizza but I was warned that the kitchen was backed up and it could take an hour, so I opted for various appetizers.

The back room used to be a bowling alley and the sign on top of the building used to say “Biff’s Bowl Bar”, but the letters for the middle word are no longer there. While all the bowling equipment is gone, they kept the lanes and filled the space in-between with additional lane boards to make one big continuous floor. There was a band performing back there tonight.

For drinks I had a can of Bud Light as a result of the server misunderstanding what I asked for, a lemon drop shot, and a cocktail but I forgot to write down which one it was.

4680 N Van Dyke Rd
Kinde, MI 48445
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BottomsUp

scooterj — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:11:00 +0000

(Bad Axe, MI)
Formerly Frank’s Place

Scooter’s 1863rd bar, first visited in 2025.

Second stop on our NYE afternoon bar crawl. This is a motel bar, and ended up being one of our favorite bars visited on this vacation. Fun bar with really friendly regulars, and a terrific bartender.

The bar is divided into three main rooms. The front room has pool tables. The middle room has the bar, tables, and booth seating. The back room has more tables and a stage. All three rooms are packed with fun and interesting decor.

I had Two-Hearted IPA by Bell’s Brewing and a lemon-drop shot.

809 E Huron Ave
Bad Axe, MI 48413
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Heck’s Bar

scooterj — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:10:00 +0000

(Kinde, MI)

Scooter’s 1862nd bar, first visited in 2025.

The first of three stops on a NYE rural Michigan bar crawl. I’d seen this bar on previous Michigan vacations but this was the first opportunity to stop in.

This bar has a pool table and a claw machine, and serves food. While a dive bar, they do carry some local/regional craft beer.

My visit to the men’s room confused me at first. Opened the door to find myself in a tiny little room with a sink. The actual restroom was through another door beyond that.

I had Raspberry Fudgie (oatmeal stout) by Big Lake Brewing.

This photo was from a drive-by during a July 2023 vacation:

2990 W Kinde Rd
Kinde, MI 48445
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Block 15 Tavern & Exchange

scooterj — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1861st bar, first visited in 2025.

This was a last-second impulse stop after riding the streetcar around to various Christmas destinations. It was exactly halfway between where we got off the streetcar and where the car was parked.

This is a basement bar, albeit a walk-out basement if you enter from the alley side. Good to see more basement bars in KC, we don’t have as many as other cities. (I later learned there’s another newer one a few days earlier whose main entrance is also in the alley.) There is foot in the form of a taco truck on the patio.

We arrived to a nearly-empty bar just after a group left, but by the time we left ourselves it was starting to fill back up. The bartender said it’s busiest after 10pm.

I only had a few minutes to stay so had a Guinness. I’ll have to come back another time to spend more time here.

This is a bar that actuallypours Guinness correctly, so it took several minutes.

The shower curtain is an interesting design choice.

311 Delaware St, Suite 102 A
Kansas City, MO 64105
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Flight Deck

scooterj — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:13:00 +0000

(Pensacola, FL)

Scooter’s 1858th bar, first visited in 2025.

“Oh, this is PERFECT!” I exclaimed as we pulled into the parking lot. What a majestic thing of beauty. The absolute epitome of a dive bar both inside and out.

It may have been the small size, but this was easily the busiest bar we visited today. The centerpiece of the bar is a bumper pool table.

I had Budweiser (aka Bud Heavy).

3709 W Navy Blvd
Pensacola, FL 32507
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Nelson’s Liquor & Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:12:00 +0000

(Pensacola, FL)

Scooter’s 1857th bar, first visited in 2025.

This dive bar in the back of a liquor store turned out to be a lot nicer on the inside than the creepy side door entrance made it seem. We had a good time chatting with the bartender and locals. I had a Guinness and I believe we also had a round of lemon drop shots.

2526 Gulf Beach Hwy
Pensacola, FL 32507
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Rocky’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:10:00 +0000

(Pensacola, FL)

Scooter’s 1855th bar, first visited in 2025.

What was supposed to be an afternoon of beachfront bars turned into an afternoon of inland bars as there turned out to be nothing after Flora-Bama unless we went all the way past downtown Pensacola to the barrier island — something we didn’t want to take all that time doing. So this was our first stop after formulating new plans.

This is a pretty extensive space divided into two main sections – with the bar and pool tables on one side and video games and a stage on the other side. The bartender was very friendly and gave us all kinds of good info on places to check out if we made it further into the city.

I had a Guinness, as well as a shot and a bomb shot that were both ordered for me so I don’t remember what they were. (The shot might have been Fireball.)

3703 Gulf Beach Hwy
Pensacola, FL 32507
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Gravel Bar @ Wanderloo Lodge

scooterj — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 17:11:00 +0000

(Eureka Springs, AR)

Scooter’s 1847th bar, first visited in 2025.

Came here after the brewery so that the rest of the group (who were betting massages) could have a chance to get something for lunch too.

I had a Natural State Porter by Bentonville Brewing Co.

216 W Van Buren
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
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The Undertow

scooterj — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:11:00 +0000

(Orange Beach, AL)

Scooter’s 1827th bar, first visited in 2024.

One of the locals suggested we go here next. We were a little let down when we saw it was in a strip mall, but once inside it turned out to be a good dive.

They have karaoke one or two nights a week, and they serve food later than almost anyone else around. They do cell cigars here, so if you don’t enjoy that smell keep that fact in mind.

I had a 420 Extra Pale Ale by SweetWater Brewing Company.

25025 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
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The Sloop

scooterj — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:10:00 +0000

(Gulf Shores, AL)

Scooter’s 1826th bar, first visited in 2024.

We were looking for a true dive bar among a sea of touristy bars, and we struck gold with this one.

We started out indoors seated at the bar where we had a round of shots, then decided to move outside after we got our main drinks, where we managed to resurrect the previous night’s fire in the fire pit.

Apart from whatever the random shot was, I had a Fairhope 51 (Pale Ale) by Fairhope Brewing.

103 W Canal Dr.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
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WelCo Brewing Project

scooterj — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:10:00 +0000

(Smithville, MO)

Scooter’s 1824th bar, first visited in 2024.

I was camping nearby at Smithville Lake and got bored one afternoon so decided to head into town to check out the new brewery I’d heard about (opened 3 months earlier).

The oldest part of the building (south end) was originally a gas station, the bartender was unsure what the newer addition had originally been used for. There’s lots of eating inside throughout two rooms and a big covered patio in the front. There’s a kitchen but I didn’t try the food since I’d just eaten lunch not long earlier.

In addition to their craft beer the menu also includes cocktails and frozen margaritas.

My beer flight consisted of The Duke (imperial brown ale), Watkins Mill Campground (English ale), 37th Chamber (Irish Stout) and Steven’s Last Night In Town (spiced Belgian IPA), a brand new beer they had just tapped less than an hour before I got there.

117 S. Commercial Ave
Smithville, MO 64089
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Ron’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:12:00 +0000

(Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1823rd bar, first visited in 2024.

While we were at the winery my wife asked one of the servers, “If we wanted to go to a dive bar, what’s the best dirtiest grittiest dive bar we could possibly pick?”

“RON’S!” was her immediate reply.

I looked it up and once I found it on the map I realized we’d driven by it several times and I’d wondered about it. But it didn’t until for a couple of hours so we walked around one of the beaches to kill some time.

We arrived right at 4:00 and found it locked — we’d beat the bartender. But knowing this is a true dive we decided to wait and were soon rewarded for our patience.

The bartender was really cool and friendly and gave us all kinds of great into both about the bar and about the area.

We had several rounds of shots and I had a Blood Orange Honey (honey wheat beer) by Cheboygan Brewing Company.

1041 US Hwy 31
Petoskey, MI 49770
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Mitchell Street Pub

scooterj — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1817th bar, first visited in 2024.

We had parked a couple of blocks away and shopped and a candy shop and a clothing store. I took all the purchases back tot he car while everyone else left for the bar. After putting the items away I got distracted by a pet store, so by the time I made it to the bar I expected everyone to be halfway through their drinks. Instead, I found none of my group there. So before I ordered anything to drink I messaged the rest of the group to make sure I was at the right bar. After several minutes one of them finally responded that I was in the correct place but that they had also gotten distracted by a shop along the way and would join me shortly. So I finally was able to get a drink and grabbed a table big enough for all of us.

This is a quintessential neighborhood dive-ish bar, only missing true 100% dive bar status due to the good selection of craft beer. The floor is covered in peanut shells, and there’s fund stuff to look at in every direction. They do serve food, I think we got some sort of appetizer to share but I don’t remember for sure.

I had a Horny Monk (Belgian Dubbel) by Petoskey Brewing

426 E. Mitchell St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
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Mustang Lounge

scooterj — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Mackinac Island, MI)

Scooter’s 1815th bar, first visited in 2024.

While we were at the Pink Pony we heard about the oldest bar on the island, so headed over there next. I forget the exact year it was built — sometime in the 1850s I think. I also forget the original purpose but it wasn’t originally a bar. It was something to do with horses. I should have taken a picture of the blurb about its history.

I was in the mood for something sweet, so instead of beer I got a hot chocolate with Bailey’s.

From here we hitched a horse-drawn taxi to the Grand Hotel for high tea.

1485 Astor St.
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
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VFW Post # 56

scooterj — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 1809th bar, first visited in 2024.

We were walking from Fluffy’s to Willcott Brewing when we found ourselves in front of an open VFW that we didn’t even know was there, so we decided to head on in.

After talking a seat we were asked for our memberships. Whoops! So many VFW bars have become open to the public to help with their fundraising that I forgot private clubs still exist.

Fortunately for us a very nice vet sitting at the bar, who from later conversation context I believe works at or manages the place, sponsored us for our visit.

I had a Sam Adams Boston Lager and a double-chocolate cookie from a tray being passed around.

519 Cherokee St.
Leavenworth, KS 66048
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Fluffy’s Swedish Pub

scooterj — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 1808th bar, first visited in 2024.

I was hoping to find some sport of crazy Swedish beer here, but it turns out the owner spent quite a bit of time living in Sweden and loved it so he gave his dive bar a Swedish theme. This bar is extremely dog-friendly, as can be seen by the photos on the walls.

Since there was no Swedish beer to be found, I had a Guinness.

507 Cherokee St.
Leavenworth, KS 66048
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Silver Moon Bar

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 17:18:00 +0000

(North End East, Sioux Falls, SD)

Scooter’s 1802nd bar, first visited in 2024.

The ride to Silver Moon would be my last Uber ride of this vacation apart from tomorrow’s trip to the airport — everything from this point on would be walking.

The bar was prepped and ready for a birthday party, and I felt a bit about of place as I seemed to be the only person who wasn’t there to see the birthday girl (who arrived near the end of my visit).

This bar is very biker friendly, and several of them were sitting out on the deck outside the east end of the building.

One cool item I noticed near where I was sitting is a very realistic 3-D model of the building. It’s in the pictures below. Also, the bar is known for having funny messages on its sign out front.

I had a Budweiser.

200 E Falls Park Dr
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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Hi Ho Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 17:17:00 +0000

(Whittier, Sioux Falls, SD)

Scooter’s 1801st bar, first visited in 2024.

Hi-Ho Tavern (also listed as Walter’s Hi-Ho Casino) is a cash-only, beer-only dive bar located just a little bit east of downtown Sioux Falls. Close enough that I probably could have walked to it had it been on my schedule for the previous night.

This was another bar participating in the poker run, and unlike the others earlier in the day it was packed with poker run participants. This made it a bit of a challenge for me to get any decent interior pics as there was only a brief moment when a group left that I could take a picture of the bar without my camera pointing directly at someone’s face due to the bar’s U-shaped design. A separate small room off to the side was filled with casino games.

Though I’d heard rumor of a good beer selection here, since the bartender was rather busy I just had a Budweiser rather than have him rifle through the beer cooler to read off the options.

1014 E 8th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
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Ken’s Korner

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 17:13:00 +0000

(North End West, Sioux Falls, SD)

Scooter’s 1797th bar, first visited in 2024.

This dive bar was also participating in the poker run I intersected with a few times throughout the day, and a few players came by during my visit.

This was a fun little dive, and like all of them had a bank of casino games. The water fountain in the men’s room struck me as a little odd.

When I was at Remedy Brewing yesterday I missed out on trying the Queen Bee (imperial cream ale with honey) so that’s what I ordered here.

I don’t think I could ever be this thirsty:

918 W 6th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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Gaslight Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Emerson, Sioux Falls, SD)

Scooter’s 1795th bar, first visited in 2024.

I fully expected this to be a dive bar, but I guess I was…. gaslighted… because it most definitely is not.

This was also participating in the poker run but none of the participants had made it here yet.

I had a Lion’s Paw lager from Fernson Brewing. In the past I haven’t been a fan of lagers, but they really started growing on my on this trip.

2206 W 12th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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The Log Cabin

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Sioux Falls, SD)

Scooter’s 1794th bar, first visited in 2024.

I began the day by walking to the Phillips Diner for breakfast, then got in an Uber and headed out to The Log Cabin.

This was a bit of an unusual find, as I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bar at the entrance of a trailer park before. My driver commented on that as well.

There was a poker run taking places today that I’d end up crossing paths with 3 or 4 more times throughout the day. This was the earliest-opening participating bar so several participants were hanging out here waiting for the other spots to open. Everybody was really nice and friendly.

I had a Lagunitas IPA, and just as I was nearly finished somebody bought a round for the bar. Not really wanting a second beer already I asked for one of the shots advertised on a sign on the cooler. That was when I found of this is a beer & wine only establishment. The “shots” mentioned were essentially single-serve bottles of wine. So I ended up getting a second Lagunitas instead.

There was a group carpooling to the next bar on the poker run and I briefly considered asking if I could join them, but the place they decided they were heading to next wasn’t part of my itinerary so I stuck with my Uber plan.

1515 W Burnside St
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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Tommy Jack’s Pub

scooterj — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Sioux Falls, SD)

Scooter’s 1793rd bar, first visited in 2024.

After leaving Top Hat I decided to take a short cut through the alley to avoid the construction zone, but found the alley was impassable. So I walked to the next street over behind Top Hat to come down the hill that way. Unfortunately even that didn’t avoid construction and I’d have to cross the same street back and forth anyway. Oh well.

My first photo was taken right after I arrived and sat down and shows a fairly quiet bar. 10 minutes later the places was packed. But then, 20 minutes after that when I took the second photo, it was empty again. I’m assuming the largely college-aged crowd likely moved outside to the patio (third photo).

I had a Guinness.

This would be my last stop for the evening, and I then made my LONG walk back to my AirBnB while stopping to look at numerous sculptures and murals along the way.

214 E 12th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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Top Hat Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Sioux Falls, SD)

Scooter’s 1792nd bar, first visited in 2024.

Walking here proved to be quite a longer haul than I expected, made more difficult thanks to construction closing various sidewalks. Once I realized how far off and up a hill it was I considered cutting it or replacing it with one of the more upscale places I passed along the way, but I decided to persevere.

I has a Lagunitas IPA.

508 S 1st Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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The Orion Pub

scooterj — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Sioux Falls, SD)

Scooter’s 1791st bar, first visited in 2024.

This dive-ish bar was right next door to Glacial Lakes so visiting it wads a no-brainer.

Right after I ordered by beer a guy sitting two bar stools to my right slowly and not-very-stealthy slid a brochure over to me. I ignored it for a while, but finally glanced at it and it was for some sort of gold investment scheme he was involved in. Later as I was getting ready to leave I overheard the bartender mildly chastise him for promoting his side hustle to her customers.

Look’s Beer Company was on my list for the next day, but because it was so far away from everything else on my list it was also on my list of places to potentially cut for time if needed. So, as an insurance policy in case that happened, I ordered the Daisy Gazer (NEIPA) from Look’s Beer Company.

127 W 10th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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Ray’s Corner

scooterj — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Brookings, SD)

Scooter’s 1785th bar, first visited in 2024.

Before long I needed to break up the monotony again, and my advance research showed this cash-only dive bar to be a good place for a break. It was a fun visit, and the bartender was friendly and informative. I had a Budweiser.

Apparently this was move-in week for the local university so the town’s population was in the process of rising by
20,000, explaining the mild difficulty I had finding a parking spot.

401 Main Ave
Brookings, SD 57006
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+1 (605) 692-2921
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Doc’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Watertown, SD)

Scooter’s 1784th bar, first visited in 2024.

The drive from Fargo to Sioux Falls seems short on paper, but it’s a mid-numbingly dull drive with about 2 radio stations to choose from, and made even worse when construction on the North Dakota portion makes the top speed about 25mph. So I had to do some things to break up the drive.

I picked this as a lunch spot, where I had chicken tenders and fries, washed down with a Guinness.

There’s a vending machine with salty snacks, casino games, darts, foosball, and pool. The venue is broken into at least three distinct sections, with the dual-sided bar forming an island between the two largest rooms.

33 N Maple
Watertown, SD 57201
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+1 (605) 886-8440
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Bismarck Tavern

scooterj — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1774th bar, first visited in 2024.

This is another dive bar that I’d been warned was sketchy but seemed like a pretty normal place to me. Despite how the carefully-framed photos make it look there were about 8-10 people here during my visit. There’s a pool table in the back. I had a PBR.

After I finished here I returned to the hotel to take a short break, as it would be another hour before the next place on my list opened.

522 Broadway N
Fargo, ND 58102
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+1 (701) 235-6607
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Empire Tavern

scooterj — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1773rd bar, first visited in 2024.

Locals warned me that this place could get stabby, but in the middle of the afternoon it seemed to be a pretty typical dive bar. Nice people, good bartender, and a real well-worn environment that has to be packed with stories. Also, the bathrooms and much nicer and cleaner than they have any right to be for a dive bar.

I had a Lagunitas IPA because that was my favotite of the draft selections, it wasn’t until later that I realized there were more craft options in bottles hidden behind the black cooler doors.

424 Broadway N
Fargo, ND 58102
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+1 (701) 235-4705
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Speck’s

scooterj — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1771st bar, first visited in 2024.

Speck’s is right next door to Rick’s. It’s a bit smaller, and has one pool table and a bank of casino games. There’s a patio off to the side. The bar being island-style meant I had to take pictures whenever anyone got up to use the restroom since there was always someone facing me. I had a Budweiser.

2611 Main Ave
Fargo, ND 58103
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+1 (701) 232-0202
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Rick’s

scooterj — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1770th bar, first visited in 2024.

I have to admit, I was a little nervous getting dropped off here. Not that I was worried about the bar or the neighborhood, it just didn’t loop open. (This despite me arriving about 2 hours after the posted opening time.)

Turned out I had nothing to worry about, they were open and there were a few other customers inside. I had simply apparently come in via a side door.

This is a massive dive bar / package shop combo. There’s a long winding bar in the back-middle with a kitchen, and another room with multiple pool tables. There’s casino games, and a patio in the back.

I considered grabbing a bite to eat but my stomach wasn’t feeling too happy, so I just had a Guinness.

2721 Main Ave
Fargo, ND 58103
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Dempsey’s Public House

scooterj — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1769th bar, first visited in 2024.

After striking out at two places that were closed for various reasons, I swapped in another place from my “if there’s time” list.

Dempsey’s (as well as many of the downtown Fargo bars) was still in mourning due to the unexpected death of a beloved Dempsey’s employee several days earlier, so it seemed a bit somber in here.

I debated getting something to eat here (and it’s possible I did and simply forgot I did), but I am pretty sure since I had a big day planned for tomorrow I just had my Guinness and returned to the hotel.

226 Broadway N
Fargo, ND 58102
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Rooters Bar

scooterj — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1768th bar, first visited in 2024.

This cash-only expansive sports dive has multiple rooms and multiple bar counters. There’s darts, at least one pool table, and various casino games. It was also karaoke night.

I had a Lagunitas IPA.

107 Broadway N
Fargo, ND 58102
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+1 (701) 235-4082
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Fort Noks Bar of Gold

scooterj — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1767th bar, first visited in 2024.

I’m not going to lie, I visited this bar (located in a historic former bank building) only for its name. I really knew nothing about it and was unsure if it was a casino, a dive bar, or a cocktail bar. In the end I think I’d called it a “cocktail dive” maybe. Oh, there’s a deck outside overlooking the north parking lot.

Still feeling it from my earlier choices, I went with a Guinness here as well.

52 Broadway N
Fargo, ND 58102
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+1 (701) 478-9191
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Sports Bar

scooterj — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1766th bar, first visited in 2024.

Resuming my originally-scheduled programming, my next stop was a sports bar named… Sports Bar.

This sports dive is bigger than it looks from the outside, with a separate seating area / game room located behind the main bar.

There’s a reasonably decent beer selection here for a dive bar, but I opted for Guinness since I’d had a few more “big beers” already than I’d planned.

619 Northern Pacific Ave
Fargo, ND 58102
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+1 (701) 293-2085
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Chubs

scooterj — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fargo, ND)

Scooter’s 1762nd bar, first visited in 2024.

This dive bar wasn’t originally on my radar but while I was finalizing my travel plans I realized it was a very short walk from Fargo Brewing.

You enter through a liquor store, which is unusual where I’m from but seems to be more common in the northern plains states. The bar is around the corner in the back, divided into the main bar room and a separate back room with a pool table and casino games (another northern plains states staple). There’s also a separate covered patio opposite a breezeway but I didn’t check it out.

I had a Guinness.

421 N University Dr
Fargo, ND 58102
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+1 (701) 235-8425
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Monowi Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Monowi, NE)

Scooter’s 1754th bar, first visited in 2024.

On the last day of this vacation we took back roads and dropped down into northeastern Nebraska, specifically to visit the town of Monowi. Population: 1 — a wonderful older lady named Elise Eiler who has been the owner and operator of Monowi Tavern since 1971, in a building constructed in 1903. She is also the town’s Mayor by default, and at the time of my research Monowi is the only incorporated municipality in the United States with a population of 1.

They sell all three kinds of beer (Bud, Miller, Busch), as well as a basic selection of spirits and mixers. Elsie cooks all the food herself (you can see her making my lunch in one of the photos below), though when it gets busy she sometimes gets a helping hand from a local regular. As was the case when we arrived — which was right after a group of around 50 had just left after swarming the place.

One thing we noticed early is that there isn’t a restroom in the tavern. We later found it, details in the photos.

Right next door to the tavern is a leaning building whose original purpose I don’t know, the “Nite Owls” sign on it is a reference to a local motorcycle group. On the other side of that is an unassuming building named Rudy’s Library. It’s a memorial to Elsie’s husband Rudy, who left behind a massive collection of books (around 5,000) when he passed in 2004. Rather than get rid of them, she moved them all into this building for visitors to enjoy.

Across the highway is a separate abandoned brick building next to an old grain elevator. It’s labeled as a church on Google Maps, but that’s incorrect, the abandoned wooden church is actually 2 blocks north of the tavern and I missed it due to (1) the wrong building being marked on Google Maps and (2) since we were towing a travel trailer we were nervous to explore the town’s dirt roads and risk getting stuck.

I decided to go outside and wander around, when I found this sign that seemed to indicate I’d found the restrooms:

I wasn’t certain, though, as this was the only door:

Opening that door revealed this:

And walking around to my side revealed the restroom:

9 Broad Street
Monowi, NE 68746
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Wagon Wheel Bar

scooterj — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Interior, SD)

Scooter’s 1750th bar, first visited in 2024.

While driving through Badlands National Park we accidentally exited the park, and we decided “why not drive on to that little town up ahead and get a drink if anything is open?” We figured the odds were slim with it being a holiday, but this place was open.

The bartender was able to make a pretty impressive drink for my wife, and was knowledgeable of its ingredients when my wife asked about it. All the staff were friendly. Most of the people inside were having dinner, we sat at the bar. There was also a lot of outdoor seating but everyone was indoors on this day.

115 Main St
Interior, SD 57750
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+16054335331
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Big Dummy’s

scooterj — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Mitchell, SD)

Scooter’s 1749th bar, first visited in 2024.

My picture is of the back because from the front it look closed, but when we circled back around the block to go elsewhere we found that the alley entrance looked open.

We popped in here for some dive bar drinks before returning to out campsite. Unfortunately we got a video alert that one of our dogs was freaking out back in our RV due to fireworks being shot nearby, so we had to chug our first round and run.

I had a gin and tonic.

112 N Main St
Mitchell, SD 57301
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+16059903869
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Friendly Valley Tavern

scooterj — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 18:13:00 +0000

(Peoria, IL)

Scooter’s 1740th bar, first visited in 2023.

Our last dive bar for this trip opened in an old bunker in 1947. The oddly-shaped building features a low and sloping ceiling in the men’s restroom that makes it difficult for tall people to stand up in there.

Outside is an expansive beer garded with a stage and a sand volleyball court. The bar hosts volleyball leagues, or at least tournaments, according to the stickers they gave us.

I had an Alpha King (pale ale) by 3 Floyds Brewing and a shot of Dough Balll (cookie dough flavored whiskey).

3708 N Meadowbrook Rd
Peoria, IL 61604
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Tartan Inn

scooterj — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 18:12:00 +0000

(West Peoria, IL)

Scooter’s 1739th bar, first visited in 2023.

We decided to visit just one other bar in West Peoria, and it was a choice between Owls Nest and Tartan Inn since they are basically across the street from each other. We decided Tartan Inn looked more our speed.

We walked in to a jubilant crowd, and as free pudding shots were placed in our hands (they were handing them out to everyone) a voice rang out “It’s Cari with a C!” We looked over and saw the “Kari with a K” birthday party group from The Basket Case last night — minus Kari. They took a picture of us to send to her as proof.

This place used to be a neighborhood grocery store. I don’t know when it was concerted into a bar but it has been the Tartan Inn since at leas 1990. The current owners took over in 2017 or 2019 (I forgot which), and were now celebrating the recent purchase of the entire building as opposed to just the business.

I would not go as far as to call this an LGBTQ bar because the clientele seemed far more diverse, but the décor and welcoming attitudes show it’s definitely LGBTQ-friendly.

Outside is a courtyard with covered and open-air tables, and a separate building labeled “doobie den” that we didn’t investigate so I don’t know if that’s really is or not.

This was our favorite bar of the trip and one of my top favorite bars ever.

I had a pudding shot and a Santa’s Private Reserve (2023 stout) by Rogue Ales.

The Googly Eyes Bandit strikes again!

428 N Waverly Ave,
West Peoria, IL 61604
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Mike’s Tavern

scooterj — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 18:11:00 +0000

(West Peoria, IL)

Scooter’s 1738th bar, first visited in 2023.

The town of West Peoria has a cluster of neighborhood dive bars, and we decided to explore a couple of them. West Peoria has no open container law so you can swap out your drinks into plastic cups and take them with you from bar to bar, but we didn’t take advantage of that since it was too cold to be walking around outside.

The oldest continuously-operating bar in West Peoria, eons ago it was believed to be the garage for the house on the other side of what is now the patio. But it has also been an ice house and a barber shop. It was converted into a neighborhood bar in 1933 and quickly became West Peoria’s largest customer for Budweiser. For decades is operated as a stag bar, but today all are welcome.

I had Guinness, and we all gathered in the game room to play slots while the rest of the bar cheered on a football game us visitors had no stake in and didn’t care about. This was where I learned that there are so-called “penny slots” that have a 50-credit minimum bet. Excuse me, casino gaming manufacturers, but if the minimum bet is 50 cents that’s not a penny slot.

626 N Cedar Ave
West Peoria, IL 61604
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West Town Tap

scooterj — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 18:10:00 +0000

(West Bluff, Peoria, IL)

Scooter’s 1737th bar, first visited in 2023.

This dive bar serves breakfast from 6am-2pm daily, so seemed like a good place to start the day. Most of the surrounding area is the town of West Peoria, but this business in one one of just a few small parcels on the west side of Western Ave that are still part of Peoria proper.

The south side of the building is the bar area, the north side is more for eating. In the far back corner is a bank of video slots, something it seems every bar in Illinois must have.

Along with breakfast I had an Irish coffee and a mimosa.

A Googly-Eyes Bandit has struck here. We would soon find their work in another bar as well.

515 N Western Ave
Peoria, IL 61604
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The Basket Case

scooterj — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 18:13:00 +0000

(West Bluff, Peoria, IL)

Scooter’s 1736th bar, first visited in 2023.

We hadn’t been to a dive bar yet on this trip and my wife wanted to sing, so after we had dinner and then got some rest in we went to check out Peoria’s karaoke bar.

From the outside it looks terrifying. Down a back alley behind a bicycle shop, next to a creepy parking lot. But inside it was complete dive bar fun with friendly staff and friendly customers. We stayed for a couple of hours, singing songs and drinking drinks.

Among the singers, our group had “Cari with a C” singing, while another group had “Kari with a K” singing — it was that Kari’s birthday. This detail will come back into play tomorrow, 3 bars from now.

I had two Guinness, at least 3 shots that I can remember (1 lemon drop and 2 pineapple upside down cake), and sang Elvira just before we left.

610 W Main St
Peoria, IL 61606
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Fat Boyz Grill & Bar

scooterj — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kearney, MO)

Scooter’s 1729th bar, first visited in 2023.

We came up here for a big cannabis sale at a nearby dispensary, then decided to check out the local downtown dive bar for a quick drink.

There are two rooms, and the main entrance is through the pool table room that awkwardly opens right up against one of the seating tables. We weren’t really sure why the door that goes straight into the main bar room isn’t being used.

I had Guinness.

129 E Washington St
Kearney, MO 64060
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+18169032699
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The Sociable Inn

scooterj — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:15:00 +0000

(Millard, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1719th bar, first visited in 2023.

We decided our next bar was close enough to walk to, so we set out on foot passing a new fancier places along the way. But this was still dive bar time.

The Sociable is a bit, uh, unusual. A very interesting décor. Honestly, it’s easier to just say “look at the pictures” rather than try to describe it.

I had a Bud bottle.

When we left here it was brewery time again. We decided that the next stop was too far to try to walk so we got the second worst Uber driver I’ve ever had to take us. I’m honestly not sure how she didn’t crash the car getting us there.

4917 S 136th St
Omaha, NE 68137
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Piccolo’s Bar

scooterj — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:14:00 +0000

(Millard, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1718th bar, first visited in 2023.

This was an unplanned stop, but it was literally right next door so it would have been dumb to not drop in.

Unfortunately we were not getting a good vibe here. I don’t know if he was doing it consciously or not, but the bartender was talking trash about where we were from and made a few racist remarks, so we finished our beer quickly and left.

I had either a Bud bottle or a Coors draft, this place was not on unTappd so I was unable to do a check-in to record it.

13328 Millard Ave
Omaha, NE 68137
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Joe’s Duck Inn

scooterj — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Millard, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1717th bar, first visited in 2023.

After the morning breweries it was time for a dive bar break. If I had realized the route our Uber would take we might have planned things differently, as we ended up starting out going south before west and drive right past three bars we really wanted to see. But we decided to stay committed to the plan we’d set.

This place is a lot bigger than it looks, with a separate half containing pool tables and other games — plus an actual phone booth.

We had a lot more fun here than we were expecting too, chatting it up with the bartender and other customers while blowing most of our cash on pull tabs.

I had a Budweiser bottle.

One great unanswered question: If this us the Duck Inn, then why is it on Millard instead of Mallard?

13336 Millard Ave
Omaha, NE 68137
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Leavenworth Bar

scooterj — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1712th bar, first visited in 2023.

After St. Andrew’s Pub we still had a couple of hours before the other bars we wanted to visit in the Benson neighborhood opened, so we decided to save those for some other time and move on with our day.

Our next stop was Homy Inn, which I had visited in August 2009 but my friend had never been to. We both had the on-tap champagne. (I had the sweet version, I don’t remember what he had.)

After that we made our way over to The Neighber’s [sic], which we had both visited in August 2014 but were under a time crunch. This time we were able to give it a proper visit.

We were debating walking from here to our next place, but then I noticed that a block in the other direction was a bar I’d been meaning to visit for years but kept missing. So that’s how we wound up with an unplanned stop at Leavenworth Bar.

We didn’t stay super long since we had one more stop we wanted to make before dinner, but we had a nice time in our short visit. I had a Ruthie (pale lager) by Exile Brewing Company, which I thought was a new beer for me but it turned out I’d had it at the actual brewery when we both visited it in July 2019.

Once we finished here we decided that the one block in the other direction we went to come here made our original next stop now just a hair too far to walk, so we got an Uber.

4556 Leavenworth St
Omaha, NE 68106
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Barry O’s

scooterj — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1707th bar, first visited in 2023.

This is another bar that I tried to visit in August 2009 but it was so busy it was impossible to even get close enough to the bar to order something. This cold Thursday evening with intermittent light rain for hours made a visit tonight possible. We decided this would be our last stop before walking back to the hotel. Since it’s an Irish bar, I opted for Guinness.

There was a well dressed group having a good time at the next table and we bantered back and forth a couple of times. When we were about halfway finished with our drinks they paid their tab and left. A few minutes later they returned and ordered another round.

“Change your mind?” my friend asked them.

“YES!” they said. “It’s POURING out there!”

The weather forecast up to this point (which we had been monitoring frequently) had always insisted on only periods of sprinkles to very light rain. So we assumed they were exaggerating. After we finished our drinks and closed our tab we decided to brave the walk back to the hotel.

NOPE! It was a full-on monsoon outside. Torrents of rain. We stood under the canopy for a minute debating whether to also go back inside. But we were tired, so we decided to awning-hop our way back to the hotel.

420 S 10th St
Omaha, NE 68102
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Harney St. Tavern

scooterj — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1704th bar, first visited in 2023.

Another basement bar located a few doors over from Dubliner. Originally we weren’t going to stop here, but we were hungry and went in with the mistaken assumption they served food. (We had gotten confused by signage for a restaurant in the same building.)

The most prominent feature of this bar is the stage at the front end. There was some early prep underway for what I assume was an act scheduled for later i the evening.

I had a Guinness.

After we left here we decided to go across the street to T. Henery’s since my friend had never been there. (This was my third visit and second this year.) It was my first visit where it wasn’t packed.

1215 Harney St.
Omaha, NE 68102
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+14029335657
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Dubliner Pub

scooterj — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1703rd bar, first visited in 2023.

I tried to visit this bar on an August Saturday night back in 2009, but it was so packed I could barely get inside the door so I left. This time it was a cold and rainy Thursday afternoon in October so there was plenty of room!

This is a basement bar on a block with (at least) three basement bars. It was all decked out for Halloween when we visited. There are video gambling machines, and they have live music on the weekends.

I had a Guinness.

1205 Harney St, Omaha, NE 68102
Omaha, NE 68102
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McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar

scooterj — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Corktown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1697th bar, first visited in 2023.

And another great bar! We love Detroit.

We stayed here for quite a while, sharing several plates of appetizers while playing shufflepuck and having a few rounds of drinks.

The bar counter works its way up a few steps, continuing around the corner from the bar room into the main dining area. There is also a big, well-decorated patio in the back.

I had a Dragonâ€™s Milk Reserve: Coffee Chocolate (2023) by New Holland Brewing, an O.C.P. (Oatmeal Creme Pie) (brown ale) by Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, and whatever shots were ordered.

This trough appears to have bene custom-made to fill 100% of the available space.

1460 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48216
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Nemo’s Bar

scooterj — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Corktown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1697th bar, first visited in 2023.

And another great historic dive bar!

As we approached we were worried we wouldn’t be able to get in because there was a big crowd of people standing outside the door, but as we turned the corner a shuttle bus showed up to take them all to the baseball game. Inside we found a much quieter bar than it had been just a few minutes earlier.

There are two rooms, the back more suited for eating. There’s also a covered patio in the form of a canopy in a parking lot.

I had Guinness and whatever shot my group ordered a round of.

1384 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
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Nancy Whiskey

scooterj — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(North Corktown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1696th bar, first visited in 2023.

An absolutely amazing 120+ year old neighborhood dive bar just outside of downtown Detroit!

Inside there’s an antique phone booth, a claw machine, and all sorts of history. Outside — a covered patio, various yard games, and occasional live music.

I had Guinness and a lemon drop shot.

2644 Harrison St
Detroit, MI 48216
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Loose Caboose Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Hermann, MO)

Scooter’s 1682nd bar, first visited in 2023.

I was expecting a dive bar, but this was too clubby for my tastes. I think I would have enjoyed it more earlier in the day. By this late point on a Saturday night it was just too loud for me.

We were planning to eat dinner here, but when we got inside it was so crazy we decided “no way” and just had drinks. (We later got snacks at the BP across the street then reheated the previous day’s leftovers back at the house.)

I was kinda hoping to get to see the upstairs sister bar (Up Top @ Loose Caboose), but it isn’t air-conditioned so doesn’t open during warm weather.

I had Guinness.

113 W. 5th St.
Hermann, MO 65041
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Concert Hall & Barrel Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Hermann, MO)

Scooter’s 1679th bar, first visited in 2023.

After the wineries closed for the day, we took a break for a couple of hours back at the rental house, then decided to head back into down for beer and cocktails. This place came recommended by a friend so we decided to go here first.

Having opened in 1878, it claims to be the oldest continuously-operating bar west of the Mississippi. This makes at least three bars now I’ve been to that make the same claim.

Since we were just here for drinks I didn’t look at the food menu, but from what I saw on plates it looked like sausages/brats and other German good.

I had Guinness and had a round of shots as well, though I don’t remember what.

206 E. 1st St
Hermann, MO 65041
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Sharp Corner Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Hermann, MO)

Scooter’s 1673rd bar, first visited in 2023.

Our train was late arriving in Hermann so we wandered around a bit looking for a place still serving food that wasn’t also insanely busy. After several minutes we found this spot.

The food was good, but it was a but of a surreal experience. About 10 minutes after we started eating, the server came out to apologize for the delay, then began bringing out a duplicate of one of our table’s meals. They ended up not charging for it, and we ended up reheating those leftovers later around midnight when we were watching the meteor shower back at our rental house.

The other thing that made this a weird visit was spending 15-20 minutes searching for a missing cellphone that we later found out had never bee brought here in the first place.

I drank a Midnight Whistle (dopplebock) by Tin Mill Brewery. I wanted to have a second beer, but the second round we ordered was never delivered.

414 Market Street
Hermann, MO 65041
United States
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+15734865223
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The Landing Tavern

scooterj — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Port Austin, MI)

Scooter’s 1664th bar, first visited in 2023.

And this is the bar we ordered our (really good!) pizzas from!

I had a Bell’s Two-Hearted IPA.

8724 Lake St
Port Austin, MI 48467
United States
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+19897389750
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Lake Street Local

scooterj — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Port Austin, MI)

Scooter’s 1663rd bar, first visited in 2023.

I came here for a round of drinks while waiting for pizzas we ordered from the bar next door.

I had a Founders All Day IPA.

8706 Lake St
Port Austin, MI 48467
United States
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+19897387520
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Red Dog Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 13 May 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Juneau, AK)

Scooter’s 1655th bar, first visited in 2023.

This Old West themed bar is the traditional bar everyone who visits Juneau is supposed to experience. It proved to be our most challenging bar to visit.

The first day we tried (Thursday), it was already closed well ahead of their posted hours because the last cruise ship was already departing.

The next day (Friday) we tried to visit while all the cruise ships were active, and there was a sign on the door stating that it would be closed for a private event until 3pm. We returned around 3:20pm to find that it was now closed for the day.

We finally found it open on Saturday, but with our group split up we all ended up visiting it at different times, but reunited there at the end of the day before returning to our rental house.

As I mentioned, it’s an old-west themed bar. Unsure how much of the decor is authentic vs how much is manufactured for the tourists. There are two levels, plus an attached gift shop that also has its own entrance from the street so that it can maintain its own separate hours. Food is served.

Their trademark is their Duck Fart shot, so we all made sure to get that. Since we were in a hurry to get back to our house after a very long day, that was the only drink I had.

278 S Franklin St
Juneau, AK 99801
United States
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+19074633658
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The Alaskan Hotel & Bar

scooterj — Fri, 12 May 2023 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Juneau, AK)

Scooter’s 1651st bar, first visited in 2023.

We used this historic bar as our meet-up spot after our group converged from three different directions. I was the first to arrive and got us a table upstairs. It was pretty busy when I first arrived, but quickly emptied out as the cruise tourists were called back to their chips.

I have no ideal how “authentic” this all was, but it seemed a perfect representation of what I might have expected to find coming here during the gold rush in the 19th century.

There were two levels, as I mentioned, and a stage for performances.

I had a Solstice IPA by 49th State Brewing, as well as participated in a round of lemon drop shots.

167 S Franklin St
Juneau, AK 99801
United States
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907-318-9470
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Alderman’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1639th bar, first visited in 2023.

Somehow I’ve missed this spot on previous visits even though it’s right across the street from a former bar I visited the last time I was in Omaha. Entertaining signage, a decent sized patio, pool tables, and karaoke. My wife sang a couple of songs while I had Guinness and a bomb shot.

3216 Leavenworth St
Omaha, NE 68105
United States
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+14023415190
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Otter’s Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 17:18:00 +0000

(Northeast Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1635th bar, first visited in 2023.

This tiny little karaoke dive bar was packed but a lot of fun, I’ll plan to come back here for a longer visit at some point in the future.

I had a Castle Cream Ale by Castle Danger Brewery.

617 Central Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
United States
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(612) 331-4169
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Whitey’s Old Town Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 17:17:00 +0000

(Northeast Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1634th bar, first visited in 2023.

When I was 10 years old, Navin R. Johnson (and his family) taught me “Don’t trust Whitey“. But this is an awesome looking dive bar and their online menu showed a cocktail I had been looking forward to for weeks while planning this trip, so I was absolutely going to take my chances!

Bartender: “What can I get for you?”

Me: “Oh, the Maple Bacon Old Fashioned. I came here specifically for that!”

Bartender: “Oohhhh, I’m sorry, you must have looked at our online menu. That is horribly out of date. We don’t have that anymore.”

NOOOO!!!! NAVIN WAS RIGHT!!!!! DON’T TRUST WHITEY!!!!

Bartender: “The espresso martini is pretty good.”

Me: “Ok, I’ll take that!”

Bartender: “Oops, we’re out of martini glasses. Is a wine glass okay?”

Me: “Sure, as long as it’s still the same amount.”

Don’t worry, Trey Westbrook, despite this being named “Probably The Best Espresso Martini In The Whole World”, yours is still better.

Other pics from this visit:

I was hungry but wanted something quick, so I got the fried walleye strips appetizer.

Technically this is a trough, but only if you and your very close friend are more slender than most. For those of us with BMIs over about 6, this is effectively just a wide urinal.

400 E Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55414
United States
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(612) 623-9478
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Gopher Bar

scooterj — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, St Paul, MN)

Scooter’s 1618th bar, first visited in 2023.

Wanting to mix at least a few dive bars into my journey, I picked Gopher Bar because I liked the name, because they serve food, and because my schedule would have be there right at lunchtime. The misused apostrophe on their sign was a bonus!

This was a fun bar with really friendly regulars. It was also nice seeing the bartender communicating in writing with a hearing-disabled patron who arrived shortly after me, he didn’t seem at all put out about the extra work.

I had fish & chips and Hamm’s on draft because that’s not an easy find back home.

241 7th St E
St Paul, MN 55101
United States
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Jim’s Alley Bar

scooterj — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1603rd bar, first visited in 2023.

A new bar built in dive bar style, and they pulled it off pretty well. Feels a lot like being in a basement bar in the 1970s. The entrance is in the alley, look for the door that has the hours painted on the bottom.

500 E 18th St #103
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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Checker Bar

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1601st bar, first visited in 2022.

We had almost stopped in here earlier in the evening while walking back to our hotel from Grand Trunk Pub, but we saw lots of kids in the front windows so decided at the time to pass.

Now it was late, we had not had dinner, and this was the closest spot we could find to the hotel that still had an open kitchen. So we dropped the car off at the hotel and walked back over here.

Everybody ordered food for themselves, we also ordered a few appetizers for us to all share. I ordered what I thought was going to be an individual-sized pizza. Then we all got our drinks. I had a Mayan Mocha Stout by Odd Side Ales.

After a while the appetizers came out. Then, a bit later, the food. Except not mine. So I waited. And waited. I was stick in the middle of a round booth and couldn’t get out without making everyone else get out, so my wife went to go check on my food. They assured her the pizza was coming. So I wanted some more. But hunger finally took over and I started eating appetizers. Before long I was full.

We gave up on the pizza, and just as we were about to go ask for it to be removed from the tab so we could leave, it was suddenly plopped down on the table before us.

It looked amazing, so I couldn’t pass it up, and forced myself to eat a few pieces. It was much larger than I was expecting, and with no practical way for us to save the leftovers, half of it got wasted. Which is criminal.

124 Cadillac Square
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
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+13139619249
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Suzy’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:17:00 +0000

(Hamtramck, MI)

Scooter’s 1600th bar, first visited in 2022.

We almost didn’t stop here because of the party bus parked out front, but we decided to give it a shot. Glad we did, because the party inside didn’t overcrowd the bar and wasn’t obnoxious. And we really liked this place. It reminded us a lot of Wolski’s Tavern in Milwaukee.

The whole room is filled with nostalgic childhood memorabilia — most of it looking to be from about mid 1960s to mid 1980s. And, in a score for me, they had Polish beer so I had Okocim O.K. Beer by Browar Okocim.

They really want to make sure anyone using the men’s room leaves free from both germs and odors.

2942 Evaline St
Hamtramck, MI 48212
United States
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+13138729016
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The Painted Lady

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:16:00 +0000

(Hamtramck, MI)

Scooter’s 1599th bar, first visited in 2022.

Our next spot made out initial short list simply based on the fact that we liked out the exterior looked.

This is a very eclectic neighborhood dive bar — with fancy woodwork juxtaposed with broken floor tile straight from a 1940s elementary school classroom, a row of pinball machines, a pool table, a stage serving as a gift shop, and a bust of a rather fit dude’s chest.

As this is a Polish neighborhood I was hoping for some Polish beer, but alas there was none to be found. So I had Guinness.

2930 Jacob St
Hamtramck, MI 48212
United States
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+13138742991
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Abick’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:15:00 +0000

(Michigan-Martin, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1598th bar, first visited in 2022.

Now THIS is what looking for good neighborhood dive bars is all about. Easily in my top 5 of all time!

After learning we were visiting from out of town the bartender decided to give us a tour and tell us about the history. She began by taking us through a door labeled “barber Shop”, revealing a back room lounge area packed with artifacts.

This long-time neighborhood staple has been a hangout for police and firefighters for decades, and patrons have donated all sorts of items related to their professions. As a result, the back room of this bar is essentially a museum of nearly a century’s worth of items relating to both lines of work.

After returning to the main bar the bartender asked if we’d noticed the smooth marble front side of the bar counter. “Do you want to know why it’s marble?” she asked. So of course we wanted to know.

When the bar first opened men and women drank separately, with men in the front room and women in the back room aka the Barber Shop). According to the lore, there was a trough installed along the front of the marble side of the bar so that the men could urinate without needing to leave their spots.

The current men’s restroom is a lot less dramatic, but the women’s restroom was a clear toilet seat with razor blades and barbed wire embedded (completely and safely) within.

I had a Molson Canadian.

The marble bar front. If the legend is true, numerous urine streams used to splash here long ago.

Women’s toilet:

3500 Gilbert St
Detroit, MI 48210
United States
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+13138949329
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Detroiter Bar

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1595th bar, first visited in 2022.

We decided to make one more quick stop before checking to see if our companion back at the hotel had had a long enough nap. This p[articular sports bar felt like the kind of place true locals hang out at.

Unfortunately it was rather crowded and we had to stand, so we just had one drink and left. I had a Guinness.

I did manage to move around inside enough to see that there was another room behind where we were standing. I also remember there being "something odd" about the men's room but because I wasn't alone in there I couldn't get a picture so that I would remember later what it was.

655 Beaubien Blvd
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
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+13139633355
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Sweetwater Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1593rd bar, first visited in 2022.

One member of our traveling group was exhausted, so the rest of us set out on foot from our hotel while she got a couple hours of napping in. This long-established wing dive was the closest spot to the hotel.

We had a couple of rounds of drinks while watching the second half of the US-England World Cup game.

I had a Ghettoblaster Ale by Motor City Brewing Works and a Guinness Original Extra Stout.

400 E Congress St
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
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+13139622210
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Kruse’s Paint Creek Tavern

scooterj — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 18:12:00 +0000

(Rochester, MI)

Scooter’s 1592nd bar, first visited in 2022.

Stopped in here for one final round on our way back “home” to make a late dinner. It was surprisingly busy so we had to sit in the back room instead of at the bar proper. We had a single round of lemon drop martinis.

In addition to lots of fascinating quirky decor, there is a rather large patio in back that overlooks Paint Creek and the Rochester River Walk.

613 N Rochester Rd.
Rochester, MI 48307
United States
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+12489232056
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Gusoline Alley

scooterj — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Royal Oak, MI)

Scooter’s 1588th bar, first visited in 2022.

A craft beer dive bar, decorated like a service station, with a pinball machine. I’ve had a t-shirt with their logo for years but never realized I’d actually wind up here.

I had a CEO Stout by Right Brain Brewing and a Java Vanilla Porter by Atwater Brewing. I believe shots were involved as well.

309 S Center St
Royal Oak, MI 48067
United States
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+12485452235
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Ruckmoor Lounge

scooterj — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(Crosswoods, Columbus, OH)

Scooter’s 1587th bar, first visited in 2022.

We almost cut this from our itinerary because we were running an hour behind, but we are so glad we didn’t because this was a fantastic dive bar to visit.

Straight out of the 1960s or so (ignoring the flat screen TVs, anyway), the front lounge area features plush leather furniture facing a large stone fireplace. The long bar wraps around the center of the space, flowing around to a billiard room in the back.

I had a Columbus Brewing IPA, served in a frosty cold mug because why not?

7496 N High St
Columbus, OH 43235
United States
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+16148854468
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Callahan’s

scooterj — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 18:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Columbus, OH)

Scooter’s 1586th bar, first visited in 2022.

Because it was so cold/windy and everyplace we had tried while walking back was way too crowded, we had decided to return to the hotel early. But just as we reached the east entrance, we noticed that one of the bars across the street seemed pretty quiet so we decided to go check it out. Turned out we got lucky, a large party had recently left leaving behind a mostly-empty bar. Score!

I had a Murphy’s Irish Stout, a Pioneer Ohio Pilsner by Homestead Beer Company, some shots, and a cocktail.

There was a second level but neither of us bothered to go up the stairs to look around.

520 Park St.
Columbus, OH 43215
United States
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+16142231200
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Char Bar

scooterj — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Columbus, OH)

Scooter’s 1585th bar, first visited in 2022.

We had been excitedly looking forward to this bar all day, but we were unaware of the hockey game that had gotten out nearby and stepped in to find a bar so crowded it was nearly impossible to move. The only open space was unfortunately in front of the dart boards. I think there was a patio, somewhere, but we couldn’t move around enough to find it. (It was bitterly cold and super windy anyway.) We just had one quick drink and left. I had Guinness. We’d love to come back on a future visit when it’s not so crazy.

439 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
United States
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+16142259439
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Knub’s Pub

scooterj — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 18:12:00 +0000

(Shawnee, KS)

Scooter’s 1581st bar, first visited in 2022.

Given that this was a suburban strip mall bar I wasn’t expecting anything noteworthy, but this turned out to be a genuine-feeling sports dive with a lot of character.

Food is served, there’s lots of nostalgia, and there’s a row of pinball machines along one wall. There’s a small patio outside the south door.

I had Elvis Juice (American IPA) by BrewDog Deutschland.

5386 Roberts St
Shawnee, KS 66226
United States
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+19134415682
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Hillsiders

scooterj — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 17:10:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1577th bar, first visited in 2022.

Cute dive bar with quirky decor and its own original cocktails that opened in October 2022 after an 11-month renovation of a previous venue that had been vacant for a decade. Has a really nice patio in the back.

403 N 5th St
Kansas City, KS 66101
United States
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+19134130059
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9th & State

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Lots of things

Scooter’s 1571st bar, first visited in 2022.

We had tried to visit here a week earlier but it was closed for a private event, so gave it another try today. It quickly became a new favorite.

Over 110 years old, the building was originally a Pabst bar back in the days when the big breweries operated their own little chain bars all over. It has since been NUMEROUS things, see the history in one of the photos for details.

This is primarily a cocktail bar, though they do have other options. I started with one called The Murdock, which was made with West Bottoms Whiskey, which is how I found out West Bottoms Whiskey existed so would get added to our itinerary for the day. I followed that up with a coffee based cocktail called The Ape Hanger. My wife had a Fancy Glory Hole, named after a row of likely glory holes found in the basement from one of the building’s past uses as a fetish club.

The bar includes two ping-pong tables, something you don’t normally expect to see in a cocktail bar.

1717 W. 9th St.
Kansas City, MO 64101
United States
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Deep Eddy Cabaret

scooterj — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:14:00 +0000

(Westfield, Austin, TX)

Scooter’s 1568th bar, first visited in 2022.

On the way back in to drop off the rental car we decided to take in one last must-see dive bar.

Finding this place was a bitch to find, mainly because my GPS decided that rather than just lead us DIRECTLY THERE we should instead turn left on a side street one block before the bar, then turn right in an alley next to a fire station, then declare that we had arrived when we were in fact 125 feet away on the wrong side of the building. Once we found it the next challenge was finding a place we could legally park the rental, but we finally made it work.

This is a really fun dive bar, and I wish we could have stayed longer. If I’m ever back in Austin, this will definitely be a re-visit.

I had the Firemans #4 (blonde ale) by Real Ale Brewing Company, then later peed it out my beers from earlier in the day into a trough.

2315 Lake Austin Blvd
Austin, TX 78703
United States
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+15124720961
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The Cloak Room

scooterj — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Austin, TX)

Scooter’s 1564th bar, first visited in 2022.

I wanted to visit at least one true honest to goodness local dive bar while we were hear, and all my research led me to this place. So after abandoning Rainey Street we hopped into an Uber to finish our night out here^*.

This is a basement bar right next to the state capitol building, and I had looked forward to trying to find it since I had heard it was a bit tricky but the Uber driver spoiled it by saying “You’ll find what you’re looking for right around that corner.”

The bartender was outside having a smoke so it took us a little bit to get served. It was much darker inside than my pictures let on. The place was pretty busy and it was clear most if not all were regulars, but we found an open spot to sit next to the stairs to the restroom.

The restrooms themselves are up a flight of carpeted stairs in the back with the stairwell walls covered with photos of bar patrons. Just outside the restroom doors was another small table with a couple of chairs.

We both had Miller Lite bottles.

^*By finishing the night out here, I mean in terms of new places. It had always been our plan to go back to Coyote Ugly at the end of the night. (And that was a much different experience on a Friday night than it was the night before, and somehow included more shots.)

1300 Colorado St.
Austin, TX 78701
United States
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(512) 472-9808
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Friends Bar

scooterj — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Austin, TX)

Scooter’s 1559th bar, first visited in 2022.

After a while we got antsy and wanted a change of scenery, but it only took a couple of doors down for us to find another spot we liked.

The guy doing the live music was a hoot, and definitely had to be on something (which he alluded to multiple times). He was entertaining enough that we ended up deciding to stay here until it was time for us to leave for our afternoon tour.

I had a couple of rounds of Austin Amber by Independence Brewing.

208 E, 6th St.
Austin, TX 78701
United States
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+15123208193
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Coyote Ugly

scooterj — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Austin, TX)

Scooter’s 1557th bar, first visited in 2022.

We left Buckshots pretty hammered, and because we had forgotten we had to cross the street to get to it, be started off walking the wrong direction back to the hotel. My Friend noticed the error afer about a block, so we crossed again and began heading back the correct way.

The sidewalks were getting busier and we were dodging both other pedestrians and bar employees stationed outside the doors of bars enticing people in.

“Do you guys want to come on in?” called one of the voices too us.

“No thanks,” I said, “we’re done for the night.”

“You sure?” said the door attendant. “We have girls dancing on the bar.”

My friend’s eyes got really big and he looked back, then at me. “Scott, I’ve never been in a Coyote Ugly before. We HAVE to go!”

So we did. (I had already been to the Memphis location years ago, but had to allow my friend the same opportunity.)

Being a Thursday night it was not too busy at first, but it grew busier as time went on. About half an hour after our arrival a bachelorette party came in and that made the bar dancing almost constant.

I had two Guinness and at least one shot.

I have decided not to post any of the pictures of bar dancing because too many of the people on the bar were customers rather than employees.

This ended up becoming the real final bar of the night. What followed was a walk where we overshot the turn to the hotel by 2 blocks, stepping over/around several sleeping homeless people along the creepy route we used to correct that, and my friend crossing an intersection with a very wide berth that took him out onto the light rail tracks and at the time his reason for doing so seemed not only logical but even brilliant, but by morning neither of us could remember what that reason was.

501 E. 6th S
Austin, TX 78701
United States
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+15122368459
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Chupacabra Cantina

scooterj — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Austin, TX)

Scooter’s 1553rd bar, first visited in 2022.

After The Jackalope we decided that we would just walk down the street and stick our heads in the front doors of various bars and pick those were we liked the music and it wasn’t being played so loudly. Ot only took us two doors to find that, as well as a place that we enjoyed enough that we stayed for multiple rounds.

I had a couple of glasses of the Yuengling lager while a woman (and one guy briefly) played good live music at the front end of the bar.

400 E. 6th St.
Austin, TX 78701
United States
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The Jackalope

scooterj — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Austin, TX)

Scooter’s 1552nd bar, first visited in 2022.

After our meal we took an Uber almost back almost to where we left off walking and chose this bar specifically to climb up on the jackalope.

We both had Miller Lights. This looked like it could be a fun place, but my friend was annoyed that his 12oz Miller Light bottle was $6 and that was comparable to the price of the much better beers at the breweries. Also, the music wasn’t a style either of us liked and was being played really loud, so we snapped out photos, chugged the beer, and left.

404 E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
United States
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Sidestreet Bar

scooterj — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 17:11:00 +0000

(Midtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1547th bar, first visited in 2022.

Dive bar with pool tables and an absolutely stunning patio. The bartender was very friendly and welcoming.

I had a Dunkel from KC Bier Company.

413 E. 33rd St
Kansas City, MO 64109
United States
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+18165311775
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Kingfish

scooterj — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fayetteville, AR)

Scooter’s 1545th bar, first visited in 2022.

We picked this place specifically because it advertised a dog friendly patio. Unfortunately we had to decide not to stay very long because one of my dogs decided she needed to be a very vocal greeter for anyone who passed by. I only managed to have a Guinness.

262 N School Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72701
United States
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+14799353443
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The Old Fishtrap

scooterj — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(Chinook, WA)

Scooter’s 1527th bar, first visited in 2022.

After we were done exploring Astoria we decided to cross the bridge into Washington and visit the first interesting-looking bar we came across. We chose wisely, because this place was awesome and even with only a couple of other customers we had a blast here!

They weren’t serving food yet (sad, as we were hungry) but a smoker was going outside. Inside we found all kinds of cool antique decor, a corner full of various musical instruments that a couple of the customers were playing, a wood burning stove, and a really nice bartender.

I had the Vortex IPA by Fort George Brewery.

779 US-101
Chinook, WA 98614
United States
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(360) 777-8296
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My Father’s Place

scooterj — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:15:00 +0000

(Buckman, Portland, OR)

Scooter’s 1522nd bar, first visited in 2022.

Though I wanted to, we were not going to stop here because it was getting late and we needed an early start in the morning. But when wa walked back from Rum Club and saw that it was literally right next door to our hotel, we decided to go ahead and stop in for a quick drink.

This ended up being our favorite bar that we visited in Portland, we ended up staying for three rounds, and even came back the next morning for breakfast.

The place is divided into three sections. The north third is the diner area and is family friendly. The middle third is the main bar area, and the southern third had arcade games (several pinball machines) and a pool table. Minors are not permitted outside of the diner section. There was a small amount of sidewalk seating but it was unclear to me whether drinks could be taken outside.

Lots of quirky and vintage decor all about the place, so plenty of things to look at.

I started with an Original Amber Ale by Oakshire Brewing. Then we had some sort of house specialty adult root beer float type of drink. Then we had shots of some kind, I don’t remember what. Then we walked next door to our hotel and slept well.

523 SE Grand Ave
Portland, OR 97214
United States
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+15032355494
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The Slammer Tavern

scooterj — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:13:00 +0000

(Buckman, Portland, OR)

Scooter’s 1520th bar, first visited in 2022.

I’ve had a t-shirt for this bar for years but had never been, so it was a convenient find that it was only a 3 block walk from our hotel.

With the whole place decked out in Christmas lights, there’s a large rectangular bar in the middle plus small counters along the outer walls. Picnic tables line the outside walls along the sidewalk. There’s Skee-Ball and a passageway to a restroom that looked intriguing enough that I’m kicking myself for not checking it out even though I didn’t have to go.

I had This IPA by Cascade Lakes Brewing Company.

500 SE 8th Ave
Portland, OR 97214
United States
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+15032326504
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The Rambler

scooterj — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(Humboldt, Portland, OR)

Scooter’s 1519th bar, first visited in 2022.

This wasn’t intended to be our first stop in Portland but the first place on our list, up the street, was already closed. This nearby spot had food and drinks so won our business instead.

I had a Chocolate Stout by Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery

4205 N Mississippi Ave
Portland, OR 97217
United States
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+15034594049
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The Doctor’s Office

scooterj — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:13:00 +0000

(Dodge City, KS)

Scooter’s 1516th bar, first visited in 2022.

After visiting the brewery and the distillery, I realized I need a Guinness to make St. Patrick’s Day official. This looked like my best chance at a Guinness out of the places that were still open. But no luck, no Guinness.

I had a giant-ass mug of Budweiser, followed by a mixed drink using Bailey’s Irish Creme so I could have at least something Irish.

113 Gunsmoke St.
Dodge City, KS 67801
United States
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+16208015001
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My Other Place

scooterj — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Gladstone, MO)

Scooter’s 1510th bar, first visited in 2021.

Cute little dive bar in a converted house that I noticed for the first time just before covid then never got a chance to visit until now. Though it’s associated with the people who ran the old Judge’s Pizza a little over half a mile away, at the time of my visit the only available food was hot dogs and a couple of other snacks. I had a Bud Light.

5700 NE Antioch
Gladstone, MO 64118
United States
[launch map]
+18166051013

Barge Inn

scooterj — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Munising, MI)

Scooter’s 1503rd bar, first visited in 2021.

I was heading back to rejoin my group at the souvenir store when they notified me they had relocated to an IGA. This place was diagonally across the street, so I opted to wait for them here instead of hunting them down in a grocery store.

A pretty large establishment with multiple rooms and a big, well-shaded patio. I hesitate to even mark this as a dive bar because it borders on being too clean/new.

I had a Widow Maker Black Ale by Keweenaw Brewing Company.

206 W Superior St
Munising, MI 49862
United States
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+19063874869
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East Channel Brewing Company

scooterj — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Munising, MI)

Scooter’s 1502nd bar, first visited in 2021.

I broke off from the main group (who wanted to go back to a souvenir shop we had visited earlier) and walked down here by myself. They were out of a few things so I just had a full pour of the Lake Street Stout.

This place had very much a dive bar feel, more so that most breweries.
It kind of looked like there might have been a small patio in the back, but I forgot to verify.

209 Maple S
Munising, MI 49862
United States
[launch map]
+19063873007
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Duck Pond Eatery and Beer Garden

scooterj — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Christmas, MI)

Scooter’s 1500th bar, first visited in 2021.

This was an awesome vacation find for my 1500th bar! We had some nice appetizers and they had a really great beer selection.

In addition to the snacks, I had the Ore Dock Brewing porter and the Bellaire Brown (ale) by Short’s Brewing.

7974 W M28
Christmas, MI 49862
United States
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906-387-1689
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St. John’s Catholic Club

scooterj — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1495th bar, first visited in 2021.

This bar is located in the basement of the St. John’s Catholic Club, attached to the six-lane bowling alley. The club is located behind the big red church that dominates the Strawberry Hill skyline.

414 Barnett
Kansas City, KS 66101
United States
[launch map]
+19133719690
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Buddha Lounge

scooterj — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 17:11:00 +0000

(Chinatown, San Francisco, CA)

Scooter’s 1490th bar, first visited in 2021.

Though this was right across the street from Li Po, we didn’t want to risk all the food options closing so had dinner at an open restaurant just up the hill first. We came back here for “dessert”.

I forget what cocktail my wife had, but I was in the mode for something sweet so I had a couple of white russians. The bartender was a friendly guy with a good personality which helped make this a fun way to end our night in San Francisco.

I hesitate to label this in the “dive bar” category, but there are enough aspects that fit the criteria that I made a judgement call to do so.

901 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108
United States
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+14153621792
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Wild Bill’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 17:14:00 +0000

(Rulo, NE)

Scooter’s 1486th bar, first visited in 2021.

This place has been on my want-to-visit list for about a dozen years, mainly because I wanted to hang out in their beer garden. Unfortunately a storm destroyed part of the beer garden about 10 days before my visit so only the (small and crowded) indoors was open. I drank by Bud quickly and headed home.

118 NE Main St
Rulo, NE 68431
United States
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+14022454097
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The Beacon Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 17:23:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lincoln, NE)

Scooter’s 1480th bar, first visited in 2021.

Back on July 15, 2009, my friend Brandon and I were on the first day of a 5-day bar crawl. We were walking around Lincoln late at night, having been to 24 bars that day, with Bison Witches being the place we had just left.

We had a map we had made and we still had about 30 minutes before places would start doing last call, but each place we wandered to seemed not quite divey enough. We finally set our sites on Beacon Lounge and began walking towards it.

About a block before we got there, we were crossing a large empty parking lot (and apartment building is located there now) and directly in our path was an empty, idling cab. We took that as our sign from the beer gods that we were meant to go safely back to our hotel now rather than go to a 25th bar and then have to try to get a cab at the same time as everyone else.

So once again, nearly 12 years later, I found myself out of stamina at the end of a long day of wandering around Lincoln. I was once again a block away. But this time, I forced myself to go in order to fulfill the void left by missing it 12 years earlier.

I had a Guinness again here, which with my dwindling stomach capacity took quite a while to finish.

There’s a patio in the front, a pool table in the back, and also buy the front is a raised platform with gaming machines and a “no cellphones” rule up there for reasons I’m unclear on.

I sent my wife (who is a bartender) this photo while I was sitting at the bar and she responded “Oh HELL no. I would QUIT.”

311 S 11th St
Lincoln, NE 68508
United States
[launch map]
+14024387211
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The Old Pub

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 17:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lincoln, NE)

Scooter’s 1479th bar, first visited in 2021.

This place finished me. I was done. Pretty much out of stomach volume and mostly out of liver capacity as well. I struggled to finish a Guinness. Honestly I should have gone straight back to the hotel from here. But I had to go around the blocks to fix something from 15 years ago, so pressed on to one more bar after here…

408 S 11th St
Lincoln, NE 68508
United States
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+14024775671
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The Hot Mess

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 17:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lincoln, NE)

Scooter’s 1478th bar, first visited in 2021.

This quirky dive has a large square bar, lots of empty glass bottles of what I believe to be Buddha Beer, and some particularly large potted plants. But to me the main standout was the payphone on the wall. One that, while I didn’t test to confirm, appears it could still be working.

408 S 11th St
Lincoln, NE 68508
United States
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+14027700292
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Zoo Bar

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lincoln, NE)

Scooter’s 1476th bar, first visited in 2021.

As a long-time denizen of Zoo Bar in Kansas City, I’ve been long trying to visit the famous blues venue of the same name in Lincoln. The KC bar often gets requests for bookings from confused bands/artists thinking they are talking to Lincoln. Unfortunately every time I have been in Lincoln it has either been closed “for remodeling” or closed because I was there too early in the day. This time I planned the entire day around their schedule.

This place is a true dive, and reminded me a lot of my own Zoo Bar in KC apart from the stage at the far end and the piano in the middle.

I had Guinness.

136 N 14th St
Lincoln, NE 68508
United States
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+14024358754
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Tavern on the Square

scooterj — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lincoln, NE)

Scooter’s 1467th bar, first visited in 2021.

I would like to have spent more time here because it seems like a pretty cool place, but it was extremely crowdedand noisy so I just quickly drank a Guinness before heading back to my hotel.

816 P St
Lincoln, NE 68508
United States
[launch map]
+14022614608
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Big Ten Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 17:11:00 +0000

(Bennet, NE)

Scooter’s 1464th bar, first visited in 2021.

From what it sounds like, this place recently opened under new ownership. The bar is divided into three main seating areas, and also has a small patio in front. I got dinner here and had a couple bottles of Sam Adams.

625 Monroe St
Bennet, NE 68317
United States
[launch map]
+14027821059
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Bing’s Sports Bar

scooterj — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Nebraska City, NE)

Scooter’s 1463rd bar, first visited in 2021.

Sports Bar serving pizza that I’ve somehow managed to miss despite passing through Nebraska City numerous times in the past 15+ years.

I had Guinness…

704 Central Ave
Nebraska City, NE 68410
United States
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+14027135063
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Mango’s Pool Bar

scooterj — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(North Captiva, FL)

Scooter’s 1457th bar, first visited in 2021.

Outdoor bar located between the swimming pool and the boat docks that we ended up vising multiple times. I had a HI-5 IPA (Citra Dry Hopped) by Terrapin Beer, as well as at least four mudslides and who knows how many shots. This was the location of my largest bar tab of all time but we had so much fun here it was well worth it.

Bartlett Pkwy
North Captiva, FL 33924
United States
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800-576-7343
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Barnacles Bar

scooterj — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(North Captiva, FL)

Scooter’s 1456th bar, first visited in 2021.

A mostly outdoor bar (there’s a few seats inside) next to the Mainstay restaurant, located near the airstrip on North Captiva Island. I had a 420 Extra Pale Ale by SweetWater Brewing Company.

4401 Point House Trail
North Captiva, FL 33924
United States
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+12394721204
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Madison’s

scooterj — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 17:10:00 +0000

(West Plaza, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly The Point

Scooter’s 1444th bar, first visited in 2020.

I had been here a few times when it was The Point. The remodel that make sit Madison’s was so extensive that I can claim this as a new bar, as even the bar area itself is in an entirely different part of the building.

This is a hard one to categorize, as it has elements of a dive bar and an upscale bar at the same time. So I’m filing it under both. There is a limited menu of rather good bar food, and two enormous patios â€” one in the east courtyard and another a level down in the south parking lot.

I returned on Dec 31, 2020 and got updated photos.

917 W 44th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
United States
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(816) 579-4499
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T&A Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 17:10:00 +0000

(Busch, Eureka Springs, AR)

Scooter’s 1442nd bar, first visited in 2020.

We stopped here on a weekend camping trip after seeing a sign for it about 10 miles away and loving the name. Though it’s a Eureka Springs address, it’s actually a few miles outside Eureka Springs in the unincorporated town of Busch.

There are a few different “rooms” inside, plus a large screened-in patio and a couple of picnic tables on the front lawn. Next door are cabins available for rent.

I had two of the Love Honey (Bock) by Lost Forty Brewing.

7448 Hwy 187
Eureka Springs, AR 72631
United States
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(479) 253-5464
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Gaslight Lounge

scooterj — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Anchorage, AK)

Scooter’s 1424th bar, first visited in 2019.

This wasn’t a bar we were planning to visit. But we were revisiting a bar around the corner (Darwin’s Theory) and we ended up parking in front of The Gaslight so decided to check it out too. I didn’t realize until later that this became by new Westernmost bar by about 100 feet.

This is like a country-sports dive bar. There’s a pool table, multiple bar games, lots of TVs, a mechanical bull, ping-pong, and a really ornate mid-20th-century style lounge booth in the front corner.

I had a King Street IPA and maybe a shot, I can’t remember for sure.

All that’s missing is a bucket of ice to make this the pinnacle of the dive bar peeing experience…

721 W 4th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99501
United States
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(907) 277-0722
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Mecca Bar

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 18:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fairbanks, AK)

Scooter’s 1418th bar, first visited in 2019.

We didn’t get a chance to visit Mecca when we were here in 2018, but in preparing for both visits I had numerous people tell me to avoid Mecca Bar.

Well, all that did was make me want to go all the more.

Know what? We had a good time here. The bartender was friendly and funny, and the regulars were friendly and welcoming as well. It was a pretty typical dive bar experience.

The only thing I noticed is that this is obviously a bar that the locals hang out in, specifically the Alaskan natives. To which I say, so what? I’ve been to plenty of bars where I was the only customer of my ethnicity, and that doesn’t diminish from the bar experience whatsoever.

I had an Alaskan Amber and some shots.

549 2nd Ave
Fairbanks, AK 99701
United States
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(907) 456-6320
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Ivory Jack’s

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 18:10:00 +0000

(Ester, Fairbanks, AK)

Scooter’s 1414th bar, first visited in 2019.

We came here for lunch after a morning of dog sledding. Good bar food, good beer selection, and seating for a lot of people. We had a really nice visit here.

I had a King Street Stout. I wanted more, but we were going to ride snowmobiles next and I was nervous enough as it was without worryiong about me being buzzed.

It was unclear to me whether they have outdoor seating, since any such seating would have been taken down for the winter. I’m thinking not know since they had signs prohibiting drinks from being taken out on the deck.

2581 Goldstream Rd
Fairbanks, AK 99709
United States
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(907) 455-6665
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The Cave Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 17:15:00 +0000

(Lanagan, MO)

Scooter’s 1408th bar, first visited in 2019.

How’s this for something different, a biker bar that’s actually in a cave!

My original plan was to eat lunch here, but I’d already lost an hour due to backtracking out of my way to Saddlebock Brewery down in Springdale. So to get back on schedule (I wanted to be home in time for the season premiere of The Walking Dead, I decided to just have a beer here (Guinness) and also scratch the dive bar in Carthage I’d planned to visit on my way back.

I was here in the dead zone between lunch and dinner, so it was just me and a handful of bikers… though it sounded like quite a few more were on their way but hadn’t arrived before I left.

The building seen in the photo is the kitchen and the restrooms. The bar and the main dining room are literally inside a cave in the cliff, while outside is a sprawling seating area with your choice of sitting out among the trees or under the cliff overhang behind the vines. In-between is a transition zone where water drips on you.

There’s an awesome goat that lives here too, with a feed dispenser nearby if you want to hand-feed it. (Actually there may be more than one, I just saw the one in the last photo below.)

This is a place I definitely want to come back to and stay longer.

313 S Main
Lanagan, MO 64847
United States
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(417) 454-5933
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Whiskey Dick’s

scooterj — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Joplin, MO)

Scooter’s 1390th bar, first visited in 2019.

This is another place I picked just for the name. I was about to call an Uber from Flicker until I saw that it was only about a 6 minute walk, so I hoofed it in the cold.

This place was absolutely slammed with no seats available at all, so once I got my drink I finished it as quickly as I could and got out of there. I had Guinness.

There was a band playing, and I was cringing at how awful the lead singer was. Until the next singer took the stage, and I realized that the band was doing karaoke.

516 S Joplin Ave
Joplin, MO 64801
US
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(417) 206-3425
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Frank’s Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:16:00 +0000

(Joplin, MO)

Scooter’s 1391st bar, first visited in 2019.

There were a couple of other bars I wanted to check out, but it was getting late and I needed to get up early in the morning (plus all these bars allow smoking), so I had the uber driver skip on ahead to what planned to be my last stop for the night.

With a 6:30am opening time, Frank’s is the official bar of Joplin’s overnight shift workers. Despite the parking lot being completely packed, it didn’t seem all that busy inside. Though there was another room at the west end of the bar that I didn’t check out, and it did sound like something (karaoke, I think?) was going on in there.

I had Guinness.

The bartender in the overalls is the one who served me, and he’s of the rare dive bar bartenders who knows how to properly pour a Guinness.

2112 S Main St
Joplin, MO 64804
US
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(417) 623-9651
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Shirley’s Neighborhood Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:11:00 +0000

(Cartersville, MO)
Formerly Shirley’s Place

Scooter’s 1386th bar, first visited in 2019.

I found this gem located on Historic Route 66, about halfway between my exit and a brewery I was heading to.

I later learned had only been open about 7 months, having been re-built and re-opened by new owners after a fire destroyed it in 2017.

This was a really cool neighborhood bar with a very nice bartender. Not include in my photos, a pretty big outdoor seating area behind a privacy wall.

Despite how my pictures look there were actually about 15-20 people in here and it became busier during my visit, as both a birthday party and karaoke were preparing to start. I just happened to catch a couple of moments where people had moved from one section of the room to another.

I had Guinness.

321 W Main
Cartersville, MO 64835
US
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(417) 717-0516
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The Gallows

scooterj — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Lamar, MO)

Scooter’s 1385th bar, first visited in 2019.

Stopped here on the way to Joplin because I loved the name. It was pretty quiet in there at the time I arrived (it was still a little early), there were 3 other customers seated at the bar.

The bartender was a really cool and mellow older guy, and a biker based upon his stories of a ride down to Fayetteville.

I had a Bud bottle.

253 US 160
Lamar, MO 64759
US
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(417) 682-6869
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Crazy Woman Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Dayton, WY)

Scooter’s 1379th bar, first visited in 2019.

We stopped in here specifically because we liked the name. A name that is also shared with a creek, a hiking trail, a canyon, and other geographical features in the region. So far my attempts to find the origin of the name reveal that there is a lot of speculation but no concrete facts.

In any case, we ended up having a great time here and were glad we stopped in.

(I had Guinness.)

307 Main St
Dayton, WY 82836
US
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(307) 655-2220
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Fort Rockvale

scooterj — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Rockvale, MT)

Scooter’s 1378th bar, first visited in 2019.

This was not an intended stop, but after two attempts in a row to stop at gas stations to use the restroom failed, the decision was made to use the restroom here. And since I have a rule against using a business’s restroom without buying something, I popped into the bar for a quick drink.

There’s at least one pool table plus a whole array of casino games.

I had the last of the Street Fight Imperial Red Ale by Angry Hank’s before the keg blew.

I’m marking this having a restaurant, but the restaurant is in a separate section of the building.

4283 US-310
Rockvale, MT 59041
US
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(406) 962-3963
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Sip ‘n Dip Lounge

scooterj — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 17:12:00 +0000

(Great Falls, MT)

Scooter’s 1377th bar, first visited in 2019.

Who would ever think that the bar in a borderline shady motel would be a tourist attraction? But that’s exactly what this is.

Located on the second level of a very-dated motel, this tiki bar features casino games and a full menu of pretty decent food. But the main feature is that the back of the bar butts up against the motel’s swimming pool, with a glass wall allowing bar patrons to see into the water. At scheduled times of day women dressed as mermaids swim in the pool, performing for bar guests and getting pictures taken with them for tips.

(I assume that at other times of day bar patrons would see motel guests swimming, which might be a bit weird at times.)

I had a Cloudblast (NE IPA) and a Dam Fog (wheat beer), both by Mighty Mo Brewing Company

First-time visitors (such as us) might find it a bit confusing figuring out how to get to the bar, and might go to the ground floor restaurant instead. Enter the main motel entrance and take these stairs at the back of the lobby.

17 7th St S
Great Falls, MT 59401
US
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(406) 454-2141
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Sully’s Pub

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Mission, KS)

Scooter’s 1366th bar, first visited in 2019.

In all my years of trying to visit every dive bar in the KC area, I do’t know how I’ve managed to overlook this one until now. We picked this as a good spot for people coming from different directions to meet up for a mini brewery crawl down Johnson Drive. Though, to be fair, it’s iffy whether or not this can be considered a dive. Sports bar, though? Definitely.

I didn’t go to the back room to check out what all was here, but apart from tons of TVs there are also quite a few bar games (sports bar games).

Pretty decent beer selection, too. I had a Left Hand Milk Stout.

I liked how most of the TVs had wood frames, like they were paintings.

5436 Johnson Dr
Mission, KS 66205
US
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(913) 999-8014
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Dick Weed’s Bar

scooterj — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:13:00 +0000

(Mt Clemens, MI)

Scooter’s 1365th bar, first visited in 2019.

We wanted to get a nice dive bar in on our afternoon, and we picked this one based partly on location and mostly on its name. (The bar’s owner is named Richard Weed.)

This is a true neighborhood dive bar, with very friendly staff and patrons. I played some Golden Tee, and around the corner band instruments were set up. Outside was the largest set of horseshoe pits I’ve ever seen at a bar.

I had Guinness and breakfast shots. I wouldn’t normally do a shot that involved orange juice but, hey, bacon!

299 North Ave
Mt Clemens, MI 48043
US
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(586) 329-1302
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Cumming Tap

scooterj — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 17:11:00 +0000

(Cumming, IA)

Scooter’s 1355th bar, first visited in 2019.

Because it’s adjacent to a trailhead for a major bike path (in fact there’s a path blazed from the trailhead directly to the back door) this place is HUGELY popular with cyclists. And though we were the only customers when we arrived, before long the place started filling up with them.

There’s a small patio in the back, a surprisingly decent craft beer selection, and lots of “I love Cumming” merchandise for sale.

I had a Burnout Brown by Firetrucker Brewery.

117 N 44th St
Cumming, IA 50061
US
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(515) 981-5149
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Buddy’s Corral

scooterj — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1349th bar, first visited in 2019.

This is a gay bar, but we got here too early in the day. We kind of felt like we were making the regulars uncomfortable.

I had a Busch Light.

418 E 5th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 244-7140
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Ernie’s Boondock

scooterj — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1348th bar, first visited in 2019.

This is an odd duck in that it is a new-build dive bar. That’s really hard to do, you can’t normally just “build” dive bar. But they managed to pull it off and do it well.

There’s a food truck by the patio if you’re hungry, or you can duck on a pickled egg I guess. One of their specialties is classic canned crap beer.

I had a Schmidt by Pabst Brewing Company because it’s something we can’t get at home.

When I got up to use the restroom, I was extremely disappointed to find a clean modern restroom. I was about to cancel my classification of this as a dive bar because of it. By then I washed my hands and found… AN OLD SCHOOL POWERED SOAP DISPENSER NOT SEEN SINCE THE TRUCK STOPS AND JUNIOR HIGHS OF THE LATE-70S/EARLY-80S!!!!!

440 East Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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Carl’s Place

scooterj — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 17:11:00 +0000

(Sherman Hill, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1346th bar, first visited in 2019.

After breakfast we had an uber take us to what Yelp calls the best dive bar in all of DSM. Now, we were here way too early to experience it with a crowd, but I do remember getting out of the car and exclaiming “This… is…. PERFECT!”

Lots of dive bars have old coin-operated condom machines in the men’s room. Not many have only part of one, though.

1620 Woodland Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 243-9727
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The High Life Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1342nd bar, first visited in 2019.

When we stepped in the door there were only a couple of seats at the bar but there was a ton of table seating. Ten minutes later the place was packed with what had to have been a thirty-minute wait. Crap, we’d intersected with the happy hour crowd!

200 SW 2nd St
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 280-1965
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Shorty’s Somewhat Fancy Bar

scooterj — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1343rd bar, first visited in 2019.

We tried to go to El Bait Shop next but it was wasn’t happening — far too crowded. So we walked a couple blocks north to find someplace to get out of the blistering heat and kill a little time.

Shorty’s is accessed through an alley and is in the basement of its building. The stairs down seem pitch black when you come in straight from daylight, and it’s pretty dark in the bar to until you acclimate.

I had a Guinness while we watched people play bar games and chatted with the bartender.

208 Court Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 282-3663
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L D’s Corner Bar

scooterj — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 17:13:00 +0000

(McKinley School/ Columbus Park, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1339th bar, first visited in 2019.

Originally we had made the difficult decision of cutting this place from our itinerary. But after learning that Exile was closed for the afternoon sent us in a different direction, we realized we were close enough to here to visit. And I’m glad we did, this is a great little dive bar!

344 E Jackson Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
US
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(515) 245-9050
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Mugsley’s Pub

scooterj — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Bethany, MO)

Scooter’s 1337th bar, first visited in 2019.

My friend Brandon and I tried to visit here over a decade ago when it was a placed called Right On Q, but it was closed and undergoing extensive renovation. Then I forgot about it every time I’ve been to Bethany since. But not today, when my friend AJ and I stopped here for breakfast on the ay to a weekend in Des Moines.

I had Bud Light with my meaty breakfast.

1605 Fuller St
Bethany, MO 64424
US
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(660) 425-4444
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Holler House

scooterj — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Forest Home Hills, Milwaukee, WI)

Scooter’s 1327th bar, first visited in 2019.

I have been to a ton of dive bars. Up to the point of this writing, I had been to previously been to 826 different dive bars. Of those, 71 have been so good that I consider them among my favorites. But it has taken 13 years and 1,252 more bars to unseat my previous greatest dive bar of all time. Don’t get me wrong, I love Zoo Bar and it will remain my home base for as long as it is or I am alive. But it is undeniable, Holler House has stolen the show for the greatest dive bar experience I have ever had the privilege of enjoying.

The first thing that makes this bar unique is that its basement is home to the oldest still-operating officially-sanctioned bowling alley in America. It is two lanes and has no computers or mechanical parts. All scoring is done on hand by paper, and the pins are reset by neighborhood children who work for tips. Unfortunately were were not able to bowl today because, being that it was Sunday morning, there were no children available. However they did happily allow us to go have a look around.

Next up the decor. Very eclectic, very historical. Tons of photos, even a scrap book of the bar’s history. An old piano. Hilarious signs. And bras everywhere! Bras that had been collected and displayed for decades. Several years ago an uptight inspector with too much free time declared them a fire hazard and ordered them removed. They were down for some time before the city finally ruled that the fire hazard notion was ridiculous and allowed them to be put back up.

Our crew had done their homework in advance, so some of the women came ready with an extra bra tucked away. Which turned out to be more fun that expected, because as the woman removes the bra all of the regulars erupting in a humming of a strip tease. Then everyone signs the bar with a sharpie before the patron gets to hang it up. The bra tradition was started in the 1950s/60s as a fluke when the owner had been partying and took her own off. Over a thousand have been collected so far, they are archived after several years when they start to deteriorate so there are hundreds more boxed away than what you see in the bar.

Speaking of the owner, she’s a huge part of what makes this bar great. Her name is Marcy, and when we visited she was 93 years old and sitting next to us yelling at the umpires in the baseball game on TV. Among her hobbies she lists “reading pornography to the blind”.

Also fun — there’s a barrel in the corner full of vintage clothes, hats, and wigs. Donation bin for the needy? Nope, it’s all there for patrons to play dress-up and take pictures with. We had a blast with that.

There’s nothing on tap, but they can whip up just about any mixed drink. The beer selection is limited to bottles and while it’s a small selection, it’s a good mix of both the basics and a few local craft beers. They also try to have Polish beer on hand, which makes sense as this is a Polish bar in a historically Polish neighborhood.

I had a Żywiec (pale lager from Poland) by Grupa Żywiec, a Blatz by Pabst Brewing Company (which I will never have again as it is terrible, but I had to try it once!), and a Fantasy Factory (IPA) by Karben4 Brewing.

2042 W Lincoln Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53215
US
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(414) 647-9284
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Wolski’s Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 17:19:00 +0000

(Lower East Side, Milwaukee, WI)

Scooter’s 1326th bar, first visited in 2019.

We had been having such a good time at At Random that we were in serious danger of NOT making it to Wolski’s in time to close it! However our Lyft managed to get us here about 15 minutes before last call. And the whole reason for the urgency? This is one of the last bars to close in Milwaukee each night, and you get a sticker if you’re still there then it’s time to kick everyone out.

Next time I’m in Milwaukee I’m going to have to get here earlier in the day when when it’s not so packed with sticker hunters, because this looks like a great dive bar but I wasn’t able to move around much. From where I was trapped I could see that there were at least 3 old-school (as in, real) dart boards and at least one pool table. There was also a patio but I was unable to see how to access it.

One thing I failed to mention is that our group was celebrating a birthday, and we all had face masks of the birthday girl that we had been wearing at each bar during our second round tonight, freaking people out. But by the time we got to Wolski’s we were tired of wearing them so were just carrying them in our hands. One of us unknowingly dropped one outside, and later out the window her husband noticed various people outside taking turns wearing, humping, and making out with his wife’s face. Sadly none of the photos turned out (too dark / too far away) but it still made for some good laughs.

I started with a Guinness just to make the first round ordering easy, then grabbed a Fixed Gear (amber ale) by Lakefront Brewery at last call.

1836 N Pulaski St
Milwaukee, WI 53202
US
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(414) 276-8130
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The Bubbler

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 17:17:00 +0000

(Bay View, Milwaukee, WI)

Scooter’s 1324th bar, first visited in 2019.

The other neighborhood bar near our AirBNB, this was just a few minutes walk east from Sam’s Tap and located across the street from a barber shop and a bait shop.

Based on the decor this seems to be a big-time basefall/Brewers bar. There were a few bar games, I didn’t go all the way to the far back bit I didn’t notice any pool tables or outdoor seating.

I just had Guinness here.

3158 S Howell Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207
US
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(414) 482-4941
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George’s Pub

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 17:13:00 +0000

(Harbor View, Milwaukee, WI)

Scooter’s 1320th bar, first visited in 2019.

Back last November, a couple of Canadians came into Zoo Bar on a Saturday. They liked to travel, and always look for dive bars when they do. They told us the story of a place in Milwaukee where they met the owner, and older man who crooned a few songs, and how it was their favorite bar they’d ever visited. We googled it as they were telling us about it, and immediately decided we needed to plan a trip to Milwaukee to go see it. Yes, George’s Pub is the entire reason six of us were currently gathered in Milwaukee for a four-day weekend.

Around the corner from the Cheesehead Factory, George’s is in a small house adjacent to a bridge. When we first arrived it was packed, as they are on the Pedal Tavern route and the Pedal Tavern was currently there. So we went to Cheesehead first to buy foam cheese hats. By the time we were done, the Pedal Tavern was gone and it was much less crowded.

George was there! He didn’t stay very long, but we did get to meet him. In the photos below, he’s the one with a dog on his lap.

I had a Riverwest Stein (lager) by Lakefront Brewery and, if I remember correctly, some shots.

George!

The finger is pointing to George’s wife.

224 E Washington S
Milwaukee, WI 53204
US
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(414) 383-3909
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Scaffidi’s Hideout

scooterj — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 17:13:00 +0000

(Lower East Side, Milwaukee, WI)

Scooter’s 1317th bar, first visited in 2019.

At the other end of the block from Fink’s was arrived at the bar we were originally heading to. This place has pool tables, which was good since some in our group were getting antsy and waning to play.

It was rather crowded when we first got here, but the crowd thinned out to a more tolerable level by the time we were done.

I had an IPA by Lakefront Brewery. I also found and grabbed a sticker from a placed called Third Space Brewing that I hadn’t heard from up to this point. This would go on to become important tomorrow.

Our ultimate goal for this night was to go to Wolski’s Tavern and close it so we could get stickers. But after such a long travel day we all hit a wall. We were only 1-1/2 blocks from Wolski’s, but it was still more than two hours away from closing time and we were all exhausted. We decided to call it for the night and try again the next night.

1837 N Humboldt Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
US
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(414) 574-0015
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Fink’s

scooterj — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 17:12:00 +0000

(Lower East Side, Milwaukee, WI)

Scooter’s 1316th bar, first visited in 2019.

While we were eating at Red Lion we did some googling and found a place called Scaffidi’s Hideout that looked interesting. But our walk to Scaffidi’s was interrupted when we found Fink’s along the way.

There’s pinball machines, lottery tickets, a couple of video games, and a covered patio out back. We ended up staying here quite a while.

I had a Spotted Cow by New Glarus Brewing Company, as well as a round or two of shots.

1875 N Humboldt Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
US
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(414) 226-5882
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Fong’s Pizza

scooterj — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1314th bar, first visited in 2019.

An odd fusion of Chinese, Italian, and Polynesian in a borderline dive-bar setiing that somehow comes together and works. This is the original location, and where we finished the first night of this trip.

I really enjoyed the eggrolled cheeseticks and the eggrolled cheesecake. Didn’t care as much for my pizza — too little meat / too many veggies.

Beer-wise, I had a Tip the Cow (milk stout) by SingleSpeed Brewing Company

223 4th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 323-3333
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Firelight Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 18:17:00 +0000

(Quindaro, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1310th bar, first visited in 2018.

We tried to visit this place in 2007, but it was closed.

We tried to visit again today and again it was closed.

But this time we circled around back to turn our car around, and discovered the entrance is actually in the rear!

This dive bar pours very strong drinks! There are pool tables, nice bathrooms, and a friendly bartender. Since the lights were off except at the bar we didn’t get a very good look around, though.

It’s technically a private club, but there is a sign-in book for non-members in the entryway. Be advised you also pass through a metal detector when entering, a first for me at any bar that wasn’t at an arena or airport.

2046 N. 18th
Kansas City, KS 66104
US
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(913) 371-8473
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Coach Lite Club

scooterj — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 18:16:00 +0000

(Argentine, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1309th bar, first visited in 2018.

Happily, this is very much a dive in every sense of the word. I didn’t notice a pool table but there is darts and a very, very worn shuffleboard. There was another room in the back with video poker machines. There’s also a small patio in the back.

2103 S 34th St
Kansas City, KS 66106
US
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(913) 722-1647
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Big D’s On The Hill

scooterj — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 18:15:00 +0000

(Argentine, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1308th bar, first visited in 2018.

Despite the outward appearance, this is a genuine sports dive. There’s pool and a patio. I didn’t notice if they had food, but if they do no one was eating at the time we visited. It’s a little smokey but not too bad.

2139 S 34th St
Kansas City, KS 66106
US
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(913) 671-7542
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The Dotte Spot

scooterj — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 18:14:00 +0000

(Victory Hills, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1307th bar, first visited in 2018.

Nice strip-mall dive-ish bar with great staff. Serves food and has a separate party room that can be reserved at no charge. We got too caught up talking to the bartender to notice if there was a pool table or any other games besides video poker, but there is a small patio off the east side.

8123 Parallel Parkway
Kansas City, KS 66112
US
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(913) 299-0022
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Colonial Club

scooterj — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1305th bar, first visited in 2018.

This cute neighborhood pub re-opened in 2018 after having been closed for at least a few years. There’s a pool table, darts, a hunting game, and other activities. There’s also a grassy “patio” in back, and a pizza kitchen in the basement that delivers food to the bar via dumb waiter.

322 N. 6th St
Kansas City, KS 66101
US
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(913) 371-1103
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Star Bar

scooterj — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 17:21:00 +0000

(Five Points, Denver, CO)

Scooter’s 1291st bar, first visited in 2018.

My googling turned up a craft beer dive not far away, so we decided to make one last stop for the night.

“Oh! Here’s a beer I’ve never had before!” I said, ordering a Coffee Bender by Surly Brewing Company. Completely forgetting that I had that one on our previous beer trip, which was in Minneapolis.

After we finished up here we walked back to out hotel to call it a night. (Though I would later learn that had we gone a block around the corner, we could have visited the other Great Divide.)

2137 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80205
US
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(720) 328-2420
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Welcome Inn

scooterj — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(River North Arts District, Denver, CO)

Scooter’s 1280th bar, first visited in 2018.

We began out day with a good breakfast nearby at The Butcher Block, but we greatly over-estimated how long it would take to get and finish breakfast. We found ourselves with about 40 minutes to kill before any breweries would be open. Fortunately, this (much larger than it looks from the outside) dive bar located just over the hill happened to be open early enough to give us a place to pass the time.

The building is kind of like an off-center donut on the inside, as you can make a complete circle from the bar area, through the room with the pool tables, to the back patio and the restrooms, then through a game room, before returning to the bar.

I had an ice cold Budweiser draft.

3759 Chestnut Pl
Denver, CO 80216
US
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(303) 296-7229
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PS Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 17:17:00 +0000

(Congress Park, Denver, CO)

Scooter’s 1278th bar, first visited in 2018.

This cute little diver bar was about a block over from Crerebral, and I instantly fell in love with it. Cozy, fun, and old-school celebrity decor everywhere. There was another room with pool tables, but I didn’t check it out.

I had a Guinness, as well as the free shot that comes with your first drink.

3416 E Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80206
US
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(303) 320-1200
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Burnout Grill

scooterj — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Milliken, CO)

Scooter’s 1272nd bar, first visited in 2018.

We were heading to Fort Collins and I had found nice little family diner to stop for breakfast along the way. “Do they have Bloody Mary’s?” my friend asked. “Oh,” I said, and began a new search for breakfast AND booze available in the morning. That led us to this place.

I was disappointed at first when we pulled up and discovered it was a new looking place in a modern suburban strip mall. But that disappointment turned into relief when we stepped inside and discovered it to be a genuine dive bar.

While we drank and ate, we watched some sort of “Life Hacks” reality show on what I think was TLC.

In addition to my breakfast I had a 1554 by New Belgium Brewing Company, which if I had remembered sooner that that was a New Belgium beer I would have ordered something else as the New Belgium Brewery was going to be our next stop.

220 Alice Ave
Milliken, CO 80543
US
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(970) 587-9997
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The B-Hive

scooterj — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Colby, KS)

Scooter’s 1271st bar, first visited in 2018.

This dive bar was intended to be a dinner stop (I’d seen great things about their burgers and they were frying up a crap-ton of them when we came in), but there were too many people in here and we were getting anxious to get to Denver. So I had a Guinness and we hit the road.

The room back past the main bar area contained pool tables, and to the side of that in an attached building was a larger dining area and a shuffleboard.

It was obvious from the discussions among the guys playing pool that Colby is right at about the dividing line between Chiefs fans and Broncos fans.

170 W 4th St
Colby, KS 67701
US
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(785) 460-8813
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Beaver Brewery at Mo’s Place

scooterj — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 17:14:00 +0000

(Beaver, KS)

Scooter’s 1268th bar, first visited in 2018.

When you have a chance to visit a brewery that’s located in a town with a population of 34 in the middle of nowhere that you have to take dirt roads to get to, you do it! Only open 3 days a week, this is the best of both worlds: a remote small town dive bar that has added the element of a very small microbrewery. And the beer was worth the drive!

I had their Elm Street Porter, Lights Out Stout, Ol’ Farmstead IPA, and Beaver Creek Brown

Note the coaster wall and the prominently-displayed gun.

1908 Elm St
Beaver, KS 67525
US
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(620) 587-2350
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Maggie Mae’s

scooterj — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 17:13:00 +0000

(Salina, KS)

Scooter’s 1267th bar, first visited in 2018.

I’m not sure how I missed this place in 2007, considering it’s along the route I would have taken to The Blind Pig, but missing it then gave us the chance to catch it today on our way out Salina’s western side.

We both had Bud Lights that were far larger than either of us needed, and I don’t think either of us finished them.

409 S Broadway Blvd
Salina, KS 67401
US
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(785) 825-9829
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Courthouse Exchange

scooterj — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Independence Square, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 1257th bar, first visited in 2018.

I never knew this was here, despite it having been around for about 120 years. A basement restaurant/bar, with outdoor seating in the alley.

To go along with some great fish & chips, I had a Guinness.

113 W Lexington Ave
Independence, MO 64050
US
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(816) 252-0344
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Darwin’s Theory

scooterj — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Anchorage, AK)

Scooter’s 1255th bar, first visited in 2018.

This place came highly recommended as far as dive bars go, but we didn’t get a good chance to get a feel for the place as it was really crowded and we were uncomfortably jammed into the corner.

I had a Copper Creek Amber Ale by Silver Gulch Brewing Company.

426 G St
Anchorage, AK 99501
US
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(907) 277-5322
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Seward Alehouse

scooterj — Wed, 30 May 2018 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Seward, AK)

Scooter’s 1250th bar, first visited in 2018.

The spaces is devided into two distinct rooms — a dimply lit main bar area, and a more brighttly lit room with the pool table. It’s also dog-friendly, whih is always a plus.

I had the Dolly Varden Nut Brown by Kassik’s Brewery.

215 4th Ave
Seward, AK 99664
US
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(907) 224-2337
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Yukon Bar

scooterj — Wed, 30 May 2018 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Seward, AK)

Scooter’s 1248th bar, first visited in 2018.

I didn’t manage to make it to all the bars in downtown Seward (Tony’s Bar being my most-regretted unfinished business), but of those I did make it too, this was my favorite in the dive category.

I had a Brave Harbor Oyster Stout by Kassik’s Brewery. This was the first oyster stout I’ve ever tried, and I definitely needed to be brave to do it.

201 4th Ave
Seward, AK 99664
US
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(907) 224-3063
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Thorn’s Showcase Lounge

scooterj — Wed, 30 May 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Seward, AK)

Scooter’s 1247th bar, first visited in 2018.

Researuant/lounge famous for their “Bucket Of Butts” (halibut bites), which I highly recommend!

Beer-wise, I had an Amber by Alaskan Brewing Co.

208 4th Ave
Seward, AK 99664
US
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(907) 224-3700
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Elf’s Den

scooterj — Sat, 26 May 2018 17:15:00 +0000

(North Pole, AK)

Scooter’s 1243rd bar, first visited in 2018.

After dinner we drove down to the town of North Pole just say we’d been. But when we discovered it had a bar named Elf’s Den, we had no choice but to stop in.

I had the Icy Bay IPA by Alaskan Brewing.

2556 Mistletoe Dr
North Pole, AK 99705
US
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(907) 488-8788
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The Boatel

scooterj — Sat, 26 May 2018 17:12:00 +0000

(Fairbanks, AK)

Scooter’s 1240th bar, first visited in 2018.

There’s a fireplace inside, and outside there’s a stage and a deck overlooking the Chena River.

I had a Hopothermia by Alaskan Brewing Co.

3368 Riverside Dr
Fairbanks, AK 99708
US
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(907) 479-6537
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Midnight Mine

scooterj — Sat, 26 May 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fairbanks, AK)

Scooter’s 1239th bar, first visited in 2018.

I never would have guessed that the very first bar I would ever visit in Alaska would be my favorite of the entire trip! Of course, it didn’t hurt that the bartender handed us a puppy when we sat down!

This is a two-story bar, with the basement level (the main level) done up quite well to look like an old gold mine.

There’s a pateio area out back. Inside there is a pool table, darts, foosball, and lots of TVs.

I had a Twister Creek IPA by Denali Brewing Company.

308 Wendell Ave
Fairbanks, AK 99701
US
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(907) 456-5348
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The Drift Inn

scooterj — Fri, 25 May 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Bremerton, WA)

Scooter’s 1235th bar, first visited in 2018.

This old dive bar is practically the first place you see after stepping out of the ferry terminal. We really enjoyed our short visit and our bartender.

I had a Quilter’s Irish Death by Iron Horse Brewery

204 1st St
Bremerton, WA 98337
US
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(360) 479-2339
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Horse and Cow

scooterj — Fri, 25 May 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Bremerton, WA)

Scooter’s 1236th bar, first visited in 2018.

Popped in to this Navy bar for a short visit after driving around to see the placed I lived when I was a kid. Beers consumed: Crux Stoutâ€”Nitro by Crux Fermentation Project, Ballz Deep by 7 Seas Brewing

536 4th St
Bremerton, WA 98337
US
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(360) 627-9843
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Atlas Saloon & Brewery

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2018 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Excelsior Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 1234th bar, first visited in 2018.

Beers consumed: Toasted Lager by Blue Point Brewing Company , Siloam Irish Stout , McClearyâ€™s Scottish Ale, Atlas Brew, Regent Imperial Stout , Sunnyside Barley Wine.

This was intended to be a quick drop-in to pick up a visit to a local dive bar I’d known about for almost 30 years but never visited. Just a quick Bud Light, then leave.

Boy was I wrong.

In a bizarre stroke of luck, today was also the first day of their brewery operation that I had never heard a peep about until this visit, and we wound up being their very first customers! They only had 4 of their own beers ready for sale (Atlas Brew, Irish Stout, Russian Imperial Stout, and a barleywine they’d been working on for near 2 years), but all four of them were hit out of the park. We also got to sample their not-quite-ready-for-sale Scottish Ale (it wasn’t fully carbonated yet) and even being partially-flat it was outstanding.

100 W Broadway Ave
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
US
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(816) 630-9229
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Johnny White’s Corner Pub

scooterj — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:15:00 +0000

(French Quarter, New Orleans, LA)

Scooter’s 1230th bar, first visited in 2018.

After we split off from the rest of the group that had kids with them, we had time for exactly one Bourbon Street joint before we would need to head back to our car. We wealked a few blocks perusing our options, and were drawn here.

Associated with Johnny White’s Hole In The Wall and Johnny White’s Pub and Grill (all in the same building), this was the perfect find for us. This is a tiny little dive bar right on the corner. You can reach the restaurant from inside via a door at the top of a staircase, but (at least at the time we visited) you could not order directly from the bar.

It seems to be a bit of a locals hangout (at least during the day) based on the conversation we had with one of the regulars.

I had a Blonde by NOLA Brewing.

720 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
US
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(504) 371-5411
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Flora-Bama

scooterj — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Perdido Key, Pensacola, FL)

Scooter’s 1226th bar, first visited in 2018.

After we realized the Florida state line was about 15 miles from our beach house, we drove the 15 miles + a few more feet to visit this joint just on the Florida side of the line.

Seafood restaurant, bar, gift shop, packaged liquor, and venue. Multiple stages, multiple bars, multiple rooms, and multiple outdoor decks.

We came during the day so it wouldn’t be busy, and it’s family-friendly during the daytime. By evening it switches to adults-only and turns into a big party.

I had a Florida Cracker White Ale by Cigar City Brewing.

17401 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL 32507
US
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(850) 492-0611
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Mud Bugs

scooterj — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Gulf Shores, AL)

Scooter’s 1225th bar, first visited in 2018.

This isn’t the only dive in Gulf Shores, but it was the easiest for me to find. This place is quite a bit bigger than it looks from the outside. There’s a stage with a dance floor, darts, a pool table, other games, a dining aread, an island bar in the back, and an outdoor patio in the far back.

It’s a full bar, but the beer is mostly domestics with just a few local options. I had a Cheap Sunglasses (Blonde Ale) by Fairhope Brewing.

624 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
US
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(251) 948-8081
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Shade Tree Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Tupelo, MS)

Scooter’s 1224th bar, first visited in 2018.

We were staying the night in Tupelo and decided to go out. All the downtown bars were to crowded with college kids for St. Patrick’s Day, so we kept on driving and found Shade Tree. We were worried this would be a bust as well because the parking lot was crazy full, but we went inside anyway and there was hardly anyone in there. (We figured out later there was another section in the back that had a band and most of the people were back there, and beyond that was a fenced patio where a BBQ was underway.)

We spend all our time at the L-shaped bar in the main room, which was full of pool tables and a handful of what I believe were video poker machines. There were a few people shooting pool, and a few others there to eat.

At the time of our visit they served only beer, and it’s just the standard domestics. The bartender told us it’s under new ownership and there’s been a lot of changes, including having bottled beer for the the first time starting only about a week prior to our visit. The food menu was new also, and while we only tried a couple of things, they were very good.

883 S. Green St.
Tupelo, MS 38804
US
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(662) 680-4336
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Strawberry South

scooterj — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 18:10:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1222nd bar, first visited in 2018.

Private club that I’d tried twice to get into, and after 11 years I finally found a member who I knew who got me in.

48 S. 7th St
Kansas City, KS 66101
US
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(913) 371-4141
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Pepperoni Pub

scooterj — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 18:10:00 +0000

(Gladstone Plaza, Gladstone, MO)
Formerly Rent-a-Center

Scooter’s 1220th bar, first visited in 2017.

I’d heard about this for a month or so and we finaly got a chance to stop in.

The “pub” aspect was a bit of a letdown, just a small corner bar with only a few of the basic domestic beers available in cans. But I drank one, so it counts!

The pizza is pretty great though, and I’m told even more games are coming than what I show here. They have lots of room to grow.

I had to laugh when I saw the ridiculously-oversized single-occupancy restroom…

6591-A North Oak
Gladstone, MO 64118
US
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(816) 436-0650
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Park Bar

scooterj — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 18:11:00 +0000

(Boquillas Del Carmen, Coahuila)

Scooter’s 1218th bar, first visited in 2017.

If you want a margarita, you need to go to one of the two restaurants in town. This place is beer and shots only!

No phone and no formal address. (As of this writing, there is only one working telephone in the town.)

Beer consumed: Carta Blanca (Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma)

Carretera Nacional 53 N/S
Boquillas Del Carmen, Coahuila 27518
MX
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Locust Tap

scooterj — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Des Moines, IA)

Scooter’s 1202nd bar, first visited in 2017.

FANTASTIC historic dive bar, an old school gem in a highly-gentrified neighborhood. Great people, great times, and a great selection of local/regional craft beer for such a small dive. We indented to spend the evening barhopping. This was the first bar we went to and we ended up staying the whole evening.

Beers consumed: Pace Tree Red Rambler, Peace Tree Blonde Fatale, Surly Xtra Citra, Toppling Goliath Pseudo Sue, Boone Valley Roxie Irish Red, Confluence East Side Attitude, Exile Hahhah, and Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro.

434 E Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
US
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(515) 689-9654
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Two Bit Saloon

scooterj — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Gardiner, MT)

Scooter’s 1197th bar, first visited in 2017.

The bar is devided into three sections: A front main bar, a back billiard room, and then a front outdoor seating area half-covered and half-uncovered.

I had a Bozone Amber Ale by Bozeman Brewing Company.

We were enjoying sitting outside on the deck, but for whatever reason the crowd was a little too “bro” for our tastes so we decided to call it a night after one round.

107 S 2nd St
Gardiner, MT 59030
US
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(406) 848-7743
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Red’s Blue Goose Saloon

scooterj — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Gardiner, MT)

Scooter’s 1196th bar, first visited in 2017.

Dive-ish bar with a pool table, and a casino in the back. I had a Moose Drool Brown Ale by Big Sky Brewing Company, which I’ve had many times before but everyone had been trying to sell it to me the past few days and I’d apparently never checked it in on unTappd.

206 W Park St
Gardiner, MT 59030
US
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(406) 848-7434
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Tepee Tavern

scooterj — Tue, 30 May 2017 17:11:00 +0000

(Pahaska Tepee, Cody, WY)

Scooter’s 1193rd bar, first visited in 2017.

A tiny little lounge in the corner of the main lodge of a cabin resort. Very nicely decorated and a surprisingly good drink/bveer selection for such a small place.

I had a Buffalo Bill Cody Beer by Wyoming Territory Brewing Company, a Saddle Bronc by Black Tooth Brewing Company, and an Old Faithful Ale by Grand Teton Brewing.

183 N Fork Hwy
Cody, WY 82414
US
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(307) 527-7701
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Edelweiss Haus

scooterj — Mon, 29 May 2017 17:13:00 +0000

(Clark, WY)

Scooter’s 1191st bar, first visited in 2017.

I was fascinated by those remotely-located bar.

There was a playground around back, a small convenience store in the front, and the nicely-decorated men’s room included…. a shower?

I had a Jacks 90 Scottish Ale by Red Lodge Ales.

2900 WY-120
Clark, WY 82435
US
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(307) 645-3223
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403 Club

scooterj — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 17:13:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1179th bar, first visited in 2016.

In terms of the building, I have technically been here before when it was the Six-Ten Club. But the transformation to a smokey private dive bar to a pinball bar focusing on craft beer makes it just enough of a change to consider this a whole new bar.

614 Reynolds
Kansas City, KS 66101
US
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(913) 499-8392
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Breit’s Stein & Deli

scooterj — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 17:12:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1178th bar, first visited in 2016.

Dive bar with fantastic sandwiches and a large outdoor patio. First visited as part of a birthday pub crawl. I love the antique back wall of the bar.

412 N. 5th
Kansas City, KS 66101
US
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(913) 342-5311
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Fat Matt’s Vortex

scooterj — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 17:11:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1177th bar, first visited in 2016.

Visited this dive bar for the first time on a birthday pub crawl. Very friendly bartenders! The building had originally been a funeral home and the bartender mentioned it seems pretty haunted. Had briefly been sold and renamed Fat Cat’s Vortex, but the original family bought it back a couple years ago.

As first-time visitors we were given free shots of their house drink, called Grog, made from an old family recipe.

411 N. 6th
Kansas City, KS 66101
US
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(913) 291-0317
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Red Fox Bar & Grille

scooterj — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 17:14:00 +0000

(Mile Marker 50, Climax Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 1174th bar, first visited in 2016.

For almost the entire visit I thought this was an outdoor-only bar, sitting out at a picnic table with my beer. It was only as we were leaving that I found out there was actually a main building with an indoor bar on the other side, so I went in for a quick shot. This was also when I leared there were real restrooms inside, after I’d already used the rickety outhouse.

1433 Red Fox Rd
Climax Springs, MO 65324
US
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(573) 345-4596
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Possum Holler

scooterj — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 17:13:00 +0000

(Mile Marker 61, Edwards, MO)

Scooter’s 1173rd bar, first visited in 2016.

We had intended to go here before Fatties, but when we arrived they were hosting something called the No Boat Float Race and it was so crowded we couldn’t get within 500 feet of the place. We returned 90 minutes later and had the whole place to ourselves.

When you enter the door there’s a room to the left with pool tables and a small secondary bar, and a room to the right with the main bar and a DJ booth. Tiny restrooms are straight back. A deck wraps around the main bar area.

A family arrived shortly after we did and within minutes their children had managed to knock over a stack of karaoke song list binders and send pages of song titles scattering in all directions all over the floor.

2719 Pine Cove Rd
Edwards, MO 65326
US
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(573) 345-0044
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Fatties

scooterj — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 17:12:00 +0000

(Mile Marker 60-1/2, Edwards, MO)
Formerly Rendezvous

Scooter’s 1172nd bar, first visited in 2016.

Odd mix of dive bar and Cracker Barrel. We had some good appetizers and Cari sang karaoke.

49 Rendezvous Ct.
Edwards, MO 65326
US
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(573) 345-4500

Moonies

scooterj — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 17:10:00 +0000

(Mile Marker 59-1/2, Climax Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 1171st bar, first visited in 2016.

Dive bar with upper and lower level outdoor seating. There’s a gift shop in the back.

296 Baker Lane
Climax Springs, MO 65324
US
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(573) 345-1220
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Silver Dollar Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Madison, WI)

Scooter’s 1163rd bar, first visited in 2016.

This dive bar was directly acruss the street from the rear exit of our previous bar, and was our last stop for the night. A rather long building, the back wall featured a long bar and a shuffleboard table.

I had a Glacial Trail IPA by Central Waters Brewing.

117 W Mifflin St
Madison, WI 53703
US
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(608) 255-7548
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Paradise Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Madison, WI)

Scooter’s 1161st bar, first visited in 2016.

We passed at least half a dozen bars walking over to the south corner of the square, but I’d heard good things about this place and didn’t want to miss it.

This is a dive through and through, apart from the large craft beer selection.

I had a Scott Karate (Scotch ale) by Dark Horse Brewing.

119 W Main St
Madison, WI 53703
US
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(608) 256-2263
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Come Back In

scooterj — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Madison, WI)

Scooter’s 1158th bar, first visited in 2016.

A dive-ish bar that shares the same kitchen (and I believe owners) as Eseen Haus but has a different menu. I think it had outdoor seating but it was hard to tell for certain since its extryway blends in with Essen Haus’s. The entrance is through the back parking lot under several trees so it was hard to get a picture, the main photo above is a Google Street view of the unused “front” side.

80s music was playing, there was a good selection of local craft beer, and it wasn’t super loud or busy. I enjoyed this place. We had planned to “come back in” the next morning for breakfast but decided to skip it and get on the road.

There were impressive displays of various knick-knacks, including a rather extensive collection of salt-and-pepper shakers.

I had the Satin Solitude Imperial Stout by Central Waters Brewing Company.

508 E Wilson St
Madison, WI 53703
US
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(608) 258-8619
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James Ballentine VFW Post #246

scooterj — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:20:00 +0000

(Lyn-Lake, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1154th bar, first visited in 2016.

(Also known as “Uptown VFW”)

It’s not often that a VFW shows up on nearly every list of must-see bars in a major city, so we had to make the side trip over there (walking down from CC Club) to see what the fuss was about.

This is definitely not like any VFW I have ever been to. It was huge, and I understand it had recently doubled in size.

We counted three rooms: the north end of the building had a band playing, the front of the south end was the main bar area (featuring a centralized island bar), and in back of that was another room up a ramp where karaoke was underway.

Most VFWs also don’t feature a beer list of their craft brews. I had a Farro Buckwheat Lager by Fulton Beer.

2916 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
US
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(612) 823-6233
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Donnie Dirk’s Zombie Den

scooterj — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:19:00 +0000

(Hawthorne, Minneapolis, MN)
Formerly Stand-Up Frank’s

Scooter’s 1153rd bar, first visited in 2016.

I have a strict rule that I cannot count count a bar on this list if it’s sinply a new name/owner for a bar I have previously visited, unless the bar has changed so drastically that it would be unreasonable to say that they are indeed the same bar. This is the case here for what was Stand-Up Frank’s when I visited this very same building exactly ten years ago today.

Now painted black (had originally been red, then later lime green), the bar is decked out in a full on horror theme. “Grindhouse” was playing on TV.

If you sit in a booth there is no need to get up to place your order, each table has a phone that calls the bartender.

Failing to notice a tasty-looking gore-themed mixed drink on the menu until it was too late, I had a Hell Kitchen (pale ale) by Insight Brewing.

Note: It was much darker in here than my photos make it look, I had to enhance the lighting to make details visible.

The light switch for the men’s room is located outside the door, a fact which neither I not the man who was already in there had noticed (but I later remembered this from 10 years ago). Thankfully there was a large enough peeing surface that it would have been almost impossible to miss in the darkness. (Again, I enhanced the lighting on this photo, the light here is from a small red dim bulb and a street light outside.)

Make sure you never have to poop here, because it appears this chain across the stall is the only privacy you’re going to get.

2027 N 2nd St
Minneapolis, MN 55411
US
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(612) 588-9700
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Neumann’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, North St. Paul, MN)

Scooter’s 1152nd bar, first visited in 2016.

Though this was a painfully long Uber ride each way (including requiring an emergency bathroom stop 2/3 of the way there), we came here anyway due to it being the oldest continuously-operating bar in Minnesota. It opened in 1887 and hasn’t ever closed, not even for Prohibition.

This place was insanely packed, so we weren’t able to really check much of it out and were squashed in by the front window. There did appear to be a patio in the alley.

Since they had it so prominently featured and I rarely see it on tap, I had a Hamm’s Premium.

2531 7th Ave E
North St. Paul, MN 55109
US
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(651) 770-6020
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Palmer’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:17:00 +0000

(West Bank, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1151st bar, first visited in 2016.

My apologies for the poor outdoor photo, a torrential rainstorm began right as we paid our tab at Nomad World Pub and it didn’t let up until long after we were gone.

Over 100 years old and originally part of Grain Belt Brewing, but not always technically a bar. Has been operating as Palmer’s for about 50 years.

We picked this place because so many dive bar lists pegged this as the best of the worst, “really scary”, and so forth among dive bars. But it wasn’t anywhere close to being my worst or scariest, and in fact the large craft beer selection almost disqualifies it from me calling it a dive.

I had the “Rout” Brown Ale by Lupine Brewing.

500 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454
US
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(612) 333-7625
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Nomad World Pub

scooterj — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:15:00 +0000

(West Bank, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1150th bar, first visited in 2016.

This wasn’t originally on our list but the bartender at The Local (who also works here) recommended it. In addition to a stage in the back, I noticed a bank of pinball machines and a chandelier make of Heineken bottles. They had just opened for the day and I think we might have been the day’s first customers.

They had quite a bit of craft beer to I mark this as a dive with a little bit of hesitation.

I had Sweet Child of Vine (English IPA) by Fulton Beer, and Furious (American IPA) by Surly.

501 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454
US
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(612) 338-6424
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Cuzzy’s

scooterj — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1145th bar, first visited in 2016.

Downtown dive bar, plastered with dollar bills, that opens early for breakfast. I had pancakes and Wild Burnette (brown ale) by Barley John’s Brewing. We were pretty hung over from the previous night and neither of us could finish our breakfast or even our drinks.

507 N Washington Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55401
US
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(612) 339-6211
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The Muddy Pig

scooterj — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 17:11:00 +0000

(Summit-University, St Paul, MN)

Scooter’s 1139th bar, first visited in 2016.

The oldest craft beer bar in the Twin Cities. It’s hard for be to call it a dive with so many good craft beers available, but in every other sense it does fir the category. The food menu seemed to consisted mainly of German style items.

I had the Dissent Dark Ale by Steel Toe and the Blk Wlf by Able Seedhouse + Brewery.

162 Dale St N
St Paul, MN 55104
US
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(651) 254-1030
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Lockerbie Pub

scooterj — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Indianapolis, IN)

Scooter’s 1137th bar, first visited in 2016.

A small but charming dive bar with good food, a tiny canopy in the back parking lot, and a surprisingly good selection of craft and local beer. Visited on the way home from an Ohio trip, my first time ever actually getting off the freeway in Indianapolis.

I had the Wee Mac Scottish Ale by Sun King Brewing.

631 E Michigan
Indianapolis, IN 46202
US
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(317) 631-9545
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The Center Pub

scooterj — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown Square, Newark, OH)

Scooter’s 1121st bar, first visited in 2015.

The Center Pub is a genuine dive bar located i n Newark’s downtown square, in the front corner of a “mall” of mostly antique shops and boutique shops called The Arcade.

We were the first customers of the day, and had a delightful conversation with a really nice bartender as we enjoyed our drinks.

Entering from the street, you find yourself in a carpeted room with two pool tables and lots of natural lighting. If you enter from inside the Arcade you arrive at the back half of the venue — the hardwood-floored main bar with a back wall covered in dollar bills.

The Center Pub is everything you should expect a dive bar to be, and even had a few surprises — I noticed some imports and specialty beers including a few I had not seen before.

We were invited to return in the evening when it would be busier and there would be a band, but unfortunately we didn’t make it after a long, exhausting day in Columbus. But this will be my new hangout on future Newark visits.

33 N. 3rd St.
Newark, OH 43055
US
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(740) 349-9544
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Old Folks Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(East Side, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1120th bar, first visited in 2015.

This is a bar I have wanted to visit for years, but I’ve always been too scared to go. However, I got my chance when our friend B’Lenda mentioned it was her birthday, and it came up in conversation that she’s a regular here. I got my in!

As we approached the bar I began to get a little nervous, passing street sign after street sign of street names I normally only hear about on the news. The nervousness reached a peak when we parked our cars and the first sound we heard upon getting out was a gunshot no more than a block away. None of the locals seemed fazed, however, so we headed on inside.

Though there was initially a “record scratch moment” when we stepped inside, one of B’Lenda’s friends was sitting at the bar just inside the door/ Introductions were made that quickly broke the ice.

Old Folks is divided into three sections. The main section (center) houses a long bar that is dual-sided at the north end. We sat in the west section, with dining tables, the DJ booth, and access to the patio. There is another section east of the bar, we didn’t venture over there but from what we could see it looked like there was a pool table over there.

The bartender was a little gruff with us at first but warmed up pretty quickly, we enjoyed her. The DJ, who has not on duty yet but was coming on around the time we left, came over and chatted with each of us. He was a nice guy.

So, once again, a bar that I spent a long time being terrified of turned out to actually be a pretty nice place with nice clientele.

4805 E 24th St
Kansas City, MO 64127
US
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816-231-4334
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Whiplash

scooterj — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:20:00 +0000

(East Topeka, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1118th bar, first visited in 2015.

This biker bar was rather tricky to get to due to road construction, but was worth the effort to figure it out.

Both the staff and the patrons were welcoming and friendly. We chatted with a few of the locals and admired the wicker bike.

The back room has two pool tables, video games, and what looked like a small stage area. We didn’t notice it during our visit, but my research later revealed a covered patio in the back that we somehow missed.

You have to love any bar with a wicker motorcycle.

2107 SE California Ave
Topeka, KS 66605
US
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785-215-6676
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Oscar’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:19:00 +0000

(College Hill, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1117th bar, first visited in 2015.

Oscar’s is located in a rather nondescript building, a building shared with a hair salon, in what appears to be a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.

The bar counter is a tiny, angled bar in the front corner. We were lucky to find a table nearby large enough for our group, as it was rather crowded in here tonight. I saw one pool table for sure, I couldn’t tell if there were more due to too many people standing about. Meanwhile, darts were whizzing past the back of my head.

1424 SW Lane St
Topeka, KS 66604
US
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785-234-9294
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Hot Pockets

scooterj — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:18:00 +0000

(Oakland, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1116th bar, first visited in 2015.

This had originally been edited from our route today due to time, but when we realized how close we were to it, we went ahead and added it back on.

Hot Pockets is a pretty good sized pool hall, tucked between a pizza joint and a grocery store. The L-shaped bar is in the far back.

Being from KC we aren’t used to bars that allow smoking, and this was the smokiest of the bunch today. Because of that we tried to drink quickly and move on, until one of our group members noticed the pinball machine in the corner.

1909 NE Seward Ave
Topeka, KS 66616
US
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785-354-8128
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Brass Rail

scooterj — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:17:00 +0000

(Oakland, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1115th bar, first visited in 2015.

Ever since I first discovered the genre, I have been in love with neighborhood bars located in old houses. So I was excited to find this specimen on our day trip.

Everything in here, including the floor and ceiling, is well-aged wood.

Granted, we were here during the late afternoon, but this seems to be a pretty laid back place. I wouldn’t quite call this a sports bar, though they are big into watching sports here. They do appear to have a small amount of food service, including tacos, chili dogs, etc. They host karaoke and bands from time to time.

Outside the west door (the main entrance if entering from the parking lot) is a great little half-covered patio with outdoor heat.

Sometimes you just have to get creative as to where you’re going to be able to mount the toilet paper.

401 NE Emmett St,
Topeka, KS 66616
US
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785-232-3332
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Joletta’s

scooterj — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:16:00 +0000

(North Topeka, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1114th bar, first visited in 2015.

This bar represented unfinished business from May 5, 2007.

Back on that date, we were at a bar called Stingers (now called “The Flamingo”), and the bartender had written directions to a couple of nearby bars on post-it notes for us. One of them was Joletta’s, but were unable to find it and eventually gave up when we stumbled across Twilighter Country Club (now “Rumba Club”) — where our experience made up for getting lost.

Joletta’s is known for karaoke and also hosts life bands regularly. The L-shaped bar anchors the center of big floorspace, with a large open area at one end for bands and (presumably) dancing. There are two dart boards, we did not see any pool tables. A covered patio is nestled at the front of the building.

We enjoyed our visit quite a bit, mostly due to the really nice bartender.

600 NW Paramore St
Topeka, KS 66608
US
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(785) 232-5511
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Kick Start Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:15:00 +0000

(North Topeka, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1113th bar, first visited in 2015.

This bar is so far over the top that I’ll let the plethora of photos do most of the talking. But here’s a quick rundown.

This is a biker bar, and it’s big. Lots of places to tuck away to with your drinks. Bras hang from everything. There’s an exhibit, behind glass, of various biker related items and oddball items.

Outside there’s a complex system of patios, a stage, some bikes fixed-in-place that I’m not sure if you’re supposed to sit on but some of us did, and a beat-up old bus that’s been converted into a drinking area.

On with the pictures!

2521 N Kansas Ave
Topeka, KS 66617
US
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758-230-7581
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6th Street Back Door

scooterj — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:14:00 +0000

(Central Topeka, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1112th bar, first visited in 2015.

What a unique and unexpected find.

This was tacked on as a last second replacement after another bar was found to be closed. Tucked away at the back end of a run-down strip mall (hence the name), this place is truly a dive in every sense of the word, except one…

This place also happens to have a really grate selection of craft beer.

Now, don’t get me wrong; none of them are on-tap, and there are only a few bottles/cans available of each. But they had probably about two dozen varieties of craft beer to choose from, several of which we’d never heard of.

The bartender was very friendly, showed us around the place, and told some of the funny stories of past happenings.

There’s a game area in the back with a pool table, and out the “side” door (the true back door, there’s a patio behind a tall fence.

Years ago, an errant “firework” on the 4th of July blew this hole in the sidewalk outside the back door.

610 SW Wayne Ave
Topeka, KS 66606
US
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(785) 296-9483
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The Dutch Goose

scooterj — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:13:00 +0000

(Randolph, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1111th bar, first visited in 2015.

We had a mini pseudo-toast in here to celebrate my 1111th bar.

There’s a long bar along one wall, and parallel rows of booths & bar tables along the other wall. A single pool table fills the space in the back.

3203 S.W. 10th
Topeka, KS 66604
US
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(785) 357-8474
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Victoria’s Bar

scooterj — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:12:00 +0000

(Terra Heights, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1110th bar, first visited in 2015.

A small dive bar on the south end of Topeka. This is a full bar (not 3.2).

There’s a pool table, a small L-shaped main bar, a handful of additional tables, and a separate smaller bar named “Bitches Island” that we particularly enjoyed. There’s also a patio out back.

5011 SW Topeka Blvd
Topeka, KS 66609
US
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(785) 862-0776
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The Shack

scooterj — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(East Topeka, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1109th bar, first visited in 2015.

Our first stop on a birthday pub crawl for my youngest brother Kurt, we were going into this place completely blind. All we knew was there was a bar here, nothing else. Had we known they opened at 6am and served breakfast, we’d have arrived a lot sooner!

Food-wise, apart from breakfast, they seem to be mainly known for their burgers.

There’s pool tables, claw machines (where we won a purple hippo/dinosaur thing that is another story for another time), and pinball machines that we spent a lot of time at. There’s also a pretty good sized beer garden.

This is a 3.2 bar, so no hard alcohol and a midnight closing time.

2842 SE 29th St.
Topeka, KS 66605
US
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(785) 266-457
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Bookie’s

scooterj — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 17:11:00 +0000

(Harrisonville, MO)

Scooter’s 1108th bar, first visited in 2015.

We stopped in here briefly to have a beer while waiting for a tow truck. While we were on the phone trying to explain to someone where we were, the bartender quipped, “Tell them you’re at the bad bar. They’ll know which one.”

900 N Commercial St
Harrisonville, MO 64701
US
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(816) 887-1922
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Matchbox Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1105th bar, first visited in 2015.

We stopped in here after celebrating a friend’s birthday at El Patron across the street. Coincidentally, a mutual friend of ours was here participating in open mic night. We sat at the bar in front, the stage is in a separate room in the back. There was a good mix of people here, very friendly. Food was served, we had just eaten but what we saw others eating looked pretty good.

2934 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
816-960-4790
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American Legion Post 58

scooterj — Sat, 23 May 2015 17:13:00 +0000

(Smithville, MO)

Scooter’s 1103rd bar, first visited in 2015.

This was an unplanned stop. We were intending to go to a bar in Plattsburg, but exited in Kearney when we should have exited in Lathrop. We were lamenting out mistake due to increasingly full bladders, and upon spotting this place did a quick turn-around to stop in.

We sat at the U-shaped bar and chatted with a couple who had recently returned from a few years stationed in Germany.

As far as American Legion bars go, this is one of the best I have been to. It actually has taps with more than just the standard domestics! We would like to have stayed longer, but we were already running nearly an hour behind schedule.

2607 MO-92
Smithville, MO 64089
US
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(816) 532-8115
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McCorkle’s Eatery & Pub

scooterj — Sat, 23 May 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Cameron, MO)

Scooter’s 1101st bar, first visited in 2015.

I ordered Guinness from a can, and this became only the third bar in all my years where I ordered canned Guinness and the bartender knew the correct way to pour it.

The bartender stepped away and while she was gone I thought the can had emptied, so I began lifting it from the glass. It wasn’t empty yet, and Guinness foam splattered all over the bar.

She came over with a towel to clean it up and in my attempt to apologize, I made matters worse for myself by blurting out “I guess this is what happens when I pull it out early.”

We stuck around for lunch — I had a tenderloin, then headed on over the Hamilton to check out the new brewery there.

109 W. 3rd
Cameron, MO 64429
US
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(816) 632-4373
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Terry’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 17:20:00 +0000

(Downtown, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1100th bar, first visited in 2015.

We decided to add this one at the last minute at the end of our trip to get me to 1,100 bars.

There’s a large square bar in the front, lots of restaurant seating, and a side room full of pool tables. The food here is pretty good, too!

Not the most awkward men’s room I’ve used in a bar, but it’s up there!

522 SW 6th Street
Topeka, KS 66603
US
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(785) 233-0326
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Skivies Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1098th bar, first visited in 2015.

Officially this is a gay bar, but we visited shortly after opening time so it was just us and the bartender. As a result, we only got to experience the “bar” aspect.

There’s a pool table in front and a small open area in the back that I imagine serves as a dance floor during the busy part of the evening.

921 S Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612
US
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(785) 234-0482
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Ichabod Laundra Bar

scooterj — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 17:17:00 +0000

(Quinton Heights, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1097th bar, first visited in 2015.

This dive bar is accessed through a strip mall laundromat. It was a little intimidating in here at first, but the bartender a friendly, as was the gentleman whose table we had to share.

1501 SW 21st Street
Topeka, KS 66604
US
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(785) 235-3837
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The Spot

scooterj — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 17:16:00 +0000

(Quinton Heights, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1096th bar, first visited in 2015.

A nice little dive bar in a residential neighborhood. There’s a covered patio with picnic tables, free popcorn, and drinks available in gigantic schooners.

2202 SW Buchanan Street
Topeka, KS 66611
US
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(785) 232-4341
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Abigail’s

scooterj — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 17:14:00 +0000

(Likins Foster, Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 1094th bar, first visited in 2015.

A nice neighborhood dive bar in the back corner of a strip mall next to Walmart. Serves burgers and other food. There’s partially-covered outdoor seating along the front and the side.

The picture I took of the inside did not turn out.

3701 SW Plaza Drive
Topeka, KS 66609
US
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(785) 246-6866
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Korner Pocket

scooterj — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(Emporia, KS)

Scooter’s 1091st bar, first visited in 2015.

This would probably count as Emporia’s diviest dive bar. We had a great time chatting with the bartender and another patron longer than we expected to stay.

There’s a pool table and a covered patio, and grilled sandwiches are available.

728 E 6th Ave
Emporia, KS 66801
US
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(620) 342-4738
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Town Royal

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:19:00 +0000

(Emporia, KS)

Scooter’s 1086th bar, first visited in 2015.

This place is apparently an Emporia institution, one of the town’s most beloved bars. While we were seated at the large rectangular bar, we ran into the bikers we met a couple of bars earlier and they bought us shots.

To me this bar straddles the line between dive and classy. I decided to give it dive status â€” just barely â€” only due to the giant hole in the wall in the men’s restroom.

405 Commercial
Emporia, KS 66801
US
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(620) 343-1232
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The Noose

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Emporia, KS)
Formerly Lariat Lounge

Scooter’s 1084th bar, first visited in 2015.

Biker-friendly dive bar with a pool table in the front and a patio in the back. The rectangular bar was packed so we sat in the lounge seating along the walls and chatted with a biker couple that was in town for a bike show this weekend. The Noose hosts a weekly karaoke night

323 Commercial
Emporia, KS 66801
US
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(620) 343-8629
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Charlie’s Place

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Emporia, KS)
Formerly Last Chance Cantina

Scooter’s 1083rd bar, first visited in 2015.

Though the bar counter itself is pretty small (though very nice and clean), this is a bigger place than it looks like from the outside. There’s two pool tables, darts, and a new patio in the back that just recently opened.

116 Commercial
Emporia, KS 66801
US
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(620) 208-8540
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Mary’s Place

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:15:00 +0000

(Emporia, KS)

Scooter’s 1082nd bar, first visited in 2015.

One of the ratings I sometimes give when visiting bars in new city is, “This is the Zoo Bar of ____.” Well, this is, this is the Zoo Bar of Emporia.

A dive bar that feels like home, feels like everyone there is family, and is a lot of fun to boot.

Be forewarned, if you order beer and don’t specify exactly how you want it served, you may get it in a mug the size of a human head!

Inside the expansive drinking area are three pool tables, shuffleboard, darts and a jukebox. The outdoor area includes a basketball hoop.

We were really confused as to the location of the restrooms and began to worry that this was a bar that was cruel enough to not have any. It turns out in order to get them you have to break taboo and go behind the bar. They are around the corner down a short corridor that is covered with hundreds of photos of patrons, many years (if not decades) of good times remembered.

902 East 6th Ave
Emporia, KS 66801
US
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(620) 342-9610
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Just One More

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:14:00 +0000

(Emporia, KS)
Formerly Purple Duck

Scooter’s 1081st bar, first visited in 2015.

This narrow dive bar features a long, boomerang-shaped bar with a pool table at one end. We watched a portion of The Masters alongside some of Emporia’s more silver drinkers.

1516 W. 6th
Emporia, KS 66801
US
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(620) 412-9593
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Wagon Wheel

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:12:00 +0000

(Emporia, KS)

Scooter’s 1079th bar, first visited in 2015.

This was originally going to be our third Emporia stop, but after we learned of its quirky weekday hours we decided to move it to the front of the line rather than risk it. We had the chicken fingers special for lunch.

The double-sized bar takes up most of the main area, a secondary elevated room — which was closed at lunchtime — has a stage, pool table, and additional dining tables.

Old school condom machines in the men’s room…

I enjoyed the failed attempt to paint over the condom dispenser signage…

2909 W. 9th Ave
Emporia, KS 66801
US
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620) 343-2525
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Bishop’s Brew

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(Ottawa, KS)

Scooter’s 1078th bar, first visited in 2015.

We started out our weekend road trip with a couple of bottles at this 3.2% beer bar. There’s pool tables, a covered patio, and an ATM.

120 E Dundee St
Ottawa, KS 66067
US
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(785) 242-8920
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Hard Core Cafe

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:16:00 +0000

(Gladstone, MO)

Scooter’s 1076th bar, first visited in 2015.

This was our last stop of the night and honestly it’s mostly a blur. It was very busy but we lucked into a couple of seats at the bar. I remember really enjoying this place.

This new bar is a spin-off of Hard Core Customs, across the parking lot, and just opened a few months ago.

Though Gladstone allows smoking in bars, Hard Core Cafe went above and beyond by allowing smoking but only in their smoking lounge — which is completely closed off from the main bar area. A great way to cater to both sets of patrons!

320 NE 72nd St.
Gladstone, MO 64118
US
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(816) 897-0087
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The North End

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly La Sala’s

Scooter’s 1075th bar, first visited in 2015.

Formerly La Sala’s Deli, this was converted into a bar a couple of years ago and I just kept forgetting to go check it out until tonight.

For what seems to be a dive, the limited number of tap handles contain a great selection of local and import brews.

It was too cold to check out the patio, so we sat at a small table against the wall. We had a couple rounds of Peroni and some really good appetizers.

910 E. 5th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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(816) 421-2189
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The Garage Burgers & Brews

scooterj — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 18:11:00 +0000

(Harrisonville, MO)
Formerly an auto repair shop

Scooter’s 1070th bar, first visited in 2015.

This former service center is now a nice little burger joint with a racing/garage theme. It’s divey, but the food is good. The bar is in a separate room in the back, while up front is a more family-friendly restaurant area. (The size of the building from outside is deceptive, there’s a lot more space than it looks.) They serve a few more beers than just the usual domestics.

1400 S Commercial St
Harrisonville, MO 64701
US
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(816) 884-5556
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The Ship

scooterj — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1067th bar, first visited in 2014.

The Ship is a re-creating of a classic decades-old Kansas City institution that was demolished in the 1990s to make way for a city park in what is now the Government District. After the bar’s interior was discovered in a warehouse it was restored and operated on the down-low for a few years.

I’d been wanting to go for a long time, but no one who knew the location would tell me for obvious reasons. I had managed to narrow it down to about the half-block but could never identify the specific door or hours.

Earlier in 2014 The Ship went legit, and now it is easy to spot with its blazing 1930s-esque electric signage, though with its entrance being in an alley you still have to have a general idea of where to look.

The interior re-creation uses as much of the original bar’s decor as was salvageable, creating an atmosphere that looks very much like being on the ship. The main room, where the bar is located, features live music. A small corridor offer additional limited seating, leading to additional rooms in the back that can be used for more seating or private events.

1217 Union Ave
Kansas City, MO 64101
US
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816-471-7447
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Friendly Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Garden City, MO)

Scooter’s 1066th bar, first visited in 2014.

Since this was our last stop of the night I don’t remember much here except that it was a nice small town dive bar.

303 Main
Garden City, MO 64747
US
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(816) 773-6444
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Eric’s Rockin C Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Garden City, MO)

Scooter’s 1065th bar, first visited in 2014.

For only about the third time in my entire barhopping history, a member of my group nearly wound up in a bar fight. An older bar patron was repeatedly groping a female member of our group, so we decided to leave to defuse the situation. I had already finished my beer first, so I can still count this as a stop, but there wasn’t time for me to look around a lot here.

217 Main
Garden City, MO 64747
US
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(816) 773-2099
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River’s Edge Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:16:00 +0000

(Roscoe, MO)

Scooter’s 1063rd bar, first visited in 2014.

We sat in a table at the very back, right next to the restrooms, scratching lottery tickets we bought from vending machine over by the U-shaped bar. Unfortunately I don’t remember a whole lot other than the tie-died bar t-shirt I took a picture of.

15 Pence
Roscoe, MO 64776
US
[launch map]
417-646-2079

Old Rock Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:15:00 +0000

(Rockville, MO)

Scooter’s 1062nd bar, first visited in 2014.

For being so far away from anywhere, this is an absolutely fantastic gem. This is am amazingly beautiful bar.

When I asked about the age of the place, the bartender told me the original bar had burned four years ago so the interior is actually fairly new. Pictures of the restoration posted on Facebook give the impression that the original bar was located on the east side of the wall, where was is now the back dining room and the patio are located. The building now housing the bar had plaster removed during the renovation to reveal all of the original stone underneath.

The centerpiece of the back dining room is a large stone fireplace. It would be a great place to sit to enjoy drinks or a meal on a winter evening.

By the way, the appetizers we ordered here were delicious.

412 Osage
Rockville, MO 64780
US
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(660) 598-2090
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The Office

scooterj — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Rich Hill, MO)

Scooter’s 1061st bar, first visited in 2014.

On the drive here we had been talking about various songs and had made the decision to play one that we had been discussing on the jukebox as soon as we got here. But after we got our drinks, as soon as we started talking about the jukebox, the icy stares we got from the regulars when we started talking about doing something that would make it hard to hear the “Bonanza” re-run they were all watching, we backed off that plan.

Dive bar bonus: trough urinal, though a couple of minus points for it not being full of ice.

610 E. Park Ave
Rich Hill, MO 64779
US
[launch map]
417-395-2292

Alley Pick N Pub

scooterj — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Butler, MO)

Scooter’s 1060th bar, first visited in 2014.

We had a great time chatting with the bartender and the owner during our visit here.

In addition to the pool table by the front door, there is a large back room with rows of tables, a dancer pole, and a stage that is used for karaoke.

Dive bar bonus: an ice-filled trough urinal!

10 W. Chestnut
Butler, MO 64730
US
[launch map]
(660) 424-0503

The Fishing Dock

scooterj — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:12:00 +0000

(Archie, MO)

Scooter’s 1059th bar, first visited in 2014.

We stopped by here not really knowing what to expect, and immediately enjoyed the large shark over the entrance. Inside is a completely fishing-themed restaurant/bar, down to boat seats as bar stools and the “Worms / No Worms” restroom signs. We enjoyed our stop here.

101 S. West Outer Road
Archie, MO 64725
US
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(816) 293-6062
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The Frog Pond

scooterj — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:10:00 +0000

(Peculiar, MO)

Scooter’s 1058th bar, first visited in 2014.

Smoky but pleasant dive bar in the heart of Peculiar. It opens early in the morning, we stopped in for breakfast and beer/Bloody Marys. The food was inexpensive but pretty tasty.

57 S. Peculiar Dr.
Peculiar, MO 64078
US
[launch map]
816-758-5111
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Marley’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 17:14:00 +0000

(Ferguson, MO)

Scooter’s 1055th bar, first visited in 2014.

This was another unplanned stop, being as that today was supposed to be about breweries. But when we found Ferguson Brewing Company to be closed for the holiday, we noticed this joint across the street open and stopped in.

We stayed in the relatively small dive bar area, but the majority of the building was restaurant space and outdoor seating, and there were a lot more people in the restaurant area.

Of course the elephant in the room was the recent riots and protests a few blocks away on the other side of town, and it was awkward trying to tread the line between not talking about it too much and not making it obvious we were deliberately trying not to bring it up.

500 S. Florissant
Ferguson, MO 63135
US
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314-524-3277
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Fat Edd’s Roadhouse

scooterj — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Metropolis, IL)

Scooter’s 1051st bar, first visited in 2014.

The final stop on our 9-states-in-1-day pub crawl, arrived it with 32-1/2 minutes left to spare!

We arrived too late to get to try any of the food they are famous for, but the smells from the kitchen as it was being cleanup up were salivating. The front portion of the building is the main bar area, while the back had more of a family restaurant area along with a covered/heated semi-outdoor seating area. There appeared to be an upper level as well.

We didn’t explore much here, we just sat at the bar relaxing with a few rounds of beer for the first time all day.

Due to the neighboring Superman statue and Superman museum, this bar’s signature drink is a bright green concoction called Kryptonite. However after hearing the list of ingredients we decided it was too complicated of a drink to ask them to make for us while they were busy trying to prep for closing.

323 Ferry St
Metropolis, IL 62960
US
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618-524-5525
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WWW Sports Bar

scooterj — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:18:00 +0000

(St. Johns, Paducah, KY)

Scooter’s 1050th bar, first visited in 2014.

Stop #8 on our 9-states-in-1-day pub crawl, representing Kentucky.

We had planned on staying here for a little while, however two problems cropped up. The first was that we were at Touchdown Club (the previous bar) a lot longer than we had planned. The second problem was that we pulled up at WW Club only to find it closed.

Fortunately the bartender was still inside. It had been dead all evening show she had just close it minutes before we arrived. After hearing of our mission and how critical her bar was to a successful completion, she agreed to let us in for one quick round of shots.

We didn’t really get to look around, but I do know there’s a beer garden with an outdoor bar, there’s karaoke, and they sometimes grill around back.

5925 Old Us Highway 45 S
Paducah, KY 42003
US
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(270) 534-1222
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Touchdown Sports Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:17:00 +0000

(Dyersburg, TN)

Scooter’s 1049th bar, first visited in 2014.

AKA Touchdown Bar AKA Touchdown Club. This was stop #7 on our 9-states-in-1-day pub crawl, representing Tennessee. We picked this bar because it was an easy-off (but not quite as easy-on) to pick up along the highway.

There’s a small rectangular bar (about 6-8 seats if I remember right) as well as some booths and tables. Music memorabilia lines one of the walls. The place seems a lot smaller inside than it looks outside — the outdoor area almost seems like it might be half of the space.

We ended up getting some to-go appetizers here, all of which turned out to be way too large of portions for us to finish eating.

2695 Lake Rd
Dyersburg, TN 38024
US
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(731) 286-4700
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CJ’s Chatterbox

scooterj — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:16:00 +0000

(Paragould, AR)

Scooter’s 1048th bar, first visited in 2014.

The 6th stop in our 9-states-in-1-day pub crawl, representing Arkansas.

This little dive near the eastern end of Paragould has almost no information online about it, so I was happy to find that it was indeed in business.

The centerpiece of the bar is the large old-school jukebox, their best-known attraction.

We didn’t notice if there was a pool table as it was particularly busy in here so we didn’t get up and move around a lot. It did look like there was a small patio in the back.

It was rather smoky in here, something we’re no longer used to back home. This is also a place that sells packaged beer to take home, and based upon the coolers Mike’s Maragaritas must be particularly popular for that option.

600 E Kingshighway
Paragould, AR 72450
US
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(870) 236-7889
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Times Lost

scooterj — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:15:00 +0000

(Willow Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 1047th bar, first visited in 2014.

This was the 5th stop on our 9-states-in-1-day pub crawl, representing Missouri. We had planned on just having shots here and continuing on to Arkansas, but it turned out this is a beer-only bar so we had to stick around for a while.

I’ve seen this place a couple of times before while driving between Memphis and Kansas City, so I’ve been curious about it for a while. Though it looks rustic, I had always assumed it was a relatively new place deliberately manufactured to look like a dive. I was wrong about that, this is the real deal.

The bartender seemed a little wary of us and scrutinized our IDs very closely before serving us.

There’s darts, pool tables, a stage decorated with records and guitars, a dance floor decorated by a wall hanging of metal masks, and lots of other interesting decor. Of particular interest is the “rock” garden out front that from a distance appears to be full of pebbles but is actually thousands of beer bottle caps.

3924 County Road 2600
Willow Springs, MO 65793
US
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(417) 469-1211
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5th Street Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Pittsburg, KS)

Scooter’s 1045th bar, first visited in 2014.

The third stop in our 9-states-in-1-day pub crawl, representing Kansas. We hadn’t taken into account that some of these small towns would be having Labor Day weekend festivals so we were very lucky to find a place to park a few blocks away.

The bar was very busy as we arrived right at lunchtime, and the place was backed with festival-goers grabbing a bite to eat.

The lower level is pure dive bar. The upper level has a separate bar wish several taps featuring microbreweries from all over. Unfortunately we didn’t get to check this area out as it was closed during our visit.

111 W 5th St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
US
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(620) 232-2446
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The Neighber’s

scooterj — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:12:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1044th bar, first visited in 2014.

That’s not a typo, the bar’s name is really spelled that way. It’s named after a family name as opposed to the word for someone who lives next to you.

This was the second stop on our 9-states-in-1-day pub crawl, picked because it opens at 6am. Unfortunately our GPS had the location wrong and we got here a lot later than planned so had to make up the time by having only a round of shots instead of getting to stay for a while.

The Neighber’s sits towards the west end of the Leavenworth dive bar district. The bar features a pool table, darts, video games, a claw machine, and a new beer garden.

4689 Leavenworth St
Omaha, NE 68106
US
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(402) 553-7443
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Hog Stop BBQ

scooterj — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:10:00 +0000

(Council Bluffs, IA)

Scooter’s 1043rd bar, first visited in 2014.

Stop 1 in an attempt to pub crawl every state bordering Missouri in a single day. The three of us and one other customer arrived upon opening and sat down at the U-shaped bar in the center of the room. We had breakfast, bloody Marys, and beer.

There’s a pool table, darts, and lots of current and vintage license plates. Of course there’s also BBQ, but not during the 6am hour.

3621 9th Ave
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
US
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712-328-2277
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The Elbow Room

scooterj — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 17:14:00 +0000

(Beals, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1040th bar, first visited in 2014.

This really great neighborhood dive looks sketchy from the outside but is well worth stopping in. Very friendly staff and clientele.

Don’t bother trying to go in the front door, that door doesn’t work. You enter through the nondescript door in the back.

There’ pool tables, several video games, and lots of seating. A separate room to the side has a pool table.

Upon finding out we were from out of town, they gave us free shirts and koozies.

4973 Center St
Omaha, NE 68106
US
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(402) 932-5116
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Bud Olson’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 17:13:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1039th bar, first visited in 2014.

The deteriorated paint of the sign on the side of the building was all it took to sell me on this neighborhood dive.

Inside the long skinny building the bar takes up most of the space, though in the front is a small library and a barber chair. This is the second barber chair I have seen in a bar out of 1,039 bars so far — and both have been here in Omaha.

The elevated back room with the pool table is the most interesting feature of the bar What I dubbed the Georges Seurat Memorial Billiard Hall, the walls are painted with a representation of his master work, Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.

3207 Leavenworth St
Omaha, NE 68105
US
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(402) 342-9116
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Josephine’s Cozy Corner Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1038th bar, first visited in 2014.

What a fantastic find!

We had all agreed from how it looked on the outside (much like a house) that this was a bar we wanted to visit. Stepping inside the door, we were surprised to find that instead of being in a bar, we were in a tiled foyer with a turn towards a set of stairs leading to the basement. At the bottom of the stairs, past the anachronistic payphone, the bartender stood behind a jail door. Turning right, we found the entrance to the lounge in the basement of this house.

This is a bar that developed its personality in the 1950s thru 1970s, then stopped changing. The entire atmosphere remains frozen in that era.

The bartender is a very friendly guy who enjoyed talking to us about Omaha and his bar. Drinks are cheap, the patrons are quiet and friendly. This is a very relaxing place to hang out away from the crowds.

There’s a pool table, an old jukebox, and lots of quirky decor.

This is now one of my favorite bars and I’ll definitely be visiting every time I return to Omaha.

2201 Pierce St
Omaha, NE 68108
US
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(402) 345-7197
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Happy Bar

scooterj — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 1037th bar, first visited in 2014.

Back on the evening of July 18, 2009, a buddy and I tried to make a stop here as part of our 101 Libations pub crawl. I can’t remember exactly what it was that went wrong, but I believe we encountered a great deal of construction in the area and seemed the bar “too scary looking” to be worth the effort and frustration of trying to navigate the mess.

Fast forward five years, and I found myself in downtown Omaha with two friends the night before we would begin a question to barhop 9 states in a single day. I decided I needed to take care of unfinished business and visit Happy Bar.

It’s a dive, don’t get me wrong, but there’s nothing at all scary about it. This is a fun little bar with friendly regulars and a friendly bartender.

On tap is an extensive selection of choices ranging from Bud to Bud Light, with an even wider variety available in cans. There’s a pool table in the back.

We really enjoyed our visit here and also enjoyed the free gifts the bartender gave us to prepare us for the next day’s adventure.

601 N 16th St
Omaha, NE 68102
US
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(402) 346-9677
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Judge’s Pizza & Pub

scooterj — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 17:11:00 +0000

(Shwerwood Estates, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Pancake House

Scooter’s 1035th bar, first visited in 2014.

I didn’t really know what to expect since I have never heard anyone talk about this place and as far as I know I don’t know anyone who has been here, but it was pretty busy inside and the pizza was good enough to leave me impressed.

The building is obviously a former Pancake House, but they’ve made good use of the space to turn it into a pizza bar. There’s even a little lounge area with sofas and a TV near the patio. The restrooms are easily the nicest of any bar along the Vivion corridor.

5171 NE Chouteau Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
816-453-1516
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Frank James Saloon

scooterj — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 17:10:00 +0000

(Crestridge Center, Parkville, MO)

Scooter’s 1033rd bar, first visited in 2014.

It’s a touch call as to whether to call this a pizza place that has a bar or to call it a bar that serves pizza, though I’m leaning more toward the latter. Located in a strip mall in northwestern Parkville, this cozy dive features and L-shaped bar and a rustic feel. In addition to serving pizza they also host live music.

10919 NW Highway 45
Parkville, MO 64152
US
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(816) 505-0800
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The Huddle

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 17:14:00 +0000

(South Sioux City, NE)

Scooter’s 1024th bar, first visited in 2014.

I wasn’t originally planning a stop here, but when I noticed it was 2 blocks from my hotel I decided to drop in.

There is a great deal of seating at the double-sided rectangular bar, plus lots of tables throughout the space. I saw darts, shuffleboard, and several video games. I didn’t notice any pool tables but it’s possible some were around back by the stage.

Since I didn’t go all the way around to the back room, I missed noticing the big partially-covered beer garden out back.

I’ve seen bars go to great lengths to prevent pooping (among other nefarious activities) in the men’s room — such as removing toilet seats and/or stall doors. But this was a first for me — the toilet out in the open while the urinal gets the private stall. (Bonus — note the tiny sink in the corner.)

110 E 8th St.
South Sioux City, NE 68776
US
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(402) 494-5903
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Red Room Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 17:13:00 +0000

(Westside South, Sioux City, IA)

Scooter’s 1023rd bar, first visited in 2014.

This cash-only dive features a rectangular island bar in the center of the main room, small but cheap pours (or pitchers), and food options of frozen pizza or chips hanging from a display in the middle of the stained glass ceiling.

A side room contained at least one pool table and what looked like possibly an old-school rear-projection TV.

This bar reminded me a lot of Halek’s Bar in Minneapolis.

When I left I discovered someone had parked blocking the parking lot exit, so I must have looked like a complete drunkard driving from corner to corner looking for a way out before finally giving up and driving over the sidewalk.

1000 W 7th St
Sioux City, IA 51103
US
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(712) 277-9833
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The Old Brass Rail

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Sioux City, IA)

Scooter’s 1022nd bar, first visited in 2014.

My visit to The Old Brass Rail reminded me a lot of my favorite downtown dive bar back home. Small, intimate, a cast of regulars who know each other, and even a library of books to read and share. I sat among about half a dozen people 10 years older than me watching “Rocky II”.

As dives go, this place is quite a bit cleaner than most. Almost too clean to fit the category! (Though I didn’t need to use the restroom, so I could be wrong!)

I noticed a small room in the back that had a pool table and assumed that was the extent of the bar. But after finding them on Facebook, I have learned from the photos that had I gone back there I would have found that it continued to the next storefront, where bands sometimes set up to play.

Several online reviews let me to believe this place would be terrifying, but I knew that was most likely not the case at all. Indeed, it was definitely not the least bit scary. A nice place for cheap drinks.

601 Pearl St.
Sioux City, IA 51101
US
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(712) 277-9985
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Cheers Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 17:17:00 +0000

(Sikeston, MO)

Scooter’s 1020th bar, first visited in 2014.

I was reallyt confused by the large size of the building compared to the relatively small size of the bar. I’ve since learned that there is a catering hall here as well, which explains all of the missing space.

This place was pretty busy when I arrived. I sat at the U-shaped bar. Lots of people were eating, and catfish appears to be what they are known for. Unfortunately my notes for this bar have been lost, so that’s about all I remember.

1212 Linn St
Sikeston, MO 63801
US
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573-471-2006
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Danny’s Place

scooterj — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 17:17:00 +0000

(Sikeston, MO)

Scooter’s 1019th bar, first visited in 2014.

Danny’s is a bit tricky to find. It’s on a sort of outer road, ticked alongside a city park up on a hill at the end of a long curved drive that crosses a creek.

Most of the people in Danny’s were sitting at the tables eating, I was the only person sitting at the penny-covered bar.

I didn’t notice any pool tables but there is a wall full of dart boards.

There appears to be an outdoor stage around back and I’ve found online info about at least one concert in the past, though so far I haven’t turned up any that are recent.

1102 Linn St
Sikeston, MO 63801
US
[launch map]
(573) 471-9984

Morgan’s Place

scooterj — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 17:15:00 +0000

(Fisk, MO)

Scooter’s 1018th bar, first visited in 2014.

My notes for this bar have vanished, unfortunately. But what I do remember, besides the pool tables, is that I sat at the end of the bar closest to the door and that at a nearby table several men were trying to remember who sang “Bette Davis Eyes.” (Pssst… it’s Kim Carnes!)

501 1st St
Fisk, MO 63940
US
[launch map]
(573) 967-3516 ‎

Dean’s Place

scooterj — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 17:14:00 +0000

(Fisk, MO)

Scooter’s 1017th bar, first visited in 2014.

This was a fantastic bonus bar find! I was turning the corner to go to Morgan’s Place when I spotted a neon Budweiser sign in a window on the next block.

The oldest building in Fisk, this bar opened in the late 1920s as a perfect example of how little Prohibition mattered in the state of Missouri.

The current owner, who was tending bar, has only the place for about 55 years.

My pictures don’t do it justice but I love the woodwork on these old bars. Places like this are living history and I always love finding them.

2nd & Lincoln
Fisk, MO 93940
US
[launch map]
573-967-3322

Cooter Brown’s Bar & Grill / Bear Foot Burgers & Beer / Bears Lodge 521

scooterj — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 17:13:00 +0000

(Puxico, MO)

Scooter’s 1016th bar, first visited in 2014.

Every bar I went to today had several people drinking in it except this place, where I was all alone except for the bartender. I have since discovered that the reason for this is very likely that the bar wasn’t open for the day yet, but the bartender (who was the owner) served me anyway because he needed a break from working outside.

I’m very confused about what the name of this bar is. When I first looked it up, the liquor license said “Bear Foot Burgers & Beer”. The owner confirmed that as the name, but added “For now,” then clarified that it would soon be renamed as a Bears Lodge. Indeed, the liquor license is now listed as “Fraternal Order of Bears, Lodge 521″. Yet, adding to the confusion, the sign out front says “Cooter Brown’s Bar” and this appears to be the name they are best known by on the internet.

The bar is undergoing extensive renovation currently both outside and inside. The owner was working on the roof of the entryway when I arrived. He showed me an island bar he and his buddies had been working on — in the form of a motorcycle enclosed in a crate. The building’s attic space is being converted into an upstairs bar area, and he mentioned that in the woods out back they he is working on putting in a camping area.

The main level is fairly roomy with lots of seating, and includes a stage and a few pool tables.

Foodwise this place is well known for its burgers. They do deliver, but only when it’s possible for someone to leave to make the run..

3716 Missouri T
Puxico, MO
US
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(573) 222-3340
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Puxico Bar

scooterj — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Puxico, MO)

Scooter’s 1015th bar, first visited in 2014.

This bar, which looks like it was originally a house, features an L-shaped counter and a couple of pool tables. Cooled by window units, the bartender offered to turn one on near me if I got to hot. No taps, just cans and bottles.

The jukebox was playing classic country (1950s-1970s) and most of the people in the bar were singing along.

190 E Owen Ave
Puxico, MO 63960
US
[launch map]
(573) 222-3684

Tool Shed Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 17:11:00 +0000

(Kinder, Puxico, MO)

Scooter’s 1014th bar, first visited in 2014.

This is one of those places where if you don’t know it’s there, you’re not going to find it. It’s about a mile away from any major road, and most online maps get the location way off.

This is a biker bar — with smoking allowed, pool tables, video poker, and darts. There are no taps that I saw, all bottles and cans. I noticed a mini fryer and a mini griddle and saw burgers advertised. As of my visit they have karaoke on Saturday nights.

My interior picture didn’t turn out but here’s one I found from a Google search…

11924 State Highway K
Puxico, MO 63960
US
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(573) 222-6044
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Long Branch

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 18:19:00 +0000

(Essex, MO)

Scooter’s 1011th bar, first visited in 2013.

This tiny hangout in a tiny town was pretty close to packed when I arrived. Unlike most of the other bars I visited today, in this case I was one of the oldest in the place.

I didn’t feel very comfortable taking pictures in here, as everyone knew I wasn’t from around there and I noticed I was being watched quite a bit. So, since the one interior picture I managed to sneak in (below) came out so terrible, I’m adding a couple more from their Facebook page.

It looked like there might be a beer garden outside, but if there is I didn’t see an obvious way to get to it.

The rest of these are from their Facebook page…

111 N Cypress
Essex, MO 63846
US
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(573) 283-5976
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Mixed Nuts Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 18:18:00 +0000

(Risco, MO)

Scooter’s 1010th bar, first visited in 2013.

When I arrived I wasn’t sure the place was open, as it seemed dark and silent. I tried the door anyway, it opened, so in I went.

The bar was to the right, so I took a seat. The bartender was on the phone but immediately excused herself from the call to get me a drink. It wasn’t necessary, but that’s a good bartender!

She said that I had just missed a party bus and that when she started her shift it was standing room only. I thought for a while that it was just me and her in the place, but later when I went around the corner to use the restroom I realized there was one other person in there playing video slots/poker.

The men’s restroom is pretty interesting — basically it’s a tiny lighted closet with a urinal on the back wall. That’s it — nothing more. (The handwashing sink was outside in the main room — that in itself isn’t such an unusual thing to find really. Let’s everyone know who the nasty people are.)

102 U.S. 62
Risco, MO 63874
US
[launch map]
(573) 396-5394

VFW Post 2368

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 18:17:00 +0000

(Malden, MO)

Scooter’s 1009th bar, first visited in 2013.

This was a little more of a mixed crowd than the Bears lodge next door — closer to an equal mix of women and men. In fact I was surprised at first to also see children shooting pool at the table by the front door — but then I realized that even though it was dark out it was actually only a little bit after 6:00. The bartender did a good job of making sure the kids stayed in their own area and away from the drinkers.

In addition to the pool table there’s a small DJ booth next to the women’s restroom. The men’s restroom is all the way in the far back, in the meeting area.

I had an enjoyable visit here and ended up staying for a couple of drinks.

122 W Main
Malden, MO 63863
US
[launch map]
(573) 276-2690

Fraternal Order Of Bears Lodge #238

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 18:16:00 +0000

(Malden, MO)

Scooter’s 1008th bar, first visited in 2013.

I’m listing this under the “Private Club” category, though I walked in and was served without question so it may very well be open to the general public.

This is a great classic small town dive bar. It was pretty busy — not quite full but getting close. The clientele was mostly working-class guys my age or older.

Apart from a handful of pool players around the corner from where I was sitting, nearly everyone in the bar was entranced by the airing of “Casino Royale” playing on the TV over the bar.

110 W. Main
Malden, MO 63863
US
[launch map]
(573) 276-2942

Paradise Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 18:15:00 +0000

(Bernie, MO)

Scooter’s 1007th bar, first visited in 2013.

This is another dive bar right in Bernie’s downtown district. It too has entrances in the front & back — street parking in the front and a small lot in the rear.

Paradise Lounge is a little bit bigger than it’s neighbor a few doors down, and uses the extra space to occasionally host live music. There’s a pool table near the front, and there appeared to be little more in the way of food options here.

At the time of my visit the bar was empty, so I watched a Christmas episode of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” while enjoying a bottle of Guinness.

110 W. Main
Bernie, MO 63822
US
[launch map]
(573) 293-4770

Pat’s Place

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 18:13:00 +0000

(Bernie, MO)

Scooter’s 1006th bar, first visited in 2013.

This is a narrow little dive bar right in the middle of Bernie’s downtown district. It has entrances in the front & back — street parking in the front and a small lot in the rear.

There’s a very small deep fryer behind the bar, so fried appetizers are apparently available. I didn’t notice a pool table, but there were quite a few people in here so it’s possible I missed it if there is one.

The bartender was very nice and I liked this place quite a bit, but the man sitting to my right wouldn’t stop talking about “big [n-word] lips” and it was making me uncomfortable enough that I finished my beer quickly and moved on.

120 W Main
Bernie, MO 63822
US
[launch map]
(573) 293-6318

The Den

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 18:13:00 +0000

(Bell City, MO)
Formerly a gas station

Scooter’s 1005th bar, first visited in 2013.

When I began planning my Black Friday pub crawl, I knew I would be limited in the amount of time I’d have so I wanted to make sure I used that time well. To that end, I had looked up all of the area bars in advance and and narrowed down those that looked the most interesting to me. None, however, had given me more giddy anticipation than The Den. Seriously, look at what I saw in Google Street View:

How could that not be one of the greatest bar experiences ever?

Well, it did not disappoint. The Den was everything I hoped it would be and then some. In fact, it has set a whole new standard by which how I will measure dive bars, as this is hands down the diviest dive I have ever encountered.

Before I go any further, I’d like to offer a personal message to the two guys who were here when I visited. Nothing that I write here is meant to be taken as disrespect. You guys were great and very nice, and I absolutely loved stopping in at your bar. It was definitely the highlight of my day. I absolutely love dive bars, so everything I say here is intended as a compliment.

After the very long drive to get there (it’s truly very far removed from anything and is in a location tourists would never have any reason to pass through), my bladder was about to explode by the time I pulled up. It didn’t help that I had tried two gas stations along the way and neither had public restrooms — that wasted time only filled my bladder up even more.

I parked in the gravel and walked up to the door. I opened it very apprehensively. I began to get nervous, and nearly chickened out. But the bladder pressure was so intense that I had no choice but face whatever might be waiting for me on the other side of that door. I creaked it opn and stepped inside.

The bar was small — maybe 4 or 5 barstools — but there was too much clutter (boxes and various other items) for me to sit there. A Tin Man hung over the bar, as well as various weapons, hunting implements, and camping gear. There were several tables, most had various items on them including hornet nests. There was a pool table in the far back. To the right, numerous children’s toys were piled against the wall.

At the table closest to the front, two gentlemen were shelling peanuts. They were in their 50s or 60s. One in camo overalls, one in tan overalls. They both froze and looked up at me.

“Hello,” said the man in camo overalls. “Can I do something for you?”

I mentioned that I was looking for a place where I could both use the restroom and grab a beer. He asked me what I’d like and while he got my beer, the other man pointed me in the direction of the restroom.

The floor of the bathroom probably hasn’t been mopped since 1975. The toilet and the sink were both badly stained by rust, and the sink looked so dusty it made me wonder when it had last been used. I opted not to wash my hands as I did not want to be the one to mess that up.

I exited the restroom, picked up my beer, and started to sit down at a table that had a bee hive sitting on it.

“Come sit with us!” the bartender and his friend beckoned. “No one should have to drink alone, and we don’t ever see strangers in here, ever.”

(Given that the nearest freeway access is 18 miles away and the nearest through-highway of any kind is several miles away as well, I’m not at all surprised.)

I walked over to their table and sat down. The table was of course covered in peanut shells, but among several other items I also noticed a fly swatter and a couple of toy squirt guns. A sledgehammer was resting nearby.

They asked where I was from and what I was out doing. I gave them a brief summary and then asked about the place. It turned out it was originally a gas station — then a store — and finally a bar. Where my car was parked had once been the oil-changing pit.

The bartender made mention of the fact that he had cut down a hornet nest earlier in the morning. I gestured towards the nest on the table across the room and asked if that was it. It was. We all got up and walked over to examine it.

As it was freshly cut, there were a few spiders and/or insects crawling around on it. He talked a little bit about hornets and how despite their reputation that they are beneficial to the ecosystem.

He brought out another hornet nest he had cut even earlier that was still attached to a tree branch, and mentioned that there’s a narrow window to cut them down after the hornets leave before the birds tear them up.

I asked why the birds tear them up, and he said it’s because there’s always some leftover larvae and pupae inside that the birds like to eat. He then demonstrated by giving the nest a good shake. A peppering of hornet larvae and/or pupae dropped onto the table.

“A while back I cut one down that wasn’t quite empty,” he said with a laugh, “and we had hornets flying around in here for days.”

That might explain the sledgehammer!

I wish I would have had more time to stay, but I got a late start and only had time for the one can of beer. I had to thank them for their hospitality and head back towards my motel.

The bar…

The bartender…

The first hornet nest…

Nest 1 and nest 2…

Shaking the second nest…

The bathroom sink

25386 Walnut St
Bell City, MO 63735
US
[launch map]
(573) 733-4818

Schindler’s Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 18:11:00 +0000

(New Hamburg, MO)

Scooter’s 1003rd bar, first visited in 2013.

Located in a tiny little village consisting of 2 intersecting streets, Schindler’s is a really cool small-town tavern that I later learned has a lot more to it than I experienced during my brief visit.

There are three main rooms. The largest is the front room, with the bar and several bar tables. In the middle is a slightly smaller area with a pool table and several eating tables. Finally, in the bar “back” (the south side of the place) is a low-ceilinged room with video games. Outside there’s a good-sized deck, with a beer garden and outdoor bar out in the back yard.

Though the etching on the mirror says “Since 1934″, the building itself dates to 1848 and other sources say the Schindler family ran is as a tavern for 130+ years. (It is no longer owned by that family, I am not sure how long that has been the case.)

One of the most prominent features of the bar area is a nearly 7-foot long gar sitting above the mirror. It was caught in 1912, so was 101 years old when I viewed it.

I’ve since learned that Schindler’s is famous for two things:

(1) The Baloney Burger â€” A burger toped with fried bologna that USA Today picked as Missouri’s best burger and draws people not only from all over the region but from across the nation.

(2) The Kow Pasture Klassic â€” An annual charity golf tournament, benefiting the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, held in the pasture behind the bar. Tennis balls are used instead of golf balls, and “clubs” can be almost anything you can think of that can be used to propel the ball towards its goal. (2013 Gallery) (2012 Gallery) (2011 Gallery) (2010 Gallery)

1029 State Hwy A
New Hamburg, MO 63736
US
[launch map]
(573) 545-3709
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Vikings USA Bootheel MO #133

scooterj — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown Square, Clinton, MO)

Scooter’s 1002nd bar, first visited in 2013.

It was a little afternoon on a cold day-before-Thanksgiving, and I walked around Clinton’s historic square looking for a good place to step in for a beer while everyone else in my group shopped.

I made one pass around the square to get the lay of the land. I narrowed down my options and began a second pass to make my choice. But I was dismayed to find that everything either looked a little too upscale for my taste, or was closed.

When I reached the northeast corner or the second time I glanced north along Main Street. Something told me “There just has to be a good old fashioned dive up this block somewhere.” My senses were right.

Located 1 block north of the east side of the square, this Vikings Bootheel club is exactly the type of place I like to find for day drinking. Cheap, smoky, a pool table in the back, and just couple of guys my age or older sitting back drinking canned beer.

138 N Main St
Clinton, MO 64735
US
[launch map]
(660) 885-4515

Mutual Musicians Foundation

scooterj — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 999th bar, first visited in 2013.

I came here on the last leg of a 21st birthday party. The birthday girl didn’t make it this far, but I had been putting this one off for far too long. I made it to 3am without following asleep, what’s another hour or two?

A registered historic landmark, musicians have been gathering here after-hours every weekend since the 1930s to hold jam sessions until sunrise.

Because of the nature of this tradition, the club room opens at midnight on weekends and doesn’t really get hopping until around 3:00am. For decades the city looked the other way, but a complaint in 2006 forced enforcement of the liquor laws. Unable to serve drinks any longer, attendance fell off and the Foundation was in danger of failure.

Thankfully the cultural importance of this institution was recognized, and special legislation was passed in 2007 making this the one and only place in the entire state of Missouri licensed to serve drinks all night long.

But if you’re here only for the uniqueness of drinking past 3am in Kansas City, you’re missing out on the main attraction. The music here is fantastic. Kansas City’s best have been jamming here for nearly 9 decades, this is a place to go to listen to great music while the beer you buy helps keep the lights on.

1823 Highland Ave
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 471-5212
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VFW #5531

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:23:00 +0000

(Wathena, KS)

Scooter’s 998th bar, first visited in 2013.

We really wanted to find one more Kansas bar. But here we were just a mile or so from the state line, and what the thought was our last option — a bar called Our Place was closed.

We saw the VFW, but no lights were on. Luckily we needed to make a stop at the Casey’s across the street and the cashier there assured us it was indeed open.

No frills — just cheap drinks and good times. Also the smokiest bar of the day. All the seats at the tiny bar counter were taken, so we sat at the only open table. One group played cars in the corner, while some lively twenty-somethings shot darts in the other corner.

107 N 4th St
Wathena, KS 66090
US
[launch map]
(785) 989-3487

Dew Drop Inn

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:22:00 +0000

(Downtown, Hiawatha, KS)

Scooter’s 997th bar, first visited in 2013.

Kansas’s “Beer Bars” (also known as “3.2 Bars” or “CMB Bars”) are almost always unexpected treats. Since they are licensed at the local level instead of by the state (they can only serve low-alcohol beer, nothing else) they can be hard to find out about if you aren’t a local — and often these end up being the places with the richest histories and the most character. Dew Drop Inn is no exception, this was by far the best find on this particular pub crawl.

In the front, a tiny bar with size tools and a few small booths. In the back, a small room just large enough for the pool table it contains. Behind the bar, a delightful 80-year-old woman named Alberta who has worked here for coming up on six decades and owned the place for nearly five of them.

Alberta shared with is the history of the place. It opened in 1869 (Edit, may have been 1879, trying to confirm) as a lunch counter — later becoming a hamburger/steak joint. The back room was added on sometime later, and it was early in the second half of the 20th century that it converted from restaurant to a CMB bar. She didn’t say exactly when she stopped serving food, but it sounds like that was more recent (maybe 10-20 years ago).

Menu from the 1940s. I could sure go for some 25Ã‚Â¢ steaks!

508 Oregon
Hiawatha, KS 66434
US
[launch map]
(785) 742-2423

Rosey’s Cantina

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Hiawatha, KS)

Scooter’s 996th bar, first visited in 2013.

This was nothing at all like I expected. From the name, I was thinking Mexican restaurant. Instead I found a quirky pool hall dive with a very eclectic and unusual decor.

Four pool tables. Doorless restrooms with mismatched toilets/urinals. Suits of armor. Nude aliens, with pacifier penises, lounging in sexy poses on the bar in front of a pile of sombreros. American flags everywhere. Far more signs and pictures on the wall than I was able to take in.

This one came out so blurry because someone walked in and caught me in the act of taking it, embarrassing the crap out of me.

520 Oregon
Hiawatha, KS 66434
US
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(785) 742-2965
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Centerfield

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:19:00 +0000

(Shubert, NE)

Scooter’s 994th bar, first visited in 2013.

This place is kind of unusually shaped. The bar forms a central core (floor to ceiling), and the space wraps around it. Around what would be considered the “back” is a shuffleboard, pool tables, and a stage. Outside is a beer garden.

One strange thing about our visit — and it may have just been that they had just recently been cleaning — is that there was an overpowering smell of “urinal mints” hanging in the air while we were seated at the bar. I hope that’s not normal?

102 Main St.
Shubert, NE 68437
US
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(402) 883-2656
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The Hitch’n Post

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Stella, NE)

Scooter’s 993rd bar, first visited in 2013.

This was a nice little small town bar in a very cool looking old building.

The bartender, as well as the customers, were very friendly and welcoming. We sat at a table opposite the L-shaped bar. There was a pool table in the back, a jukebox, and food available. The bar has wifi, but it’s password protected. There are numerous dead deer attached to the walls.

The restrooms here are about the side of caskets.

207 N Main St
Stella, NE 68442
US
[launch map]
(402) 883-2300
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Southside Bar

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:17:00 +0000

(Courthouse Square, Auburn, NE)

Scooter’s 992nd bar, first visited in 2013.

This is another bar that a lot of online maps get wrong. It’s on the south side of the courthouse square, in the west half of that block.

The bar’s main area is divided in half by a shuffleboard running straight down the center. There’s a pool table in the back, a juke box, and a small kitchen. Wifi is available.

We noticed some K-State signs here — kind of unexpected in Nebraska.

1417 19th St
Auburn, NE 68305
US
[launch map]
(402) 274-9961

Linemen

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Nebraska City, NE)

Scooter’s 991st bar, first visited in 2013.

I first tried to go here during a visit back in 2009, but arrived in Nebraska City too early to find this one open that day. Today I was finally able to nab it.

Out front is a small shaded outdoor seating area. Inside, two long bars down the center face each other, with a fish tank-in-between. There’s a claw machine, Golden Tee, shuffleboard, and pool tables.

A poker run was arriving as we were leaving, we weren’t sure of it was the same group we saw earlier in Iowa or not.

416 Central Ave
Nebraska City, NE 68410
US
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(402) 873-7997
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Geno’s Grill & Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:15:00 +0000

(Nebraska City, NE)

Scooter’s 990th bar, first visited in 2013.

I was supposed to have first visited Geno’s on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, as part of what ended up being a 101 bar pub crawl. However we missed the turn when we arrived at Nebraska City and never managed to find Geno’s that day.

At first we didn’t think it was open, as the door closest to the sign was locked. But it turns out the entrance is the next door past that.

Geno’s is very much a dive, but it was a little nicer than I was expecting from the outside. The main area has a long bar, a jukebox, and a few TVs. Behind the bar, accessible from a small entryway at the far end of the bar, is a smaller room with poo, tables and a shuffleboard. Free wifi is available.

Bonus shout-out for the Spuds McKenzie!

301 East 4th Corso
Nebraska City, NE 68410
US
[launch map]
(402) 873-9910

Farragut Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Farragut, IA)

Scooter’s 989th bar, first visited in 2013.

Our third stop on my brother’s birthday pub crawl.

Most online maps get the location of this bar wrong. It’s actually south of the grain elevators and railroad tracks, across the street from the post office.

There’s no cellphone service in town, at least not on AT&T or T-Mobile. Luckily the bar has free wifi.

There’s also a pool table darts, a Bags video game, and video slots.

While we didn’t see any obvious food, there’s a refrigerator, microwave, and a small pizza oven implying a limited selection of eats.

After we left Farragut we continued down the back roads to the town of Riverton. I did not have a drink at our next stop so I cannot officially add it to my list, but I’d like to add it here as a footnote…

Riverside Inn
(Riverton, IA)
901 Summer Ave
Riverton, IA 51650
(712) 387-3101
(Map)
Visit Web Site

Dive bar
Biker friendly
Outdoor seating

We arrived here in the midst of a poker run, so the place was teeming with bikers — some of whom we’d end up meeting again throughout the day.

On the inside is a horseshoe shaped bar, two pool tables, video slots, arcade games, and lots of photos. Outside is a covered patio and a sand volleyball court.

609 Hartford Ave
Farragut, IA 51639
US
[launch map]
(712)385-9598

Dirt’s Place

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Shenandoah, IA)
Formerly Mike’s Place

Scooter’s 988th bar, first visited in 2013.

You know, for a place called Dirt’s Place, this is one of the cleanest bars I’ve ever been in. Meticulously clean for a dive bar. Nonsmoking, with a light scent of vanilla filling the air. Brightly lit, with white tile and a faux brick finish.

No games other than a Megatouch screen, just a small place to gather for drinks and conversation. We watched a bit of a John Wayne movie while we were here.

116 N Blossom
Shenandoah, IA 51601
US
[launch map]
(712) 246-1840

Kap’s Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Shenandoah, IA)

Scooter’s 987th bar, first visited in 2013.

Walking in from the bright sunshine outside, we stumbled a bit in what initially seemed like complete blackness. It took several moments for our eyes to adjust and take in the surroundings.

Nothing on tap here, the beer is all bottles and cans. And it’s cheap!

Once we could see, we found ourselves inside a bar that looks every bit the 130-140 years old this building probably is. And I mean that in a good way — this place has an authentic charm.

Living up to the bar’s name, the walls are slowly being tiled by thousands upon thousands of beer bottle caps. In one corner, a large US flag made entirely of bottle caps. Near the flag, the process of tiling the ceiling with empty beer cans is underway as well.

For entertainment, the bar provides darts, a pool table, a jukebox, video slots, and a pinball machine.

The bottle cap flag and the beer can ceiling…

The bottle cap wall…

An interesting bit of KISS fan art hanging above the bar…

113 S Elm St
Shenandoah, IA 51601
US
[launch map]
(712) 246-1283

The End Zone II

scooterj — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 17:10:00 +0000

(Gladstone Plaza, Gladstone, MO)

Scooter’s 985th bar, first visited in 2013.

A small neighborhood sports bar located in a corner of a once-dying strip mall that appears to be trying to make a comeback.

There’s a pool table in the front, two dart boards, and a jukebox. A large toaster oven behind the bar implied that they may serve appetizers.

Since I was there in the daytime it was an older crowd of about 10 or so scattered around the L-shaped bar. The bartender was friendly and charming and knew everyone by name.

Because this is Gladstone, smoking is permitted. It’s been a while since I’ve been in a bar as smoky as this was.

6583 North Oak Trafficway
Gladstone, MO 64118
US
[launch map]
(816) 468-5100

Fat Boyz

scooterj — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 17:10:00 +0000

(Garden City, MO)

Scooter’s 983rd bar, first visited in 2013.

For years I’ve been curious about this bar that’s attached to a gun shop and indoor shooting range, but every time I have been in the area I didn’t have time to make a stop. Today, however, I found myself in the area and had time to kill, so stopped in.

It was around 4:00 on a Saturday afternoon so needless to say I was the only patron. That makes it hard to get a feel for what a place is really like. I had a couple of Guinness while watching “Dazed and Confused” on TV.

On the inside, you’d never guess this is a butler building. They did a good job on the finish, creating a dive bar feel worthy of a more stately structure. It’s dark like it should be, with a nice long bar and lots of woodwork. There’s a jukebox, darts, and a few other games I didn’t really pay much attention to.

The more brightly-lit back room — technically in a separate butler building connected by a narrow enclosed walkway — contains three pool tables and is monitored by a video feed behind the bar.

There also seems to be a fenced in patio area outside, though I didn’t notice how this is accessed.

In my years of wondering about this place I always imagined it as one big long room with booze at one end, guns at the other. But in real life I didn’t see any direct connection between the bar and the gun shop / shooting range — which is probably for the best.

28503 Missouri 7
Garden City, MO 64747
US
[launch map]
(816) 862-8006

Triple D Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Syracuse, NE)

Scooter’s 981st bar, first visited in 2013.

We stopped in here looking for one small town bar to stop in at on the way home from errands in Lincoln. There were two bars across the street from each other, we picked this one.

This is a nice friendly little small town dive bar that opens bright and early. There’s a pool table in the back, and the grill serves up burgers as well as steaks and prime rib on certain evenings. (The evening menu varies by day of the week.)

No tabs, bottled beer only. Including a couple of unexpected national and local brews.

We had no reception here on either AT&T or T-Mobile. Which is probably why these strange objects can be found nearby…

378 5th Street
Syracuse, NE 68446
US
[launch map]
(402) 269-9919

WC’s South Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:10:00 +0000

(Lincoln, NE)

Scooter’s 979th bar, first visited in 2013.

I picked this place out because of a Google review griping that this bar doesn’t cater to customers in their early 20s. Which means this is the kind of bar I love.

This does seem to be a bar more for grown-ups, but it looks like a fun bar nonetheless. There’s 3 pool tables, lots of TVs, and a good sound system. The convoluted bar, covered in vintage regional newspapers, resembles a crooked fish hook.

They do not serve food, at least not regularly, though there was a BBQ grill out front and their Facebook page has mentioned food in the past.

The bartender was really nice and the locals seem friendly. By the way this place has Guinness on tap, kind of unusual for a non-Irish-themed dive bar.

2109 Hwy 2
Lincoln, NE 68502
US
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(402) 421-2186
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Woody’s Watering Hole

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:22:00 +0000

(Downtown, Leavenworth, KS)
Formerly Potter’s Pub

Scooter’s 978th bar, first visited in 2013.

Woody’s is owned by an Army officer who wanted to create a fun place to hang out.

The bartender told us that on the weekend Woody’s stays quiet until around 8pm, then quickly fills up to a couple hundred people until closing time.

There’s a stage, darts, and a single pool table in a separate room in the far back.

Sadly the Office who owns the bar is being transferred, so he is currently seeking a new owner.

507 Cherokee
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
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(913) 682-5709
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Ross’s 20th Street Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:21:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 977th bar, first visited in 2013.

Bar on one side, liquor store on the other. So, as a I quickly learned, if the bar doesn’t stock what you want to drink, they’ll have it in about a minute.

The bar area is very cramped, due to the crowd I did not attempt to work my way back to explore the place.

A band was setting up and the only available seating was right next to the speakers, so we drank as quickly as we could and got out of there.

202 N 20th St,
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
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(913) 651-7809 Ã¢â‚¬Å½
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Benny’s

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:20:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 976th bar, first visited in 2013.

We almost didn’t stop here because it looked so much like someone’s house, but the small sign on the east side assured us it really was a bar. Benny’s appears to be converted from a former duplex and has been in business for about 3 decades.

There’s video poker, pool tables, a stage, and an impressive collection of shot glasses. They have karaoke here.

2001 Dakota
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
[launch map]
(913) 682-2891
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Legends of Country Music

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Easton, KS)

Scooter’s 975th bar, first visited in 2013.

I guess they mustn’t get very many out-of-town visitors, because we were all carded despite being in our 30s and 40s, and all of our IDs were heaving scrutinized before we were served.

There’s a stage, a pool table, and a very old flip-style jukebox. Particularly noteworthy, though, is the huge collection of country record album covers adorning several of the walls.

107 North 3rd
Easton, KS 66020
US
[launch map]
(913) 773-9583

Stinky’s Other Side

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown Square, Oskaloosa, KS)

Scooter’s 974th bar, first visited in 2013.

This was a place I had to make a side trip to just for the name alone. I mean come on, “Stinky’s Other Side,” that’s a great name!

A dive bar through and through, Stinky’s has video poker, a pool table, and a very nice bartender. Though I didn’t see the menu and no one else at the time was eating, they do serve food and apparently are known for their burgers.

About half the car was transfixed by some tow truck reality show on Tru-TV. That network seems to be a stable for dive bars.

305 Jefferson
Oskaloosa, KS 66066
US
[launch map]
(785) 863-3048

Humm-Dingers

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:17:00 +0000

(Valley Falls, KS)

Scooter’s 973rd bar, first visited in 2013.

We didn’t expect to be the only people here when we arrived, but I guess all the bikers were still out riding in the great weather we were having.

Indoors, Humm-Dingers features a small bar, a stage, a pool table, and a buffet. (No food was being served at the time of our visit.) Outdoors there is a huge covered deck.

It can be a little tricky to see this place from the main road. Look for a liquor store, then drive around to the back.

1414 K4 Hwy
Valley Falls, KS 66088
US
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(785) 945-3239
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Flamingo Too

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Valley Falls, KS)

Scooter’s 972nd bar, first visited in 2013.

An interesting place! Apparently it’s a one-man operation, one of the locals told me the owner has no employees and does everything himself. If true, that makes it all the more impressive that the owner is a really friendly guy with a good sense of humor.

Flamingo Too is located in a formal old-school Rexall drug store, complete with the soda fountains which are still intact. The decor is somewhat eclectic, note the photos of the “mannequins” below.

The menu is largely sandwiches and fried food. However, while in most bars fried food is the way to go if you want something quick, that’s not the case here. There is only one fryer, and it’s very small, so he can fry only one order at a time.

One of the locals advised me that the best bet here is to ignore the menu altogether and instead ask the owner what he has. Often the answer is delicious BBQ — smoked out front on his smoker — or tacos and gigantic burritos made from the leftover smoked meats. On Sunday an all-you-can-eat breakfast menu is served.

We almost didn’t notice that there was another room to the side. We went around the corner to find additional seating, pool tables, and a stage with a complete light and sound system. Quite a lot for a one-man operation!

324 Broadway
Valley Falls, KS 66088
US
[launch map]
(785) 945-3407

The Hop

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Nortonville, KS)

Scooter’s 971st bar, first visited in 2013.

This is the kind of place I love to find — a dive bar in a far-flung small town located in a charming historic building.

The Hop is lit by chandeliers handing from a beautifully details ceiling. There is a collection of child-sized cars and tractors, as well as a collection of classic album covers.

528 Main St
Nortonville, KS 66060
US
[launch map]
(913) 886-2100

The Milk House

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:14:00 +0000

(Atchison, KS)

Scooter’s 970th bar, first visited in 2013.

On the outskirts of town and a little tricky to find. You have to drive down a short gravel road, cross railroad tracks, and pass through a gate to access it.

The bar is rather spacious and quite clean, with lots of seating. There are pool tables darts, and several TVs.

The bar’s original owner drove a milk truck, which inspired the bar’s name. The bar has changed hands a couple of times but has always remained in the family.

11040 U.S. 59
Atchison, KS 66002
US
[launch map]
913-367-1960
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The Office

scooterj — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 18:13:00 +0000

(Bloomfield, MO)
Formerly Zeros Bar

Scooter’s 964th bar, first visited in 2012.

This was the busiest and the cleanest of the three bars I visited today, though it was also the smokiest so we had to keep our visit short.

According to their Facebook page that don’t serve food yet, but are in the process of setting up a kitchen.

At the north end of the bar, up a short step, is a side room with video poker and other games.

17991 State Hwy 25
Bloomfield, MO 63825
US
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(573) 568-4012
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Sonny’s Place

scooterj — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Dexter, MO)

Scooter’s 963rd bar, first visited in 2012.

I stopped in briefly here and chatted with the owner’s mother over a beer. The owner’s name is Scott, a good choice for a name, and he had owned the place for about 8 years.

To my right was a man who grew up just a couple of miles from where I live now, and we swapped stories about how much that area has changed over the years.

17 N. Locust
Dexter, MO 63841
US
[launch map]
(573) 614-1142
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He’s Not Here

scooterj — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Dexter, MO)

Scooter’s 962nd bar, first visited in 2012.

Stopped in here for a couple of drinks on the day after Thanksgiving. The long bar had several middle-aged to older men seated, though most left during my visit. There were pool tables in the back, and a row of video poker machines behind me.

23 N. Locust
Dexter, MO 63841
US
[launch map]
573-361-2120

Wabash BBQ

scooterj — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Excelsior Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 961st bar, first visited in 2012.

Located in an old train station, there’s a small bar in the back of the restaurant’s smoking section. The bar is not accessible from the non-smoking side of the building.

If you eat here, which I highly recommend, be advised that any sides you order will be large enough for about 4 or so people to share!

646 S. Kansas City Ave
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
US
[launch map]
816-630-7700
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Arthur’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 17:14:00 +0000

(Platte Ridge, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 957th bar, first visited in 2012.

This is a bar that I was supposed to visit way back in 2006, but as I was getting out of the car to go inside my buddy’s wife called him and wanted him to come home. It was mainly just a matter of it slipping my mind that it took me 6-1/2 years to make it back.

Opening at 7am with a morning happy hour for night shift workers, Arthur’s is a good strip mall dive. It has several pool tables, plenty of seating, offers karaoke, and is open until 3am.

8158 NW Prairie View Rd
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
[launch map]
(816) 587-8811
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Molly Malone’s Irish Pub

scooterj — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 17:12:00 +0000

(Highlands, Louisville, KY)

Scooter’s 955th bar, first visited in 2012.

This is one of those rare places that straddles the line between dive and upscale. There were touches of old-school rustic pub, there were touches of elegance. From the outside it seems fairly small, but the interior is mroe expansive than it looks and there is a tremendous amount of outdoor seating.

We put down a couple of Guinness each during our visit.

933 Baxter Ave
Louisville, KY 40204
US
[launch map]
(502) 473-1222
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Wick’s

scooterj — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 17:11:00 +0000

(Highlands, Louisville, KY)

Scooter’s 954th bar, first visited in 2012.

This Wick’s location features a small old-school pub and prizes itself on its rather heavy pizzas, with a 10-pounder even being on the menu.

We had the all-meat. It was a good pizza, but with so much meat — most of it crumbled — it was pretty messy to eat!

975 Baxter Ave
Louisville, KY 40204
US
[launch map]
(502) 458-1828
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Lounge at Executive Strike & Spare

scooterj — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:10:00 +0000

(Fairgrounds, Louisville, KY)

Scooter’s 953rd bar, first visited in 2012.

Spent a good deal of time here throughout the weekend during the 11th annual Lebowski Fest, putting away more than my fair share of High Lifes and white Russians.

911 Phillips Lane
Louisville, KY 40209
US
[launch map]
(502) 368-1651
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Dough Boys

scooterj — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:10:00 +0000

(Harrisonville, MO)

Scooter’s 952nd bar, first visited in 2012.

Biker-friendly pizza pub featuring a thin Chicago-style pizza (I didn’t know there even was such a thing, a bar in the center-back, and several arcade games.

1806 N. Commericial
Harrisonville, MO 64701
US
[launch map]
816-380-3008
Visit Web Site

Busted Nut Bar & Grill & Garage

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 17:10:00 +0000

(Draper, SD)

Scooter’s 950th bar, first visited in 2012.

We were desperately low on gas and saw a sign on the freeway mentioning gas at this exit. We pulled off and found what looked like a truck stop — but the pumps didn’t appear to be functioning.

We were about to turn around and leave when we noticed the name of this joint, and HAD to stop in.

It smelled really good in there, and from the reviews I found later I now regret not eating here.

I got a kick out of the Busted Nut underwear and thongs for sale, among other clothing…

24088 279th Ave
Draper, SD 57531
US
[launch map]
(605) 669-2979
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Bullwinkle’s

scooterj — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:10:00 +0000

(West Yellowstone, MT)

Scooter’s 949th bar, first visited in 2012.

Bullwinkle’s is part restaurant/lounge, part liquor store, part sports bar, and part casino. The sports bar and casino are combined at the north end of the complex.

I didn’t play any of the casino games, because I noticed that nobody else was either. Instead I sat and watched NBA playoff action while having a couple of beers.

In the picture below, we see the battle between ranchers and preservationists played out on the wallpaper in the men’s room.

115 N. Canyon
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
US
[launch map]
(406)-646-7974
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Royal Hotel & Pizza Parlor

scooterj — Sun, 27 May 2012 17:10:00 +0000

(Lava Hot Springs, ID)

Scooter’s 948th bar, first visited in 2012.

This little bar & pizzeria is tucked away in the corner on the ground floor of a bed & breakfast on the main intersection in town.

The pizza is good, and has an interesting twist of lemon. I’d never seen Lemon served with pizza before, but it works surprisingly well – heightening the flavors of the pizza.

There’s a great flip-style jukebox along the wall and the crowd had great fun singing along with the songs while people enjoyed their pizza and beer.

11 E Main St
Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
US
[launch map]
(208) 776-5216

Ray’s Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 26 May 2012 17:10:00 +0000

(Green River, UT)

Scooter’s 947th bar, first visited in 2012.

We arrived during an intense wind/sandstorm at “The Place For Everyone”

That tagline definitely holds true here. This great dive, the lobe bright spot in an otherwise desolate and dying town, was thriving during out visit. Locals and tourists, hipsters, bikers, families with children, outdoor enthusiasts — all kinds gathered here to enjoy some beer and some great food.

The menu is mainly burgers and steaks. The burgers may seem a little pricey considering the environs, but believe me, they are really good and well worth the cost.

The beer selection includes several local/regional brews. Be advised that due to wacky puritanical laws in the area, you must order food in order to get a drink.

25 South Broadway
Green River, UT 84525
US
[launch map]
(435) 564-3511
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Grandma’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Connie’s Genessee Inn

Scooter’s 946th bar, first visited in 2012.

Dive bar with hot wings and other basic bar food. There’s a pool table in the side room.

1615 Genessee St
Kansas City, MO 6410
US
[launch map]
(816) 442-8131

Rustic Lodge

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:16:00 +0000

(Zalma, MO)

Scooter’s 941st bar, first visited in 2011.

Afiliated with Modern Day Veterans Chapter 207, Rustic Lodge (aka “The Rustic”) is a long-time Zalma institution and a regional draw, pulling in regulars from towns in a couple dozen miles radius. It’s known for quirky activities such as mud races and chicken poop bingo, as well as hosting bands that draw crowds numbering near a thousand.

The original bar burned down in 2009 from careless smoking in the women’s restroom, the current building was built quickly afterwards.

The interior of the bar is huge, with ample seating for large crowds. There’s pool tables, darts, a stage, and a menu of very cheaply-priced food.

The bar’s location can occasionally cause some trouble. It sits just north of the city limits, nestled by a creek that often floods and blocks access. It is hidden from view down a curved gravel road at the end of a one-lane bridge. At night there is no light at all and there have been accidents involving people leaving and attempting to make the sharp turn onto the bridge so use caution.

HC 2 Box 107, MO-51
Zalma, MO 63787
US
[launch map]
(573) 722-5131

Sportsman’s Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:15:00 +0000

(Advance, MO)

Scooter’s 940th bar, first visited in 2011.

I knew this bar existed, but on previous visits to this town I had been unable to find it. This time I finally figured it out, discovering that the town continues a little further south than I previously thought it did.

The U-shaped bar sits right in the center. There’s a pool table on either side, video poker, and a grill. I’m told by several people (outside of this visit) that the best burgers in down are found here.

Though you can’t see it in the photos, this was the second bar today that had a big “Stag” sign out front. I don’t see that often at all, so two in one day was pretty amazing to me.

32871 MO-25
Advance, MO 63730
US
[launch map]
(573) 722-3114

Kelseyâ€™s Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:14:00 +0000

(Oran, MO)

Scooter’s 939th bar, first visited in 2011.

There’s at least 2 bars in this town, but this was the only one I found find that was open. I actually wasn’t sure where this was located and I came into down from the wrong end to find it along my route, but I put my BARDAR to use and found it right where I figured the most likely location would be.

This bar is in a concerted house that has been entirely opened up. It’s very run down, but it has a lot of character and is populated by friendly people.

There’s at least 3 pool tables, video poker machines, and a large TV that isn’t viisible if you’re sitting at the bar.

8317 MO-77
Oran, MO 63771
US
[launch map]
(573) 262-3411

Sandy’s Toddle Inn

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Chaffee, MO)

Scooter’s 938th bar, first visited in 2011.

I very rarely see a bar that has a big “Stag” sign out front. Little did I realize this would be the first of two for me today.

Toddle Inn is a charming little bar with beautiful woodwork. The bar was all decked out for Christmas, including a big tree and a display of miniature houses behind the bar. In the far back by the restrooms is a pinball machine. As I drank my beer a little dog paced back and forth by my feet, protecting its rawhide chew.

If you look closely, you can see my face reflected in Old Glory.

The men’s room has an odd configuration. Just inside the door is a trough urinal… barely. It’s almost too small to be a trough. It might be usable by two very thin fellas or by conjoined twins. For a big guy like me it was more like a large urinal. Thanks to an inappropriately placed mirror that I’m sure has created more than one awkward/uncomfortable situation, I was able to take this photo of the entire restroom. (The sink is a communal sink out by the pinball machine.)

As it turns out, I came to the wrong bar AND missed 2 other bars in this town. I was actually looking for a place called “Frisco’s” that I discovered later was another block down the street. I thought this was that place and that it just had a new name. In addition, had I gone around the corner, I’d have found another place called “Big E’s”. But that’s OK, I’ll be back in this area soon enough.

105 W. Yoakum Ave
Chaffee, MO 63740
US
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(573) 887-6077

The Roundabout

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:12:00 +0000

(Chaffee, MO)
Formerly Curve Inn

Scooter’s 937th bar, first visited in 2011.

This is a brand new bar & grill that opened within the past couple of months at the site of a recently-built roundabout. The bar is located in what appears to be a converted house that was formerly known as the Curve Inn.

The bar is situated smack in the middle, facing the kitchen where burgers, fish sandwiches, stew, fried bologna sandwiches, and other quick items are cooked all day. The food seemed especially popular during my visit.

To the left of the bar is a side room full of fast-food style booths, to the right of the bar is another seating area with bar tables. Behind that area was a game room through which the single restroom is accessible. I meant to check out the game room before leaving but I forgot, so I didn’t see what all was back there.

It looked like beer and liquor selection was limited, but probably sufficient for the needs of most.

At this time there isn’t a lot of decor and the walls are largely barren, but I imagine that will change over the coming months.

12236 MO-25
Chaffee, MO 63740
US
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Recovery Room

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:10:00 +0000

(Cape Girardeau, MO)

Scooter’s 936th bar, first visited in 2011.

I’ve been wanting to check this place out for a couple of years, but I kept getting scared off. I don’t know if it’s the location (it shares a small building with a check cashing place in a run-down part of town), the heavily tinted windows, or what it is. But I kept getting a bad feeling and driving on.

Finally, today, after 4 drive-bys working up the nerve, I parked and went inside.

What I found was a nice little dive bar full of very friendly and polite people, and a very pleasant bartender.

The wall behind the slightly-curved bar is plastered with yellowed old dollar bills. Three cafeteria-style tables provide overflow/group seating. Just beyond the pool table was a buffet table with several simmering crock pots. The remainder of the small, smoky space is occupied by a juke box and a couple of video poker machines.

I heard that they sometimes have a band in, though the space is so small I can’t possibly imagine where they would set up.

1611 Independence Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
US
[launch map]
(573) 335-9750

Crossroads Public House

scooterj — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:13:00 +0000

(Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL)

Scooter’s 935th bar, first visited in 2011.

Stopped in here around 1am after the LebowskiFest and a subsequent driving tour of the city. Our local friend knows the owner, but the other wasn’t here tonight. We spent about an hour and a half here enjoying good late night food, a few pitchers of beer, and several shots.

A giant Jenga game near the front door caught our interest. I hearly bumped it walking past while several twentysomethings were playing. (Our table of late 30s/early 40s was by far the oldest group in here.)

2630 N Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
US
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773-248-3900
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VFW Post 9997

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:13:00 +0000

(Sheffield, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 933rd bar, first visited in 2011.

I’ve known about this VFW for a couple of years, and chose this year’s Veterans Day (11/11/11) to pay it a visit.

This was a really friendly dive bar, and I was welcomed in. There was a Veterans Day buffet taking place. From what I can tell, despite its remote and sketchy location (it’s next to a huge tire dump), this VFW is very active in the community.

Apart from the bar (which only has Budweiser on tap but has several other domestics in cans and bottles), there’s a pool table, a juke box, lottery tickets, Silver Strike, and a MegaTouch game. In the back there is a banquet/reception hall.

As is customary when I am able to get to a VFW or American Legion on November 11, I bought a round for the bar and shook the hands of several veterans before leaving.

6801 Wilson Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64125
US
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(816) 231-9932
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Ebbets Field

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:11:00 +0000

(Springfield, MO)

Scooter’s 932nd bar, first visited in 2011.

I’m amazed I was able to find this place later to add it to this list! We were visiting a friend who was driving us a crazy, convoluted route. It was night, it was pouring down torrential rain, we had to take a crazy back way in due to streets being closed for some sort of cider festival, and then we had to run in the rain to go in a back stairs entrance.

Once inside and I got a look around I was able to figure out we were inside some sort of converted old house (which is blurred out in Google Street View for some reason). The place was packed with college students, which surprised our friend. “Usually it’s much older people in here,” he said, “But then again I’m usually in here during the daytime on weekdays, not on a Saturday night,” he laughed.

We shared a pitcher of a local brew and chatted for a while with a couple of the employees until closing time.

Here’s a better picture, this one of the front, stolen from Yelp…

1027 E Walnut St
Springfield, MO 65806
US
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(417) 865-5050

W.F. Cody’s

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:10:00 +0000

(Springfield, MO)

Scooter’s 931st bar, first visited in 2011.

While my friend Ken and I were in Springfield visiting our buddy Nik, we spent about an hour here downing a pitcher of beer and some of the tastiest burgers I’ve ever had!

3138 E. Sunshine St.
Springfield, MO 65804
US
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417-887-8083
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Wiley’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 17:17:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 930th bar, first visited in 2011.

Wiley’s Pub is a converted Pizza Hut (I’ve been to quite a few converted Pizza Hut bars) whose front patio is almost as big as the interior space itself.

The bar is U-shaped and juts into the area where the salad bar would once have been. The remaining space is filled mainly by the pool table, with room for a few small tables around it.

The bar had about 8 guys in it who were disinterestedly watching a college football game while waiting for the rain delay of the Royals game they were more interested in to end.

2602 N Belt Hwy
St. Joseph, MO 64506
US
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(816) 364-9276
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Neighborhood Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 17:15:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 928th bar, first visited in 2011.

Unlike most of the other bars in this part of town that open bright and early, Neighborhood Tavern doesn’t open until 2:00. As a result I missed it the last time I was in town back in July. But this time I knew when it opened and was able to stop by later in the day.

What I love about these really-old bars in old parts of town is that, no matter what the exterior may look like, inside there is often hidden beauty. And such is the case here.

The bar makes full use of the building’s first floor (the second floor is living space). The floor is hardwood, the ceiling is the building’s original ornate tile. All of the woodwork inside the bar is breathtaking and well-maintained.

There’s pool tables, a jukebox, darts, Silver Strike (which was being played by an amusingly enthusiastic old man), and a very small stage/DJ area behind a rail in one of the front windows. Over my table was a disco ball, which was plugged in and had a spotlight aimed at it, so obviously the area in which I was sitting gets turned into a dance floor from time to time. The bartender was very friendly, too.

This was obviously truly a “Neighborhood” tavern, as there were only a few cars here yet a couple dozen people inside.

2112 South 10th Street
St. Joseph, MO 64503
US
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(816) 232-8060

Hammer Heads

scooterj — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 17:12:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 925th bar, first visited in 2011.

This was a fantastic little bar located right on one of the busiest corners in St. Joseph.

The U-shaped bar takes up most of the cozy main room, with a few round tables along the windows. A secondary room a few steps down has a pool table and a few more round tables.

There’s a snack machine in one corner, and Golden Tee in another.

Our bartender was a very friendly woman whose sister owns the bar. She was a big part of what made this the best find of the day. Their family has owned this bar since 1998.

1310 South Belt Highway
St. Joseph, MO 64507
US
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(816) 364-9007

Shaft Nightclub

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:40:00 +0000

(Downtown, St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 921st bar, first visited in 2011.

My exterior photo did not turn out, so I stole this photo from Google Street View.

This is technically a gay bar, but other than the dancers in a back this seemed more like an all-are-welcome type of place. Similar to Balanca’s or The View back home.

There was a cover charge, but it was only a buck so I went ahead and paid. The drink was a mystery shot, something minty tasting. We chatted with a middle-aged couple standing at one of the tables.

615 Felix Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
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(816) 364-2625

Rendezvous Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:39:00 +0000

(Downtown, St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 920th bar, first visited in 2011.

This dive is located a block down the street from Foster’s. Another responsible bartender working here. B had water while I had a gin & tonic.

619 Felix Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
[launch map]
(816) 364-9105

Long Branch Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:37:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 918th bar, first visited in 2011.

As expected from the outside appearance, this was a good old-school dive. There were two rooms, with the smaller side room containing pool tables.

We were getting full at this point so settled on shots. Unable to make up our own minds, the bartender served us Hot Damn.

There was a guy passed out at the end of the bar, you can see him in the first photo below. We were asked to be very careful not to wake him. That’s his scooter next to the pool table in the other photo.

1111 Frederick Ave
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
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816-279-4645
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Norty’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:36:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 917th bar, first visited in 2011.

This is the second location for Norty’s. It used to be located on Messanie, but it burned down in 2007.

We played Golden Tee here. I, at least, played quite badly, perhaps my worst game ever. This is evident in my third photo below.

In addition to the two main rooms of the bar, there’s also a really nice rooftop deck.

Additional photos from another visit in September 2011. By the way, the food here is great! (Oh, and I redeemed myself on Golden Tee.)

1117 Frederick Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
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(816) 364-9043
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Kelly’s Pub

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:35:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 916th bar, first visited in 2011.

We started out about to go the the Frederick Inn, but when we looked inside we decided it looked too formal and nice for people as lit as we were getting to drop in. But we saw Kelly’s Pub down the road and walked down there instead.

B had a Venom energy drink, while I had a Guinness.

We played Golden Tee here. By this point we weren’t paying any attention to scores at all, I have no idea how either of us did.

The exterior photo shown on this entry was taken on a re-visit in September 2011, my original photo was too blurry.

1415 Frederick Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
[launch map]
(816) 390-9999

Big Shots

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:34:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 915th bar, first visited in 2011.

We had no idea what kind of place this was going to be, as we could find absolutely NO information about it online.

Once we got inside, though, we realized that the answer should have been obvious from the name — it’s a pool hall.

The bar area is semi-partitioned away from the area with the pool tables. It’s not a huge pool hall, just 3 or 4 tables. There’s also a stage area in one of the corners towards the front of the building.

We ended up shooting a game here, and I played the worst game of my life. I didn’t sink even one ball at all.

1811 Frederick Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
[launch map]
(816) 232-6633

Hi-Ho Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:33:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 914th bar, first visited in 2011.

This is a great little bar with a really nice semi-covered patio.

I saw Golden Tee and lots of flatscreens, but I didn’t notice any darts or pool tables. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any, though, since I didn’t see the whole place.

B tried to pass us off as freelance journalists in order to get some good stories, but no one was buying it.

Here’s a better picture from the bar’s web site:

1817 Frederick Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
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(816) 233-7363
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Pop A Top Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:32:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)
Formerly Family Tavern

Scooter’s 913th bar, first visited in 2011.

A dive bar does not get more divey than this. A dive in its purest form, not even the most hard-core hipsters would go here trying to be ironic!

Pop A Top is located in a remote semi-wooded area in extreme northern St. Joseph, far-removed from any other bars or restaurants. It is part of a tiny cluster of brick buildings surrounded by gravel lots of old or rusting industrial equipment, buses, trucks, and other vehicles. Aging mobile homes making up most of the remainder of the surroundings.

It was originally a bank, but was converted to a bar in the 1950s and operated as Family Tavern for about 30 years. Family Tavern closed after the owner died, but later Pop A Top re-opened the space.

There’s no taps, so we got a couple of cans of beer. Either there was no air conditioning or it wasn’t working. A pair of noisy and powerful fans were employed to attempt to ventilate the place. Despite the fans, with it being 100 degrees outside, it took only a few minutes for our beer to warm up to room temperature.

It was quite a bit darker in there than my pictures (taken with a high exposure setting) let on. There appeared to be a back room that looked big enough for pool tables, but the lights were out and we could not really see for sure without risking tripping over fans. I’m going to assume that there was indeed at least one pool table.

[Update: I visited again a couple months later and visited the back room, there is indeed a pool table back there.]

As rickety and run-down as the building is, the woodwork of the bar itself is beautiful.

Additional pictures from my second visit in September 2011, better showing the bar’s woodwork and also showing the back room:

5107 Savannah Road
St. Joseph, MO 64505
US
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(816) 364-9744

Peterman’s Shamrock

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:31:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)
Formerly Shamrock Inn

Scooter’s 912th bar, first visited in 2011.

As far as I can tell this bar has been called the Shamrock for a very long time, though the owner’s name in front of it has changed a couple of times. Currently it’s Peterman’s Shamrock.

The L-shaped bar occupies the front half of the narrow space, framed by a Silver Strike machine and a dart board. The back half has darts, pool tables, and a dance floor. The restrooms are up a small set of stairs in the far back.

It was very smokey in here and a true dive. Music was playing and B danced to it a little, an employee promised him it would be rocking in here in about another hour.

1805 St Joseph Ave
St. Joseph, MO 64505
US
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816-364-9590
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Brown Bear Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:30:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 911th bar, first visited in 2011.

This is another really old bar, having opened in either 1898 or 1899 depending on your source. And it’s another place that I have been curious about for 15-20 years.

This is the second of two St. Joe bars (that I know of) with the Hamm’s Bear painted on the outside. (Sadly, no Hamm’s Beer is sold inside.) From the outside it looks quite big, but the interior is more intimate.

The main room features a straight bar that runs to the back of the corner building. To the side is a smaller game room with pool tables and Golden Tee.

We decided to play Golden Tee while a class reunion was getting set up around us. To pass the time while it was my turn, B pretended to be a long-forgotten classmate.

2028 Saint Joseph Ave
St. Joseph, MO 64505
US
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(816) 279-4422
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Bottoms Up Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:28:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 909th bar, first visited in 2011.

I’ve seen this place off and on for the past 15 years or so but never stopped in until now. Apparently it had been more of a restaurant in the past, and was remodeled last year to be completely a bar.

The bar is a U-shaped island with a small gap, there’s a couple of long tables beyond that. There’s a couple of pool tables, Silver Strike, and an odd empty area in the left portion of the room that perhaps serves as an area for live entertainment. (I’ve found references to live music and stand-up comedy, but these were from older sources so I don’t know if that sort of entertainment is still booked here.)

The special this evening was $2 MGD 64 bottles, so we reluctantly ordered the beer-flavored water.

2007 Saint Joseph Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64505
US
[launch map]
(816) 232-3440

Jumpin Jack’s

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:27:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)
Formerly Old Lamplighter Inn

Scooter’s 908th bar, first visited in 2011.

Every barhopping trip includes one bar that is so far beyond our expectations that it ends up standing out as our absolute favorite find of the day. Ladies and gentlemen, for this particular trip, Jumpin Jacks was that bar!

We almost missed out, too. After leaving American Tavern, had I simply continued straight north, we’d have found it easily. But I mis-remembered the layout of this neighborhood (there are streets running at odd angles) and I made an unnecessary left turn just short of our destination. When the road came to an end I knew I’d made a mistake and we began searching the neighborhood, to no avail. After several minutes we were getting close to giving up when the GPS finally honed in on it and got us to our destination.

We knew we were in for a treat when we found this to be a neighborhood dive, surrounded by houses on all sides. We knew we were going to love this place when a neighbor came out to distract his pit bull as we walked by. And when we stepped in to head the bartender explaining to a couple of other customers how terrified she is of clowns, we somehow knew we were going to have more fun here than we’d had all day.

It turned out that bartender’s name was Becky, and she’s 1/2 of the couple who owns the bar. The other half is her husband, Waylan, who showed up later at the end of our visit. “Having a name like Waylan is like having the biggest cock,” she said. Or maybe it was B who said that, I don’t remember and my notes aren’t very clear.

There is quite a collection of bras on the bar, a recent development. “A while back one of the customers just up and took her bra off, and said she wanted to hang it up. So we did. Then other ladies started doing it,” Becky explained. “Now boxer shorts have even started to join the collection.”

She also told us the tragic story of a night around Christmas, when the bar was empty, and about 20 young guys from another town stormed the place and beat the crap out of her husband. There were never any arrests made, and it is believed to have been a case of mistaken identity, them mistaking her husband for someone else from a different bar who they all apparently felt had wronged them in some way.

Apart from the somberness of that part of the conversation, we really enjoyed our time here sitting and talking with the owners. In addition to the great personalities, this is a fun-looking bar all around and I’de love to visit again when it’s busier.

In fact, here’s how good a time we had — when we first arrived we noticed the Silver Strike machine and put a few dollars in it to play. But we never got around to actually doing so!

Panorama of Jumpin Jacks’s. Use the slider below the photo to view.

301 Middleton Street
St. Joseph, MO 64505
US
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(816) 387-8888
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American Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:26:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 907th bar, first visited in 2011.

American Tavern is a beautifl, timeless, classic example of a dive bar all-around. It is rustic, dirty, and charming. This was one of my favorite finds of the day.

Though they have draft beer, we decided to go with bottles for this one. Our bartender, Jessie, was very friendly.

The main room features a long L-shaped bar against a wall of brick and detailed woodwork.

There’s also a big back room that takes up the ground floor of the neighboring building, that room has pool tables, Silver Strike, darts, and aenough room for live entertainment. We spent most of our visit back here playing Silver Strike.

The men’s room floor slopes down to the right, and the toilet is installed in such a way that the bowl is partly under the sink.

1001 N 3rd St
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
[launch map]
(816) 364-9103

VFW #1668

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:25:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 906th bar, first visited in 2011.

This is one of the busiest VFW bars I have been to on a day that wasn’t a holiday! Almost completely packed.

There’s Silver Strike, but I don’t recall if I saw a pool table or not due to the crowd. I’m going to assume it does, as every VFW I have ever been to has at least one.

We talked to a really nice gentleman at the far end of the bar, but as we asked questions about the area he informed us he was new in town and referred us to an acquaintance of his at a nearby table. That person was able to answer our questions but one member of his party was noticeably annoyed by our intrusion.

I went to the bar and spoke to Evelyn, the bartender, and purchased a round of drinks for that table (as well as the man we spoke to first) in order to try to smooth things over. Hopefully it worked, I felt badly.

As we left, B said to me “Look at all those spools.”. I laughed, thinking this was either some ethnic slur I had never heard before, or was some new term making fun of older people. I didn’t noticed that there was literally a whole bunch of spools right across the street:

View Larger Map

821 North 4th Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
[launch map]
(816) 364-3076

A’s J. R’s McGaughy Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:23:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 904th bar, first visited in 2011.

We knew before arriving here that were not exactly going to fit in here. We’d been warned that the bar is a bit cliquish and that we were not, well, the correct demographic.

This did in fact turn out to be true, as our entrance was met with complete silence and several looks of “What are you doing in here?” Indeed, the bartender seemed quite surprised when we actually ordered drinks and stayed.

We found a customer who opened up to us, though, and once we started talking to him the tension died down and others started talking to us as well. After a few minutes it was all back to normal.

We learned that the bar is owned by Babe McGaughy, and that “McGaughy” is pronounced “mig hoy”. We’re still not clear on the “A J R” portion of the name, but we were told that “A & J R’s” would be a more accurate way of putting it.

During the initial moments, when nerves were still a little high, one of us spilled a bit of their drink. I forget which one of us it was.

1702 Messanie St
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
[launch map]
(816) 364-5033

Susie’s Place

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:22:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)
Formerly Frank’s Tavern

Scooter’s 903rd bar, first visited in 2011.

There was a little bit of tension in the air when we first stepped inside, and I’m not really sure why. I don’t know if they were nervous about us or what it was, the first few moments were tense.

But then a little dog named Rosie walked up to greet us, and after we petted her the ice was broken and we were welcomed into the fold.

We soon learned that Rosie had a special talent, she liked to sit on the shoulders of a guy named Mike while he shot pool. Mike happened to be sitting nearby, so B challenged him to a round.

And they weren’t kidding, that little dog happily climbed up on his shoulders and sat there through the whole game!

It’s quirky little finds like this that make me love going to these off-the-beaten-path dive bars. You never know just what to expect!

1927 Olive Street
St. Joseph, MO 64507
US
[launch map]
(816) 279-7299

Pappy’s Grill & Pub

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:21:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 902nd bar, first visited in 2011.

We almost didn’t stop here because it looked too much like a restaurant, but once inside we decided to go ahead and have a seat. I’m glad we did, we ended up having a great time here!

Our beer choices were cans of Milwaukee’s Best Light or Keystone Light, so we took one of each.

The person we started talking to first turned out to be Michelle, one-half of the couple who owns Pappy’s. She’s originally from Minneapolis and we swapped stories about places we had visited on our trip there in 2006. Her husband Steven, who is the “Pappy” of Pappy’s, used to be a New York City cab driver. He wasn’t there during our visit.

The other person we talked to was the bartender, Mark. Between the two of them we got lot of great info about places we should visit while in town, as well as places to avoid. Of course, with us, telling us to avoid a place only guarantees we’ll go to it.

Michelle and Mark…

Pappy, as seen in his 1974 taxi license…

2501 Messanie Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
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(816) 390-9550
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Muny Inn

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:20:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 901st bar, first visited in 2011.

We kept seeing this place listed as “Big Al’s Muny Inn”, but the bartender had never heard of the “Big Al’s” part and said it’s just “Muny Inn”.

$1 draws!

We played several 3-hole games of Golden Tee while a few patrons sat at the bar watching real golf on TV. The bartender asked us to turn the volume down on the game. We complied, but every time we started a new game the volume would default back up to maximum. We think she was starting to get annoyed with us.

I should add that this place is a popular college hangout. Of course, since we were here during the summer, we didn’t see any college kids.

Back side, showing an apparent upstairs apartment.

3229 Mitchell Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64507
US
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(816) 279-9484
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First & Last Chance Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:19:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 900th bar, first visited in 2011.

My 900th bar! To help me celebrate B bought the round out-of-turn, and lucked out with $1 cans for the third time at least today.

You can’t quite tell from these photos, but the west outside wall of the bar is actually leaning in a little!

Tracey, our bartender, congratulated me on #900. “Now go make someone number 901!” she said when we left.

A rare photo of me with my beer…

817 Garfield Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64503
US
[launch map]
(816) 901-9971

Jackson’s Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:18:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)
Formerly Yost & Fisher Tavern

Scooter’s 899th bar, first visited in 2011.

Jackson’s Tavern looks a block from Adams B&G on the map, but in reality they are across the same parking lot from each other. And while Adams is surprisingly nice on the inside, Jackson’s Tavern is true dive through-and-through.

It’s smokey, and seems a little rough and intimidating at first, but we ended up finding the people to be pretty friendly.

There’s a pool table and a Silver Strike machine, as well as a vending machine that dispenses lottery tickets. B bought a few and won $5, then bought 5 more tickets and won $25.

The restrooms are too tiny for sinks, so a communal sink sits behind a partition outside the bathroom doors.

Amusingly, when we walked in, the bartender thought B asked for a couple of “straws” when he in fact asked for a couple of “draughts”. So there was some momentary confusion when she handed us two drinking straws.

A men’s room that looks like this is a sure sign that you’re in a dive bar…

1701 Garfield Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64503
US
[launch map]
(816) 364-9083

Hickory Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:16:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 897th bar, first visited in 2011.

Hickory Tavern is an old bar. No one present during our visit could confirm the age, but they did speak of at least 3 generations of past owners who each ran the bar for around 30 years or so. My own research has uncovered anectodal evidence for it possibly being at least 130 to 140 years old.

At one point in the past the bar was U-shaped and sat in the middle of the room. Now it is a linear bar along the north wall.

Everything here is old-school. Pool is still only 50 cents to play — the bar’s owner refuses to work with the local arcade supply company and their contracts, he wants to do things his own way. In fact, it’s so old-school here that the jukebox was only recently upgraded to a CD Jukebox, it had been a vinyl record jukebox until just a few years ago.

2302 South 11th Street
St. Joseph, MO 64503
US
[launch map]
(816) 233-6960

Cordonnier’s Place

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:15:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 896th bar, first visited in 2011.

This is a fish restaurant, specializing in catfish & carp. Just inside the main entrance is a bar area. A sign on the door says they card anyone under the age of 40, B is 40 and still got carded.

I was unclear if this little outbuilding in the parking lot sold bait or fresh fish…

The men’s room has this little notch carved out of the door. Without it, it would be impossible to open the door without it slamming into the sink!

It actually seems almost like a family kind of place, so the condom machine in the men’s room was a little unexpected.

2221 South 4th Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
[launch map]
816) 279-0826

Biggins Sports Bar

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:14:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)
Formerly Mackenzie’s

Scooter’s 895th bar, first visited in 2011.

This is the new location for Biggins, having opened here just a few weeks ago after previously being located on the Belt.

We’ll say that this place, uh, “pays homage” to the “Hooters” restaurant chain. From the logo to the uniforms to the menu, there are some striking similarities. It’s a little mroe toned down and divey than Hooters, though.

You have to love the way the burgers are named! (See the menu picture below.)

There’s free wifi, and (at least during the time of our visit) $1 cans.

408 Hickory Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
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(816) 232-4450
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Pop’s Place

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:12:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 893rd bar, first visited in 2011.

Pop’s Place is quite a bit bigger, and nicer, than I was expecting! It has at least 3 pool tables, Silver Strike, darts, a large seating area, and a big semi-covered patio.

The small, angular bar is in the back corner. They serve a food here and were getting themselves ready for the upcoming lunch crowd.

Too late (we were already into our drinks) we noticed that they serve a beer we’d never heard of before, called Git-R-Done, which comes from a microbrewery in Nebraska. (We’d end up ordering this at another bar later, which I will not mention the name of. B thought it was too sweet and malty, while I didn’t detect the sweetness so much but thought the aftertaste was reminiscient of a sweaty foot. The bartender at that later bar, not this bar, asked us what we thought. After politely saying “It was okay,” she replied “Yeah, we don’t brag about it.”)

It should be noted that the men’s bathroom here at Pop’s Place smelled horrendous, yet paradoxically was one of the cleanest bathrooms we have ever encountered.

By the way, it didn’t occur to us to ask who Dakota is, or why he/she deserves congratulations.

238 Illinois Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64504
US
[launch map]
(816) 238-3344

Bill’s Pub

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:11:00 +0000

(Hyde Park, St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 892nd bar, first visited in 2011.

This was a nice sports dive bar just down the street from Southgate. It has a couple of pool tables, a deck in the parking lot, and a U-shaped bar decorated with signed dollar bills. (I always love dive bars that are wallpapered with money.)

The bartender was outside on the phone and didn’t see us at first, but he noticed us after a few moments, apoligized, and got us taken care of.

6210 King Hill Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64504
US
[launch map]
(816) 238-9950

Southgate Grill & Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:10:00 +0000

(Hyde Park, St. Joseph, MO)
Formerly 6106 King Hill Avenue

Scooter’s 891st bar, first visited in 2011.

Southgate is divided into two main areas. The larger restaurant area takes up the northern 3/4 or so of the building. Partioned into a separate area along the south side of the building is a narrow bar. We arrived here at 10:00am on the dot and had a seat at the bar.

Evidently they aren’t used to having bar customers this early on a Friday, because no one working on the bar side knew how to work the taps. The beer was coming out as all foam, and they didn’t know what to do. After a few tries they decided to sell us bottled beer at draft beer prices. But then it turned out no one knew what they charged for either type. Eventually we all agreed on $2 each as the price. Hilarious!

The centerpiece of the bar is a working slot machine that dispenses tokens. We have no idea if there is a purpose for the tokens or if it’s just for fun. The machine is rigged so that you can stop each dial individually.

6106 King Hill Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64504
US
[launch map]
(816) 238-2150

Skeeter’s

scooterj — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 17:10:00 +0000

(Shawnee, KS)
Formerly Several different places

Scooter’s 890th bar, first visited in 2011.

This should have been bar #220, visited in Feb 2007. It was a football-themed bar at the time, I can’t remember the name. But I missed the turn, and we decided to just go ahead and skip it and save it for our next barhopping session in this area.

Unfortunately, the next time we came through here, we found that it had gone out of business.

About a year after that, I noticed it was back in operation again. Now it was a biker bar. Again, I can’t remember the name. I was unable to check it out at that moment but made plans to visit soon.

Finally, in October 2010, we got that chance. Three of us made plans to meet there. We arrived, to find the place dark and empty. Someone at a neighboring business said we had just missed it by a couple of weeks.

Recently I noticed it back open again, so I went out of my way to make sure I stopped in. Skeeter’s is music-oriented, with frequent live acts. There’s also a good menu of fried food and burgers, patio seating out front, and pool tables. Like its predecessor it remains biker-friendly.

6505 Nieman Road
Shawnee, KS 66203
US
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(913) 912-1191
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Vinnie Van Go-Go’s

scooterj — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:22:00 +0000

(North Historic District, Savannah, GA)

Scooter’s 889th bar, first visited in 2011.

Divey pizza place on the City Market, with outdoor seating and limited indoor seating along the bar.

We got a pizza to-go to take back to our hotel, and had a couple of beers at the far end of the bar while we waited.

317 West Bryan Street
Savannah, GA 31401
US
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(912) 233-6394
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Peg Leg Pete’s

scooterj — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:17:00 +0000

(North Historic District, Savannah, GA)

Scooter’s 884th bar, first visited in 2011.

I had to stop in here just for the name. We were the only customers in the place, the bartender told us it gets busy later in the night when the band comes in. He whipped us up some tasy tangerine shots.

303 West River Street
Savannah, GA 31401
US
[launch map]
(912) 234-8255
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Live Wire Music Hall

scooterj — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:16:00 +0000

(North Historic District, Savannah, GA)

Scooter’s 883rd bar, first visited in 2011.

I stopped in here because I needed to use their ATM, but in my mindset of what is proper that obligated me to have a drink here as well.

The front room, with the main bar, has a stage at the far back and a projection TV screen next to the bar. Parallel to that in the next room is a secondary bar in a more intimate lounge-type setting.

307 West River St.
Savannah, GA 31401
US
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(912) 233-1192
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Chuck’s Bar

scooterj — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:15:00 +0000

(North Historic District, Savannah, GA)

Scooter’s 882nd bar, first visited in 2011.

This was the first bar we spotted after descending the steps to the riverfront. It’s a quirky, funky dive with tons of character.

Our bartender was fun and friendly, and whipped us up some bonus shots to go with our beer.

There’s a pool table in the back, a lounge area with plush chairs in the front, and the restrooms are just as run down and dirty as you’d hope for in a place like this.

Lookup up info about this bar later I found it classified under “gay bars”. Personally, I didn’t see it. However I see no problem with calling it “gay-friendly”, since it seems like the kind of place where anyone is welcome and can feel free to be themselves.

305 West River Street
Savannah, GA 31401
US
[launch map]
(912) 232-1005

Sting Ray’s

scooterj — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:10:00 +0000

(Tybee Island, GA)

Scooter’s 875th bar, first visited in 2011.

Of all the bars we visited on Tybee Island, this was the only one that was packed to the gills. And we soon found out why. Though it’s a dive in every sense of the word, it has some of the best fresh seafood I’ve ever eaten! (In fact, the only place I’ve had better fried seafood was at a joint on the docks in Plymouth, MA.)

Indoors is a full bar and an enclosed dining area. Outdoors are two seating areas — one fully open-air and one covered. Live music was being played on the front deck.

A stop here is a must if you visit Tybee Island.

1403 Butler Avenue
Tybee Island, GA 31328
US
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(912) 786-0209
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Tybee Time Sports Bar

scooterj — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:18:00 +0000

(South Beach, Tybee Island, GA)

Scooter’s 874th bar, first visited in 2011.

What a fun place! This is a sports bar where locals and tourists mix. It specializes in frozen drinks, with multiple flavors of daiquiris to choose from.

We chatted with a couple of tourists visiting from inland Georgia and got lost in conversation with them. Our bartender also turned out to have been one of the customers we met at another bar earlier in the day.

1603 Strand
Tybee Island, GA 31328
US
[launch map]
(912) 786-7150
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The Sand Bar

scooterj — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Tybee Island, GA)

Scooter’s 871st bar, first visited in 2011.

This is a new bar across the street from Nickie’s. The front contains a small L-shaped bar, the back room has table seating and a stage for live music.

Drinks here were slightly more expensive than at the other bars but still reasonably priced.

Panorama of the front room. Use the slider below the photo to view.

1512 Butler Avenue
Tybee Island, GA 31328
US
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(912) 786-8304
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Nickie’s 1971 Bar & Grill

scooterj — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Tybee Island, GA)

Scooter’s 870th bar, first visited in 2011.

There are two entrances to this establishment. The door on the left leads to the bright-decored pizza (and more) joint in the front. The door on the right leads to the dark-decored tavern in the back. (They are also connected by an interior passage.)

There were two very intoxicated men in their late 40s/early 50s who were arguing about some work that one of them took and the other didn’t get. It got to the point that they were literally bumping chests together. But it defused before it became truly entertaining.

It appeared there might be a beer garden in the back, past the pool table, but I didn’t go back there to confirm.

Panorama of the tavern area. Use the slider below the photo to view.

1513 Butler Ave.
Tybee Island, GA 31328
US
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(912) 786-4444
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Wind Rose Cafe

scooterj — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Tybee Island, GA)

Scooter’s 868th bar, first visited in 2011.

From the outside, all appearances are that this is a quaint and charming cafe, possibly not even having a real bar but just serving beer at the tables with your meals. So I was shocked to step inside and find a genuine good old dirty dive bar.

The place was pretty busy when we stepped inside, but we found a couple of empty stools at the far end of the bar.

Suddenly, a moment after we got our beers, the entire place cleared out. I mean, every single person in the place got up and filed out all at once, including the bartender! For a few minutes we were completely alone in there, dumbfounded. Finally, the bartender returned. We theorized later that everyone had gone out to check out somebody’s new ride.

Now, this place is also a cafe and does serve food, but we didn’t look at the menu.

19 Tybrisa Street
Tybee Island, GA 31328
US
[launch map]
(912) 786-6593

Bernie’s

scooterj — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Tybee Island, GA)

Scooter’s 867th bar, first visited in 2011.

We stepped into this bar on 16th (Tybrisa St.) looking for a quick bite to eat, and I’m glad we did! There’s a great menu of seafood here. We ordered a couple of appetizers, and the provolone stuffed shrimp became an instant favorite of mine.

We had some good and entertaining conversation with the bartender and a couple of the regulars.

There appeared to be a deck or patio out back but I didn’t go out the back door to confirm.

It was here that we learned that the bars here can server you drinks “to-go” and that you can drink them openly out on the street. So we got another round to take with us while we went to do some sidewalk shopping.

13 Tybrisa Street
Tybee Island, GA 31328
US
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(912) 786-5100
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Doc’s Bar

scooterj — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Tybee Island, GA)

Scooter’s 866th bar, first visited in 2011.

Another small dive that, while on the main tourist strip, seems geared towards the locals.

There’s video poker, a snooker table, and Guinness on tap. Among the patron was a large black cat who we learned comes and goes as he pleases.

Despite what it says on the outside, they did not have any food here.

10 16Th St
Tybee Island, GA 31328
US
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(912) 786-5506
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Benny’s Tybee Tavern

scooterj — Mon, 30 May 2011 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Tybee Island, GA)

Scooter’s 865th bar, first visited in 2011.

A pretty nice dive that seems to be more for the locals than the tourists. There were several interesting intoxicated characters in the place.

The TVs were on the Food Network and the bartender told us about a fish sandwich he wants to invent in order to get Man vs. Food to visit. Don’t worry, Mr. Bartender, the name of the sandwich and the ingredients will remain secret!

1517 Butler Ave
Tybee Island, GA 31328
US
[launch map]
(912) 786-0121
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Jean Bonnet Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 28 May 2011 17:10:00 +0000

(Bedford, PA)

Scooter’s 863rd bar, first visited in 2011.

This historic tavern was established around 1762, making it among the very oldest bars I have been to. Check out the web site link to learn about the fascinating history of this place.

I had the Sly Fox O’Reilly’s Stout and a fish sandwich, both of which were delicious. The fish sandwich was quite a bit bigger than I expected. I also had bacon-wrapped scallops as an appetizer.

This was a nice tavern, with a restaurant on the other side and a bed and breakfast upstairs. The staff was friendly and talkative at first, but then they got a Memorial Day weekend rush of bikers than I’m not sure they were ready for. Took us a little while to get our check when we were done, but that’s ok!

6048 Lincoln Highway
Bedford, PA 15522
US
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(814) 623-2250
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Handlebar Saloon

scooterj — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:10:00 +0000

(Sugar Grove, OH)

Scooter’s 862nd bar, first visited in 2011.

Basic little dive bar and grill in a small town. There’s a basic menu of burgers and various other items that can be cooked in a griddle or in an autofryer. There’s a pool table and a nice long porch out front.

Be sure to use the door closest to the steps, I used the second door since it was propped open and found myself in the employee area.

201 South Main Street
Sugar Grove, OH 43155
US
[launch map]
(740) 746-9609

Lucky 7 Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Mountain Grove, MO)

Scooter’s 855th bar, first visited in 2010.

I found this place operating entirely on BARDAR, but for a while I thought my BARDAR was broken as I could not find a bar at all where I knew one should be. As it turned out, I had actually driven right by it 3 or 4 times before coming at it from an angle that caused me to actually notice it.

There was a pool table and a jukebox in the front, and several younger guys were shooting pool. We sat at the L-shaped bar and had beer with a couple of other bar-sitting patrons.

It looks a lot like there used to be a side room, but that it has been closed off with only a strange dark alcove hinting to its former presence.

211 West 1st Street
Mountain Grove, MO 65711
US
[launch map]
(417) 926-5130

Mr. Handy’s Blues Hall Juke Joint

scooterj — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Memphis, TN)

Scooter’s 853rd bar, first visited in 2010.

Something about this bar caught my eye earlier in the evening, and I just had to see more. We entered just in time, getting two seats at the end of the bar right before the band began to play. Within minutes, the bar was packed.

The band was awesome, and our bartender was terrific. We ended up settling in here for the remainder of the evening, the experience was so good. I filled up on a local brew, repeatedly, while Dr. Feelgood Potts played the crap out of his harmonica.

One odd thing about this place is that it has no restrooms. But that’s okay, since everything is connected you just slip through a side door to use the restroom at the place next door.

We loved this place. I will come back here each and every time I ever visit Memphis in the future.

174 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38104
US
[launch map]
(901) 528-0150

Black Diamond

scooterj — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Memphis, TN)

Scooter’s 852nd bar, first visited in 2010.

A nice quiet smoky dive, a great place to take a break from the excitement of Beale Street and recharge before moving on to the next club. Though this place does sometimes host live acts of its own.

As we drank our beer, a guy was being arrested right outside the front window. “This looks like a crack pipe to me,” one of the officers said after removing a glass tube from the suspect’s jacket.

It was interesting me how many of the businesses are connected. This bar is directly connected to an adjacent gift shop.

153 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
US
[launch map]
(901) 521-0800

Coyote Ugly Memphis

scooterj — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Memphis, TN)

Scooter’s 850th bar, first visited in 2010.

Though it was Saturday night, we got here way too early and the bar was virtually empty. There were a couple of other people seated at the extremely long bar and a couple of guys playing pool.

The very friendly bartender (who was heavily pushing shots) did get up on the bar and dance for one song, but that was as close as we got to the famous “Coyote Ugly experience”.

326 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
US
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(901) 888-8459
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Jax Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:11:00 +0000

(Delta, MO)

Scooter’s 849th bar, first visited in 2010.

Another small town bar that I visited the night before Thanksgiving. This was a very small bar, and it was packed. How I managed to find a seat at the very short bar is a mystery to me. About half of the room in this tiny venue was taken up by the pool table.

There was a grill and a fryer at the bar, and the bartender was whipping up various baskets for her hungry customers. I was just about to order some shrimp when my phone buzzed me that it was time to head back to take everyone to the motel.

201 East State Street
Delta, MO 63744
US
[launch map]
(573) 794-8230

Charley Brown’s

scooterj — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:10:00 +0000

(Advance, MO)

Scooter’s 848th bar, first visited in 2010.

This is a BBQ restaurant/bar in a small town in southeastern Missouri.

There was no room at the bar (someone grabbed the last 2 barstools just as I entered) so I grabbed one of the few remaining open tables. It was the night before Thanksgiving, so it felt more like I was at a high school reunion than at a bar with all the Ohmygawds and It’syoouuus and hugs surrounding me.

The far side of the bar has several pool tables and a stage. Something was being set up, I think it was karaoke, but I left before it started.

33257 MO-25
Advance, MO 63730
US
[launch map]
(573) 722-6200

Twilight Zone

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:35:00 +0000

(Quincy, IL)

Scooter’s 847th bar, first visited in 2010.

Back at the Cedar Club, where we learned of the 1am bar closing time in Quincy, we also learned that there were 2-3 bars in town with 2am licenses. Of those, only Twilight Zone would be open that late on Monday.

We were expecting a dance club, but stepping inside we found that it was nothing of the sort. It was a good dive bar just like all the others we had seen in town.

This was the busiest place we had been to in Quincy, which made sense since it was now the only place open. We grabbed a couple of Busch Light bottles and started out seated at the bar, but later moved to stand at the end of the bar.

A familiar-looking dude approached us. “Wow, you guys are still going at it?” he asked. “You really are going to all the bars in town.”

B explained to him how we were on a road trip and on our way back to Kansas City, and how we go barhopping everywhere we go and log all of the stops on a web site.

“So THAT’S why you were taking notes!”, he suddenly exclaimed as a look of realization and relief came over his face.

At that moment, I realized why this guy looked so familiar.

“You’re the bartender from North End Tavern, right?” I asked.

“That’s right,” he said. We were wondering what was up with the notebooks and the pictures you were taking.”

“But, you were in the other room shooting pool,” I protested, “how did you even see me doing that?”

“I was a scout in the Army,” he replied, “Nothing gets past me in my bar.”

So much for thinking I was being stealthy earlier. Oh well. Having a beer with the bartender from our first bar in Quincy made a good bookend for the evening now that we were at our last bar in Quincy.

906 Hampshire Street
Quincy, IL 62301
US
[launch map]
(217) 223-6681

Player’s 5th Street Pub

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:34:00 +0000

(Quincy, IL)

Scooter’s 846th bar, first visited in 2010.

After Kutter’s we knew we were “Kutting” it close to bar closing time. We looped around the downtown area looking for a bar, but everything we found either had the lights off or was locking the door.

We finally found Player’s, but as we parked the car, two men stepped out and the lights went off.

“Are we too late?” we asked.

“Not if you hurry,” one of them replied, “the bartender is still in there.”

We went on inside and ordered a couple of bottles, promising the be quick. All of the lights were off, so we drank quickly in nearly total darkness.

The men from outside came back in, and B began to wonder if we were making them all uncomfortable. After a couple of minutes he straight up asked them if we were making them nervous, and reassured them that we were harmless.

We finished out beer and thanked them, and they locked the door behind us as we left.

Here is the least helpful interior picture of a bar ever… this is a pretty accurate representation of the light level in which we were drinking.

225 North 5th Street
Quincy, IL 62301
US
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(217) 223-1185
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French Quarters

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:32:00 +0000

(Quincy, IL)
Formerly Halftime Sports Bar

Scooter’s 844th bar, first visited in 2010.

Okay, here’s the deal. We think this is where we were. We cannot say this was our next stop with 100% certainty. But the preponderance of evidence supports it:

While I cannot for the life of me figure out why we would have been driven north to Cherry Street after leaving Jimbo’s Place, this bar is in the right spot to have been seen in the rearview mirror if we then turned left onto 5th Street.
Circling around the block to go back to it would have taken us to B&R Tavern.

It’s the only building in all of Quincy whose satellite view shape seems to correspond with the photo I took. And believe me, I checked them all!

So why are we confused?

Because when we arrived, we saw a sign that said “Halftime Sports Bar” and recorded that as the name of this bar. But we can find no listing for a bar by that name in Quincy, nor can we find a liquor license issue to a place with that name.

So, I am working with the assumption that we were in French Quarters, and that at sometime in the past it was known as Halftime Sports Bar.

With all that said, the only note I wrote about this bar is “Beer was served in plastic cups.” That’s it, that’s all I thought to write. But, as you can see in the interior photos, it’s pretty similar to the other bars we had visited so far in Quincy.

1139 North 5th Street
Quincy, IL 62301
US
[launch map]
(217) 222-9177

B&R Tavern

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:31:00 +0000

(Quincy, IL)
Formerly Bob & Ray’s Tavern

Scooter’s 843rd bar, first visited in 2010.

Just when we thought things couldn’t get any weirder than how our visit at Jimbo’s Place had ended, we went straight from that into how our visit at B&R Tavern began!

We had decided to stop this portion of the trip and head downtown to barhop on foot. But as we made a turn I noticed a bar in my rearview mirror and decided we ought to go ahead and stop. As I circled around the block to get to it, we found yet another bar! (I love this town!) We pulled up to what turned out to be the B&R Tavern.

We parked the van across the street from the bar, but just as we were about to get out, B’s phone rang. While he was on the call, I decided to pass time by taking pictures. But a man had just left the bar, and I didn’t want him to think I was taking pictures of him, so I waited, fumbling with my camera in the driver’s seat. After a moment B had got out of the passenger side and started pacing beside the van while on the phone.

The man who had stepped out of the bar would not stop looking at me, and I noticed him get on his phone. Thinking he’d never leave, I got out and walked around to the back of the van, pretending to rummage through our cargo just to pass the time until the guy would get out of my way.

FINALLY he got into his vehicle and drove away, slowly, talking on the phone the whole time. Meanwhile B’s phone conversation ended and he dashed on into the bar, entering the side door. I was still outside, and hadn’t taken any photos yet. I took one quick picture (which sadly turned out crappy as you can see above) and entered through the front door.

I stepped inside to see B seated at the bar, perfectly still, The female bartender, with her phone pressed to her ear, looked at me nervously, then seemed relieved. “Okay, the second one is in now,” she said into the phone. “I think it’s okay.”

As it turns out, this bar had recently been nearly robbed, and our arrival had set off so many red flags with the man who had just left that he called the bartender to warn her about us!

After she warmed up to us and learned about our travels, she had a good laugh with us about her worries. She then told us about the attempted robbery, and it’s a tale of criminal ineptness and stupidity with few rivals!

It seems that one of the B&R’s regulars came into the bar with a ski mask over his head, intent on robbing the place. The bartender, the same woman we were talking to now, immediately recognized him and assumed he was joking. She laughed in his face and told him he looked ridiculous. So he took off the mask, sat down and had a few drinks, paid his tab, and left. A few minutes later the Scrub-a-Dub Laundry across the street was robbed. The bartender was shocked when the police showed up and told her that she had been the original target of the robbery.

But it doesn’t end there. A few days later, out on bail, the robber had the cajones to show up back at B&R Tavern to shoot some pool! He seemed genuinely surprised when they kicked him out and banned him for life.

So, back to the B&R Tavern. This is a rather big bar with unusually clean restrooms. It had started out as a smaller building, then later had an addition wrapped around its north and west sides which now served as space for pool tables and restaurant seating. There’s also a newer outdoor area.

This place has been the B&R Tavern for about 20 years. Prior to that it was known by the longer form of its name, Bob & Rays, for about 50-60 years.

I wonder what “other unhygienic acts” they had in mind?

339 Cedar Street
Quincy, IL 62301
US
[launch map]
(217) 222-7356

Jimbo’s Place

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:30:00 +0000

(Quincy, IL)

Scooter’s 842nd bar, first visited in 2010.

Jimbo’s Place, recommended by the bartender at The Club, contains a tiny zig-zag shaped bar inside a circular building. It’s a very unusual layout for a bar.

When we pulled up the bartender (who was alone) had just stepped outside for a smoke. He came back in to pour us our drinks, we offered to behave ourselves so he could go back out and smoke but he wasn’t comfortable with that idea.

We told him about our travels, and when we mentioned we were from Kansas City he list up, remembering visits to a huge hospital in Kansas City when he was young. The description he gave did not ring a bell with either of us, but we later identified it as the McCleary-Thornton-Minor Hospital in Excelsior Springs, MO. So, if you’re reading this, Mr. Bartender, that’s the hospital you were thinking of!

He also gave us additional info on the history of the town. The original German immigrants had set the town up with a church and a pub on nearly every corner. During Prohibition there were as many as 120 bars or more in town. By the 1960s that number had thinned to somewhere in the 70s. He estimated that the number was in the 50s today, which fit with the estimates I had made while planning this trip.

Our conversation about the town’s history came to an abrupt halt when a very distraught woman ran into the bar and pulled the bartender away from us. After several minutes passed, during which time we channel surfed on the TV to pass the time, the two returned from the back. The woman was in tears and just when we thought she was calming down, she started yelling at us and accusing B of being a cop. The bartender tried to assure her he was no such thing, but she wouldn’t believe it. So we took that as our cue to leave.

(I don’t know what it is about B that gives off the cop vibe, but this isn’t even close to being the first time I’ve seen someone in a bar accuse him of being a cop. Or from Vice Squad. Or an FBI agent. Or an INS officer. Or a private detective. Or a sheriff’s deputy. It’s crazy!)

B channel surfs during the crisis…

601 Chestnut Street
Quincy, IL 62301
US
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(217) 224-3361

The Club

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:29:00 +0000

(Quincy, IL)
Formerly Saddle Club, High Hat

Scooter’s 841st bar, first visited in 2010.

After finishing at the Silver Moon we walked across the street to an unidentified bar.

“The Club, formerly The Saddle Club,” the bartender informed us after I asked where we were. “And it was called The High Hat quite a long time before that.”

The bartender here was pretty friendly and helpful. He told us a little of what he knew about the town’s history. It had been settled by German immigrants, and he suspected this was a good part of the reason for so many taverns.

We asked him what place we should check out next, and he recommended a place called Jimbo’s. Though I had to re-ask him what it was called a few minutes later, we were quickly able to find it after we left.

1023 North 10th Street
Quincy, IL 62301
US
[launch map]
(217) 222-7169

Silver Moon Tavern

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:28:00 +0000

(Quincy, IL)

Scooter’s 840th bar, first visited in 2010.

We left Uncle Bob’s bar with no real destination in mind, and within moments found a residential street with two bars diagonally across the street from each other.

This town is awesome!

We decided to start out with the one on the left, which was a tiny little converted house called the Silver Moon Tavern.

Officially the capacity was 21, but there’s only seating for about 16.

B chatted about football with the lone other patron, while I admired the broken shuffleboard game.

Gotta love this mugshot from a theft that occurred here a while back!

1020 N 10TH St.
Quincy, IL 62301
US
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(217)-228-0854

Uncle Bob’s Bar

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:27:00 +0000

(Quincy, IL)

Scooter’s 839th bar, first visited in 2010.

Our visit to the next bar may have made the bartender nervous, as B entered the side door while I almost simultaneously entered from the front after getting a picture of the place.

Unfortunately it was pretty quiet in here and the bartender stayed in conversation with his friend after serving us up with some Busch cans, so I don’t have much else to say about this place.

1301 North 12th Street
Quincy, IL 62301
US
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(217) 224-5601
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Cedar Club

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:26:00 +0000

(Quincy, IL)

Scooter’s 838th bar, first visited in 2010.

After we left the North End Tavern we instructed the GPS to take us to the nearest bar in a westerly direction. It took approximately one minute to get there. Ahhh… Quincy!

The Cedar Club was fairly busy, one of the busier bars we visited this Monday evening. The bartender gave us info about bar closing times (1am, except for a couple of bars open until 2am).

We noticed a virtual shuffleboard game, something we had never seen before until today, so we took our beers to the back to give it a try. It took some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it it’s very similar to the real game.

2001 Cedar Street
Quincy, IL 62301
US
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(217) 223-1603
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North End Tavern

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:25:00 +0000

(Quincy, IL)

Scooter’s 837th bar, first visited in 2010.

Finally, some 11 hours after it began, we completed our 4-hour drive across Illinois and arrived at our ultimate destination: Quincy.

Quincy is a dive bar lover’s paradise, with at least 55 that I had identified before we embarked on this road trip. In fact there are so many bars that as we approached town, I told B, “Tell The Bitch (our affectionate name for his GPS device) to find a bar near 24th & Cedar (an intersection I pulled out of my ass) and then we’ll work our way west from there.” As luck would have it, there was a bar at that very intersection.

Beer is very cheap at the North End Tavern (as it would prove to be all throughout Quincy), with domestic pints at $1.75 and Blue Moon at $2.25. We opted for our trademark 10oz beers, however.

We sat under a large back umbrella at the horseshoe-shaped bar. We were alone at the bar, save for a couple sitting catty-corner from us. The bartender was in the other room shooting pool with an unseen person, though he was quick and attentive despite being out of sight during his game.

The couple sitting at the bar kept watching us, and this made me too nervous to take pictures. But eventually they relocated to the back room, and I quickly snapped my shots before they returned. I was proud of myself for being so stealthy.

Eleven bars later, I would learn otherwise…

1130 North 24th Street
Quincy, IL 62301
US
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(217) 222-8103

Tiny’s New Place

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:24:00 +0000

(Barry, IL)

Scooter’s 836th bar, first visited in 2010.

This was a nice little bar around the corner from The Black Lantern. The bartender was pretty friendly and we talked with her about hunting and our road trip.

The main bar area had a pool table and a small stage area. To the left of the L-shaped bar was a little alcove with video poker/slots.

728 Bainbridge Street
Barry, IL 62312
US
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(217) 335-2023
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Black Lantern Tavern

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:23:00 +0000

(Barry, IL)

Scooter’s 835th bar, first visited in 2010.

We stepped inside to find the bar packed with hunters. There were two long bars along opposite walls, but only one was staffed tonight. We took two seats next to the door.

We got to talking with some of the hunters, and learned that almost none of them were locals. Most of them were from New England and New York, and had traveled to Barry to take advantage of deer season.

We were particularly interested in the stories told by an older hunter at the opposite end of the bar. After launching into a tirade in which he described deer as vermin (comparable to rats and cockroaches) and called for them all to be shot and wiped off the face of the Earth, he ranted about several related topics “dear” to his heart:

Bashed modern hunters who climb up in trees with all their equipment instead of being on the ground actually hunting the deer like Daniel Boone did
Talked about how he used to shoot pigeons inside the city limits, and that the best way to hunt deer is to drive by and shoot them from your open window
Talked about how, when he was a kid, he and his friends would take shotguns to school and keep them in their lockers
Talked about how when he was a kid he’d shoot rabbits and sell them to old people (and people at ball games) for fifty cents each, and if he couldn’t find enough rabbits he’d shoot cats and clean & dress them so no one would know the difference

A couple of sound clips are available for your listening pleasure.

Clip 1

Clip 2

745 Mortimer Street
Barry, IL 62312
US
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(217) 335-3526

The Still

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:22:00 +0000

(New Berlin, IL)

Scooter’s 834th bar, first visited in 2010.

B noticed this bar as we headed into town, I somehow missed it completely despite it being at the main intersection.

Beer here was very cheap. For example, Fat Tire on tap was only $1.50.

The Still is divided into at least 4 main rooms, including a small bar area, a piano lounge, and a game room with pool tables. The piano is a baby grand, painted with Budweiser branding.

14758 Old Route 54
New Berlin, IL 62670
US
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(217) 488-3325
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Shepp’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, New Berlin, IL)

Scooter’s 833rd bar, first visited in 2010.

I got kind of an off vibe from Shepp’s, I don’t know if B got it too or not. I felt like everyone was eyeing us with suspicion.

It might have just been the fact that this place was brightly lit, and the horseshoe shaped bar resulted in everyone facing each other.

Shepp’s is a pretty big venue, with pool tables, shuffleboard, darts, and pinball, and a popcorn cart. There’s another room to the side with restaurant seating.

111 East Illinois Street
New Berlin, IL 62670
US
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(217) 488-6363

Nellie’s Lounge

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:20:00 +0000

(Decatur, IL)

Scooter’s 832nd bar, first visited in 2010.

This was a bonus bar, that we spotted across a highway behind Curly’s as we were getting ready to leave. It looked divey enough, so we walked over to give it a visit.

HALLELUJAH!!!

FINALLY, a coveted 10-oz pour. We love the 10-oz pour. Not only are you able to enjoy all the beer before it warms up or begins to go flat, but this is the ideal size for marathon barhopping. It is almost impossible to get full on these.

Normally 10-oz pours are common in dive bars, but they had been strangely rare so far on this trip. But from this point onward on this trip, they would prove to be the norm.

Nellie’s had a pool table and video poker machines, and also served the same Butch’s pizza as Curly’s. The web site also mentions a beer garden but we didn’t notice it.

For the majority of our visit, the bartender was standing nearby us ranting to one of her friends about candles.

2717 North Main Street
Decatur, IL 62526
US
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(217) 877-5742
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Curly’s Sports Bar & Grill

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:19:00 +0000

(Decatur, IL)

Scooter’s 831st bar, first visited in 2010.

We were starving when we pulled into Decatur, and some quick Google research on our phones made it appear that Curly’s would be the best balance between pizza place and dive bar.

It turned out we were in luck, because pizza was on special today — $5 for a large and $3.50 for a small. Our indecisiveness between pepperoni and sausage led to us accidentally getting one of each.

While we waited we partook of free sausages simmering in a crock pot. Apart from the bar there is also a DJ booth and a back room with a fireplace and video slots.

We were a bit let down at first when we found out the pizza isn’t made fresh here but actually comes from a local distributor (Butch’s). But this disappointment disappeared when the pizza arrived and we saw how good the meat toppings looked and tasted how delicious the pizza was. The shake-on spices supplied made it even better. It went along great with our $1 mugs of beer.

2683 N. Water Street
Decatur, IL 62526
US
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(217) 875-9800
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Hammond Pub‎

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:17:00 +0000

(Hammond, IL)

Scooter’s 829th bar, first visited in 2010.

We liked this little tavern quite a bit. We sat at the small L-shaped bar watching Headline News and discussing the various kidnapping stories that kept coming up with the bartender.

There’s a someone larger room in the back with pool tables. I didn’t notice an obvious area for bands.

The distinctive feature of this bar is the ceiling tiles for sale. For a price, you can “buy” a tile and have any message you want painted onto it. (In retrospect, we should have done this!) As you can see in the third photo below, you need to be careful about what you choose to have printed on as the tiles are more permanent than some other things.

102 E 1st St
Hammond, IL 61929
US
[launch map]
(217) 262-3049

Kel’s Place

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Atwood, IL)

Scooter’s 828th bar, first visited in 2010.

This small-town bar is almost completely absent from the internet. I could find no information other than that it exists. I couldn’t even get an address, I had to pull that from its liquor license info at the Illinois ABC web site. I could not find a phone number or any other info.

Kel’s is a big open room with an L-shaped bar in the far back. There’s a stage in the front, pool tables, Silver Strike, foosball, video poker, and an Extreme Hunting game. There’s also a stage in the front of the bar.

We played a game of Silver Strike that was going very well for both of us, until B “broke” the game in the 10th frame.

We enjoyed our “woodsy” Busch cans…

115 S. Main
Atwood, IL 61913
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Proud Mary’s

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:15:00 +0000

(Tuscola, IL)

Scooter’s 827th bar, first visited in 2010.

This is a pretty big bar. There’s a large front room that’s the “face” of the establishment. There’s an even larger back room with pool tables and a stage area. Back in the corner is a smaller room, somewhat isolated, where all the video slots/poker machines are located.

The actual bar is centralized and configured in such a way that the bartender can serve all three rooms simultaneously.

The movie “Knocked Up” was playing, so we stayed a little longer watching the flick with the other customers.

As we were leaving, I got busted taking pictures of the place by the owner. I rarely get caught when I’m being discrete, but this made twice so far just today. Damn. She seemed nervous about it but since I was leaving I just said “Hi”, smiled, and ducked out.

1003 E Southline Rd
Tuscola, IL 61953
US
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(217) 253-3172
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It’ll Do

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:14:00 +0000

(Arcola, IL)

Scooter’s 826th bar, first visited in 2010.

There we’re two bars (that we know of) in Arcola, about a block apart, but we had time for only one. The other, Dog House, did not look open at first. But we had parked closer to It’ll Do, so we decided, well, that it’ll do.

We chose wisely, as we had a great time visiting this bar.

(Technically this was a bonus bar, as neither the GPS nor Google Maps had it listed. Dog House had been our original destination.)

Our bartender was the 21-year-old daughter of the bar’s owner. She’s a very busy gal, in addition to working at the bar she is in college and also in her 4th year with the Air National Guard. She was delightful to talk to.

There’s a grill right at the bar, and pool tables in a room off to the side. We were unsure if there was outdoor seating, it looks like it from the outside but I didn’t notice a way to access it.

The bar sells all sorts of branded merchandise (see the photos below), even including “It’ll Do”-branded thongs! (See photo below.) I bought a koozie — which they refer to as “huggies” in this region.

We noticed a prominently displayed “banned” list, a redacted photo of which appears below. I asked what you had to do to get such a public shaming. The stories were varied and about what one would expect. However the story of Blake, whose full name I wish I could reveal because it’s a classic name, takes the cake. I can’t remember the exact detail of the initial offense that got him in trouble with the bartender, but his act of retaliation against the bar led to sanctions against the bar from the Illinois ABC. Consequently, Blake is banned for life. In fact, he is SO banned, that it’s written into contract that if the bar is ever sold, any future owner must honor the ban. Sucks to be that guy!

Incidentally, as we were seated at the bar I noticed a sign on the wall that mentioned the year 1989. I looked at it more carefully, and began to laugh.

“Uh, you know how you mentioned the last 2 bars we were in first opened in 1989?” I asked B.

“Yeah,” he said.

I pointed at the sign. “Yeah, that’s the sign stating that you have to have been born by today’s date in 1989 in order to be served.”

So much for the wacky coincidence…

106 North Oak Street
Arcola, IL 61910
US
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(217) 268-5078
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Teresa’s Too

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:13:00 +0000

(Hindsboro, IL)

Scooter’s 825th bar, first visited in 2010.

This place was freshly cleaned and full of hunters. We sat down alone at the boomerang-shaped bar, the hunters were all at tables waiting for the burgers they ordered.

In addition to video poker and a pool table, this bar has something that’s still rate in dive bars but is starting to turn up in more and more dive bars: free wifi.

The original Teresa’s burned down in 1993, the building we were in replaced it soon after. Teresa still owns the bar today.

After we left, B asked me if I had notice that both of the bars in this town had originally opened in 1989. “No, I didn’t notice,” I said, “but that’s a pretty weird coincidence.”

Or so I thought, until we reached the next bar…

1806 E State Route 133
Hindsboro, IL 61930
US
[launch map]
(217) 346-2239

Stumble In

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:12:00 +0000

(Hindsboro, IL)

Scooter’s 824th bar, first visited in 2010.

We plopped down near the corner of the L-shaped bar that wrapped along 2 sides of the building. Our beers were served to us on astroturf coasters.

We couldn’t sit in the exact corner because of a big peanut vending machine in the corner. According to a sign on the machine, an M&M is hidden somewhere within the peanuts and if you get it in your handful you get a free drink.

The two of us plus the bartender sat for a while watching a History Channel documentary about Fort Knox.

1863 E State Route 133
Hindsboro, IL 61930
US
[launch map]
(217) 346-2912

Daddy-O’s

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Paris, IL)

Scooter’s 823rd bar, first visited in 2010.

We walked into this bar at 10:00am to find about half a dozen customers already seated. We ordered Bud Lights, and three people converged to hunt for them. The owner then mentioned the the distributor hadn’t brought them any yet. The bartender apologized profusely as he had to give us regular Budweiser, but we were perfectly fine with that.

Behind us, the owner had the old CD jukebox completely opened up and he was making repairs to it. We were impressed that he had the know-how to do that.

The L-shaped bar is huge, unusually long for this type of bar. The owner later informed us it is 54 feet long.

We got to talking with the owner, and we were surprised to learn that he had been in poor health until recently and as a result the bar had actually been closed for the past 5 months. In fact, we walked in just minutes after he opened the doors for their first day back open! Indeed, we soon heard another customer excitedly call a friend to say “You’ll never believe where I am right now!”

The owner took us around on a short tour of the bar, showing us all the things he was having to put back together and showing us the artwork and paintings his son had made as decor for the bar. We told him all about our travels, and I began openly taking pictures.

In a flash (literally, except falsely so as you’ll see in a moment), the bartender dashed over. “Are you okay?” he asked the owner. “I saw the flash go off and saw these guys taking pictures of you.” The owner calmed him down and told him everything was okay. The funny part, though, I didn’t even have the flash turned on.

After the walk-through we went back to our seats and we noticed a siren light mounted on the bar in front of B. The owner noticed us notice it and flipped a switch, causing us both to leap from our seats due to the extremely loud buzzer sound it made.

We always love finding bars where we actually get to meet and talk with the owner. It was a really nice stroke of luck that we happened to walking in here first thing on re-opening day.

139 East Court Street
Paris, IL 61944
US
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(217) 465-3202
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Rosebud Saloon

scooterj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Paris, IL)

Scooter’s 822nd bar, first visited in 2010.

After a breakfast of delicious Hardee’s biscuits, we popped in to Rosebud Saloon at 9:35am for our first Illinois beer of the day. We selected their finest Natural Light bottles for our morning beverage.

The aspect I most remember about the bar, for whatever reason, is the autographed photo of Judge Judy hanging behind the bar.

The bartender and another customer were vigorously discussing the local Domino’s Pizza, specifically stories of how terrible their delivery service and customer service is.

The bartender told us about how, under a new Illinois law, she had to get rid of all her video slots / video poker machines. Oddly, this would turn out to be just about the only one of the 26 bars we’d end up visiting in Illinois today that did not have video slot/poker machines in operation.

112 East Court Street
Paris, IL 61944
US
[launch map]
(217) 463-3505

Ballyhoo Pizza King: Campus Location

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:26:00 +0000

(Terre Haute, IN)

Scooter’s 821st bar, first visited in 2010.

We found this bar as a result of our unsuccessful attempt to circle back and find Mogger’s. We didn’t know it, but this would end up being the final bar of the night.

Ballyhoo’s is primarily a pizza place, but this late at night it didn’t appear the pizza area was open. We took our beer back to the Golden Tee machine and played in batches of 3 free holes at a time — registered players get 3 free holes whenever swiping their credit cards in a new location for the first time.

After we were done here we headed in a direction that I thought was east (but was actually north) in search of some bar — any bar. We spied a couple, but they were either closed or closing. We finally turned around and B, with an amazing sense of direction, guided us back to our motel on a route that I insisted could not work since my personal orientation was off by 90°.

I later learned that had we either driven one block further before turning around, or headed north on a street just a few blocks over from the one we picked, we had a really good chance of finding at least 1 or 2 more places before last call.

Oh well.

900 Chestnut Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807
US
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(812) 232-3939
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Bohannon’s East

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:25:00 +0000

(Terre Haute, IN)

Scooter’s 820th bar, first visited in 2010.

This is kind of weird, the address implies this is west of Speakeasy but it’s actually east of Speakeasy. It’s a quirky result of the angle of Wabash and the way the side streets intersect.

This place looked quite new and we found out it had just been remodeled 3 weeks earlier, with new walls and a new ceiling put in. The bartender told us that his roommate is slowly buying the bar.

We had a really good visit here and enjoyed chatting with the bartender and the other customers about our trip.

1728 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47807
US
[launch map]
(812) 234-2638

Speakeasy Conversation Bar

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:24:00 +0000

(Terre Haute, IN)

Scooter’s 819th bar, first visited in 2010.

We liked this place a lot. A nice quiet bar with a cool bartender, a place with no games and no loud music so you truly can carry on conversations.

At the end of the long, curvy bar is a computer that’s free for anyone to use and loaded up with an iTunes music library — the main source of music for this bar. (Though evidently someone wiped it out a few days after our visit.) Behind us was a slightly elevated platform with additional table seating.

The TV behind the bar was airing an early episode of “Breaking Bad”, which spurred a lot of conversation.

There’s a popular bar in Terre Haute called Mogger’s. (We’d go looking for it later but would fail to find it before it closed.) The bartender told us that one of the cast members of “Breaking Bad” (presumably Dean Norris, since he’s the only one I can find from this area) stops into Mogger’s once or twice a year and generally makes an ass of himself.

1801 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47807
US
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(812) 232-7805
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Ambrosini’s

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:23:00 +0000

(Terre Haute, IN)

Scooter’s 818th bar, first visited in 2010.

This Italian restaurant & catering operation looks so elegant from the outside that I was stunned to step in and find pure dive bar.

Karaoke was under way… really bad karaoke. I don’t mean that the KJ was bad, I mean that the singers were bad. But that’s what makes it good! I love bad karaoke, this is exactly what dive bar karaoke is supposed to be about. People cutting loose and having fun without a care, as opposed to the uptight corporate contests that some other places offer. (Side note, it was also cool how the KJ sat in a little both high above everyone.)

When we arrived here we noticed there was an Irish Pub across the street. But when we left we somehow forgot all about it, so we missed that opportunity.

1367 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47802
US
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(812) 235-1445
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T’s Lounge

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:20:00 +0000

(Terre Haute, IN)

Scooter’s 815th bar, first visited in 2010.

We pulled into Terre Haute considerably later than we had intended. Leave it to us to make a 5 hour drive take 13 hours! Consequently we drove past any strip mall bars on the way into town and headed north of I-70s, where we expected the older bars with more character to be located.

I’ve been to Terre Haute many times but only on the main strip south of I-70, so I had no familiarity at all with the older part of the city. We pointed the van in a direction where I felt the downtown area might be. T’s Lounge was the first bar we found along that path.

T’s is a cajun bar and grill. It was moderately busy, more so than my pictures make it look. We were served beer in big-ass plastic cups.

We asked the bartender for info about where we should look to find a lot of bars close together, and what time they closed. She told us to check out Wabash Avenue and that most of the bars would close at 1am.

I’ve seen the address listed as both 1612 and 1617. I went with 1612 since that’s what the web site says.

1612 South 7th Street
Terre Haute, IN 47802
US
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(812) 232-2886
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Mickey’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:19:00 +0000

(Farmersburg, IN)

Scooter’s 814th bar, first visited in 2010.

This was a bonus bar, found entirely on a hunch. We had to step around some construction tape to get inside. (We limboed under it instead when we left.)

The bar’s amenities include a pool table and air hockey. The back room was dark but it looked like that might be where bands set up.

B and I discussed ninja movies and Rutger Hauer films.

Our bartender was pretty friendly, and she seemed to enjoy hearing about our travels.

103 East Main Street
Farmersburg, IN 47850
US
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(812) 696-2060
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Runt’s Lounge

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:18:00 +0000

(Sullivan, IN)

Scooter’s 813th bar, first visited in 2010.

Located on one of the corners of the downtown square. This was a brightly-lit venue, with a center island serving as the bar and cafeteria tables elsewhere. There’s package liquor for sale, a flip-style CD jukebox, lottery tickets, darts, and a stage. There’s a pretty cool mural behind the stage, see the pictures below.

30 West Washington Street
Sullivan, IN 47882
US
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(812) 268-9071

Da Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:17:00 +0000

(Oaktown, IN)

Scooter’s 812th bar, first visited in 2010.

This is a very hard bar to find. Some mapping software claims it doesn’t exist, and the roads in this town have some strange twists. They are also very poorly lit at night. We had to set our BARDAR to maximum power to find it.

The building is divided in two, with a half-wall separating the bar area from the stage area. There’s also a patio out to the side of the bar.

This is one of those rare bars that has Coors Original on tap, so that’s what we got.

At one point B got up top use the restroom. When he finished he attempted to turn out the light in the men’s room, but accidentally shut off the lights for a good portion of the bar instead.

203 E Main St
Oaktown, IN 47561
US
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(812) 745-2222

Alice & Woody’s Cocktail Bar

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:16:00 +0000

(Vincennes, IN)

Scooter’s 811th bar, first visited in 2010.

The GPS took us in via a side street so we ended up coming in the back door. The front entrance looks a little “classier” than the photo shown here.

This place was quite crowded, we had to sit against the far back. We were served gigantic Old Style pours. Far too much beer, so we had to enact the “12 oz” rule. I ended up accidentally finishing 16 oz though, so I was full for a while after this.

That was one thing that has been odd about this trip so far, the pours have generally been far too big. We expect that in cities and college towns, but not in these small towns.

1031 Washington Avenue
Vincennes, IN 47591
US
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(812) 882-9728
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Fat Boys Tavern

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:15:00 +0000

(Fort Branch, IN)
Formerly Mayer Tavern

Scooter’s 810th bar, first visited in 2010.

This biker-friendly dive had critter heads mounted all over the place. The bar was pretty busy so we sat at a table by the door.

The front room was done in red, the back room with the pool tables was done in green. There was also a side room behind us with a stage.

115 North Mccreary Street
Fort Branch, IN 47648
US
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(812) 753-9914
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Deerhead Tavern

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:14:00 +0000

(Jacobsville, Evansville, IN)

Scooter’s 809th bar, first visited in 2010.

A pizza pub, jazz tavern, and sidewalk cafe all rolled up into one.

This is a new one for me — the beer was served in malt glasses…

This was a good pizza. A cracker thin crust, and big tasty chunks of meat. The only thing keeping it from being perfect is that the sauce could have been a little richer.

8 minutes later…

222 East Columbia Street
Evansville, IN 47711
US
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(812) 425-2515
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Hogs Head Bar

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Hopkinsville, KY)

Scooter’s 808th bar, first visited in 2010.

Attached to a place called The Beer Barrel, this is a very clean-spacious bar in an old building downtown.

This is apparently a new place, either that or it is recently renovated, as Google Street View shows the bar under construction.

We misunderstood the signage in the parking lot next door so parked a block further away than we needed to. Turns out only some of the spaces were reserved, not all of them.

801 South Main Street
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
US
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(270) 885-9800
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Piranha’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Nashville, TN)

Scooter’s 807th bar, first visited in 2010.

We had noticed a 2 for 1 drink special advertised here when we first arrived in Nashville, so we wanted to stop in here before getting back on the road.

Sure, we only went to 3 bars in Nashville, but this was our favorite by far. Both of us would see ourselves hanging out here regularly if we lived in Nashville. It’s a great, honest dive with good food that doesn’t seem touristy.

It started out not too busy here, but there was a rush before the start of a football game that filled the place to capacity.

Food-wise, this place’s gimmick is to put fries on its sandwiches. The signature sandwich is the Piranha Sandwich, in which fries, slaw, and cheese are piled on your choice of meat. The fries are sliced right in front of you, they aren’t frozen.

But their gimmick sandwich is a monster, a 10-lb cheesesteak. Though they offer $100 to anyone who finishes one, it’s actually intended to be a group sandwich. Both Man vs. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives have been in touch with Piranha’s, but neither will put the sandwich on their show since the challenge is more of a joke and isn’t intended to be possible.

As luck would have it, a large group seated behind us happened to order the 10-pounder while we were there. We stuck around to watch the creation of it, the videos and several of the pictures below document the preparation. On completion it was actually weighed, and when it didn’t quite come to 10 pounds they added more food to get the weight up.

The ingredients of the 10-pound cheesesteak, being presented to the group that ordered it…

113 2nd Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201
US
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(615) 248-4375
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Paradise Park Trailer Resort

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Nashville, TN)

Scooter’s 805th bar, first visited in 2010.

After walking most of the length of the Broadway strip, we decided this looked like the most interesting place to check out.

Given that it was 10:30 on a Sunday morning, we were initially alone in here. B got a Bud Light, I wanted to try something local so the bartender selected a Yazoo Pale Ale for me.

A few other people came in during our visit, but they were there to eat. The restaurant is mainly in a side room but the food counter is accessible from the bar as well.

Mullet Wall of Fame…

411 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
US
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(615) 251-1515
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Coconut Bay Cafe

scooterj — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:24:00 +0000

(Manchester, TN)

Scooter’s 804th bar, first visited in 2010.

The bartender at Irma’s Place told us there were no other bars in town. We headed back to I-24, but crossed to the other side of the highway first to grab some snacks.

While inside, B asked a bystander if he knew of any other bars. “Sure, there’s one just around the corner!”

We followed the directions we were given and found ourselves at a gigantic place.

The Coconut Bay Cafe is a 2-story tropical themed building. The lower level is all restaurant/lounge and was virtually empty, but the hostess guided us to “the party room” upstairs.

Up the stairs we found a huge space with 2 bars, a band, and a good crowd of people. The band was doing covers of southern rock and was pretty impressive. We ended up hanging out here quite a while and probably would have stayed a lot longer if we weren’t so tired.

817 Interstate Drive
Manchester, TN 37355
US
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(931) 728-2500
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Irma’s Place

scooterj — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:23:00 +0000

(Black Jack, Manchester, TN)

Scooter’s 803rd bar, first visited in 2010.

We were having a terrible time finding another bar in this down. We had headed to downtown and found nothing. On a hunch we decided to head south on Hwy 55. But when nothing turned up, I decided to turn around. B stopped me though and encourage me to go just a bit further.

Then, there it was, ahead on the right — the blinking lights of Irma’s Place. A bonus bar… as none of our resources and indicated this would be here.

We arrived just after a failed wet t-shirt contest. Apparently it was a success in that it had drawn a lot of guys, but no girls showed up to participate. Karaoke was now underway instead.

2684 New Tullahoma Hwy
Manchester, TN 37355
US
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(931) 728-3100
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Mickey’s Home Town Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:22:00 +0000

(West Meade, Manchester, TN)
Formerly Snafu

Scooter’s 802nd bar, first visited in 2010.

When we arrived in Manchester we drove from one end of town to the other and decided to come back and make this our first stop.

Karaoke was underway, so B sang “You Never Even Call Me By My Name”. I shot video, but that’s just for us to see.

We were both amused by the Hanoi Jane urine targets placed in the urinal trough.

After this we headed to another bar a few blocks southeast, but they wanted a $5 cover so we passed.

703 Hillsboro Blvd
Manchester, TN 37355
US
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(931) 954-0707

Pickle Barrel

scooterj — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Chattanooga, TN)

Scooter’s 801st bar, first visited in 2010.

As we were heading towards downtown I noticed a very cool looking building, so I wanted to check it our before we left. Fortunately B remembered exactly where I had seen it.

This is a wedge-shaped restaurant-bar at an angular intersection, tapering to just a few feet wide at the south end. We entered to find a very old interior and a good side crowd in a small space. The bar proper was to the left in a small back room but there was no room for us in there. However the booth at the “tip” of the place was open so that’s where we settled in.

The old wooden benches in the window both sloped and were lined with cracked and torn leather. Years of messages were written and carved into all the woodwork.

There was a rickety-looking spiral staircase that we didn’t check out. After we left, I looked up and saw that it led to a rooftop deck.

1012 Market St
Chattanooga, TN 37402
US
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(423) 266-1103
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Hair of the Dog Pub

scooterj — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Chattanooga, TN)

Scooter’s 799th bar, first visited in 2010.

We’d pulled off in Chattanooga looking for one particular bar whose name intrigued us. We found that it no longer existed, so we decided to just drive around until we found something. Before long we found ourselves downtown and we parked int he first free lot we could find. Hair of the Dob Pub happened to be the closest bar to where we parked.

From the outside it looks new, but on the inside it appears to be well over 100 years old.

It was pretty crowded. I sat down at the bar while B went to use the restroom. I tried to order our drinks, but apparently in Chattanooga they can only sell one drink per person at a time. So I had to wait for B to return before I could complete the order.

It was too crowded downstairs so we took our drinks up to the second level. It was crowded up there as well.

The standout feature of this bar is an opening in the middle of the second floor where an antique dumb waiter is used to carry food and drinks between the floors. There was a small bar ledge around this opening so that’s where we camped out.

334 Market St
Chattanooga, TN 37402
US
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(423) 265-4615
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The Pool Hall

scooterj — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:16:00 +0000

(Buckhead, Atlanta, GA)

Scooter’s 796th bar, first visited in 2010.

We REALLY needed to get on the road, but when we got back to the van we noticed that The Pool Hall was open. We decided that since we’d been parked in their lot for the past 2-1/2 hours, we really ought to give them some business.

While trying to decide what to gt to drink, B spied some miniature beer cans. They looked so ridiculous we just had to order them.

B dove into some peanuts and kept getting up to throw away the shells. This finally got on the bartender’s nerves, who told him to stop and just throw the shells on the floor “like everyone else will later tonight.”

30 Irby Ave NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
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(404) 841-8989
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Churchill’s British Pub

scooterj — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:15:00 +0000

(Buckhead, Atlanta, GA)

Scooter’s 795th bar, first visited in 2010.

We had already tried and failed twice at finding this bar open, but I was really curious about it so we decided to give it one more try. Third time was the charm!

We ended up ordering Yuengling’s Ale… a beer that’s extremely common in this part of the country, but virtually unheard of back home.

The layout consists of several distinct areas all wrapping around a central bar. There’s so much to see here, so I’ll just let the pictures do the talking…

Panorama of the bar. Use the slider below the photo to view.

Another panorama of the bar. Use the slider below the photo to view.

3223 Cains Hill Place NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
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(404) 233-5633
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Five Paces Inn

scooterj — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:14:00 +0000

(Buckhead, Atlanta, GA)

Scooter’s 794th bar, first visited in 2010.

Finally… the one bar we had come to Atlanta to see was now open!

We had picked this place weeks in advance of this trip after B googled “worst bar in Atlanta” and this bar came up. However we suspected that it means this was just an honest-to-goodness dive and that pretentious reviewers don’t like that sort of thing. That hunch was correct, this is a good bar.

There’s 3 rooms to the bar, plus a deck in the back.

We plopped down into wobbly barstools, where B chatted college sports with a guy from Liverpool who had moved here just for a change of scenery.

I popped in to use the men’s room and found that the toilet had no tank lid. This was a precursor to me then noticing there was also no soap or paper towels.

41 Irby Ave NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
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(404) 365-0777
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Red Door Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:13:00 +0000

(Buckhead, Atlanta, GA)

Scooter’s 793rd bar, first visited in 2010.

A good old fashioned sports dive. The bar consists of 3 rooms, though we spent all our visit in the main room. It appears that it has recently taken over a neighboring auto parts store.

As soon as we ordered our beers, an old Asian man tried to see me his watch for “five dollar”. When I declined, he then tried to sell me his shoes for the same price. I declined that offer as well, and he became upset.

The bartender told him to leave me alone, and he went outside to stand on the deck. Later he left altogether, only to return with a golf club. He did not try to sell that to me, however.

The man who tried to sell me the watch and shoes…

The bottom poster is a photo of one of the bartenders. As a prank he painted his roommate’s bedroom pink but got caught in the act, as revenge the roommate printed up these signs to display at bars around town.

3180 Roswell Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
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(404) 846-6525
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Kramer’s

scooterj — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:12:00 +0000

(Buckhead, Atlanta, GA)
Formerly Six

Scooter’s 792nd bar, first visited in 2010.

We can made a complete circle around the neighborhood and found nothing else open. Back at the van, we needed to decide whether to to wait another 45 minutes for the other bars to open or hit the road.

“Let me check one thing,” I said. “Wait here, I’m going to check something.”

I walked a block back up the hill and stood on the corner to survey my surroundings. My hunch paid off, I saw that two places that were dark when we walked by them earlier now had the lights on. I texted B to join me at the stop sign.

A few moments later he met me and we quickly made a decision to cross the busy street visit Kramer’s first.

Kramer’s had looked promising when we passed it earlier. It looks like a dive, and being attached to a placed called “Lollipop Adult Treats” certainly added to the appeal.

The bartender and a friend of his were the only other people in the bar. We got a couple of bottles of High Life and headed over to the Golden Tee machine.

As we played, we started to notice that the sticky floor was littered with broken glass and…… rubber bands. ??? We can only imagine what must have gone on there the night before.

Panorama of the bar. Use the slider below the photo to view.

3167 Roswell Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
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(404) 869-0522
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One Star Ranch

scooterj — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:10:00 +0000

(Buckhead, Atlanta, GA)

Scooter’s 790th bar, first visited in 2010.

After B’s GPS device did us wrong and took us to another neighborhood several miles away, we finally found our intended Atlanta destination. There was some sort of event that involved lots of people in suits and people directing traffic and paying for parking, but we drove right on in and parked in the lot of The Pool Hall.

We had planned to visit only one bar in Atlanta (Five Paces Inn) and then hit the road, but when we entered Five Paces Inn we found they didn’t open for another 90 minutes. They directed us a couple of doors over to a little BBQ shack with a small bar inside.

Small bar is right, I believe it had 5 barstools. A kind older man who I believe worked there gave up his seat so the two of us could sit down. We ordered Lone Star bottles and talked about BBQ and barhopping with a guy in surgical scrubs and his girlfriend.

25 Irby Ave NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
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(404) 233-7644
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Back Porch Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:12:00 +0000

(Riverview, Macon, GA)

Scooter’s 789th bar, first visited in 2010.

B wasn’t feeling so hot after eating too much at his grandma-in-law’s house earlier, so we took a break at our motel for a little while. Eventually he got to feeling a little better so we went back out to explore some more of the town.

We started out at the Back Porch Lounge, which turned out to be attached to the motel that was our second choice on our list of places to stay.

The front room with the bar is very small and intimate. There was no place to sit, so we took our drinks into the adjoining front room.

This room was completely dark, except for a giant screen where a group of people were playing Rock Band. We sat in a booth in the back and watched them play through several songs.

As our eyes adjusted we saw that this was a relaxing lounge room, with a lot of stonework and a large fireplace. A stripper pole in the corner seemed a little out of place in this room.

Behind the bar was another room, brightly lit, that was an elegant-looking billiard room.

Before we left we noticed that a grizzly old man who was lurking in the corner was air-drumming wildly to the Rock Band songs.

Unfortunately, B’s illness returned, so we had to call it a night after this bar. We held out hope that he’d feel better tomorrow so we could resume our mission.

2400 Riverside Drive
Macon, GA 31204
US
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(478) 745-8801
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O’Neal’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:29:00 +0000

(Ashland Hills, Clarksville, TN)
Formerly Choppers Roadhouse

Ã¯Â»Â¿

Scooter’s 786th bar, first visited in 2010.

It took us quite a while to find another place that was still open at this point, a lot of places were closing up early on this Thursday night.

We decided to finally give the PGA Tour Golf game a try. It’s by EA Sports, and has a lot in common with the Tiger Woods Golf games. It probably seems odd to some people that we were fascinated by this game, but we just don’t see it back home.

1979 Madison Street
Clarksville, TN 37043
US
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(931) 802-5577
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Same Ol Jukebox

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:28:00 +0000

(Clarksville, TN)

Scooter’s 785th bar, first visited in 2010.

It took us a little while to find this place, it was further from downtown than we realized. However once we were inside we were pretty excited to find that they serve Icehouse beer, it’s one of our favorites largely due to its scarcity back home.

The Jukebox has a small front room, where we started out, and a larger back room that we migrated to later. The L-shaped bar is designed to serve both rooms. The back room has pool tables and a DJ booth.

What we call “Bags” back home but is called “Cornhole” here was set up, and we watched a group of people playing. B joined in for a little while but discovered it’s not as easy as it looks.

1360 College Street
Clarksville, TN 37040
US
[launch map]
(931) 647-9799

Blackhorse Pub & Brewery – The Tap Room

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:25:00 +0000

(Downtown, Clarksville, TN)

Scooter’s 782nd bar, first visited in 2010.

The Blackhorse Pub was a bar I was eager to visit, unfortunately it has closed early on this Thursday night. However its upstairs spin-off, The Tap Room, was open and very busy.

We proceeded up a very long, steep, and narrow staircase to the upper level. There was no seating available at the U-shaped bar, nor at any of the tables. After standing for a while a small table opened up towards the back that we migrated to.

It was very dark inside so I apologize for the poor picture quality.

The Tap Room is a dive bar, an upscale lounge, and a sports bar. It’s rare to see a place that pulls off all three well. (It should be noted that at $3 a bottle, these were some of the more expensive beers we had in Clarksville.)

The front half of this floor is a bar, the back half is a very mellow lounge bathed in a soft blue light.

Up another smaller set of stairs to the side is another room that had pool tables and other games. We didn’t make it into that room during our visit.

132 Franklin Street
Clarksville, TN 37040
US
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(931) 552-3726
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Lar’s Olde Towne Tavern

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:25:00 +0000

(Downtown, Clarksville, TN)

Scooter’s 783rd bar, first visited in 2010.

This beer-only bar downtown was an unexpected bonus find. It was very quiet, only 2 other patrons in the bar.

The bar features 2 pool tables, darts, and PGA Tour Golf. We’d end up finding this golf game in several more bars, it appears to be more popular than Golden Tee in this region.

Pool was free tonight so B decided to shoot a game or two with a guy named Mark who had been shooting alone for a while. We grabbed our mason jars of beer and headed back to the tables.

“It’s free to play, so I’ve been playing by myself for a while,” said Mark.

“Just like when you’re at home, huh?” B replied.

He didn’t get it.

This is one of those bars where you get to write on the walls, but I didn’t notice that until I was uploading the photos later.

116 Franklin Street
Clarksville, TN 37040
US
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(931) 920-9509
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Smokey’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:24:00 +0000

(Ringgold, Clarksville, TN)

Scooter’s 781st bar, first visited in 2010.

We just so happened to walk in on karaoke night, so we watched three girls performing “The Time Warp” back in the recessed stage area before we found some seats at the bar.

It was moderately busy, but most of the people were either in the table seating area to our left or shooting pool in the back. However we were soon joined by an older man, who pulled something out of his pocket and tapped my shoulder.

“You want some homemade beef jerky?” he offered, shaking the baggie of beef.

I was reminded of the shrimping at Flo’s Poke-a-Dot in Kansas City. I’m sure the beef jerky was delicious, but I get nervous about accepting meat snacks that strangers pull out of their pockets so I politely declined.

1310 Fort Campbell Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37042
US
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(931) 552-3800

Speakeasy

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:23:00 +0000

(Ringgold, Clarksville, TN)

Scooter’s 780th bar, first visited in 2010.

While Mouse Trap still keeps our award for Best Bar in Clarksville, Speakeasy takes the award for Most Memorable.

We walked in and found ourselves in the second smokiest bar I have ever experienced. (Only a VFW I visited in 2006 in Liberty, MO tops it.) I’m talking so smokey that there were actual visibility issues.

We plopped down at the U-shaped bar while the sounds of country music and an episode of “It Only Hurts When You Laugh” on TruTV filled the air. We began drinking our $1 Bud bottles and quickly notice that everyone in the bar was fixated on the TV.

We turned around in our stools to join the regulars in watching the show — a clip show of people screwing up in painful but funny ways. Everyone in the bar was heckling or laughing at the videos.

During a commercial break I got up to use the restroom. It was while I was in the men’s room that events in this bar took a turn for the wacky.

I was washing my hands when it happened. Above the sound of the running water, female voice carried across the bar and into the restroom. The voice of a woman sitting at a table behind us with three of her friends. A voice that spoke in graphic detail of how she performs oral sex and what she likes about her techniques.

I tried by hands and exited the restroom. I immediately locked eyes with B and we gave each other the same knowing look. The look that we knew we needed to sit down and listen, because something really funny was probably about to happen. And it didn’t take long for us to be proven right.

“I love it when guys c– in my a–!” the same woman joyfully proclaimed a few moments later. “It’s just so warm and creamy on the inside. And then later, when I’m taking a sh–, I feel like I’m a chocolate eclair!”

It took everything we could muster to maintain our composure and not erupt in laughter.

Mystery woman, we have no idea who you are, but we thank you for making Speakeasy our funniest stop of the trip.

1991 Fort Campbell Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37042
US
[launch map]
(931) 553-8800

Mouse Trap

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:21:00 +0000

(Clarksville, TN)

Scooter’s 779th bar, first visited in 2010.

As soon as we stepped in the door, we knew we had found it…

THIS IS THE BEST BAR IN CLARKSVILLE!

This is a beer bar only. It’s laid back, it’s welcoming, and it feels like home. This is the perfect place to hang out and enjoy conversation over beer with your friends.

The bar’s showpiece is a large freshwater aquarium whose inhabitants include Oscars, Jack Dempseys, Peacock Bass, a Channel Cat, and a rather goofy looking Goldfish (among others). The owner chatted with us at length about the aquarium. Feeder goldfish are dropped in every Friday, something that surely must be fun to watch while drinking.

B swaps fish stories with the bar’s owner

2130 Fort Campbell Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37042
US
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(931) 552-4037

Silver Bullet

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Paducah, KY)

Scooter’s 774th bar, first visited in 2010.

As soon as we parked we knew this bar was more our speed. The covered patio overlooking the parking lot was filled with rough looking people, and as we stepped towards the door a very beat up car rolled up. A rather disheveled looking couple climbed out and headed into the bar with us.

We sat down at the bar near a man who seemed to recognize this couple. “I know you got no money, I’ll get yer drinks,” he told them. “But not for her, since she’s driving.”

As we worked our way through our beers, the man next to us started telling his friends a story that had a classic opening line:

“Remember how I told you about the son I didn’t know I had?”

His tale of $12,000 in back child support, an arrest, and having his license suspended kept us entertained the remainder of the visit.

As we were leaving a woman at the end of the bar who I had been talking to about out trip welcomed us to Paducah and suggested some sights to see.

112 S 3rd St
Paducah, KY 42001
US
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(270) 442-5045

Mandy’s East State Bar

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, O Fallon, IL)

Scooter’s 772nd bar, first visited in 2010.

Since we’d already stayed in O’Fallon longer than we planned, we figured there was no way we could leave without stopping in at Mandy’s.

This biker-friendly bar was the roughest of our five stops in O’Fallon, as we played Silver Strike we listened to an older gentleman at the bar angrily complaining about interracial marriage.

As would be expected, Mandy’s has a pool table and hosts live music.

Haney’s Place

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, O Fallon, IL)

Scooter’s 771st bar, first visited in 2010.

We had planned to visit only 3 bars in O’Fallon, but this place just looked too tempting and we had to stop in. This style of 19th-century corner tavern we would later learn is common in this region.

The front room is very well-kept, with ornate and beautiful woodwork. The back room has a pool table, video games, darts, an ATM, and video poker.

We found that the rather old and worn out Golden Tee had several credits in it, so we played (with difficulty due to the aging trackball) until the credits ran out.

126 E. State St.
O Fallon, IL 62269
US
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(618) 628-1064
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The Outdoorsman

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, O Fallon, IL)

Scooter’s 770th bar, first visited in 2010.

This was our third stop in O’Fallon as we walked around the downtown area.

A laid-back, neighborhood dive bar on the eastern end of the downtown area. This was a very clean smelling bar, as in we arrived right as they finished cleaning and the smell of cleansers still hung in the air.

There was a pool table, a covered patio, and a back alcove with video poker machines.

127 E. 1st St.
O Fallon, IL 62269
US
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(618) 622-1354
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Towne Lounge

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, O Fallon, IL)

Scooter’s 769th bar, first visited in 2010.

We popped in here after our first visit to the local VFW and were greeted by an enthusiastic young bartender who really hyped the food. Later during our visit he was replaced by an older man we think may have been the owner.

Bottled beer only, though taps should be arriving in Dec 2010 according to the first bartender. We settled on the day’s special, $1 Natural Light bottles.

It was really too early for lunch so we skipped the food, but we learned that they have a fish fry every Friday.

The bar is decorated mainly with a golf theme. There;s a pool table, a small patio, and a small back room with video games and snack/smoke vending machines. There’s also free wifi.

119 W. 1st St.
O Fallon, IL 62269
US
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(618) 632-8886
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VFW Post 805

scooterj — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, O Fallon, IL)

Scooter’s 768th bar, first visited in 2010.

We pulled into O’Fallon a little after 11am on Veterans Day, looking for some veterans to honor. Unfortunately, when we first arrived, we found the place mostly empty.

This is one of the nicer VFW bars I’ve been to. It has lots of seating, shuffleboard, several video games including PowerPutt, an ATM, a nice patio area, and several additional rooms.

After our beer we spent an hour or so wandering around other watering holes in the area. When we returned the VFW was hopping as the town was gearing up for a parade, so we purchased 20 beer tokens to pass around to the men and women in uniform and give them out thanks.

Always love a Spuds McKenzie sighting!

223 W. 1st St
O Fallon, IL 62269
US
[launch map]
(618) 624-2651

Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 2414

scooterj — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:17:00 +0000

(Englewood, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 767th bar, first visited in 2010.

Private club. In addition to the bar the lounge features pool tables, multiple dart boards, MegaTouch machines, two claw machines, Keno, and a stage.

2537 Blue Ridge Blvd
Independence, MO 64129
US
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(816) 254-7357
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JJ’s Cool Change

scooterj — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:16:00 +0000

(Overland Park, KS)

Scooter’s 766th bar, first visited in 2010.

Wow, how did I not know about this place? A genuine, honest-to-God, real-deal dive bar right in the heart of Overland Park!

Small, dirty, and fun. The jukebox was under the control of a very intoxicated dancing couple, but they were playing good music from the ’70s and early 80s.

There’s pool tables and the bar hosts pool tournaments. There’s a few video games near the front.

The clientelle here seems to be more upper 30s-50s… so a good place to get away from the obnoxious young ones

About the name

9820 W. 87th
Overland Park, KS 66212
US
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(913) 341-7312
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Spivey’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:15:00 +0000

(Lenexa, KS)

Scooter’s 765th bar, first visited in 2010.

More of a dive bar than I’d have expected in this part of Lenexa.

There’s a standard L-shaped bar with a smaller L-shaped standalone bar set back from it. Out front is a small patio.

Entertainment includes widescreen Golden Tee Live and Silver Strike Live, pool tables, a jukebox. This bar also has pull tabs.

12227 W 87th Street Pkwy
Lenexa, KS 66215
US
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(913) 599-5011
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Silver Wheel Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:13:00 +0000

(De Soto, KS)

Scooter’s 763rd bar, first visited in 2010.

Like Beert Thirty, this was also a private club. Unlike Beer Thirty they did not give us memberships, but did give us temporary guest access good for 1-2 drinks.

I didn’t see any kind of patio, but since it’s a private club smoking is allowed. There was a pool table, an older Golden Tee machine, a pinball machine, and several video slot/poker machines.

They serve breakfast on the weekends but I don’t know if there are food offerings at other times during the week.

8385 Penner Ave
De Soto, KS 66018
US
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(913) 585-1001

Beer Thirty

scooterj — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:12:00 +0000

(De Soto, KS)

Scooter’s 762nd bar, first visited in 2010.

At first glance, this was a run down, dirty, almost scary place. But the longer I sat there, the more it grew on me. By the time I left I realized this is probably a pretty decent place to hang out.

Beer Thirty is a private club, so smoking is permitted. After quizzing us and deciding we were ok, the bartender gave us memberships. She was pretty friendly and had a sassy sense of humor.

The bar area isn’t very attractive, pretty barebones in a cinder-block room. The bar forms a long U-shape so offers lots of seating and lends itself to creating conversations. There’s a covered patio outside the east end.

To the west of the bar is a separate room (separated by a half-wall) with pool tables and additional seating. This room looks nicer than the bar area. The restrooms are back here too and were pretty clean.

The bar serves food a few days a week but apparently usually has a few things that can be quickly heated up on the other days.

Beer Thirty is biker friendly and participates in area poker runs. It also has karaoke nights as well as bands. I’m told it’s a popular hangout for off duty police as well.

9150 Lexington Ave
De Soto, KS 66018
US
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(913) 585-1416
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PJ’s Sports Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:10:00 +0000

(Shawnee, KS)

OUT OF BUSINESS
As of May 2011, PJ’s appears to have closed.

Scooter’s 759th bar, first visited in 2010.

This strip mall sports bar is really showing its age, but it’s not a bad place to stop in and have some cheap drinks. There’s a bit of a musty smell but that didn’t really bother me.

The bar is long and L-shaped. The venue is fairly large — much bigger than it looks from the outside. There’s a couple of pool tables, MegaTouch, several tables, and an area for live music and dancing. Karaoke was underway during my visit.

I’ve seen this place packed several times while driving by, but on the particular Friday night I visisted there were only a handful of people in the bar.

10923 Shawnee Mission Pkwy
Shawnee, KS 66203
US
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(913) 962-7309

Goodfellas Bar & Grill

scooterj — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:12:00 +0000

(Belton, MO)

Scooter’s 758th bar, first visited in 2010.

This is a new Italian Gangster / Gangster movie themed bar in Belton. It’s small but has room to move around. There’s a curved bar with a kitchen behind it (no idea if they actually serve food though). There’s a pool table, a juke box, and a small stage in the front corner for karaoke and other live performances.

1016 North Scott Ave
Belton, MO 64012
US
[launch map]
816-318-9699

Roadside Inn

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:26:00 +0000

(Martensdale, IA)

Scooter’s 752nd bar, first visited in 2010.

So we’re flying down Iowa 92, very far behind schedule for getting to a wedding reception we were do it, when my friend threw his arm across my chest to point out the window.

“WHAT’S THAT?!?” he exclaimed.

Why, it was the glow of neon lights signalling the presence of a Bonus Bar.

What’s a Bonus Bar? One that we didn’t know existed. Though we had passed one a short time earlier in Indianola, this one was so unexpected we decided we just had to stop.

Most of the place was a restaurant, which was now closed, but there was a smaller sports bar to the right. We settled down at the bar.

We told our bartender, Kelsi, of our predicament — that we had to stop in but were incredibly late for a wedding reception and needed to get in and out fast.

She recommended some Apple Pie shots, as she had them already made up. I actually don’t like the taste of apple, but we were on a mission so I did what I needed to do.

325 N Highway 28
Martensdale, IA 50160
US
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(641) 764-2667
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The Irishman

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:25:00 +0000

(Downtown, Indianola, IA)

Scooter’s 751st bar, first visited in 2010.

When we had mentioned earlier that we were going to The Irishman, the people we were talking to winced.

Normally we like dirty dives, but something about this place was off. It had the usual pool table and video slots, but it just felt bland and unfriendly. We decided to chug our drinks and hurry out.

100 North Howard St
Indianola, IA 50125
US
[launch map]
(515) 961-9740

The Garage

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:23:00 +0000

(Downtown, Indianola, IA)

Scooter’s 749th bar, first visited in 2010.

This was a very small bar, with darts and video slots. The wood-grained interior was considerably nicer than what I’d expected from the outside.

I noticed a patio in the back and we decided to check it out. It turns out the covered patio is almost twice as big as the indoor portion of the bar, and this is where most of the people were. We found ourselves a table and had a seat. There was a stage in the far back, but if anyone would be playing it mustn’t have been anytime soon.

Due to a clerical error made back in Williamsburg earlier that afternoon, we thought this was my 750th bar. At the next table a group of women were celebrating a birthday. My friend talked them into getting my picture taken with them in celebration of the milestone.

Though it ended up not being my 750th after all, the next bar would be and they happened to be going to the same place. So they led us around the block to our next bar.

118 E. Ashland Ave
Indianola, IA 50125
US
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(515) 961-9026
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The Zoo

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Indianola, IA)

Scooter’s 747th bar, first visited in 2010.

I’ve been wanting to come here for over a year due to it having the same name as my hangout back home. It ended up being just as much fun as I’d been hoping.

We stepped in the front door and immediately found ourselves on a landing with a choice of going downstairs or upstairs. We chose downstairs first and found a room with pool tables, but no one else was down there. We went upstairs next and found the main bar, complete with a popcorn cart and the usual video games.

Our bartender was Jesse, and he was a very nice guy. The bartender at Main Street Station back in Milo had told us to request something called “FMS shots”. We handed the note she wrote to Jesse and he whipped them up for us, on the house.

We never did find out what exactly the FMS shot is, but it’s fruity and it’s the house specialty.

102 W. Ashland Ave
Indianola, IA 50125
US
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(515) 961-8731
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Main Street Station

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:20:00 +0000

(Downtown, Milo, IA)

Scooter’s 746th bar, first visited in 2010.

Milo was always going to be a last-minute decision. We were on a schedule, and Milo was about thirty minutes out of our way. But we ended up making good time and decided to go for it. I’m glad we did!

The Main Street Station has multiple rooms, all in one big line. There were pool tables throughout. The bar itself is fairly small and about in the middle of the building, to the left of it is a kitchen.

After we got our beers we met the owners, Serena and Jeff. Our bartender’s name was Cindy. Jeff was busy working the pizza oven, while Serena and Cindy were making umbrellas in preparation for a luau.

The main feature of the menu is wood-fired pizza, using a pizza oven imported from Italy. Pizza was indeed part of our plan for the evening. They very nearly talked us into it, but we had already committed to another place later in the evening for our pizza fix.

So, instead, the bartender bought us Jell-o “shots”. And I use the term “shots” likely, because these suckers were H-U-G-E! Almost a meal in and of themselves. They had to be chewed up and eaten in several bites.

There had been a wedding reception underway across the street, and a couple of people from there came over to the Main Street Station about the time we were working on our Jell-o. We got to talking with them and when they heard of our barhopping adventures they bought us another round. Thanks!!!

With both the detour, the Jell-o, and the extra round, this detour ended up taking us from an hour ahead of schedule to an hour behind schedule. But it was well worth it, this is where we had the most fun all day! Funny how the places that are the most out-of-the-way end up being the best.

The train whistle…

How far we went out of our way…

120 Main St.
Milo, IA 50166
US
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(641) 942-6401
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Back In The Day Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Pleasantville, IA)

Scooter’s 745th bar, first visited in 2010.

We nearly forgot to go to Pleasantville. We had driven right on by, having not even seen a sign for it, until a sign at the last road we could turn at to get there reminded us.

“So, must be time for a shot! Huh, fellas?” shouted the bartender as we walked in.

The booths and decor in this bar, as well as the exterior shape, make me think it was once a hot dog place or an ice cream parlor.

There was a pool table, a jukebox, MegaTouch, and video slots. The men’s room sink, while still high, was significantly lower than its counterparts back in Knoxville.

There were several people inside the bar, however far more were outside on the “carport”-covered patio.

107 N. Jefferson
Pleasantville, IA 50225
US
[launch map]
(515) 848-3642

Sandals Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Knoxville, IA)

Scooter’s 744th bar, first visited in 2010.

This turned out to be a basement bar. It was a HUGE place. Several pool tables, darts, foosball, and video slots. There was an area for bands.

The men’s room was painted a blinding shade of chartreuse, and the sink inside was the highest I have ever encounter at any bar anywhere. It was nearly at my nipples. And I’m tall.

The highlight of the visit came as my friend was outside making a phone call. A drunk biker became very agitated while telling the story of a recent visit to the dentist. His story turned into a an obscenity-laced tirade against his dentist, then doctors and lawyers, and finally all people with white-collar jobs. “It’s a good thing for blue collar people keeping things running,” he said. “Glad we’re all blue collar here.”

Then he spotted me.

“YOU!!!” he shouted, pointing at me. “You’re not white-collar, are you?!?”

“Ummm…” I replied, “Uh… I want to live, so, ummm, no comment?”

“What do you do?” he asked me.

“I’m a computer programmer,” he said.

He mulled that over for a moment.

“Well, I’m sure you’re writing programs for The Man, so you’re okay.”

I was curious as to the purpose of this door, seeing that it can’t be opened without completely removing the toilet.

208 E. Robinson St.
Knoxville, IA 50138
US
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(641) 828-2016
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American Legion Post 168

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Knoxville, IA)

Scooter’s 743rd bar, first visited in 2010.

Based on how this American Legion looks on the outside, we didn’t originally expect there to be a bar at all. But Trish back at the VFW assured us it was all bar.

Sure enugh, inside we found a weird, angular bar (almost sigma-shaped but not quite) with a gap in the center. There were no pool tables, but there was a poker table. As usual around here, video slots were also present.

There were four TVs in the bar, and two two that were on were tuned to “Heartbreak Ridge”.

I liked these sketches of historic buildings in Knoxville.

314 E. Robinson St.
Knoxville, IA 50138
US
[launch map]
(641) 842-2308

Dingus Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:16:00 +0000

(Knoxville, IA)

Scooter’s 742nd bar, first visited in 2010.

This was a place we had to go to just for the name alone. However it was a challenge to find. First problem: Google Maps had the location off by more than a block. Second problem: address numbers on buildings were view and far between. Final problem… the bar’s sign, which I later found in Street View, was missing. We finally managed to find the place after we flagged down a local in a golf cart and asked for help.

Inside the walls are painted cinder blocks, covered in years of graffiti similar to Zoo Bar back home.

There were a few customers at first but as we settled in to place some Golden Tee (which we had to abandon and go for Silver Strike as Golden Tee was broken), it emptied out. Nonetheless the staff were busily preparing, as races would be underway at the speedway across the street in a few hours and this place would be packed.

In addition to the Silver Strike / Broken Golden Tee, there was a pool table, video slots, and an ATM.

The bartender was unable to find any marker, but we dug some out of the car and made our own marks on the walls of the bar.

The poor toilet. It must be lonely playing second fiddle to the irresistable draw of a stainless steel wedge-shaped trough.

By the way, I’d swear the chest-high sink here was even higher.

713 N. Lincoln St.
Knoxville, IA 50138
US
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(641) 842-2010
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Dan’s Village Pump

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:15:00 +0000

(Knoxville, IA)

Scooter’s 741st bar, first visited in 2010.

The glare of the sun in this Google Maps Street View image left us with virtually no advance knowledge about this bar. We had narrowed it down to likely being one of these buildings, but with virtually no other online presence we really had little to go on.

Nonetheless we pulled into the parking lot of what turned out to be a tiny motel, and after a moment spotted the bar’s entrance in the white building on the corner.

This was a small room, with a pool table and video slots surrounding a small L-shaped bar. We took the last two available stools in the back corner.

The bartender, a nice woman with a good sense of humor, asked where we were from and wondered how we found her way to the bar. She pointed out that I was sitting next to the pump, and for some reason I responded by inserting my finger into the pump’s spigot. I immediately yanked it back out.

“I should know better than to stick my finger into random holes in an unfamiliar bar,” I said.

“Yeah, you probably shouldn’t stick any part of you in any hole in this place,” she said with a laugh.

Speaking of holes, the sink in the men’s room was stainless steel rounded by a kitchen-like countertop. But, most noteworthy, it was chest-high. We’d soon learn that for some reason that’s a staple in this town.

210 N Lincoln St.
Knoxville, IA 50138
US
[launch map]
(641) 842-4444

VFW Post 3519

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:14:00 +0000

(Knoxville, IA)

John Myers Post

Scooter’s 740th bar, first visited in 2010.

From the Google Maps Street View of this place, we were unable to determine in advance if this would be a bar that was open to the public or not. Even when we arrived in the parking lot, where a vendor was selling produce, we weren’t certain. It wasn’t until we saw the “Must be 21 to enter” sign on the door that we knew for sure.

This is a nice place. Our bartender’s name was Trish and she was very friendly. She gave us lots of good info about the other bars in town.

This bar featured a pool table, a MegaTouch machine, and several video slots and video poker machines.

I had a good enough time here that I needed a souvenier, so I bought myself an official VFW Post 3519 beer koozie.

413 S Lincoln St
Knoxville, IA 50138
US
[launch map]
(641) 842-3519

Columbia Store & Tire

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:13:00 +0000

(Columbia, IA)

Scooter’s 739th bar, first visited in 2010.

This is one of the most unusual “bars” I have ever been to. From what I can gather, it was originally a tire store and possibly a small general store. But at the end of April 2010, they opened a Bar & Grill. Though there’s not really exactly a bar.

But I’ll get to that, because first I need to get into the aspect of this place that creeped me out.

As a result of all the barhopping trips I have taken, I occasionally have dreams about barhopping. A few months ago I had a dream that I was in a small town…

The main road in was a gravel road. At the main intersection in town, at the northeast corner, was a gray service station. I went inside and a mechanic was putting tires on a car. I was wanting a beer and I noticed a doorway leading to the east side of the building. I stepped through the door and found myself in a long, white room with cafeteria/diner style tables. At the north end of the room were restrooms, at the south went there were windows facing the road. There was a beer cooler in the southeast corner of the room. I grabbed a beer and a woman at a cash register behind me rang me up. As I sat at a table drinking my beer, I noticed people outside the windows pushing strollers.

And that was basically the extent of the dream.

So back to Columbia Store & Tire. The main road leading into the town is gravel. Columbia Store & Tire sits at the NE corner of the main intersection. The garage is on the west side of the building, to the east is the longer main building (which is bluish-gray in color). I stepped inside and found myself in a long white room with cafeteria/diner style tables. The bathrooms were at the north end of the room, the south wall had windows.

We asked the woman at the counter if this was the bar & grill. “Well, there’s no bar,” she said, “just grab yourself some beer from the cooler over there.” She pointed, we turned, and there was a beer cooler in the southeast corner of the room.

Wow.

We grabbed our beers and paid. My friend, out of habit, tipped her a buck. “That may be the first time in the history of tipping,” he pondered as we sat down, “that someone got a tip for merely pointing. She never actually touched the beer.” Which is true… the bottles had twist-off caps so we opened them ourselves.

The “bartender” asked if we were in town for the parade, which was apparently about to start. Looking out the window, I noticed a woman pushing a stroller down the street heading towards the parade route.

I am… freaked… out.

As we left town, my friend (who works in a children’s hospital) got angry upon seeing children on an ATV heading down the road to the parade.

1035 Virginia St.
Columbia, IA 50057
US
[launch map]
(641) 943-2216
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Sportsman’s Bar

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Chariton, IA)

Scooter’s 738th bar, first visited in 2010.

This was a pretty big venue, though the actual bar was fairly small. Nothing on tap. There were pool tables, a juke box, and tiny bathrooms in the back of the main room. Booths lined the west wall. There was also a side room but I didn’t venture over to it.

Our bartender looked a bit intimidating and was missing some teeth but he was a nice guy.

918 Court Avenue
Chariton, IA 50049
US
[launch map]
(641) 774-8451

The Office

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Chariton, IA)

Scooter’s 737th bar, first visited in 2010.

This place was brightly lit from natural lighting and very proudly showed off its Iowa Hawkeyes heritage. There was a pool table, a shuffleboard, and video slots. The bartop resembled a kitchen counter, and posters of Budweiser hotties surrounded the fridge.

At $2 for a 10oz domestic draw, this was also slightly more expensive than I normally expect in a place like this.

109 N Main St
Chariton, IA 50049
US
[launch map]
(641) 774-4231

Hurribak Club

scooterj — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Chariton, IA)

Scooter’s 736th bar, first visited in 2010.

I settled in here at the MegaTouch machine as I needed to kill about an hour of time.

The interior was dark, with racing curtains covering the windows. There were two pool tables, a juke box, and video slots.

The bartender was an older man who mostly kept to himself except when talking to the occasional regular who would pass through. He was a nice guy, though.

The beer was slightly higher than I expected to pay, $2.25 for a 12oz domestic draw.

217 North Main Street
Chariton, IA 50049
US
[launch map]
(641) 774-5049

JR’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:11:00 +0000

(Northland, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Shaker, Buster’s Bar & Grill

Scooter’s 735th bar, first visited in 2010.

Though from the inside it appears to be a typical bar for a typical suburban bar & grill chain, on the inside the bar is isolated enough from the restaurant to maintain a separate identity. In fact, it borders on meeting my criteria for being a dive bar. Despite the bland exterior, it’s a nice little hangout.

9321 N Oak Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64155
US
[launch map]
(816) 468-4450

The Lost Bar

scooterj — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:10:00 +0000

(Gladstone, MO)
Formerly End Zone

Scooter’s 734th bar, first visited in 2010.

Talk about a lost bar… I thought I’d covered every bar on North Oak four years ago! Every time I saw the name “Lost Bar” come up in my research I assumed it had to be a new name for a bar I’d already been too.

Ironically, my BARDAR has gone off numerous times while driving past the very strip mall in which this bar is located. It’s a strip mall that screams that it has a bar in it, yet there isn’t one to be found…

…unless you look in the back.

But why would you? From Oak it looks like a standard one-story strip mall with nothing behind it. But it turns out there’s a sharp drop in the hill and there is indeed a lower level around back.

Lost Bar is a small, dark, smokey dive — exactly what you’d expect such a well-hidden place to be. There’s pool tables, games, and a small stage. There seems to be a well-knit group of regulars.

7632 N Oak Trfy
Gladstone, MO 64118
US
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(816) 569-4860
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Brand’n Iron Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:25:00 +0000

(Princeton, KS)

Scooter’s 732nd bar, first visited in 2010.

I don’t mean this in an offensive way, but this is a total redneck bar. It was crowded, noisy, and rowdy. But rowdy in a friendly sort of way. We did see one customer kicked out and one near-fight, but nothing ended up coming of that.

The staff here were very friendly and attentive. I was surprised how quickly they took care of us given the crowd.

The interior space seems quite a bit smaller than it looks from the outside. There was only one pool table — there really wouldn’t be room for more.

There’s just one set of restrooms and they are one-person facilities. That really surprised me considering how busy this place gets, I’d think there’d be a constant line.

I loved the bidet guitar identifying the restrooms.

1457 U.S. 59
Princeton, KS 66078
US
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(785) 937-2225
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1 Moore Bar and Grill

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:24:00 +0000

(Richmond, KS)

Scooter’s 731st bar, first visited in 2010.

This bar was really crowded, in part because what looked like a girls softball team was here celebrating. All of the tables and most of the booths were taken, but we did find a few seats at the bar.

There’s a pool table and a big screen TV that was being used to show what song was current.

Our bartender was a very friendly and cool guy. The bar was otherwise just ok, but he made it a good bar.

My only real complaint is that it was way too brightly lit in there. In some parts of the bar it was a blindingly brilliant bluish-white light. Most of my photos in this bar did not turn out because the extreme brightness of the lights overpowered the image.

111 E Central St
Richmond, KS 66080
US
[launch map]
(785) 835-6556

Trade Winds Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:22:00 +0000

(Downtown, Garnett, KS)

Scooter’s 729th bar, first visited in 2010.

This looks like a good bar, unfortunately the conversations at a table behind us got so obnoxious that we couldn’t enjoy it and had to hurry ourselves so we could leave.

It’s a nice looking bar with interesting decor. In the front is a big rear-projection TV that doesn’t look like it’s used. In the far back is a back room with pool tables. There’s also a CD jukebox, an old Silver Strike machine, and a cool angular tabletop MegaTouch machine.

Even though it was getting late on this Saturday, the bar crowd skewed towards the silver set.

110 West 5th Avenue
Garnett, KS 66032
US
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(785) 448-5856
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Monkey Butt Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:20:00 +0000

(Iola, KS)

Scooter’s 727th bar, first visited in 2010.

We were pretty excited about coming to this bar, primarily for the name but also because of its reputation as a rowdy place that stirs up a lot of fights and a lot of problems for the neighborhood.

Unfortunately we arrived a little too early in the evening for it to be very busy yet, so we missed out on the potential for excitement.

It’s a pretty run down place, and feels more like a roadside diner than a bar. It was bright on the inside. There’s a few pool tables. Our bartender was pretty nice.

215 W. Garfield St.
Iola, KS 66749
US
[launch map]
(620) 365-7689

Uncle Ben’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:19:00 +0000

(Bronson, KS)

Scooter’s 726th bar, first visited in 2010.

This was a bonus bar, in that it had not come up in my preparation research, but I had a hunch that there would be be a bar on this block regardless and we decided to give it a go.

This is a 3.2% bar, meaning it can’t serve liquor and can only serve so-called “non-intoxicating” beer. Which is a bit of a misnomer as you can still get intoxicated, it just takes a lot longer. 3.2% bars are more loosely regulated, which is probably why this place didn’t turn up when I checked the Kansas Department of Revenue database.

This is a very old bar, so old that it’s heated by a wood-burning stove. In addition to the standard CD jukebox, darts, and pool table, this bar had the only foosball table we saw all day.

It took a while for our eyes to adjust, and it was very difficult to find the men’s room until that adjustment happened. It’s a very tiny restroom, exactly as wide as the toilet itself and just barly enough room to get inside and close the door. The sink is located outside the bathrooms.

Incidentally I keep seeing the address listed as “518 Charles” on other web directories, but it’s actually “518 Clay”.

518 Clay Street
Bronson, KS 66716
US
[launch map]
(620) 939-4990

Holmtown Pub

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fort Scott, KS)

Scooter’s 725th bar, first visited in 2010.

Just 2 bars after our favorite bar of the trip came our least favorite bar of the trip. It looked very promising, but inside there was almost no personality at all. Very little decor except around the bar itself, and though we were the only customers the bartender didn’t talk to us at all.

We ordered food, and it was nothing to speak of. It was served overly-hot and couldn’t even be touched for several minutes. The giant, flat chicken strips were ok, the fries were basically Ore-Ida and badly in need of more salt. There were several flies in the bar and it was a constant battle to keep them off the food.

There are two pool tables. There is also a CD juke box and a deck out the south side.

The one piece of decor that caught my attention…

206 North National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
US
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(620) 223-1477
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Fox Run

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:16:00 +0000

(Fulton, KS)

Scooter’s 723rd bar, first visited in 2010.

I was a bit nervous about this place at first, with its ramshackle appearance and with it being very much off the beaten path. But I’m glad we stopped in, because this was our favorite bar of the entire trip and easily among the best bars I’ve been to.

A poker run had just departed minutes before our arrival so it wasn’t very busy, which allowed us to talk with the bartender as well as one of the owners. These people were great, and they were excited that we found this place and even more excited when I mentioned that I had seen their Facebook page.

The bar was first built in 1946 and expanding to its current size (twice the original size) some time later. The current owners have had the place since about 1996.

The bar has 7′ ceilings, which gives it a very cozy feeling. (Borderline cramped if you’re tall like me.) The regulars are a vast cross section of people, a very eclectic mix of just about every walk of life. Cowboys, doctors, rednecks, lawyers,bikers, you name it. Because they are very strict and quick about dealing with troublemakers, there are almost never any kinds of problems at the bar and everyone has a great time.

The bar pulls in live entertainment, hosts poker tournaments, and even puts on turtle races for the kids. There’s two pool tables, a jukebox, and a semi-inaccessible MegaTouch machine.

One of my cohorts had just turned 21 recently so they gave him a free Fox Run hat. The hat looks great, and he loves it! (It’s the same hat worn by the mannequin below.

It’s a private club, $20 annual membership, but we were signed in as guests.

115 W. Spruce St.
Fulton, KS 66737
US
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(620) 857-9427
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Country Club

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:15:00 +0000

(Mound City, KS)

Scooter’s 722nd bar, first visited in 2010.

Technically a private club, though the fairly quiet group welcomed our presence. They were jokingly surprised that we’d pick this of all places to stop in. Our arrival filled out the remaining empty spaces on the boomerang spaced bar.

This is a very large bar, with pool tables in the front and booths and tables throughout. A visit to the restroom revealed another room parallel to the main room with further tables and games.

It took me several minutes to notice this dildo pointing at me from the bar mirror.

I know it sucks to run out of toilet paper, but come on, isn’t this overreacting a bit?

519 W Main St
Mound City, KS 66056
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Backdoor Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:14:00 +0000

(Pleasanton, KS)

Scooter’s 721st bar, first visited in 2010.

This bar is located around back of Northside BBQ, in a converted garage. While it wasn’t too busy when we visited due to our arrival between the lunch and evening crowds, the bartender told us that by nightfall the place would fill up to over a hundred people. Bands, bikini contests, and so forth help draw the crowds.

The bar has lots of table seating, two pool tables, a CD jukebox, and an outdoor area (though it was unclear to me whether drinks can be taken outside).

A separate room features the stage and dance floor, this room is also the junction between the bar and the restaurant that’s around front.

At $2 for a 16 ounce pour, this was one of the cheaper places we went to.

I loved the signs marking the restrooms. (The urinals were filled with ice, too.)

The outdoor area

Panorama of the bar. Please pardon the goofy facial expressions of my cohorts and their fragmented bodies. “Don’t move,” I told them, and this is what I wound up with. (Use the slider below the photo to view.)

11231 Tucker Rd
Pleasanton, KS 66075
US
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(913) 352-6185
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Outpost Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:13:00 +0000

(LaCygne, KS)

Scooter’s 720th bar, first visited in 2010.

This place is really popular. I know of several people from KC who hang out here quite a bit, mostly bikers but not all.

This is a pretty big place, and was rather busy. There were lots of people here getting lunch while a woman played acoustic guitar and sang in the center of the room. There’s also a main stage in the far back.

There’s TVs throughout the place, Keno, Silver Strike, and a driving game. The back of the main room has several pool tables. There’s a patio off to the side.

Though BBQ is just a tiny portion of their menu, it seems to be the main thing people come here for. We did get some appetizers (cheese sticks and GIANT baskets of fries that were really good but mostly went to waste due to there being too many) and people all around us were stunned that we weren’t eating BBQ.

Because the place was so busy, I didn’t feel comfortable taking photos. It was hard for me to get an opportunity to do so that wouldn’t have led people to believe I was taking their picture.

19394 KS Highway 152
LaCygne, KS 66040
US
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(913) 757-2672

Amsterdam Cafe

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:12:00 +0000

(Amsterdam, MO)

Scooter’s 719th bar, first visited in 2010.

Amsterdam Cafe was the only business in town open on this Saturday. (I actually wondered if it’s the only business open in this town, period.)

When entering the building, the diner is on the right and the bar is on the left. Naturally, we opted for the bar.

It’s a very small room. There’s a pool table in the front and about four tables for seating. The bar counter is very small with a handful of very short diner-style bar stools.

The bartender was very nice and attentive, he checked on us several times. He was the only person who interacted with us here.

There’s a CD jukebox, an older MegaTouch machine, and Silver Strike. However these were all unplugged. In fact, almost every electronic item except for the window air conditioner — even every beer sign in the window — was unplugged.

It wasn’t until after we left that we discovered the bar is quite a bit bigger than we thought. There’s another room next door with another pool table, darts, and at least one more arcade game. It doesn’t look like the back room gets much use.

Panorama of the bar. I’m not really sure what everyone is looking at, since nothing was turned on. (Use the slider below the photo to view.)

The back room that we didn’t notice until we left…

I love the name of the bait store next door…

Main Street in Amsterdam, MO. (Use the slider below the photo to view.)

349 Main St
Amsterdam, MO 6472
US
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(660) 267-3300

Drexel Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:11:00 +0000

(Drexel, MO)

Scooter’s 718th bar, first visited in 2010.

Even all the way from downtown Kansas City I’ve known about this bar for a long time, due to seeing it comes up a lot on various band schedules. It looks like they get quite a few good bands through this place.

The bar itself is a small L-shaped counter in the far back corner Next to the bar is an elevated stage. There’s pool tables in the front, and the main focus of the bar is a big elevated hardwood dance floor in the middle.

I didn’t notice it at first, but there’s another room adjacent to the stage, behind the business next door, with darts and video games. Behind that is a beer garden with a fire pit.

Happy hour is 4-6.

That’s the stage straight back on the right. The dance floor is in the lower left corner.

The dance floor…

Panorama of the back room. Use the slider below the photo to view.

The outdoor area and fire pit. Probably would look nicer had it not been so windy/stormy lately.

108 E. Main St.
Drexel, MO 64742
US
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(816) 657-2470
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Damage Control

scooterj — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:16:00 +0000

(Independence, MO)
Formerly The Pig

Also formerly Nick’s, and then Neiner’s way back in the day.

Scooter’s 715th bar, first visited in 2010.

Waaaay back when I was a youth this was called Neiner’s and was THE place for all the metalheads to go hang out. At some point it became Nick’s, and then more recently was known as The Pig. It still catered to the heavy metal crowd throughout that time.

Now it’s called Damage Control. The crowds are more mellow than in the past, and they are diversifying the acts to cover all facets of rock instead of just metal. (There’s even an Acoustic Night.)

The bar is very old and run down. Some might even describe it as crappy. But it has potential. The bartenders were all very nice and friendly.

In addition to the music, there’s pool and darts. Monday night is dart league night, the bartender waffled on whether the bar is open to the general public that night or not.

There’s also a menu that is surprisingly interesting and diverse for a place like this. One appetizer that caught my eye was the Tube Screamers — cheese sticks that are wrapped in ham before being breaded and fried. Basically, ham & cheese sandwiches in stick form.

815 N. Noland Rd.
Independence, MO 64050
US
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(816) 461-1117
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Eddie’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:14:00 +0000

(Robandee, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 713th bar, first visited in 2010.

This is a bar I’d never heard of and likely would never have known about, if not for my friend’s eagle eye. He had spotted it several months ago and tried to tell me about “this real shithole looking place” he had found, but I could never find it on my own. So, on a Saturday we both had free, we ended up deciding to head there together.

When we first arrived the owner had just unlocked the door, but she was not ready for customers yet. She seemed very suspicious of us and told us to come back in about an hour. (Hence why this is bar #713 instead of #710 as it originally would have been.)

When we returned the second time the man who was with the owner earlier asked me suspiciously about my camera and notebook. I explained about my hobby, and suddenly the mood changed. The owner (Leslie) apologized too us for her earlier mood, and everyone all around was very friendly to us from that point on.

“Make no mistake, this place is a shithole, and proud of it,” said the guy who had asked me about my camera. So I guess my friend’s description was not out of line.

However, as “shitholes” go, this is actually a pretty nice place. It’s also quite a bit bigger than you’d think from the outside. It’s well-maintained and not a bad neighborhood hangout at all.

Located in the dying Robandee Shopping Center, this place has been here a long time. Leslie told us she had worked here for 15 years before buying it 3 years ago.

I asked her why it’s still named Eddie’s, given that her name is Leslie. “Oh, honey, when I bought this place I had to deal with a mountain of paperwork half a foot thick and go to Jeff City to get fingerprinted and a background check. No way was I going to add to that by going through the renaming process too!”

There’s bartop trivia, darts, and I believe there were a couple of arcade games behind me. They’ve scaled back the kitchen, though, there’s food only 1 day a week now and Saturday isn’t that day much to the chagrin of our hungry bellies.

8226 E. Bannister Rd
Kansas City, MO 64134
US
[launch map]
(816) 761-1767

Highlander Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:13:00 +0000

(Grandview, MO)

Scooter’s 712th bar, first visited in 2010.

This aging (and showing it) bar is the other of two intoxicating bookends to this strip mall on the south side of Main right off 71 Hwy.

The hook-shaped bar in the back was full when we arrived, all old men. However the departure of two allowed us a place to sit. The guys here were all pretty friendly.

The bar featured a pool table and dart boards. I’m pretty sure there was a juke box though I am not certain.

Beer is nice and cheap here, and served in cold mugs. (But not frozen, thankfully!)

6305 Main St.
Grandview, MO 64030
US
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Get Directions (816) 767-0504

Doghouse Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:12:00 +0000

(Grandview, MO)

Scooter’s 711th bar, first visited in 2010.

This aging but well-kept bar is one of two intoxicating bookends to this strip mall on the south side of Main right off 71 Hwy.

The small L-shaped bar in the back is clean and comfortable and run by very personable bartenders. The bar features two pool tables, a shuffleboard, and older versions of Silver Strike and Golden Tee. (There’s no darts anymore, however.) There’s an internet juke box at the front end of the bar. Keeping with the name, dog “sculptures” decorate the bar. (Including an increasingly-rare Spuds McKenzie.)

This is one of those everyone-knows-everyone places, and the people here were very nice.

6109 Main St.
Grandview, MO 64030
US
[launch map]
(816) 765-3039

Elbow Bend

scooterj — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:11:00 +0000

(Grandview, MO)

Scooter’s 710th bar, first visited in 2010.

I didn’t know such a thing existed in the Kansas City area, but Elbow Bend is a Pittsburgh Steelers themed bar.

The owners is a huge Steelers fan, as is her husband. The bar is decked out in Steelers memorabilia, and the husband has even been known to show off his Steelers underwear. The bar can get a little crazy during NFL season. Unfortunately they don’t have a Sunday license so have to settle for the Monday night games.

Apart from football watch parties, the bar also features pool tables, a shuffleboard, Silver Strike, and an old CD jukebox. It also has a friendly bartender and some of the friendliest regulars you could hope to meet.

12402 Blue Ridge Ext, Suite D
Grandview, MO 64030
US
[launch map]
(816) 765-7070

BB’s Lawnside BBQ

scooterj — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:10:00 +0000

(Legacy East, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 709th bar, first visited in 2010.

(This entry fixes an injustice… I’ve actually visited BB’s several times over the years but for some reason have always forgotten to add it to the list.)

The BBQ at BB’s is good, though I am not a fan of their sauce. It’s too sweet for my tastes. However, BBQ or no BBQ, it’s a good place to kick back with some beers and listed to live blues. In fact, this is one of only three places in the KC area where I actually don’t mind there being a band. (The others are Winslow’s and Knuckleheads.) BB’s is definitely a KC institution.

1205 E. 85th St.
Kansas City, MO 64131
US
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(816) 822-7427
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Woodswether Cafe

scooterj — Thu, 06 May 2010 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 708th bar, first visited in 2010.

Long time breakfast/lunch dinner that recently opened its bar and started staying open late. Excellent, inexpensive food. Nightly dinner specials, karaoke on alternate Thursdays, and watch parties for major sports events.

1414 W. 9th St.
Kansas City, MO 64101
US
[launch map]
(816) 472-6333

Brothers Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:16:00 +0000

(Cape Girardeau, MO)

Scooter’s 707th bar, first visited in 2010.

This is a pretty relaxing lounge located in an aging strip mall complex. I sat at the bar with a mix of working class people of all ages watching part of the 20-inning Cards-Mets game.

The lounge is pretty big and can easily seat dozens of people. There’s pool tables and a jukebox. I didn’t notice a stage, but I was getting tired and didn’t look around a whole lot.

The bartender was very nice and knew everyone’s name (except mine). For a Saturday night it was unusually quiet, he mentioned that the previous Saturday it had been packed wall to wall.

I don’t know what it would be like in there when it’s THAT busy, but I had a nice relaxing time hanging out there with the 18 or so people present.

2023 Independence St
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
US
[launch map]
(573) 332-0700

Whiskey River

scooterj — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:15:00 +0000

(Cape Girardeau, MO)

Scooter’s 706th bar, first visited in 2010.

Whiskey River has apparently just opened recently, the liquor license is new and there isn’t a permanent sign in place yet. It’s a huge facility, with the entrance being a converted garage door. From the layout I’d guess this was formerly a car dealership or body shop, perhaps?

There’s two rooms. The larger main room where the L-shaped bar is located is decorated in black and has a big screen TV, pool tables, Golden Tee, and several video poker type machines. Then, facing the street, is a much brighter side room (brighter due to the large windows) with several tables and another pool table. The dozen or so customers were all over in the main room.

Karaoke seems to be the big thing here, there’s a weekly karaoke contest on Friday nights.

1444 Independence St.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
US
[launch map]
(573) 335-2233

Rhymer’s on the Plaza

scooterj — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:14:00 +0000

(Cape Girardeau, MO)

Scooter’s 705th bar, first visited in 2010.

When I pulled up to the run-down strip mall where Rhymer’s is located, I didn’t expect much. Probably just a simple dank room with a pool table and nothing but cans. So I was surprised to find a spacious, well-designed bar space with tons of character and personality!

I was helped by two different bartenders during my visit, both of whom were friendly and had a good sense of humor. The L-shaped bar was clean and comfortable. Beer was available on tap, and drinks were cheap.

The layout of the space is unusual, but very clever. The front half divides into the bar area and the table-seating area / game area. (Darts, and in a first for me for for any bar I’ve been too — sit-down arcade racing games.) The back-half splits into the restrooms to one side and the pool tables room on the other side. In the center is a stage. It is separated from all the areas of the bar, yet at the same time is open to and visible from every location.

A good sized outdoor area is also available, though I didn’t check that out.

One other thing I enjoyed — the restrooms are painted in chalkboard paint. There is chalk available on the sink so you can leave your (temporary) mark for posterity.

10 Plaza Way
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
US
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Name Formerly Visit Order:
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Rude Dog Pub

scooterj — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Cape Girardeau, MO)

Scooter’s 703rd bar, first visited in 2010.

The bar was pretty crowded when I arrived and only got busier during the course of my visit. Nonetheless I was served immediately. I didn’t catch the bartender’s name — he was a young man with a pony tail — but he was very attentive and friendly and was a key part of what made this a good place to hang out for a little while.

The crowd was about an equal mix of bikers and middle-aged people.

The decor, while bordering on gimmicky, is whimsical enough to be amusing. (I particularly enjoyed the upside-down Christmas Tree on the ceiling.)

The bar has one pool table and a setup for live music in the front. As much as was in here it should have been crowded and claustrophobic, but it wasn’t. They make good use of their space.

This is definitely a bar I’ll be back to on future visits to the town.

123 N Main
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
US
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(573) 335-4447‎
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Daytimer Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:10:00 +0000

(Cape Girardeau, MO)

Scooter’s 701st bar, first visited in 2010.

I arrived mid-afternoon on a Saturday. The bar was very dark, so dark it took a good 15-20 minutes for my eyes to fully adjust.

The tiled, horseshoe-shaped bar was filled with middle aged an older people, as one would expect this time of day. The cavernous interior of brick and concrete made it loud with even just a dozen patrons, so the somewhat timid bartender was very hard to hear.

The bar’s entertainment includes pool tables, some sort of video poker type games, a jukebox, and a stage for live entertainment.

From talking to others, it seems this bar draws some its patrons from up to 40 miles away.

829 South Kingshighway
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
US
[launch map]
(573) 334-9171

Do Drop Inn

scooterj — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:24:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lees Summit, MO)

Scooter’s 700th bar, first visited in 2010.

8:45pm

This was supposed to be our first stop of the day since it was listed online as opening at 10am, but they had recently changed their hours and now open at 2pm. So we decided to give it a visit on our way back into town.

There were few places left to sit in this downtown Lee’s Summit neighborhood dive, so we had to take a table by the door. The bar’s most interesting features are its piano and a collection of arrowheads displayed over the bar.

22 SW 3rd Street
Lees Summit, MO 64063
US
[launch map]
(816) 525-7806

Russo’s Pizza & Pub

scooterj — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:23:00 +0000

(Lees Summit, MO)

Scooter’s 699th bar, first visited in 2010.

7:40pm

I’ve driven by Russo’s for many years but for some reason had never stopped in before tonight. Apparently it’s a biker bar, though I’ve never seen many bikes outside.

The pizza is a cracker crust with a delicious sweet tomato sauce and plenty of cheese. I would have liked a little more pepperoni but overall it was very good — we devoured a large in minutes.

The main bar room is fairly large, with several smaller dining areas broken off throughout the building.

I’d never seen wicker bar stools before…

9324 Missouri 7
Lees Summit, MO 64064
US
[launch map]
(816) 578-4943

Rooster’s Sports Bar

scooterj — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:19:00 +0000

(Pleasant Hill, MO)

Scooter’s 695th bar, first visited in 2010.

5:25pm

Roosters is part steakhouse, part sports bar. It was pretty busy during our visit. According to the collapsing billboard outside they also feature live entertainment and dance nights.

100 S State Route 7
Pleasant Hill, MO 64080
US
[launch map]
(816) 987-5769

Pleasant Hill Pool Hall

scooterj — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Pleasant Hill, MO)

Scooter’s 694th bar, first visited in 2010.

4:55pm

Pleasant Hill Pool Hall, operated by Vikings USA Bootheel MO Post 190, is rumored to be the oldest pool hall in Missouri and possibly west of the Mississippi. The floor and most of the exposed surfaces are original, and the inside of the building definitely has a rustic beauty to it.

19 South 1st Street
Pleasant Hill, MO 64080
US
[launch map]
(816) 540-2004

Fugly’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:17:00 +0000

(East Lynne, MO)

Scooter’s 693rd bar, first visited in 2010.

4:05pm

Operated by Modern Day Veterans Post 295, Fugley’s (aka The Assembly of the Drunken Brethren Church) is a bar & grill built from a converted century-old church. (Or older? I found a reference to a church founded in town in 1874, which would be consistent with the construction style.)

Not surprisingly this has offended a few people — there is a small Facebook group opposed to this bar — but I got the impression that the majority in the community enjoy the gathering spot and are happy seeing the historic building in use instead of sitting empty.

The building’s history results in the interior being one of the most beautiful bars I have ever visited (my pictures don’t do it justice), with much of the original woodwork exposed.

Where the pulpit once stood there are now some games and a stage, where there were once pews there are now bar tables and pool tables. The bar itself is V-shaped and occupies most of one of the long walls.

Thanks to it being happy hour this was the cheapest bar of the day, with $1 draws. So I broke my rule and stayed for another round.

109 Indiana
East Lynne, MO 64743
US
[launch map]
(816) 626-3307

Mary’s Corral

scooterj — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:16:00 +0000

(Strasburg, MO)

Scooter’s 692nd bar, first visited in 2010.

3:25pm

This is another place I’ve been curious about for a while, having seen it a few times while driving on MO-58.

I imagine this place gets pretty busy, but the 3:00 hour is one of the deadest times of day for a bar so we were the only customers. On the first day of NCAA basketball tournament games, our bartender welcomed us by turning on the TV to a PBS documentary about working conditions in copper mines in the 1910s. This led to my brother calling our visit “depressing”.

Though Coors and Miller were listed on the menu, “We don’t carry Coors and usually don’t have Miller,” the bartender told us.

The pool table was in a separate room in the front of the bar.

While pooping in bars is generally a violation of proper bar etiquette, one would definitely not want to do it here. The sewer system can’t handle toilet paper so your wipings all have to be tossed into a basket.

512 Gamble Ave.
Strasburg, MO 64090
US
[launch map]
(816) 865-3330

Cowboy Inn

scooterj — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:15:00 +0000

(Holden, MO)

Scooter’s 691st bar, first visited in 2010.

2:10pm

This was a nice quiet downtown bar with a small deli counter in the front and a good menu of sandwiches and fried foods. I had a pretty delicious tenderloin and some rather good fries.

119 E. 2nd St.
Holden, MO 64040
US
[launch map]
(816) 732-6711

Stumble Inn

scooterj — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:14:00 +0000

(Holden, MO)

Scooter’s 690th bar, first visited in 2010.

1:40pm

I had been looking forward to visiting this bar for over a year since I first found it on Google Street View and fell in love with its run-down look.

“Are we really going in there?” my brother asked incredulously. “That building needs to be condemned and knocked down. Or at least repainted.”

Nonsense. Some people just can’t appreciate a rustic old building with character.

It took some time for our eyes to adjust once inside, it was quite a bit darker than the photos below make it seem. The locals were very friendly.

I really liked the original exposed natural stone at the back end of the bar.

104 S. Pine St.
Holden, MO 64040
US
[launch map]
(816) 732-5525

Logan’s Cabin

scooterj — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:13:00 +0000

(Lees Summit, MO)

Scooter’s 689th bar, first visited in 2010.

12:20pm

Now that it was lunchtime we would no longer be the the only bar customers for a while. We walked in to find about half a dozen older gentlemen regulars and a nice bartender who was vacuuming up feathers left over from the previous night’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

The bar is horseshoe-shaped with a cowbell hung directly over the center. The surrounding area has tables, pool tables, darts, and a small stage/dance area.

807 SW Oldham Pkwy
Lees Summit, MO 64081
US
[launch map]
(816) 525-9370

Sharkeez

scooterj — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lees Summit, MO)

Scooter’s 688th bar, first visited in 2010.

11:40am

I was surprised to find this open this early, I had been under the impression it didn’t open until the afternoon. This was a really nice neighborhood bar.

About midway through our drinks we were finally joined by another customer for the first time today.

17 Southwest 3rd Street
Lees Summit, MO 64063
US
[launch map]
(816) 600-6104
Visit Web Site

Los Corrals

scooterj — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 683rd bar, first visited in 2010.

This is an extremely popular Mexican restaurant. The bar is a separate room in front, it is fairly tiny and was packed shoulder to shoulder during my Saturday afternoon visit.

408 W. 9th St.
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-9440

Spirits Pub

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:11:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 682nd bar, first visited in 2010.

Motel bar for the regional American Inn chain. The bar is located on the fact side of the lobby building.

The bar is decked out in a deep red color and has a small stage area for their popular karaoke nights. There’s free popcorn and a food menu from the adjacent restaurant.

Happy hour ends at 7pm, draft beers are $1.50 during happy hour.

1211 Armour Rd
North Kansas City, MO 64116
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-3451
Visit Web Site

Harleys & Horses Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:10:00 +0000

(Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 681st bar, first visited in 2010.

Biker & rock/blues themed bar in a converted restaurant near Worlds of Fun. The bar is a rectangle in the center of the building, with a stage to once side and pool tables to the other side. There is a covered patio in back for the smokers.

This is a fairly new place, it opened October 2009.

The menu features a 5-lb burger challenge. But plan ahead, it requires 48 hours advance notice.

7210 NE 43rd St.
Kansas City, MO 64117
US
[launch map]
(816) 452-2660
Visit Web Site

Red Rocket Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Odessa, MO)

Scooter’s 676th bar, first visited in 2009.

From outside I expected this place to be huge, instead I found Odessa’s tiniest bar. The few barstools were occupied so we had to take one of a few small tables. By the front door several people were playing at the one pool table that could fit, while the jukebox blared ’90s dance hits.

115 W. Mason St.
Odessa, MO 64076
US
[launch map]
(816) 456-8663

Jugheads

scooterj — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Odessa, MO)

Scooter’s 675th bar, first visited in 2009.

Another basic small down, downtown neighborhood dive. There was some cleaning/repair work underway.

Though there was essentially no difference between Jugheads and its neighbor Woody’s, Jugheads was nearly empty while Woody’s had maybe a dozen or so customers. I have no idea why the disparity.

121 S. 2nd St.
Odessa, MO 64076
US
[launch map]
(816) 651-0397

Woody’s Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Odessa, MO)

Scooter’s 674th bar, first visited in 2009.

Your basic neighborhood dive bar, exactly the type of place you expect to find downtown in a small town.

There were several customers here and they were all women. I wondered briefly if it was a lesbian bar, but I could find no obvious evidence. After we were here about 20 minutes several other guys came in, so I guess that was just a fluke.

Something about this place seemed familiar to me, even down to the Woody Woodpecker car hood hanging on the wall. I never figured out why I was having such a sense of deja vu here.

111 S. 2nd St.
Odessa, MO 64076
US
[launch map]
(816) 918-6634

Miss Kelly Jo’s

scooterj — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Oak Grove, MO)

Scooter’s 673rd bar, first visited in 2009.

There were three bars we planend to visit in Oak Grove. One turned out to be a formal restaurant, another appeared to be closed. But Miss Kelly Jo’s made the stop in Oak Grove worthwhile.

The space is clearly set up for live music and dancing, though none of that was going on this afternoon. There’s plenty here to keep you entertained, though, at any time of day.

The actual bar is a little tricky, it’s slightly elevated and as a result the stools are bolted to the floor, so if you’ve had a lot to drink it’s a bit of a challenge to get to get in and out of your seat.

1219 Broadway
Oak Grove, MO 64075
US
[launch map]
(816) 690-0039

DA’s Bar

scooterj — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:12:00 +0000

(Grain Valley, MO)
Formerly Pete’s Place

Scooter’s 672nd bar, first visited in 2009.

While not obvious in the photo, I arrived to a nearly full parking lot and mine was the only vehicle in the lot that was not a pickup-truck.

The interior is painted what I like to call East Berlin Gray, a medium-dark slate gray that makes the area seem darker and smaller than it actually is. This is definitely the “toughest” of the Grain Valley bars (apart from the dance club Whiskey Tango which has actually had a shooting).

My drinking companion was nervous about being here, but the rough & rowdy atmosphere wasn’t anything I hadn’t seen many times before.

Year’s ago on this site was a small white wooden shack that housed a tavern called Pete’s Place. It burned down in the 1980s and was replaced with the stark cinderblock building that sits here today.

112 SW Eagles Pkwy
Grain Valley, MO 64029
US
[launch map]
(816) 847-2226

Nila’s Pizza & Pub

scooterj — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Grain Valley, MO)

Scooter’s 671st bar, first visited in 2009.

This was a bit unexpected, I checked it out on a whim but wasn’t expecting to find an actual bar inside.

Granted, the bar area is very small, a platform next to the kitchen with seating for maybe 6-8. But it does indeed seem to be serving as a neighborhood bar.

A couple of young guys setting next to us had been there drinking since opening. They had had breakfast (an appetizer sampler), has just finished lunch when we arrived (pizza), and were planning to stick around for dinner.

A handful of video games, a dart board, and a couple of TVs give this place a slight sports bar feel but it’s first and foremost a pizza place. And the pizza is VERY good. A true cracker crust and LOADED with cheese. I’ll have to come back for more.

522 Main
Grain Valley, MO 64029
US
[launch map]
(816) 847-7990
Visit Web Site

Grumpy’s Goat Shack

scooterj — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Victor, ID)

Scooter’s 668th bar, first visited in 2009.

Seasonal (Summer) bar in a converted 1-car garage. The bar seats 8, but there’s ample seating outside. There’s a wide selection of bottled beer and wine, and some of the best back-yard food you’ll ever eat!

The bar is an offshoot of the Dewey House Restaurant next door.

And, yes, there are goats!

37 S. Main
Victor, ID 83455
US
[launch map]
(520) 387-5771
Visit Web Site

Dr Lucky’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Mitchell, SD)

Scooter’s 661st bar, first visited in 2009.

19 beers on tap. Food was basic fried standard bar food.

205 N Main St
Mitchell, SD 57301
US
[launch map]
(605) 996-3200
Visit Web Site

Tommy’s

scooterj — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Gladstone, MO)

Scooter’s 660th bar, first visited in 2009.

Usually restaurant lounges are kind of lame, but the lounge at Tommy’s holds its own as a sports dive. It’s isolated enough from the restaurant area that it feels like its own place.

6221 N Chestnut Ave
Gladstone, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 413-8311
Visit Web Site

Caddy Shack

scooterj — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:13:00 +0000

(Council Bluffs, IA)

Scooter’s 657th bar, first visited in 2009.

We were the first customers of the day, and the bartender was still cleaning up from previous night’s RAGBRAI crowd that had kept him extremely busy Saturday night.

This was a spacious roadhouse type bar with some pretty entertaining graffiti in the men’s room. We played our final game of Golden Tee for the trip before hitting the highway for real.

1426 4th Ave
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
US
[launch map]
(712) 322-9708
Visit Web Site

Quarthouse Bar

scooterj — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Council Bluffs, IA)

Scooter’s 656th bar, first visited in 2009.

We headed over to Main Street and drove up and down both sides trying to decide what our next bar would be. We were looking specifically for a place called Uncle Charlie’s Boston Boozers at 519 S. Main because that name is just awesome. But it either does not exist anymore or is very well hidden because we could not find it. But we did find the Quarthouse, and it was open.

This was a nice, quiet old-timer dive with canned beer. There we a few other guys in here. I believe everyone was watching golf.

Update: There is a pool table in the back room, and they have karaoke on the weekend.

107 Pearl St
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
US
[launch map]
(712) 322-9830

Downtown Blues

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:37:00 +0000

(Downtown, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 653rd bar, first visited in 2009.

Just as we were giving up, the light of this place appeared. We only had 10 minutes left until closing time but we managed to get served.

A band that I think was called “”Over The River”" was playing “”Night Moves”" when we arrived. The bar wasn’t very busy and only a few people were dancing. The band had time for a couple more songs. They did covers of other southern rock hits, and when the final song played, everyone in the bar was dancing.

1512 Howard St
Omaha, NE 68102
US
[launch map]
(402) 345-0180

T Henery’s Pub

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:35:00 +0000

(Old Market, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 651st bar, first visited in 2009.

We were making circles throughout the neighborhood and sort of stumbled across this place when we saw people disappearing under the sidewalk. The allure of a basement bar drew us in so we headed on down. We later realized this was one of the bars the bartender back at Homy Inn had recommended to us.

We found a basement sports bar that looked like a frathouse rec room, but I actually mean that in a good way. There was a DEA dog present, as far as I could tell it was here only because its handler was in for a visit, it didn’t seem anyone was getting busted for anything.

UPDATE: Revisited on Friday, April 28, 2023. Just like in 2009, I was still the oldest person in here — but this time by a much wider margin. The pictures below are from this new visit.

1102 Harney St
Omaha, NE 68102
US
[launch map]
(402) 345-3651

Bullpen

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:34:00 +0000

(Old Market, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 650th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was more like it. It wasn’t super crowded like the other places had been. The front end of the bar was open air with a garage door style entrance. The bartenders were fun, as were the customers.

The restrooms were down a long corridor and were pretty disgusting — obviously a public restroom not associated with the bar.

1125 Jackson St
Omaha, NE 68102
US
[launch map]
(402) 502-5150

Old Market Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:33:00 +0000

(Old Market, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 649th bar, first visited in 2009.

Since Barry O’s blew, we were on a mission to find a nearby bar that didn’t blow. This was the least-blowy one we found on this street. We were able to get our drinks quickly, though there was no place to sit. B went outside and chatted with the bouncer, who was a nice guy, to get some advice from him as to where to find some less busy/upscale bars. We advises us to head further west and south.

514 S 10th St
Omaha, NE 68102
US
[launch map]
(402) 341-0191

Rose & Crown Pub

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:31:00 +0000

(Downtown, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 647th bar, first visited in 2009.

This place is rated as one of Omaha’s top dives. The bar area itself is nice, and it has a beautiful deck in the back. We had also read a review that told us we needed to check out the basement bathrooms that would remind one of Buffalo Bill’s basement in “”Silence of the Lambs”", but since neither of us had to go, we both forgot about doing so.

Update: On a later visit I did use the restroom. You go down a treacherous staircase with a very low ceiling into the very low ceilinged basement. At the bottom there are three small unmarked doors. Women’s has a nude woman on the door, Men’s has a Nebraska logo. I don’t know what’s behind the third door.

Many of my companions on the second trip thought this was a gay bar but I didn’t see it. Gay-friendly maybe but it wasn’t flaunted.

515 S 20th St
Omaha, NE 68102
US
[launch map]
(402) 346-8242

Old Dundee Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:30:00 +0000

(Dundee, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 646th bar, first visited in 2009.

At long last! B had been searching for the new PowerPutt Golf game for a few months, and now he finally found one. So we took a break to enjoy a game of virtual mini golf.

4964 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68132
US
[launch map]
(402) 558-0801

Beer and Loathing in Dundee

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:29:00 +0000

(Dundee, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 645th bar, first visited in 2009.

Right across the street from Underwood. We had a very nice waitress who gave us 1/2 price, 1/2 pint draws so that we could continue on our mission quickly.

4949 Underwood Ave
Omaha, NE 68132
US
[launch map]
(402) 614-4999

Underwood Bar

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:28:00 +0000

(Dundee, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 644th bar, first visited in 2009.

The parking lot was very small and very full. I had to parallel park inside the lot, and the lot had only one entrance — behind me. We ended up leaving the car here for the next couple of bars.

As I took the picture of the outside, a woman ducked away saying “”Oh, I can’t be in your photo!”" B jokingly informed her we were with the FBI.

Underwood was one of our top picks and we soon found out why, this bar bills itself as The Hub of the Universe.

The bar was pretty full, and as we started taking he indoor pictures, the women who had been outside asked what we were doing. B explained to her the trip we were on and how we had been out since Wednesday morning on a quest to have a drink at 100 bars.

She thought that sounded awesome, and immediately turned to her friends and told them what we were doing. “”Wow! That’s like one of those things people people talk about doing but never actually go and do,”" said one of them.

“”Are you guys talking about anal sex?”" asked another woman sitting catty-corner to the first group.

That end of the bar erupted in laughter and word about what we were doing spread throughout the bar.

4918 Underwood Ave
Omaha, NE 68132
US
[launch map]
(402) 556-7727

Homy Inn

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:27:00 +0000

(North Omaha, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 643rd bar, first visited in 2009.

We have a winner! Normally it would be hard for me to pick a favorite bar of each day, but this was it. From the beeer trays on the ceiling, to the wall of cans, to our awesome bartender named Nikki, this place was perfect!

Oh, and did I mention that it serves champagne on tap?

That’s right! See for yourself in the photos. Naturally we passed on beer here in favor of a couple of glasses of the bubbly goodness.

We told Nikki about our trip and she gave us some great suggestions for places to hit up later when we reached downtown. (T Henery’s, Billy Frog’s if they hadn’t lost their license, The Dubliner, and The Maxx)

1510 N Saddle Creek Rd
Omaha, NE 68104
US
[launch map]
(402) 554-5815

Nifty Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:25:00 +0000

(North Omaha, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 641st bar, first visited in 2009.

We picked this place because the online reviews we read talked about the rowdy crowd and that customers are constantly getting their cars towed.

Admittedly we did have trouble figuring out how to get to their parking lot, but once we did it wasn’t too hard at all to park legally. The crowd inside seemed pretty mellow, thought it was still early. We played Silver Strike. Starting at the 9th frame a little kid repeatedly asked us when we’d be done because he wanted to “”play”".

4721 NW Radial Hwy
Omaha, NE 68104
US
[launch map]
(402) 933-9300

Musette Bar

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:24:00 +0000

(Benson, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 640th bar, first visited in 2009.

There was a cute little dog running around in here that loved to chase the ball and play fetch.

We noticed that this bar had more shuffleboard tables than most places. Turns out the owner is Shane Hagen, a champion shuffleboard player.

We asked the bartender about the name of the bar. He didn’t know the origin, just that it had had that name for nearly a hundred years and the current owner saw no reason to change it when he bought the place.

6020 Maple St
Omaha, NE 68104
US
[launch map]
(402) 554-5830
Visit Web Site

Burke’s Pub

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:22:00 +0000

(Benson, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 638th bar, first visited in 2009.

The bartender offered us up some free hot dogs and popcorn. I declined, but B went ahead and dug into the corn. I enjoyed the barber chair inside the front door.

6117 Maple St
Omaha, NE 68104
US
[launch map]
(402) 558-1365

Full House

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:21:00 +0000

(Benson, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 637th bar, first visited in 2009.

We found a place to park the car and began a short walking adventure in the Benson neighborhood. We started out with this place, a little removed from the main strip.

After nearly four full days of taking pictures in bars, it took until #81 for someone to ask us what we were doing. They were cool about it though, the people here were friendly.

6135 Military Ave
Omaha, NE 68104
US
[launch map]
(402) 558-3133

Swig’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:20:00 +0000

(Midtown, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 636th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was probably the dive-iest dive we went to today.

6913 Maple St
Omaha, NE 68104
US
[launch map]
(402) 505-5448

Wayside Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:19:00 +0000

(Westside, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 635th bar, first visited in 2009.

Why did we have to eat breakfast????? This place was serving up a pizza that looked even better than the one we saw earlier in the day at The Fire Barn. Actually we were starting to get hungry, but we had plans of another sort for food coming up soon.

8503 Maple St
Omaha, NE 68134
US
[launch map]
(402) 391-7162
Visit Web Site

Dave’s Pub/Keno

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:18:00 +0000

(Westside, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 634th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was one that barely made our list, primarily because we couldn’t find any information about it whatsoever. Instead it turned out to be one of our favorite stops.

At first it looked like a basic boring cookie-cutter joint in a run-down strip mall. But that was from the outside. Inside we found an honest-to-goodness neighborhood dive bar, the kind that people make their home away from home. This was a nice place and we enjoyed our visit.

8805 Maple St
Omaha, NE 68134
US
[launch map]
(402) 391-2589

I Don’t Care

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:17:00 +0000

(Northwest Omaha, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 633rd bar, first visited in 2009.

This was a place we had selected simply because of its name. If we had pulled up and found it was named anything else, we were going to move on. Thankfully we found that we could indeed go on inside for a drink.

We sat at the large rectangular bar. It was now lunchtime and a few tables were occupied with families sitting down for a meal. We watched an episode of “”The World’s Most Amazing Videos”" and drank the raspberry version of Mike’s Hard Lemonade. This would be the last of the girly drinks of the day, our stomachs were now ready for a return to beer.

3346 N 108th St
Omaha, NE 68164
US
[launch map]
(402) 763-2800

Delta House

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:16:00 +0000

(West Omaha, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 632nd bar, first visited in 2009.

An “”Animal House”" themed bar! The walls were covered with props, publicity photos, and posters from the movie. We were the only customers at this time of day but this place looks like it could be a pretty fun hangout in the evenings.

3121 N 108th St
Omaha, NE 68164
US
[launch map]
(402) 934-4042

Moe & Curly’s Pub

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:15:00 +0000

(West Omaha, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 631st bar, first visited in 2009.

We picked this location on name alone, and the fact that its advertising uses the phrase “”Why Soitenly!”" sealed the deal as this being a “”Three Stooges”" themed bar.

2946 N 108th St
Omaha, NE 68164
US
[launch map]
(402) 493-9808

Lighthouse Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:14:00 +0000

(Northwest Omaha, Omaha, NE)

Scooter’s 630th bar, first visited in 2009.

This one came very close to not making the cut, but it was saved only because the very nondescript web site suggested that it was a dive even though the location suggested to us otherwise. We were intrigued enough to check it out.

The Lighthouse was very tricky to get to from Maple. It was only barely visible — we’d never have spotted had we not plotted its location in advance. Two congested left turns, then a parking lot maze that took us around the back of a strip mall in order to get us around to the far side where the entrance was.

It was still early so we were the only customers. We watched part of the movie “”Cocktail”" with the bartender and learned about the heroics of a local legend, illustrated in one of the photos above.

15676 W Maple Rd
Omaha, NE 68116
US
[launch map]
(402) 498-3824
Visit Web Site

Depot

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:12:00 +0000

(Waterloo, NE)

Scooter’s 628th bar, first visited in 2009.

A railroad themed bar, though we didn’t notice the theme quite so much on the inside as we did on the outside. There were breakfast customers inside, we were the first bar customers. However it didn’t take too long before others started coming in and filled up a majority of the barstools.

310 3rd St
Waterloo, NE 68069
US
[launch map]
(402) 779-4110

Outer Limits Sports Bar

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:11:00 +0000

(Valley, NE)

Scooter’s 627th bar, first visited in 2009.

I honestly didn’t expect this place to be open, suburban style sports bars usually do not open this early. But this one does, at least on Saturday, in order to take advantage of the nearby golf course. And sure enough, there were already a few golfers inside.

The problem was, the linoleum part of the floor was being waxed, during business hours. We were not able to enter through the main door and were only able to enter through a side door by making a jump to the carpeted area. All the furnishings had been moved to this carpeted area so there was very little room to maneuver. The four golfers were trapped, and the room smelled of floor cleaner. We even had to reach to get to our beers, unable to completely approach the bar. Luckily we were limber and sober enough to make a leaping escape when we were ready to go.

28564 W Reichmuth Rd
Valley, NE 68064
US
[launch map]
(402) 359-8757

Willie’s Bar

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Valley, NE)

Scooter’s 626th bar, first visited in 2009.

We had called ahead and knew that this place opened at 8am, though neither of us remembered this at the time and were surprised at first to find it open.

There were a handful of people here already, including a guy who from the looks of it had been there since opening. Everyone was watching the movie “”Sorority Boys“”.

327 N Spruce St
Valley, NE 68064
US
[launch map]
(402) 359-5734

DJ’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:32:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fremont, NE)

Scooter’s 624th bar, first visited in 2009.

We made it just in time, 10 minutes before the kitchen closed. B ordered a hot ham and cheese sandwich, an I ordered a smoked prime rib sandwich with swiss.

The food. Was. Amazing. A perfect barhopping meal!

415 S Main St
Fremont, NE 68025
US
[launch map]
(402) 721-2001

Doe’s Place

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:31:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fremont, NE)

Scooter’s 623rd bar, first visited in 2009.

There’s a pretty big courtyard, monitored on a closed circuit television facing the bar. The bartender told us that the owner also gets a feed and can watch it in her home.

148 N Main St
Fremont, NE 68025
US
[launch map]
(402) 727-9825

Corner Bar

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:30:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fremont, NE)

Scooter’s 622nd bar, first visited in 2009.

Our beers were $1.80, an odd price. This was a risky place to enter and exit, the dart boards are immediately to the right inside the front door while the dart line is immediately to the left inside the front door.

300 N Main St
Fremont, NE 68025
US
[launch map]
(402) 721-9996

Dugout Bar

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:28:00 +0000

(Downtown, Fremont, NE)

Scooter’s 620th bar, first visited in 2009.

Before we went inside we walked around the block looking for a pizza place that was supposed to be there, but it was closed and looked like it might have been out of business. We continued around the block back to The Dugout.

This was an awesome little neighborhood dive. The bar was full so we had to take a table in the back corner. ELO was playing and the women in the bar were rocking out.

239 E 6th St
Fremont, NE 68025
US
[launch map]
(402) 721-5868

Franky & Oly’s

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:26:00 +0000

(Fremont, NE)

Scooter’s 618th bar, first visited in 2009.

353 W 23rd St
Fremont, NE 68025
US
[launch map]
(402) 727-4119

Bottom Road Bar

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:25:00 +0000

(Morse Bluff, NE)

Scooter’s 617th bar, first visited in 2009.

This place looked like it was built somewhat recently. I expected it to be a biker bar, but it seemed to appeal to a wide cross section.

3041 County Road 26
Morse Bluff, NE 68648
US
[launch map]
(402) 666-9226

The Pour House

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:24:00 +0000

(North Bend, NE)

Scooter’s 616th bar, first visited in 2009.

The bartender’s side of the bar is a pit sunken down about 2 feet below floor level. The bar itself is also shorter than at most bars. So there are no barstools, you sit in office chairs instead. There wasn’t room for both of at the bar us but everybody moved down so we could squeeze in another chair.

725 Main St
North Bend, NE 68649
US
[launch map]
402-652-8314

Tiny’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:22:00 +0000

(Schuyler, NE)

Scooter’s 614th bar, first visited in 2009.

50-cent draws! A new all-time price record for us! (Excluding quarter draws of Natural Light served in dixie cups at frat bars.) There were no normal white light bulbs in this place, each light was a different color.

The men’s room here fit the dive bar restroom mold beautifully. It was basically an alcove behind the pool table and pretty run down.

120 E 12th St
Schuyler, NE 68661
US
[launch map]
(402) 352-9949

Bootleggers Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:21:00 +0000

(Schuyler, NE)

Scooter’s 613th bar, first visited in 2009.

We watched an episode of “”Cash Cab”" here. I got a laugh out of a handwashing poster in the men’s room, which in an attempt to be politically correct seemed to imply that your ethnicity will change several times as you wash your hands.

1109 B St
Schuyler, NE 68661
US
[launch map]
(402) 352-9900

4 Jokers Bar

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:20:00 +0000

(Downtown, Columbus, NE)

Scooter’s 612th bar, first visited in 2009.

There were two things about this placed that cracked us up. One was all of the KISS decor throughout the bar. The other was the redundant urinal. The men’s room contained two urinals, but one of them was pointless because they were places side-by-side at 90 degree angles to each other so only one could ever be used at any one time. (Except I suppose in the case of conjoined twins, I guess I shouldn’t rule out the possibility the restroom was designed to accomadate two very specific regular customers.)

2521 11th St
Columbus, NE 68601
US
[launch map]
(402) 563-3002

Micek’s Shangrila

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Columbus, NE)

Scooter’s 611th bar, first visited in 2009.

Micek’s was really busy, we couldn’t sit at the bar and had to take one of the few remaining tables.

2506 12th St
Columbus, NE 68601
US
[launch map]
(402) 564-3093

Glur’s Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Columbus, NE)

Scooter’s 609th bar, first visited in 2009.

Having opened in 1876, this is the oldest continually-operating bar in Nebraska and one of the oldest in the west. It was a favorite spot of Buffalo Bill and more recently of Leon Sphinx. We really, really wanted souvenir glasses from here, but they were in the basement and the bartender had a broken foot and couldn’t get them for us.

2301 11th St
Columbus, NE 68601
US
[launch map]
(402) 564-8615

Double T Bar

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Columbus, NE)

Scooter’s 608th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was the busiest bar we’d seen so far today.

2403 11th St
Columbus, NE 68601
US
[launch map]
(402) 564-2909

Hot Shotz Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Columbus, NE)

Scooter’s 607th bar, first visited in 2009.

75-cent draws! I discovered I had left my camera in the car so the pictures for this and the next few bars all had to come from my phone.

2501 11th St
Columbus, NE 68601
US
[launch map]
(402) 564-5767

Avenue Bar

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Columbus, NE)

Scooter’s 606th bar, first visited in 2009.

We picked this place first because we happened to stumble across it first. We ended up parking the car here to do the rest of Columbus on foot. The bar had just opened and the bartender wasn’t quite ready for customers but she took good care of us. She told us about the railroad construction that had nearly cut the town in half and how several trains roll by an hour.

1061 26th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
US
[launch map]
(402) 563-3635

Hinkle’s Pub

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:13:00 +0000

(Rising City, NE)

Scooter’s 605th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was a family run place, enough that children were working behind the counter and had to call for mom when we ordered beer. The only beer on tap was Keystone Light, and Mom had to look up the price ($1.35 each).

730 Main St
Rising City, NE 68658
US
[launch map]
(402) 542-2400

Shelby Hotel

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:12:00 +0000

(Shelby, NE)

Scooter’s 604th bar, first visited in 2009.

I later found a notation in an earlier draft of my guide book for this trip:

Also check out the local hotel, it has a liquor license. Probably just to serve wine for dinner but maybe it has a bar.

As it turns out, the Shelby Hotel is not a hotel at all. Or, at least, it hasn’t been for a very long time. It’s actually a bar and grill inside a historic hotel building. It was very busy serving up lunch and is apparently mostly a daytime operation, but it served us well.

240 N Walnut
Shelby, NE 68662
US
[launch map]
402-527-5457
Visit Web Site

Sportsman Bar

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:11:00 +0000

(Polk, NE)

Scooter’s 603rd bar, first visited in 2009.

When we got out of the car we were greeted by a cute little scruffy dog named Chloe who was waiting outside the bar. The bar was a big, wide open space and was fairly active for this time of day. Chloe kept trying to come inside, so her owner finally told her, “”Chloe, go home.”" And she did. I guess small town dogs are smarter than city dogs.

160 N Main
Polk, NE 68654
US
[launch map]
(402) 765-3291

The Independent Club

scooterj — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Central City, NE)

Scooter’s 602nd bar, first visited in 2009.

A very big, old bar with all sorts of large, inflatable objects hanging from the ceiling.

417 G St
Central City, NE 68826
US
[launch map]
(308) 946-9819

White Horse Tavern

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:29:00 +0000

(Grand Island, NE)

Scooter’s 600th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was a good, basic roadhouse-style dive. There was a menu and the food smelled good, but we had leftover pizza waiting for us back at the motel. The Game Show channel was on the big wall TV, we watched some “”Deal or No Deal”" and another game show I was unfamiliar with.

1803 W North Front St
Grand Island, NE 68803
US
[launch map]
(308) 384-4586

Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grill

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:24:00 +0000

(Grand Island, NE)

Scooter’s 595th bar, first visited in 2009.

Entering this place was kind of strange, we walked down a smelly, carpeted hallway though a series of glass doors, with meeting rooms on either side. At the end of the hallway a couple of flights of stairs led to the bar that occupied most of the building’s upper level.

Their draws were all pints so we ordered 12-oz bottles. B asked for a glass to pour his beer into. He was handed a pint glass, and B’s beer filled it to the top. Busted! One of the barbacks overheard us talking about it and gave us a physics demonstration showing that what looks like very little liquid at the the top of the glass looks like a whole lot at the bottom of the glass. But that still doesn’t explain where other other 4 ounces went.

2110 W 2nd St
Grand Island, NE 68803
US
[launch map]
(308) 381-8666

BT’s Lounge

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:23:00 +0000

(South Locust, Grand Island, NE)

Scooter’s 594th bar, first visited in 2009.

We had to drive around the building to get to the parking lot, and we noticed several people out back smoking. “”The cool people must use the back entrance,”" B said. We pulled around front, where we were the only car, and went inside. “”Oh! I’m glad I remembered to unlock the front door this time!”" said the bartender.

We played some Silver Strike and B set a new high score. Meanwhile on the bar’s TV, ABC was airing a segment on J.K. Rowling (the author of the Harry Potter series, in case you’ve been in a coma), specifically focusing on her sorrows and tribulations. “”I, [sniff] I fell asleep in a big pile of money, and [sniff] I didn’t know where I was!”" exclaimed B in his best sobbing British female voice, to the delight of the other patrons.

2320 S Locust St
Grand Island, NE 68801
US
[launch map]
(308) 382-9773

Pam’s Pub & Grub

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:22:00 +0000

(South Locust, Grand Island, NE)

Scooter’s 593rd bar, first visited in 2009.

The front area was a buffet style restaurant, serving up all-you-can-eat fried chicken. It smelled really good and we were starving, but we wanted to hold out for pizza. The bar was in another room in the back and overlooked a golf course. We were a little early for a bartender so had to wait for an of-age server to become available to serve us.

2848 S Locust St
Grand Island, NE 68801
US
[launch map]
(308) 382-7687

Korner Still Bar & Grill

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:20:00 +0000

(Hampton, NE)

Scooter’s 591st bar, first visited in 2009.

This is about as incognito as a bar can get. Circling around the block a few times we deduced that this was the most likely building given the address, but there was absolutely no identifying signage, or any signage whatsoever. We tried peering in windows and couldn’t make anything out. Finally I worked up the nerve to go open the front door, hoping I wasn’t stepping into someone’s house. Thankfully, we were right and had found the bar.

111 A St
Hampton, NE 68843
US
[launch map]
(402) 725-3362

Hoffman’s Cafe & Lounge

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:19:00 +0000

(Bradshaw, NE)

Scooter’s 590th bar, first visited in 2009.

Bonus Bar! We have now established the First Law Of Rural Nebraska Barfinding. Grain towers of suitable size = bar in immediate vicinity.

Our bartender had a tattoo on her breasts and wasn’t shy about joining in with a beer of her own. Behind the bar we saw signs identifying this place as both Hoffman’s Bar and as Rog & Lou’s Bar but the Hoffman’s name seemed to be the predominate one.

105 E Highway 34
Bradshaw, NE 68319
US
[launch map]
(402) 736-4441

Midway Cafe & Bar

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:18:00 +0000

(York, NE)

Scooter’s 589th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was a long, narrow space that was well lit. It was really more grill than bar, the actual bar was just a small section at the front end of the lunch counter. In the back past the pool table were several older arcade games including a few that seemed to be just getting stored there.

Behind the bar I noticed a police scanner — something I later spotted in a number of bars — and a two plaques. One honored Midway as the best bar in York, the other was an award for best Bartender in York. Which are nice accomplishments, although as best as we could tell there wasn’t a whole lot of competition.

728 N Lincoln Ave
York, NE 68467
US
[launch map]
(402) 362-9912

First Street Bar & Grill/American Legion Post 49

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:16:00 +0000

(Utica, NE)

Scooter’s 587th bar, first visited in 2009.

After The Bullet Hole there really wasnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t much to say about this place, it was pretty plain, but it had some interesting grandma’s-house-like dÃƒÂ©cor.

440 1st St
Utica, NE 68456
US
[launch map]
(402) 534-2777

Bullet Hole

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:15:00 +0000

(Utica, NE)

Scooter’s 586th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was a COMPLETE bonus bar, absolutely nothing in our research indicated this would be here and we wouldnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t expect a town of this size to be able to support two bars side-by-side. The Bullet Hole is over a century old (believed to have opened in the late 1800s) and it has always been named The Bullet Hole. The bar itself was constructed in 1892 by the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company in St. Louis and originally used in Dubuque, IA before being shipped here in 1906. For being so old, itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s in amazing condition!

430 1st St
Utica, NE 68456
US
[launch map]
(402) 534-2323

Spare Time Lounge

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:13:00 +0000

(Seward, NE)

Scooter’s 584th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was a bowling alley bar but was pretty isolated from the bowling, enough to give it its own personality. It had a very unusual, split-level layout (see pictures above) that made the bartender actually lower than the customers at about 2/3 of the barstools. They had recently opened a new patio, I believe they called it “The Beach Club”Â.

123 S 4th St
Seward, NE 68434
US
[launch map]
(402) 643-3898

DJ’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:12:00 +0000

(Staplehurst, NE)

Scooter’s 583rd bar, first visited in 2009.

We werenÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t 100% sure if there would be a bar here or not, our research had given us an iffy impression that it might have gone out of business a few months ago. But it was open and business seemed to be good.

There was a beer garden, and this place was unusually clean and well-maintained for a bar in such a small town.

330 A St
Staplehurst, NE 68439
US
[launch map]
(402) 535-2253

Lou & Mary Anne’s Bar

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:11:00 +0000

(Bee, NE)

Scooter’s 582nd bar, first visited in 2009.

Luckily for us, Lou and Mary Ann were awake and doing business. This place felt like a perfect small town gathering spot. It was also a welcome relief after the land of oversized college beers in Lincoln: nice little 10oz draws! As we enjoyed our drinks, we watched Judge Judy decide a case about a vandalized car and a case about a sick dog that had been put to sleep.

“”Do you know if there’s any more rain coming?”" the bartender asked me.

“”No, I think it’s over,”" I said. “”I hope it’s over, anyway.”"

“”I hope it’s not,”" he replied. We really, really need it.

Guess it was pretty selfish of me to want good weather for the drive. It hadn’t occurred to me how important rain is here.

176 Elm St
Bee, NE 68314
US
[launch map]
(402) 643-2313

Merle’s Food & Drink

scooterj — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Emerald, Lincoln, NE)

Scooter’s 581st bar, first visited in 2009.

I think we were the day’s first customers, though more began trickling in. There was no shortage of service, we had at least 3 people taking care of us. I got myself a nice big steak, while B ordered one of the day’s specials, sirloin hash. The latter was so good that I have since learned the recipe and made it a few times.

8250 W O St
Lincoln, NE 68528
US
[launch map]
(402) 474-6435
Visit Web Site

Harry’s Wonder Bar

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:31:00 +0000

(Downtown, Lincoln, NE)

Scooter’s 578th bar, first visited in 2009.

On the advice of our friends at The Spigot we crossed the street and found ourselves in a nice little dive, the kind of place we really like.

We ordered beer, but evidently mixed drinks are supposed to be the way to enjoy this place. While other bars are stingey, this place serves up a basic mixed drink in a beer mug, at least in the demonstration we were given.

1621 O St
Lincoln, NE 68508
US
[launch map]
(402) 474-7309

The Keg

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:28:00 +0000

(Woods Park, Lincoln, NE)

Scooter’s 575th bar, first visited in 2009.

There were quite a few motorcycles in the parking lot. We stepped inside and the first thing we noticed was that the floor under the bar was covered in piles of used lottery tickets. “”I dropped a winner in here the other night, I’m here to reclaim it!”" B announced to the bartender.

Saddles hung from the ceiling, and beer was served in jars. I was bothered by a strange smell that I thought was similar to baby diarrhea, but B thought I was crazy so maybe it was just my imagination. We reminisced about our trip to Salina back in 2007 and discussed plans for a domain name inspired by that trip.

104 N 20th St
Lincoln, NE 68503
US
[launch map]
(402) 474-9395
Visit Web Site

One Eyed Dog Saloon

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:25:00 +0000

(Eagle, NE)

Scooter’s 572nd bar, first visited in 2009.

Biker bar with a pretty good sized beer garden. This was where we really started noticing the popularity of Keno. We read through a Keno book and B played a few games.

540 S 4th St
Eagle, NE 68347
US
[launch map]
(402) 781-2739
Visit Web Site

Bulldog’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:24:00 +0000

(Murdock, NE)

Scooter’s 571st bar, first visited in 2009.

We made our way over to Murdock and parked across the street from the bar, conveniently right in front of the post office. Unfortunately I still did not have any stamps and this was the town I wanted to mail my cards from.

As we stepped in the door we were bum-rushed by two little kids who darted in past us and took the only two remaining seats at the bar. Most of the tables were occupied. As we looked around for a place to sit, three guys at the other end of the bar scooted around to make room and invited us down to sit near them.

Our bartender’s name was Lori and she was very busy dealing with a full house, but I was finally able to get a moment of her time to find out if she or the bar had a couple of stamps I could buy. Unfortunately, she did not.

Just as it looked like my hope of mailing out these cards with my last name as the postcard was dashed, one of the local guys who had moved earlier to make room for us chimed in. “”I think I have some stamps in my car,”" he said, “”I’ll be right back.”"

A few moments later he returned. I gave him a buck for the stamps and bought him a beer for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Had those two little kids not chumped us for the barstools, I’m most likely have had to mail my cards from Lincoln instead and lose the fun of the Murdock postmark.

301 Nebraska St
Murdock, NE 68407
US
[launch map]
(402) 867-9191
Visit Web Site

Get-A-Way Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:23:00 +0000

(Manley, NE)

Scooter’s 570th bar, first visited in 2009.

We got inside and the first thing we noticed was that our friends from Hopkins Tavern back in Weeping Water were there.

“”It’s about time!”" they said.

They got a good laugh out of it when we explained that we had arrived by way of Louisville.

The bar was completely full so we had to sit at a table. We decided to go ahead and get a little food, just some fried appetizers, and the bartender was so service-minded that she wouldn’t hear of it when we got up to order from the bar and she instead came around to take our orders.

I knew it had to be getting late since the evening news was on, which meant we had fallen a little behind schedule. As we watched the TVs we noticed that the ceiling was decorated with dozens of classic beer tap handles.

115 Main St
Manley, NE 68403
US
[launch map]
(402) 234-9903

Good Times

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:22:00 +0000

(Louisville, NE)

Scooter’s 569th bar, first visited in 2009.

The people in this bar were very friendly. While walking back from the restroom I accidently bumped into a biker, causing him to spill some of his beer. “”Oh, I’m really sorry,”" I told him. “”Oh don’t worry about it,”" he said with a laugh, “”it’s no harm at all.”"

225 Main St
Louisville, NE 68037
US
[launch map]
(402) 234-9900

Roadrunner Bar

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:20:00 +0000

(Avoca, NE)

Scooter’s 567th bar, first visited in 2009.

We played a few games of bartop trivia and set a respectable new high score.

513 House St
Avoca, NE 68307
US
[launch map]
(402) 275-3334

Ruli’s Pour House

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:19:00 +0000

(Nehawka, NE)

Scooter’s 566th bar, first visited in 2009.

This place had a pretty big beer garden to the side. We asked the bartender who Ruli is and we learned it is an amalgamation of the names of the bar’s owners: Ruth and Lisa.

By the way, Ruli’s had been the end point of Bikers for Boobies just a few weeks earlier.

417 Elm
Nehawka, NE 68413
US
[launch map]
(402) 227-2026

Brown Bottle

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:18:00 +0000

(Union, NE)

Scooter’s 565th bar, first visited in 2009.

By now it was a little after 3:00 in the afternoon. We walked up to the front door of the bar, and it was locked. We turned to walk away, then noticed the other door we were standing right next to. Open. We had been tricked by a false door.

The bartender was not from Union herself, and told us about how the nearby town of Nehawka is where most of the people around this general area go to school.

Midway through our drinks the back door opened and a thick, tough-looking farm guy entered. He sat down to our left and ordered, a vodka cranberry??? C’mon, dude!

108 Main St
Union, NE 68455
US
[launch map]
(402) 263-9755

Dinty Moore’s Lunch Room

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:17:00 +0000

(Nebraska City, NE)

Scooter’s 564th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was a tiny, tiny bar. Though no one was eating at the moment, the lunch cooking in the kitchen filled the bar with a delicious, beefy smell.

108 S 8th St
Nebraska City, NE 68410
US
[launch map]
(402) 873-5833

End Zone

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:16:00 +0000

(Nebraska City, NE)

Scooter’s 563rd bar, first visited in 2009.

Looked like a converted Pizza Shoppe. Had a sand volleyball court outside, something we soon found to be common about Nebraska bars. (The other commonality is that nearly all of them have Keno.)

The Silver Strike machine had inadvertently been left in admin mode, so we could easily have had a lot of fun with that.

703 S 11th St
Nebraska City, NE 68410
US
[launch map]
(402) 873-9909

Paul Tavern-Kats Place

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:15:00 +0000

(Paul, Nebraska City, NE)

Scooter’s 562nd bar, first visited in 2009.

Located in the unincorporated community of Paul, one of approximately 6 buildings in the village. The inside of the bar was a dingy white and fairly bright. We talked with a former truck driver (possibly the owner), whose beard merged perfectly with his chest hair, about the time several years ago that he spent 14 weeks driving loads of bagels to the Cold Storage building in the River Market back in Kansas City.

5996 N Rd
Nebraska City, NE 68410
US
[launch map]
(402) 873-4501

Ron’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:14:00 +0000

(Nebraska City, NE)

Scooter’s 561st bar, first visited in 2009.

This was a pretty big place, and the bar had kind of a lunch counter feel to it. The older couple that was running the bar told us about various sights to see in Nebraska City.

1219 Central Ave
Nebraska City, NE 68410
US
[launch map]
(402) 873-9926

Wagon Wheel Bar

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Nebraska City, NE)

Scooter’s 560th bar, first visited in 2009.

To our right, an old man with a very, very large nose. To our left, a child shot pool while his dad was getting himself drunk. A good bar!

612 Central Ave
Nebraska City, NE 68410
US
[launch map]
(402) 873-9827

Blue Moon Bar

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:12:00 +0000

(Hamburg, IA)

Scooter’s 559th bar, first visited in 2009.

It was pretty busy inside, with a smell of burgers and fries permeating the air. There was nothing on tap so we got some bottles of Bud Light.

908 Main St
Hamburg, IA 51640
US
[launch map]
(712) 382-1323

Terri’s Place Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:11:00 +0000

(Mound City, MO)

Scooter’s 558th bar, first visited in 2009.

It only took our second stop to find our first bar with nothing on tap. We popped open a couple of cans of Coors while a table of old regulars chatted about the results of some sort of tournament.

520 State St
Mound City, MO 64470
US
[launch map]
(660) 442-5516

Quackers Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Mound City, MO)

Scooter’s 557th bar, first visited in 2009.

The bar area was fairly small, and while several tables were occupied we were obviously the first bar customers of the day. The room (and much of the town, for that matter) was all decked out with a duck hunting motif. Down to the shotgun shells embedded into the bar top.

1012 State St
Mound City, MO 64470
US
[launch map]
(660) 442-5502

Brock’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 09 May 2009 17:11:00 +0000

(Northland, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 556th bar, first visited in 2009.

Nice sports bar in Platte County. Good food, good prices, friendly people. Front patio is fully enclosed during the colder months or during rain so it can be used regardless of the weather.

6541 N Cosby Ave
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
[launch map]
(816) 741-0410
Visit Web Site

American Legion Post 318

scooterj — Sat, 09 May 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Parkville, MO)

Scooter’s 555th bar, first visited in 2009.

Technically a private club but open to the public, this is the only true bar in downtown Parkville and serves its role as a neighborhood bar well. Open 7 days a week, with breakfast Sunday mornings and various food and drink specials throughout the week. There’s also a bingo night, an open mic night, and other entertainment. This is also the only bar in Parkville where smoking is legal.

11 Main St
Parkville, MO 64152
US
[launch map]
(816) 741-5387

Little Bar

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:22:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 551st bar, first visited in 2009.

We weren’t sure if this was really open or not, the Google Maps Street View did not look promising. But, because of the lit porch light, we decided to assume that maybe the Street View images were taken on a Sunday. We’re glad we made that assumption and went out of our way, because this turned out to be a good find!

Little Bar appears to be a converted gas station from the 1930s or so. The actual bar has seating for about 5 and had no room for us, luckily some time in the past a couple of small additions were made so we were able to squeeze into 2 chairs around a tiny table holding a trivia machine. The people here were very friendly and welcomed us among them. This was probably our best find of the day.

UPDATE (April 6, 2013)

I revisited it again 4 years later. There were a couple less people so I was able to move around more, but I kept hitting my head against the ceiling. Same bartender as the last time, so I think he might be the owner. Nice guy. I really like this place.

1431 10th Ave
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
[launch map]
(913) 758-0036

Club Savage

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:21:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, KS)
Formerly Creamy’s Place, Firehouse Club

Scooter’s 550th bar, first visited in 2009.

Formerly the Firehouse Club, also formerly Creamy’s Place. We almost did not come here because our research had given us the impression that this place was very private and exclusive and would not likely let us in. Instead it turned out to be one of the best stops of the day. We quickly filled out membership and spent our entire visit in nonstop conversation with the bartender and one of the regulars.

813 Cherokee St
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
[launch map]

Tom’s Country Stampede

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:20:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 549th bar, first visited in 2009.

We walked in and immediately felt the “who are you and what are you doing here?” vibe from the regulars. The bar was completely full, but it wrapped around to a small room in the back so we walked around to that corner looking for an empty seat. I could feel all the eyes in the place following us as we did so. Finding no seats, we walked around to the front.

“Now that you’ve had the tour, you gonna order something?” gruffed the bartender. The entire place erupted in laughter at our expense. I timidly got the beers, and as I paid for them the bartender asked if we had membership cards.

“Not yet,” I said, “do we need to fill them out?”

“Naw, forget it,” he said. I think he figured we weren’t worth the trouble and not at all likely to become regulars.

745 Cherokee St
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
[launch map]
(913) 682-7085

Cyclone

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 548th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was a very nicely done biker bar, we were very impressive with the place. Our bartender was pretty cool. I couldn’t help but notice her heavily tattooed arms, but B quickly spotted what I didn’t for a long time — it was actually a tight, flesh-colored shirt with tattoo print on the sleeves.

We took in an episode of “Cash Cab” on the big screen before walking down to the next place.

610 Cherokee St
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
[launch map]
(913) 651-0446

Fatheads Irish Pub

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 547th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was the first place we went to to make us fill out membership cards. This was a split-level bar, the bar area was down a half flight of stairs from an initial seating area, then below that initial area was a third room.

I don’t understand the concept of places that call themselves Irish pubs but don’t have Guinness on tap. We grabbed our Bud Lights and went to the back corner to play some Silver Strike.

UPDATE (April 6, 2013)

This place has gotten a lot better since my previous visit! There was Guinness on tap, and the bartender served up great pours! Also it appears the private clubs are a thing of the past. Great visit!

The mirrored ceiling still messes with my head.

327 Delaware St
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
[launch map]
(913) 651-1006
Visit Web Site

Our Place

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 545th bar, first visited in 2009.

By now the sky was clear and the sun was bright, so we were completely blinded upon entering this totally dark bar. We felt our way to some seats and as our eyes adjusted the bartender did an ID check. (In retrospect I’m surprised we didn’t have to fill out membership cards.)

Once we had finished our drinks our eyes had adjusted, so we were re-blinded by the sun and white sidewalk upon leaving.

313 Delaware St
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
[launch map]
(913) 682-3523

RJ’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Weston, MO)

Scooter’s 542nd bar, first visited in 2009.

This was a charming downtown dive. The main room was much smaller than I expected from the outside. Later I noticed an additional room, with games, located past a swinging door that I had mistaken for an employees-only area.

707 Thomas St
Weston, MO 64098
US
[launch map]
(816) 386-5258

Music Box Saloon

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:12:00 +0000

(Weston, MO)

Scooter’s 541st bar, first visited in 2009.

This is another one that mapping sites get wrong. In fact if you were on my TD’s Bunkhouse map & info page above and then clicked the link on that to Music Box, the mapping tool would give you directions taking you half a mile away. Actually it’s just across the same gravel parking lot.

This place was big, and obviously catered to live bands and dancing. At not quite noon, though, we were the only people in there.

B noticed this doorknob to nowhere, evidently a door that at some point was converted into a window:

The upper wall of the bar area was lined with classic vintage beer cans. One in particular caught my eye:

17985 State Route 45 N
Weston, MO 64098
US
[launch map]
(816) 640-2640

TD’s Bunkhouse

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:11:00 +0000

(Weston, MO)

Scooter’s 540th bar, first visited in 2009.

I must have driven past this place several times and never noticed it, it’s well hidden from the main road. Most online mapping services get the location wrong (it’s correct in my map link above, though) so it took some serious online sleuthing to find the real location before heading up this way.

Situated at the far end of a huge gravel lot, this place looks smaller than it actually is. Inside the bar area is in the front, while the back half has tables, games, and a small stage area for bands.

17965 N Hwy. 45
Weston, MO 64098
US
[launch map]
(816) 386-2196

The Pool Hall

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Platte City, MO)

Scooter’s 539th bar, first visited in 2009.

We actually came to Platte City expecting to visit Outlaws, but we found that place long gone (it’s something else now) but The Pool Hall was open right next door.

We had a seat at the rustic wooden bar, designed to look sort of like a stable or maybe a blacksmith shoppe. Behind us some gentlemen were playing poker at the tables, and far in the back were a couple of pool tables. We were offered menus, but I had already eaten and B wasn’t quite ready to eat yet.

238 Main St
Platte City, MO 64079
US
[launch map]
(816) 858-9989

The Peanut

scooterj — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:10:00 +0000

(South Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 531st bar, first visited in 2009.

Arguably the best of the Peanut locations. Very old, tiny, but cozy neighborhood bar. Fills up with college students weekend nights but the rest of the time is a comfortable, laid back place.

5000 Main
Kansas City, MO 64112
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-9499

Ye Ole Inn

scooterj — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:11:00 +0000

(Cloverdale, IN)

Scooter’s 530th bar, first visited in 2008.

Ye Ole Inn has been open since 2004 in a building that has served many purposes: previously a video store, before that a furniture store, and originally a 1940s gas station.

These eclectic uses explain the unique layout of the bar, broken into multiple rooms. There’s a pool room, the main bar area with the jukebox and a 3-sided arcing bar, and a back nook.

101 S Main St
Cloverdale, IN 46120
US
[launch map]
(765) 795-5533

Village Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Waldo, OH)

Scooter’s 529th bar, first visited in 2008.

Established in 1840, this is by far the oldest bar I have been to so far.

The front area did not look anything like a bar at all, more like a snack shop. But it served a limited supply of beer and liquor, along with friend walleye sandwiches and other bar food. Hidden away in the back was a much larger room with three pool tables and several booths. The Village Tavern hosts area pool leagues.

104 S Marion St
Waldo, OH 43356
US
[launch map]
(740) 726-9622

Somewhere Else

scooterj — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:17:00 +0000

(Newark, OH)

Scooter’s 527th bar, first visited in 2008.

This as divided into two rooms. The front room was the bar, which like it’s neighbor Tony’s had a lunchcounter feel only more rustic. The back room was a large dance floor. During my visit the bar was being decorated for a bartender’s 30th birthday party the next day.

386 W Main St
Newark, OH 43055
US
[launch map]
(740) 345-0967
Visit Web Site

Tony’s Bar

scooterj — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:15:00 +0000

(Newark, OH)

Scooter’s 525th bar, first visited in 2008.

I sought this place out specifically because of an online review I found that made this out to be the absolute worst bar in town. Because part of me enjoys seeing a bar that’s really that bad, but mostly because 9 times out of 10 the bar turns out to actually be perfectly find and the reviewer is in fact one of those uptight snobbish types who wants everything cleean, pristine, and high-dollar. That’s the way it turned out to be with Tony’s.

The front part of Tony’s very much resembles a 1950s style diner, down to the booths, the bar stools, and the photos on the walls. The back room has pool tables and is occasionally used for bands.

The selection of beer on tap, while limited, is more varied than most dive bars. This was the only place in town where I had Guinness from tap.

392 W Main St
Newark, OH 43055
US
[launch map]
(740) 345-8657
Visit Web Site

Elbow Lounge

scooterj — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:14:00 +0000

(Newark, OH)

Scooter’s 524th bar, first visited in 2008.

When we arrived the place had just opened and we were the first customers. They were waiting for a DJ to arrive and expecting a big crowd later.

This is a pretty old building, but I liked the way they put in a modern ceiling without completely hiding the 100+ year old original ceiling.

While this place is easy to find, it’s tricky to figure out how to get to. Your best bet is to park in the paved lot at the SW corner of 1st & Canal and then walk down the alley (Scheilder St.) around to the front of the building.

76 S 2nd St
Newark, OH 43055
US
[launch map]
(740) 349-7312

Nick’s Saloon

scooterj — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:13:00 +0000

(Newark, OH)

Scooter’s 523rd bar, first visited in 2008.

This was a classic, rustic dive bar. The bar was covered with photos of the regulars, an internet juke box provided tunes, and pool tables were available in the back.

The bartender was a really nice guy. I asked how late they would be open as it was a pretty quiet night. “2:30,” he replied. “I live alone and I have everything I need here, so I’ll just kick back and watch TV if no one is here. I don’t want anyone coming by and not be able to get a drink.”

191 S 2nd St
Newark, OH 43055
US
[launch map]
(740) 349-7713

Dew Drop Inn

scooterj — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:12:00 +0000

(Newark, OH)

Scooter’s 522nd bar, first visited in 2008.

Big space divided into 2 main areas. Two pool tables, DJ booth and small dance floor. The wall behind the bar is decorated with a jungle scene and lined with stuffed animals.

64 Union S
Newark, OH 43055
US
[launch map]
(740) 344-5024

Draft House

scooterj — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown Square, Newark, OH)

Scooter’s 521st bar, first visited in 2008.

Dive bar with VERY loud internet jukebox. In business as Draft House since 1973, but has been a bar far longer.

15 W Main St
Newark, OH 43055
US
[launch map]
(740) 345-9380

Sparta

scooterj — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown Square, Newark, OH)

Scooter’s 520th bar, first visited in 2008.

Established in 1900, recently refurbished. Popular Italian-themed bar on the square.

16 W Main St
Newark, OH 43055
US
[launch map]
(740) 345-6040

Full Moon Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Vandalia, IL)

Scooter’s 519th bar, first visited in 2008.

Been in business since 1988. Friendly local dive with pool table, jukebox, and an aquarium behind the bar.

120 S 6th St
Vandalia, IL 62471
US
[launch map]
(618) 283-4873
Visit Web Site

Fatheads and Braindeads

scooterj — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:17:00 +0000

(Grandview, MO)

Scooter’s 518th bar, first visited in 2008.

2 blocks west of downtown, Fatheads and Braindeads is a huge and popular biker bar.

We entered through the rear, as had all the employees and the few customers inside. Which was a bad thing, because the angle of the sun was creating such a glare on the tinted front windows that the “Open” sign and lighted beer signs were completely invisible. Couple with no cars in the front lot, it created an illusion that the bar was closed. We saw numerous cars pull into the lot, drive by slowly, and leave. One of the employees started running to the front door each time trying to wave people in, but her efforts went unnoticed. So we we had the spacious interior pretty much completely to ourselves as we played Silver Strike.

If other times that I had driven by are any indication, the place was likely packed after the sun sank low enough to make the lighted signs visible again. So a note to any would-be visitors, yes this place IS open on Saturday afternoon despite how it may look from the front!

By the way this bar has a feature usually found in coffee shops but slowly spreading into bars these days: free wi-fi.

514 Main St
Grandview, MO 64030
US
[launch map]
(816) 761-6060
Visit Web Site

Corner Bar

scooterj — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:16:00 +0000

(Grandview, MO)

Scooter’s 517th bar, first visited in 2008.

Located in downtown Grandview, this was a really good find. Our bartender was a hoot and made some pretty mean looking shots for the regulars. One of these regulars was a woman with the unusual speech impediment of being unable to pronounce the letters “L” or “R”. In a good-natured ribbing sort of way, our bartender would ask her questions whose answers would require using these letters, all whilee she sipped her “wemon dwop mahtini”. It was all in good fun, it was clear everyone in there was friends.

As we left an older woman seated near the door informed us that this was the best bar in town and invited us to return the next time we were in the area.

702 Main St
Grandview, MO 64030
US
[launch map]
(816) 761-9055
Visit Web Site

One-Eyed Jacks

scooterj — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:15:00 +0000

(Belton, MO)

Scooter’s 516th bar, first visited in 2008.

I’ve never seen this place not busy, and this afternoon was no exception. While relatively peaceful on the bar side, the billiards side was crowded and peppered with arguments and bickering. Already this early on the afternoon there was talk of people that needed to be thrown out. This is the kind of place I can see fights likely breaking out at, yet at the same time looks like a fun place to hang out.

114 E North Ave
Belton, MO 64012
US
[launch map]
(816) 322-2793

McGrew’s Pub

scooterj — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:12:00 +0000

(Raymore, MO)

Scooter’s 513th bar, first visited in 2008.

Located in a strip mall off MO-58, McGrew’s doesn’t fit the usual profile of a suburban strip mall bar. What on the outside looked like a generic chain was genuine local dive on the inside. As we played on the trivia machine (which was prestocked with a couple dozen credits) our surly bartender had no qualms about chewing out her assistants in front of the customers. A good find.

1276 W Foxwood Dr
Raymore, MO 64083
US
[launch map]
(816) 322-5782

Butcher’s Inn

scooterj — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:11:00 +0000

(Raymore, MO)

Scooter’s 512th bar, first visited in 2008.

The closest thing to a downtown bar in this town that seems to lack a downtown, Butcher’s Inn is hidden away behind the bend in MO-58. The L-shaped bar is nestled into the back of the blue-painted dining area, with a patio off to the side.

422 W Pine St
Raymore, MO 64083
US
[launch map]
(816) 322-7821

J and J Roadhouse

scooterj — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Belton, MO)
Formerly Jaudon Hideout

Scooter’s 511th bar, first visited in 2008.

This was a surprising find. Who’d have expected to find a bar at 203rd & Holmes? And how many people from the KC area have even heard of the unincorporated town of Jaudon (pronounced juh-DAWN) southwest of Belton? Our bartender was eager to fill us in on some of the local history.

The town of Jaudon was organized in 1893 as a stop on the Kansas City and Southern Railroad. It was named for James A. Jaudon, from a family of French settlers in the area on whose land the town was founded.

There a long history of a military presence here, from a nearby training area all the way back to Civil War skirmishes. Our bartender told of stories of homes not too far away still bearing scars, including one with a cannonball still lodged in the chimney.

Which brings us back to the bar. The Roadhouse is actually constructed atop a Civil War era military bunker. The original building has served many purposes throughout its 100+ year life, most recently as a gun shop. An addition was built on the south side of the building several years ago, seamlessly integrating itself to the look and feel of the original building to its north. That addition housed a small bar that was then called the Jaudon Hideout.

Recently the gun shop closed, and the building underwent a major renovation to expand the bar to fill the entire building. The inside has been renovated to modernize it, all while still retaining the historical feel.

In addition to drinks the bar features a nice menu, with a particular emphasis on buffalo burgers. Amenities include pool tables, several dart boards, and a patio. There is poker 2 Tuesday and Friday nights as well as Sunday afternoon, and karaoke and live blues acts provide entertainment throughout the rest of the week.

Jaudon is located at 203rd & Holmes (MO Hwy D), southwest of Belton, MO. From Kansas City take Holmes south 12-1/2 miles beyond I-435 to 203rd Street. From US-71 take the MO-58 exit and go west through Belton to MO-D (Holmes). Turn left and go 4 miles to 203rd Street.

20300 Holmes Rd
Belton, MO 64012
US
[launch map]
(816) 331-4867

Jalisco

scooterj — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Indian Springs, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 509th bar, first visited in 2008.

5000 State Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
[launch map]
(913) 287-6733

Kennedy’s Bar & Grill – 2

scooterj — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:11:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

MOVED – No longer at this location.
The temporary location for Kennedy’s while the original location is rebuilt after a fire. Moved to its new home in early 2009.

Scooter’s 508th bar, first visited in 2008.

With a bare concrete floor and partially-unfinished drywall, Kennedy’s currently has virtually no ambiance at all. But that’s just fine, because what’s important is that a neighborhood institution has survived a devastating fire in this temporary location. A new building has been constructed in the footprint of the original location, and by Christmas 2008 Kennedy’s is expected to return home.

512 W 75th St
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 361-9788

Frederick’s Tikki Bar

scooterj — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Turner, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 505th bar, first visited in 2008.

Tiny private club in the railyards. Serves pizza and canned beer. Karaoke on Friday nights.

4448 Speaker Rd
Kansas City, KS 66106
US
[launch map]
(913) 371-9211

Corner Bar

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:23:00 +0000

(Downtown, Liberty, MO)

Scooter’s 502nd bar, first visited in 2008.

With a little bit of time left, we stopped at tiny bar in downtown Liberty that was so dark when we pulled up we thought it had gone out of business. It was moderately busy inside. We got some Coors Light cans and decided to chill for a while, playing some shuffleboard and then some Silver Strike. Liberty’s most well-known homeless guy came in and said hello to everyone while we played.

The men’s room here is the epitome of a dive bar Men’s room. It has enough fixtures that theoretically three peoople could be in here at once, but there’s barely room enough for even 1 person to stand and still be able to close the door.

200 E Kansas St
Liberty, MO 64068
US
[launch map]
(816) 781-5298

Centerfield Pub

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:22:00 +0000

(Excelsior Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 501st bar, first visited in 2008.

This place is so new it doesn’t even have signage yet (other than a pole sign facing the interstate) so we had to ask what the name was.

115 Crown Hill Rd.
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
US
[launch map]
816-637-2288

Lawson Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:20:00 +0000

(Lawson, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called “Papa J’s Bar & Grill”

Scooter’s 499th bar, first visited in 2008.

The fact that this looks like a church is an optical illusion that I didn’t notice until later…. the thing that looks like a cross is actually a bar sign viewed edge-on.

322 N Pennsylvania Ave
Lawson, MO 64062
US
[launch map]
(816) 296-3888

Hilltop Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:19:00 +0000

(Holt, MO)

Scooter’s 498th bar, first visited in 2008.

This is a pretty big place and B used to hang out here and has known of some brawls breaking out. It wasn’t too busy yet during our visit but a big group was on the way for a birthday celebration. We took in some Silver Strike, playing a Red Pin version of the game that we hadn’t seen anywhere else before.

5288 SE PP Hwy
Holt, MO 64048
US
[launch map]
816-320-2666

Overtime Sports Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:18:00 +0000

(Lathrop, MO)

Scooter’s 497th bar, first visited in 2008.

Lathrop used to have as many as 4 bars at once, by a year ago it was down to just two. Then last year one of the two burned down, leaving Overtime Sports Lounge across the street as the only remaining bar in Lathrop.

This place is pretty nice on the inside, with a polished stone (marble? granite?) bar top and high-backed leather barstools that were beyond comfortable.

619 Oak St
Lathrop, MO 64465
US
[launch map]
(816) 528-3860

Lincoln’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:17:00 +0000

(Polo, MO)

Scooter’s 496th bar, first visited in 2008.

Right at the heart of downtown Polo, this place opens at 5am (though I doubt they start pouring drinks that early). It’s 1/2 bar, 1/2 diner, and though it’s all a big open area there was still a clear separation of the two halves.

On the TV pundits were discussing the presidential candidates, so naturally a mini presidential debate commenced among the older people at the bar. The best exchange in the conversation?

“What would you think if we did have a woman president?”

“I’d be fine with that, because at least she’d be giving the blow jobs.”

407 Main St
Polo, MO 64671
US
[launch map]
(660) 354-3129

D & J Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:16:00 +0000

(Breckenridge, MO)

Scooter’s 495th bar, first visited in 2008.

The draws were full pints… which is pretty rare for a place like this where the pours are generally 10 to 12 ounces. So we played some more trivia to kill time while we drank from the textured glasses. We did learn that D&J were the couple who owned the bar, but they split up and “D” left town, but the “J” (Jodie) still runs the place.

645 W Broadway St
Breckenridge, MO 64625
US
[launch map]
(660) 644-5343

Saales Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:15:00 +0000

(Chillicothe, MO)

Scooter’s 494th bar, first visited in 2008.

We arrived at what is usually a pretty dead time for bars…. the hours between lunch and the after-work crowd. Our bartender seemed bored and lonely. B and I played some trivia as we drank our Budweisers.

This place has the classic grungy dive bar men’s restroom…

Particularly noteworthy is the wall that is so badly deteriorated that you can easy see out into the bar from the men’s room. And, actually, you can see the toilet and urinal quite clearly from out in the bar, too.

605 Webster St
Chillicothe, MO 64601
US
[launch map]
(660) 646-1600

Jamesport Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:14:00 +0000

(Jamesport, MO)

Scooter’s 493rd bar, first visited in 2008.

When you think of the Amish, do you think beer? Neither do we. So when we heard that there was a bar in the Amish town of Jamesport, MO, it was time for a little road trip.

As Missouri’s largest Amish community, the horse-and-buggy easily outnumbered the automobile as we arrived in town. We found the tavern on a quaint downtown street, and parked in a small gravel lot next door.

The first thing we noticed was two hand-painted pub signs with arrows pointing towards the door.

The second thing we noticed was a sign we’d never seen on a bar before: a handwritten sign in the window stating that guns are available for purchase inside.

As it turns out, the bar’s owners Jim and Shirley are members of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association. They build their own black powder rifles and pistols and sell them at the bar. They also do restoration work on black powder guns and supplies.

We entered the Jamesport Tavern at about 2:10 on a Saturday afternoon, becoming perhaps the first tourists in the history of Jamesport to come here specifically and only to have a beer here.

Our beer was poured and has happened to me on rare occasion, I was “tricked” by the lightweight clear plastic beer mug and nearly got a faceful of my own brew as I lifted my mug with the force normally required for the glass variety.

Inside, the Jamesport Tavern is typical of many downtown bars in small towns. The jars of pickled eggs were a nice touch, as were the mega-oversized bags of chips. Souvenier bottle-opener keychains and beer koozies were available for purchase. There was also an odd assortment of koozies under the bar for use within the bar.

By the way, before you get depressed and lose your mind because your entire view of the balance of the universe is now in disarray, there is no need to worry. As far as we know, there is still no such thing as an Amish bar. Jamesport Tavern is one of the English merchants mixed in among the Amish businesses.

209 S Broadway St
Jamesport, MO 64648
US
[launch map]
(660) 684-9906

Southside Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:13:00 +0000

(Gallatin, MO)

Scooter’s 492nd bar, first visited in 2008.

We had a hard time finding this place because the GPS unit in the car kept telling us it was on the downtown square. We could not find it anywhere, but we knew it existed because we had called ahead to confirm. Finally I checked Google Maps on my phone and noticed it was placing the bar a few blocks further south. We followed Google’s lead and found the bar moments later.

“Did this place used to be further north?” we asked the bartender.

“Nope, it’s been here as long as I can remember,” she said.

“Actually it used to be down on the square,” chimed a customer sitting at a nearby table. “About 3 years ago I think it was.”

So it looks like B needs to update his GPS database.

At first this place seemed pretty run-of-the-mill, but it did have one thing in particular that made it unique: Coasters cut from carpet.

903 S Main St
Gallatin, MO 64640
US
[launch map]
(660) 663-4094

Long Creek Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:12:00 +0000

(Bethany, MO)
Formerly Double D Saloon

Scooter’s 491st bar, first visited in 2008.

From my 2008 visit:

We had this down on our list as the “Double D Saloon” so it must have changed hands in the recent past. This place was pretty busy, filled with rough-and-tough looking dudes ranging in age from their late 20s to late 60s. One older guy near the door in this small room chatted loudly on his phone with some people who had apparently gone to the wrong bar while others shot him annoyed glances as they tried to pay attention to the episode of “Gunsmoke” playing on the TV.

From my 2010 visit:

Wow, what a difference! This place has really re-invented itself. The new owner has somehow made it twice the size it used to be even through the exterior change is very subtle. It’s also been fixed up a lot on the inside. The bar itself is new, curved, and seats a lot more people. It’s almost what you’d call a classy joint! The crowd seems younger than what I remember from the past, and the additional space means Long Creek can now host live music.

205 S 16th St
Bethany, MO 64424
US
[launch map]
(660) 425-8650

Toot-Toot Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:11:00 +0000

(Bethany, MO)

Scooter’s 490th bar, first visited in 2008.

This is another place that is half buffet restaurant (very famous and apparently very good), with a seperate and well-isolated lounge.

You enter the bar through that door on the right in the photo. However, the bar is not downstairs, it’s upstairs. And do you go up by way of stairs? Nope… you go up by way of the steepest ramp I have ever seen. We got a chuckle imagining how many people must have stumbled and rolled all the way down at the end of a good bender.

For our beer selection, we chose the beer we saw advertised at the previous bar: MGD64. A 12-ounce beer with only 64 calories.

“You sure you guys want this? It’s only 3.2% alcohol…” our bartender asked us after he’d already opened them and put them before us.

You know those frilly fru-fru brands of bottled water infused with hints of fruit flavor? Now imagine one of those except instead of fruit it’s hints of beer flavor. That’s about what MGD64 is. Sorry, there’s really no reason to drink this.

2905 Miller St
Bethany, MO 64424
US
[launch map]
(660) 425-6662

Camaro’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Bethany, MO)

Scooter’s 489th bar, first visited in 2008.

Our draws (Bud Light & Busch Light) were the most expensive of the day, at $2.50 each. It may seem cheap to you, but that’s really high for the small town bars we typically visit.

The building is divided into two well-distinguished sections: a steakhouse buffet on the west end and the lounge on the east end. The lounge is decorated with Camaro and racing themes, with a small stage in the northeast corner.

22208 E Us Highway 136
Bethany, MO 64424
US
[launch map]
(660) 425-6665

Hitching Post

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:29:00 +0000

(Merriam Lane, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 487th bar, first visited in 2008.

Across the street from Double T’s, and thankfully lacking in a cover charge. Getting here was a bit tricky though as the high humidity kept fogging up our windows.

B & D played darts, while I tried repeatedly to use the men’s room only to have someone beat me to it each time. (I know I should have stood and waited but I had other things I wanted to be doing.) When I finally did get to go inside, I found that the condom mechine also dispenses erotic photos. Once I discovered that I was careful not to touch anything in there.

1328 Merriam Ln
Kansas City, KS 66103
US
[launch map]
(913) 677-3949
Visit Web Site

Double T’s Roadhouse

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:28:00 +0000

(Merriam Lane, Kansas City, KS)
Formerly Miss Kitty’s

Scooter’s 486th bar, first visited in 2008.

After getting extremely lost (only Kansas would have a 47th Street curve around on itself and then intersect with a perpendicular 47th Avenue) we finally got back on track and found our way to a cluster of biker bars I had been excited for a long time about visiting.

So imagine my disappointment when we stepped inside and were hit with a $2 cover charge.

We left, but then B said “Hold on, let me talk to them.”

D and I waited outside for B to inevitably be thrown out. And waited. And waited. Then the door opened.

“We’re good, come on in,” B said. We were stunned.

It turned out the owners, Tony and “Taco” (the T’s of Double T’s were seated just inside and agreed to let us come in to buy a drink and see the place as long as we left before the band finished setting up.

Formerly a club called Ms. Kitty’s, Double T’s was quite nice on the inside and had a good stage area. Unfortunately for us the band set up pretty quickly so we were not able to stay for long.

Thank you, T & T!!

421 Merriam Ln
Kansas City, KS 66103
US
[launch map]
(913) 432-5555

KC’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:27:00 +0000

(Merriam, KS)

Scooter’s 485th bar, first visited in 2008.

We were about to give up on finding this place, because the neighborhood was just seeming way too residential and we figured we had to have bad information. We were stunned when suddenly, there it was, in a tiny strip mall anchored by a gas station.

This place too was a private club. We were asked repeatedly for club IDs but kept pretending not to hear. After a while it was forgotten about.

Just before we played some free games of Silver Strike and Bags, the bartender demonstrated with B’s PBR that the Guinness Surger actually works with any beer… except that it has the side effect of making non-Guinness beers go flat.

10201 W 47th St
Merriam, KS 66203
US
[launch map]
(913) 262-7211

Chief’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:26:00 +0000

(Shawnee, KS)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called Hurricane Alley’s

Scooter’s 484th bar, first visited in 2008.

As we stepped inside we were met by two women who were sitting just inside the front door, and one of them asked B if I was his dad. This irritated me to no end, since I am only a year older than B. Naturally, B hammed this up for the entire visit, calling me “pops” and putting his head on my shoulder to tell me how much he loves his dear old dad.

5541 Merriam Dr
Shawnee, KS 66203
US
[launch map]
(913) 831-3250

Bilski’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:25:00 +0000

(Shawnee, KS)

Scooter’s 483rd bar, first visited in 2008.

We entered a neighborhood where I fully expected to find bonus bars, and this was the first such find. This was another bar where the bartender insisted on selling us a pitcher, even though he would have made more money selling us draws and it would have been no more work for him.

Behind my head was a display of autographed baseballs that someone had draped a set of Mardis Gras beads on. B mistook this for some sort of game and tried to get D to remove and rearrange the balls.

Just as we told the bartender would be the case, we did not wish to finish our pitcher and gave the second half to two women sitting at the bar. Not only did the bar get a couple bucks less from us than they would have if they had sold us what we wanted, now these two women had extra drinks that no one was paying for. Oh well.

5831 Merriam Dr
Shawnee, KS 66203
US
[launch map]
(913) 831-2337

Jackson’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:24:00 +0000

(Shawnee, KS)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now known as Pour House

Scooter’s 482nd bar, first visited in 2008.

This was an unexpected bonus find and turned out to be one of our more entertaining stops.

As D sipped his Bud Light and B & I sipped our Coors Lights, a news story was on the TV about the suicide of the alleged anthrax mailer.

I wondered aloud if we’d ever know the real reason behind the attacks, and B wondered if the government would even allow a suicide note to be published in the media. He used an analogy of “What if a scientist died and left a suicide note describing exactly what is really at Area 51?”

“Did I hear you correctly?” came a voice from the end of the bar. “Did you say you’ve been to Area 51?

“No, no,” B said, “I was just using that as an example. I was…”

“Oh that’s cool,” the stranger interrupted. “I love talking about Area 51, that’s one of my favorite topics.”

“Oh yeah?” B replied. “Then you need to talk to this guy,” B said, pointing to his brother, D. “He’s a scientist and knows all about that stuff.”

B then excused himself from the conversation while I pretended to receive a phone call.

The ensuing ponderings frum this dude were priceless:

“I have a theory. This can’t be the only planet in the solar system. This [pause] just can’t be the [pause], it can’t be the only planet God created in the entire Galaxy. I mean, he’s like a smart dude.”

“As for Area 51, if an alien didn’t really crash there, then why won’t the government let us all walk in and look around?”

“I’m just saying, this can’t be the only planet out there. I mean, I’m not a religious man, but God is smarter than that.”

7405 Nieman Rd
Shawnee, KS 66203
US
[launch map]
(913) 766-5225
Visit Web Site

Final Approach Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:23:00 +0000

(Overland Park, KS)
Formerly Mulvaney’s Beef & Brew

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called Tailgator’s

Scooter’s 481st bar, first visited in 2008.

Formerly Mulvaney’s Beef and Brew, I thought Google Maps was wrong when it identified this place as Final Approach. Nope, it turns out the owner of the popular Tiffany Springs bar of the same name bought Mulvaney’s to open a second location. Our bartender was a transplant from the original location.

Incidentaly the original location has been sold, though it still operates as Final Approach as well.

The internet jukebox was continuously pausing to buffer. Don’t those things download the entire song first??

7955 Frontage Rd
Overland Park, KS 66204
US
[launch map]
(913) 648-6005

Brickyard

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:21:00 +0000

(Olathe, KS)

Scooter’s 479th bar, first visited in 2008.

Another private club. After showing the bartender our out-of-state (Missouri) IDs, we were allowed to sign in as new registrations.

As we entered the bar we noticed a tough looking guy standing outside in hot pants. D asked the bartender about it and she was puzzled at first, then realized what he was talking about.

“Haha! That’s the owner!” she laughed. “We’re always kidding him about it, telling him Daisy Duke called asking for her shorts back.”

If you’re a guy and need to take a crap, you’re S.O.L. here. By the way, make sure no one is behind you when you are taking photos in a men’s room. Kinda embarrassing.

1001 S Weaver St
Olathe, KS 66061
US
[launch map]
(913) 780-0266
Visit Web Site

Mulligans Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:20:00 +0000

(Olathe, KS)

Scooter’s 478th bar, first visited in 2008.

This was also a private club, but we were allowed in as guests. The bartender insisted on selling us a pitcher of Bud Light.

We didn’t want to drink all that beer so after one each we gave the remainder of our pitcher to a group at a nearby table.

911 S Parker St # D
Olathe, KS 66061
US
[launch map]
(913) 764-3884

Jobsite

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:19:00 +0000

(Olathe, KS)

Scooter’s 477th bar, first visited in 2008.

I had a Bud Light while B & D both had Bud Select. We found a Silver Strike machine, where I proceeded to bowl my second worst game in nearly 2 years. At least I managed to use the correct restroom on the first try.

Note the stripper pole…

D found a bar game that dispenses porno DVDs as the prizes! We couldn’t decide between “Peter Girls” and “Heat Strokes” though.

Bad news… the machine ended up eating B’s quarter.

1318 E Park St
Olathe, KS 66061
US
[launch map]
(913) 782-2449
Visit Web Site

Double Nickel Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:18:00 +0000

(Olathe, KS)

Scooter’s 476th bar, first visited in 2008.

I nearly used the women’s restroom for the second time today! Luckily I was corrected by a passing server. In my defense, the doors of both restrooms were propped open, hiding the signs. Though B&D both insist there was exterior signage that I overlooked.

189 S Rogers Rd # 1614
Olathe, KS 66062
US
[launch map]
(913) 782-4140
Visit Web Site

Tumbleweed Saloon Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:15:00 +0000

(Gardner, KS)

Scooter’s 473rd bar, first visited in 2008.

Everyone keeps trying to sell us more beer than we want evern though we’re fine with paying a higher price for single draws. We ended up settling on a mini-pitcher of Bud Select.

615 E Main St
Gardner, KS 66030
US
[launch map]
(913) 884-9594

BJ’s Oasis

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:14:00 +0000

(Gardner, KS)

Scooter’s 472nd bar, first visited in 2008.

This was the darkest bar we went to by far. We were blind for a few moments upon entering, then re-blinded when we stepped back outside.

We all had Bud Light draws.

I took a break to use the restroom. The restroom area had an exterior sink and 2 unmarked doors for the toilets. While I was taking care of business I noticed that all of the graffiti was in women’s handwriting.

“I don’t know if it matters which door you choose,” I said upon returning, “but if it does, I choose poorly.”

B & D started snickering, both having chosen the correct door. I went back for another look and discovered that the men’s room was indeed labeled, in marker, but the text was visible only if standing directly in front of it.

We all dug the antique cigarette machine. It was currently empty but the owner said it does indeed still work.

132 E Main St
Gardner, KS 66030
US
[launch map]
(913) 884-2107

Tracy’s Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:13:00 +0000

(Edgerton, KS)

Scooter’s 471st bar, first visited in 2008.

This was almost our first stop for the day, as it was already open when we first passed through at 10:15, but we made a last-minute decision to press on to Baldwin City first.

We violated our 1-drink-per-bar rule by ordering a pitcher of Busch Light due to the price. This gave us a lot of time to discuss video games and game systems. Our bartender, who bore a vague resemblance to Ron Jeremy, gave us a wealth of tips about bars to visit in Gardner and Olathe.

100 E 2nd St
Edgerton, KS 66021
US
[launch map]
(913) 893-9949

Wooden Spoke Rest & Sports Sln

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:12:00 +0000

(Baldwin City, KS)

Scooter’s 470th bar, first visited in 2008.

We were hesitant to enter because it looked too much like a Cracker Barrel. But inside we found a legitimate bar.

203 1st St
Baldwin City, KS 66006
US
[launch map]
(785) 594-2222

Salt Mine

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:11:00 +0000

(Baldwin City, KS)

Scooter’s 469th bar, first visited in 2008.

It took us quite a while to find the Salt Mine earlier in the morning, which is funny because it was right next door to Puckett’s. Until the beer signs lit up we thought this was a house.

Like Puckett’s it used dollar bills as wallpaper, but to a much greater degree. Unlike Puckett’s, it seemed to be the college kid hangout as 7 students from nearby Baker University showed up in 7 different cars and sat together talking about their classes.

I had a Boulevard Stout, while B & D had Bud Light. The draws here were a little large, which is probably what draws the college kids, so we played some trivia while finishing our drinks.

301 Ames St
Baldwin City, KS 66006
US
[launch map]
(785) 594-2498

Puckett’s

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Baldwin City, KS)

Scooter’s 468th bar, first visited in 2008.

Puckett’s is in a converted gas station, with the pump canopy still in place in the parking lot. From the color scheme on the canopy it was likely a Texaco or a Phillips 66.

B ordered a PBR, D a Bud Light, and I ordered a Coors Light. Our beer was served in mason jars.

This was a surprising find. Usually you see these machines at Chuck E. Cheese or Dave & Busters, where you gamble for tokens. In this case it was filled with quarters. I wonder if this is even legal in Kansas.

309 Ames
Baldwin City, KS 66006
US
[launch map]

Final Approach Pub

scooterj — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Tiffany Springs, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 465th bar, first visited in 2008.

Stopped by here for a Guinness after dropping a co-worker off at an airport. By doing so, I got caught later in a torrential thunderstorm.

10024 NW Ambassador Dr
Kansas City, MO 64153
US
[launch map]
(816) 891-9431

Mike’s Tavern

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:33:00 +0000

(UMKC, Kansas City, MO)

Closed November 2009 after more than 40 years in business.

Re-opened under new ownership in May 2010.

Scooter’s 458th bar, first visited in 2008.

Our last stop of the evening corrected a 15-year-old injustice. This is essentially the college bar for UMKC and Rockhurst. But on my one and only visit in college, I drank only a Sprite!

This place was packed for a Monday night. We played Silver Strike again, this time a few games of trick bowling.

5424 Troost Ave
Kansas City, MO 64110
US
[launch map]
(816) 444-3399
Visit Web Site

Bob’s In Motion

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:32:00 +0000

(East Side, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 457th bar, first visited in 2008.

aka Mr. Bob’s Place

Security hit us the second we stepped in but gave us the ok. I struck up a brief conversation with another guy at the bar while B used the restroom but for the most part no one talked to us. We watched a game of pool and some dancing, then headed on up the road.

Rumor has it no one under the age of 30 is admitted.

5709 Troost Ave
Kansas City, MO 64110
US
[launch map]
(816) 523-9111

Daily Double Lounge

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:31:00 +0000

(Raytown, MO)

Scooter’s 456th bar, first visited in 2008.

Then, after getting turned around on unfamiliar roads, we stumbled across another spot on our list while trying to find out way back tot he main road. I had my only Guinness of the day here, and saw my first Guinness Surger.

11509 E 63rd St
Raytown, MO 64133
US
[launch map]
(816) 737-1730

Eclipse Bar & Grill

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:30:00 +0000

(Raytown, MO)

Scooter’s 455th bar, first visited in 2008.

Since we were pointing this way we decided to head on into Raytown to pick up a coupe of places we’d missed on an earlier Raytown run a couple of years ago. We started off at The Eclipse, where we played some more Silver Strike.

6512 Raytown Rd
Raytown, MO 64133
US
[launch map]
(816) 356-0550

Flamingo Lounge

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:29:00 +0000

(East Side, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 454th bar, first visited in 2008.

“We’re going to be the only white people in here,” said B. “Naw, this is going to be pretty much all white,” I replied. I wish we had bet, as I was right.

The place was divided into two rooms separated by the bar in the middle. On one side a dart league was underway, on the other a billiards league.

8642 E 63rd St
Kansas City, MO 64133
US
[launch map]
(816) 353-9667
Visit Web Site

Lafferty’s

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:28:00 +0000

(East Side, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 453rd bar, first visited in 2008.

I’ve been driving by this place for over 20 years and never been inside until tonight. A guy playing pool helped us out with directions to a few other locations. In return, we bought him a drink. Except, after we left, we realized we forgot to pay for his drink! Oops!

6301 Blue Pkwy
Kansas City, MO 64129
US
[launch map]
(816) 924-6888
Visit Web Site

Cozy Inn

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:27:00 +0000

(Fairmount, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 452nd bar, first visited in 2008.

Re-backtracking back to where we were about to go when we realized we needed to backtrack, we came across this little dive near some railroad tracks.
We played the Bags game and made friends with this little guy sitting next to us:

10042 E Wilson Rd
Independence, MO 64053
US
[launch map]
(816) 461-9562

Tonahill’s South

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:26:00 +0000

(Maywood, Independence, MO)
Formerly Charlie’s

Scooter’s 451st bar, first visited in 2008.

Formerly Charlie’s, then Tonahill’s South, then a closed bar, it’s now Tonahill’s South once again, albeit leased out. Our bartender was a recent transplant from the west coast. This completed our tour of the Tonahill bars.

10817 E Truman Rd
Independence, MO 64052
US
[launch map]
(816) 252-2560

Bills Pappys Den

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:25:00 +0000

(Maywood, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 450th bar, first visited in 2008.

We did some quick backtracking after the Calico Cat when we realized we were on the verge of missing a couple of spots on Truman Road. We weren’t 100% sure at first what place this was but we found identifying info inside. I believe we played some Silver Strike while we were here.

10805 E Truman Rd
Independence, MO 64052
US
[launch map]
(816) 461-9345

Calico Cat

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:24:00 +0000

(Fairmount, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 449th bar, first visited in 2008.

A customer at Down The Road had told us this morning about his lifelong ban from The Calico Cat, and I’ve heard from a number of sources about this being the filthiest, scummiest bar I’d ever see.

Well, when you’ve seen hundreds of bars, the odds are you’ve seen scummier. And I must have, because this place didn’t really seem all that bad to me.

10325 E Independence Ave
Independence, MO 64053
US
[launch map]
(816) 461-9643

Kross Lounge & Restaurant

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:23:00 +0000

(Sugar Creek, MO)

Scooter’s 448th bar, first visited in 2008.

It was kind of a shame we had just had Taco Bell, because the food available at the bar here looked pretty good and wasn’t expensive at all.

605 N Sterling Ave
Sugar Creek, MO 64054
US
[launch map]
(816) 254-9494
Visit Web Site

Tonahill Sugar Inn

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:22:00 +0000

(Sugar Creek, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called Cuzzy’s.

Scooter’s 447th bar, first visited in 2008.

Our second Tonahill location for the day.

We’d later end up revisiting this bar in June 2010 as Cuzzy’s. We had thought it was a new bar for us, but recognized it when we arrived.

Here’s some pictures from the second visit:

719 N Sterling Ave
Sugar Creek, MO 64054
US
[launch map]
(816) 461-3232

Verona Room

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:21:00 +0000

(Sugar Creek, MO)

Scooter’s 446th bar, first visited in 2008.

It’d be very easy to miss this little bar attached to (but isolated from) the corner of a small bowling alley.

11216 E US Highway 24
Sugar Creek, MO 64054
US
[launch map]
(816) 252-2111

Tonahill’s Three of A Kind

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:19:00 +0000

(Englewood, Independence, MO)
Formerly Cecil’s

Scooter’s 444th bar, first visited in 2008.

Formerly Cecil’s, the interior has been renovated to make this place the third Tonahill’s location.

On the way out we noticed this message on one of the tables:

11703 E 23rd St S
Independence, MO 64050
US
[launch map]
(816) 833-5021

Norm & Betty’s

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:18:00 +0000

(Englewood, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 443rd bar, first visited in 2008.

We met with Norm and/or Betty and learned how much the smoking ban has hurt their business as well. They’ve owned this place for decades and only now for the first time have ever worried about getting by.

11713 E 23rd St S
Independence, MO 64050
US
[launch map]
(816) 254-9823

Players Club Bar & Grill

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:17:00 +0000

(Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 442nd bar, first visited in 2008.

This former Mr. Steak restaurant was bought, gutted, and transformed into a bar last year by the current owner/bartender.

My beer was flat, but the bartender made it right by making me a mixed drink at no extra charge.

1501 S Noland Rd
Independence, MO 64055
US
[launch map]
(816) 836-9400

Tommy’s Tavern

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:16:00 +0000

(The Square, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 441st bar, first visited in 2008.

On the edge of the Independence Square. I missed the parking lot so we circled around the block and parked in the alley. We sat at the far end of the L-shaped bar and played some Mystery Phrase while trying to determine the purpose of a strange electrical device in one of the windows.

Scrawled just above the handle on the inside of the men’s room door was this message to anyone who dared not wash up:

217 S Main St
Independence, MO 64050
US
[launch map]
(816) 461-3000

Big John’s Corner Bar

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:15:00 +0000

(The Square, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 440th bar, first visited in 2008.

A very tiny, long-standing institution in the heart of downtown Independence. Since this was my first visit we were entitled to their free Virgin Shots… other than the alcohol-infused cherry to pop the ingredients remain a mystery.

The restrooms here were essentially closets, and this is the 4th bar I’ve been to where the sink is outside the restrooms. So everyone knows if you washed your hands!

213 W Maple Ave
Independence, MO 64050
US
[launch map]
(816) 461-9790

Wild Stallion Saloon

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:14:00 +0000

(Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 439th bar, first visited in 2008.

1016 N Doris Ave
Independence, MO 64050
US
[launch map]
(816) 836-0123

Down the Road Lounge

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:13:00 +0000

(Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 438th bar, first visited in 2008.

This is kind of cool… a former Mugs Up Root Beer restaurant that has been converted to a bar, and a pretty nice one on the inside at that! Over 30 years ago I likely had a root beer here, now I’ve had a real beer here.

1200 E US Highway 24
Independence, MO 64050
US
[launch map]
(816) 254-0550

Cosmo’s

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:12:00 +0000

(Ripley, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 437th bar, first visited in 2008.

This was the first of many bars we went to today where the bartender lamented that they have lost business due to Independence’s smoking ban. So many bartenders today wanted to know where all the nonsmokers were who supposedly would start going out once they got their ban.

However, at first, this place actually saw increased business last summer due to being one of the only places in the city with a patio. But with the weather cold, the business has dropped off.

15700 E US Highway 24
Independence, MO 64050
US
[launch map]
(816) 836-1000

Rack Daddy’s

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:11:00 +0000

(Ripley, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 436th bar, first visited in 2008.

We took a couple of seats at the bar populated by older, blue-collar men. B needed to break a large bill but was worried it might be too early. “Oh, it’s no problem,” the bartender laughed. “We opened at 6am and those guys have been slamming back beers all morning. I have plenty of change.”

We noticed that one customer had a metal claw for a hand. There was also a claw machine against one wall. Unfortunately the photo opp never happened.

305 N State Route 291
Independence, MO 64056
US
[launch map]
(816) 257-1529

Neighbors Cocktail Lounge

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Leeds, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 435th bar, first visited in 2008.

Having been kicked out of this place at the end of our last run through Independence (one member of our gang was visibly drunk when we arrived), we decided to make this our first stop of the day. We arrived around 10:30 in the morning and found they had already been open for a while. We ended up having to sit at a table as there weren’t two seats open at the bar.

9025 E 35th St
Kansas City, MO 64129
US
[launch map]
(816) 924-0244

Spiatza Pizza & Pasta Co

scooterj — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 18:12:00 +0000

(West End, Dallas, TX)

Scooter’s 432nd bar, first visited in 2008.

Pizza/pasta place with a mid-sized bar.

2001 N Lamar St # 125
Dallas, TX 75202
US
[launch map]
(214) 999-0066

Plano Super Bowl

scooterj — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:16:00 +0000

(Plano, TX)

Scooter’s 429th bar, first visited in 2008.

Bowling alley bar, but totally isolated from the bowling alley.

2521 K Ave
Plano, TX 75074
US
[launch map]
(972) 881-0242

Al’s Hideaway

scooterj — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:14:00 +0000

(Dallas, TX)

Scooter’s 427th bar, first visited in 2008.

A private club to get around the local smoking ban. Membership was easy.

14902 Preston Rd
Dallas, TX 75254
US
[launch map]
(972) 233-0500

Austin Avenue Grill & Bar

scooterj — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:13:00 +0000

(Plano, TX)

Scooter’s 426th bar, first visited in 2008.

Huge places divided into multiple rooms — each room with its own format.

A private club to get around the local smoking ban. Membership was easy.

935 W Parker Rd # 410
Plano, TX 75023
US
[launch map]
(972) 422-8003
Visit Web Site

Jake’s Joint

scooterj — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:12:00 +0000

(Plano, TX)

Scooter’s 425th bar, first visited in 2008.

Played a lot of trivia here

701 W Parker Rd
Plano, TX 75023
US
[launch map]
(972) 398-9900

Boomer’s Sports Bar

scooterj — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Purcell, OK)

Scooter’s 423rd bar, first visited in 2008.

Boomers is located right in the heart of downtown Purcell. It’s slightly larger than most small town bars and a little cleaner than many I’ve been in too.

The bar sometimes hosts live bands, though there wasn’t anything like that going on while I was there. It was a mix of mostly older folk and a few younger folk. Our bartender took time to converse with us despite being fairly busy.

Overall, a good but typical small town bar.

126 W Main St
Purcell, OK 73080
US
[launch map]
(405) 527-3404

Balanca’s

scooterj — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 421st bar, first visited in 2008.

The first time I visited I got the cold shoulder. Since then I’ve had a great time and the staff has been more friendly.

An all-lifestyles/swingers bar, but don’t let that scare you away if you’re not into that sort of thing.

1809 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 474-6369
Visit Web Site

Hereford House

scooterj — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Destroyed by explosion and fire shortly after midnight on October 20, 2008. In June 2010 the owner was indicted for the arson.

Until I hear otherwise, I’m assuming it will eventually re-open.

Scooter’s 420th bar, first visited in 2008.

I’ve been here on 2 different scavenger hunts.

On the first, a couple sitting at the other end of the bar were fascinated by the scavenger hunt and helped us out by letting Brad buy one of them a beer.

On the second, we mentioned our hard luck finding someone in a Royals t-shirt. A man at the bar happened to have one, went to his car to get it, and gave it to us!

(We also got a slap out of the deal, another item on our list.)

2 E 20th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 842-1080
Visit Web Site

Tootsies

scooterj — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called “Eighteen 22 Ultra Lounge”

Scooter’s 417th bar, first visited in 2008.

Visited during a scavenger hunt. Who says 4 guys can’t go to a lesbian bar? They had just opened for the day so the place was almost empty, but our bartender was very happy to help us find things for our hunt. She even gave Bill a dance, marking off one of the items on our list.

1818 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-7704
Visit Web Site

Keyhole Tavern

scooterj — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Mission, KS)

Scooter’s 415th bar, first visited in 2008.

Neighborhood dive/sports bar tucked away on a side street in downtown Mission.

5902 Woodson Rd
Mission, KS 66202
US
[launch map]
(913) 262-9881

R G’s

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:29:00 +0000

(40 Hwy, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 414th bar, first visited in 2007.

This was confusing because the marquee sign had me convinced this was a Chinese restaurant, but inside it was all bar. We played darts, surprisingly well for after 20 beers. A case of the hiccups frustrated me early in the game but I overcame them shortly.

D noticed this claw machine and we realized we had seen about 4 of them during the day. Kind of an odd thing to see in a bar.

9100 E 35th St S
Independence, MO 64052
US
[launch map]
(816) 358-5777

Sandbar

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:28:00 +0000

(40 Hwy, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 413th bar, first visited in 2007.

We took turns playing pool and hanging out with the stuffed-and-mounted residents.

After I sent the cue ball flying across the room I decided to let D take over for me in the game I was playing against B.

9807 E Us Highway 40
Independence, MO 64055
US
[launch map]
(816) 313-2091

Bamboo Hut

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:27:00 +0000

(40 Hwy, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 412th bar, first visited in 2007.

Serves up stek & fried chicken

A quick walk from Harvey’s. Our bartender didn’t seem veery receptive to us at first but quickly warmed up to us a few minutes later after the only other customers in the place had left.

Independence’s ban on smoking in bars
sure is great for Friday night business!

10111 E US Highway 40
Independence, MO 64055
US
[launch map]
(816) 353-9472

Time Out Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:25:00 +0000

(40 Hwy, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 410th bar, first visited in 2007.

I believe we played some Silver Strike here. I think this was also the place with an interesting men’s room. A toilet and urinal were positioned side-by-side, which isn’t unusual in dive bars. Was was unusual, though, was the bar stool positioned in the corner behind them, as if offering a place to wait and watch for an opening.

B decided that this stool was actually a challenge to see if your stream could reach the bowl from the chair. It’s almost unfortunate that I wasn’t present to record the semi-successful effort.

10215 E US Highway 40 # A
Independence, MO 64055
US
[launch map]
(816) 358-3302

Secrets Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:24:00 +0000

(40 Hwy, Independence, MO)
Formerly Pizza Hut

Scooter’s 409th bar, first visited in 2007.

Several minutes after our arrival, the architecturally-observant D noted that he thought this place might have formerly been a Pizza Hut.

12949 E US Highway 40
Independence, MO 64055
US
[launch map]
(816) 356-5477

Doc Hollidays Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:22:00 +0000

(Knobtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 407th bar, first visited in 2007.

Just down the road from Tool Shed, this place is also technically in Kansas City (just barely) and was very busy.

Realizing we hadn’t eaten all day we got ourselves an appetizer of fried pepper jack balls and they were really good.

14816 E US Highway 40
Kansas City, MO 64136
US
[launch map]
(816) 478-0766
Visit Web Site

Tool Shed Cocktail Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:21:00 +0000

(Knobtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 406th bar, first visited in 2007.

It was my turn to buy so B & D went to use the restroom while I ordered us three beers. The bartender poured the drinks, returned to where I was standing with my hand outstretched with money, and said “Where did he go? Did he order three beers and walk out?” The customer next to me started laughing and said “He’s right here!” “Good thing she’s cute, huh?” he leaned in towards me to say.

The walls of the men’s room were white, but I’m told that they used to be covered with centerfolds that someone had meticulously cut out and glued to the walls.

14940 E US Highway 40
Kansas City, MO 64136
US
[launch map]
(816) 373-1747

Edge of Town

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:20:00 +0000

(Blue Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 405th bar, first visited in 2007.

B had said we’d be carded harder here than any other place, and he was right. All 3 of us were carded… sort of. The bartender changed her mind about carding me after checking D’s and B’s IDs.

One odd thing about the layout of this bar is that while the women’s restroom is inside, you have to physically leave the bar to get to the men’s restroom.

960 SW 37th St
Blue Springs, MO 64015
US
[launch map]
(816) 224-0595
Visit Web Site

Wise Guy’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:19:00 +0000

(Blue Springs, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed in early 2010, the vacant building then burned down on June 30, 2011.

Scooter’s 404th bar, first visited in 2007.

I’d always thought this was a convenience store or liquor store, I never realized until now that it was a bar.

1405 NW Woods Chapel Rd
Blue Springs, MO 64015
US
[launch map]
(816) 228-6656

Firehouse Bar

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:18:00 +0000

(Blue Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 403rd bar, first visited in 2007.

We played a made-up “Foods You Will Or Will Not Eat” drinking game, then noticed some “timely” fire related decor:

1222 NW Woods Chapel Rd
Blue Springs, MO 64015
US
[launch map]
(816) 220-3735

Night Shades

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:17:00 +0000

(Blue Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 402nd bar, first visited in 2007.

This bar had no sign and at the time wasn’t listed in Google, but we found the name on a drink special sign inside. We played the trivia box here and it was an unbelievable 50 cents a credit, but D insisted several times throughout the remainder of the day that it was worth it because the box itself looked “very sleek” and “modern”.

1325 West 40 Highway
Blue Springs, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816)229-4548
Visit Web Site

Stick’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:16:00 +0000

(Blue Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 401st bar, first visited in 2007.

Pool hall. I can’t remember if we played any pool, but I’m pretty sure we introduced D to Silver Strike here.

786 SW 40 Hwy
Blue Springs, MO 64015
US
[launch map]
(816) 220-2280

Special Kay’s Pub & Grub

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:15:00 +0000

(Blue Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 400th bar, first visited in 2007.

When we asked for 10-oz draws our bartender asked us why we wanted such small beers. Not wanting to get into too much detail about our plans for the day we just said that we were on lunch break for work. “Where do you work?” she asked. Not wanting to get trapped, I said “Oh, we all work at different places and just decided to meet up here for a beer.”

With our 10-ouncers in hand, we settled down to play the trivia box.

The odd centerpiece of this bar is the televangelist-style image of (presumably) the owners, painted onto a mirror…

1513 SW State Route 7
Blue Springs, MO 64014
US
[launch map]
(816) 229-9229

Twin Stroke Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:14:00 +0000

(Blue Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 399th bar, first visited in 2007.

Despite how it looks in the photo, this place was pretty busy and we lucked into the last 3 open seats in the house.

501 NW Vesper St
Blue Springs, MO 64014
US
[launch map]
(816) 224-6188
Visit Web Site

Trouser Mouse Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:13:00 +0000

(Blue Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 398th bar, first visited in 2007.

Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass, & Rockabilly venue in a strip mall. Several pool tables, too.

The coin boxes on the pool tables were being emptied while we were here and I never realized how much money pool tables make. Sounded like slot machines.

625 NW Mock Ave
Blue Springs, MO 64014
US
[launch map]
(816) 220-1222
Visit Web Site

Gridiron Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Blue Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 396th bar, first visited in 2007.

The Gridiron is the end point for one of the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parades, an annual tradition for over 3 decades. The parade begins across the street at the old Lowe’s Drug building and has a total length of 66 feet.

One thing that was amusing to us was the restroom. Tiny side-by-side stalls for women and men opened to a common sink. The stalls were so small that the men’s stall had a notch cut in the door so that it could be closed without hitting the toilet. The toilet itself had a makeshift tank lid fabricated out of a piece of sheet metal. A true classic.

By the way if you are a KU fan, stay away. You’ll be mocked and ridiculed until you cry.

UPDATE: Revisted on June 30, 2018. Now named The Keg. It’s been fixed up a little bit, but they kept some memorabilia from the Gridiron days. The men’s toom no longer has a sheet metal toilet tank lid nor a notch cut in the door.

Also the beer list has expanded to include more locals. I had a Hard Way IPA by Martin City.

1123 W Main St
Blue Springs, MO 64015
US
[launch map]
(816) 229-9517
Visit Web Site

Ranch House

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:10:00 +0000

(Blue Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 395th bar, first visited in 2007.

Technically in unincorporated Jackson County, the Ranch House is believed to be the oldest bar in Eastern Jackson County, both in terms of continuous operation as the same bar and in terms of the age of the building housing it.

Our bartender was extremely friendly and helpful, giving us information about the locations of all sorts of bars in Blue Springs to help us start off our day.

UPDATE: Revisited on June 30, 2018 and took a couple of indoor pictures. (Bartender was friendly and helpful again, too!)

1505 SE AA Hwy
Blue Springs, MO 64014
US
[launch map]
(816) 229-4720

Mac’s South KC Jazz & Blues

scooterj — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:11:00 +0000

(Hickman Mills, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 393rd bar, first visited in 2007.

Practically in Grandview but technically in Kansas City, Mac’s South KC Jazz & Blues is both a popular neighborhood lounge and regional music destination.

Open from 4pm to 2am, in evening Mac’s might remind one of “Cheers”, a relaxing place with friendly, familiar faces every day. After 10:00 the younger crowd comes in and Mac’s transforms into an energized dance club.

(We were invited in before opening to take some photos. The photo above with the crowd is one we found on the Internet.)

If you’re hungry, the daily bar food includes wings, fish, and shrimp. On Sundays and Tuesdays the dinner special is pork chops with chicken rice and gravy.

For entertainment, there are dart leagues Wednesdays and Thursdays, and a DJ on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There is also a live band once a month.

Mac’s is where KC native and rising star Tech N9ne launched his career. Some of Mac’s guests also include comedian Reynaldo Rey, as well as the Blue Angels, both of whom stop in whenever they are in town.

In business for 10 years, Mac’s is owned by the McKenzie family. Ken McKenzie runs the club, and his wife Etta is also active in the local business community.

Mac’s is on the north side of Blue Ridge Blvd, a quarter mile northeast of US 71 Hwy. Most of the parking is in the rear, so don’t be scared away if the front lot looks full.

11816 Blue Ridge Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64134
US
[launch map]
(816) 763-9400

Dr Pikl’s

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:22:00 +0000

(Ripley, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 389th bar, first visited in 2007.

We finished the evening relaxing at a table covered in photos before finally calling it a night.

UPDATE Revisted on June 30, 2018 and got a couple of indoor pics. The photo-covered tables appear to be gone.

16606 E US-24
Independence, MO 64056
US
[launch map]
(816) 257-5653
Visit Web Site

Red Dawg Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:20:00 +0000

(Buckner, MO)

Scooter’s 387th bar, first visited in 2007.

I was excited about seeing the bar famous for its bartender flipping out and attacking a patron a couple of years ago. However we soon discovered that the original was gone and this was a new, much larger incarnation across the street from the old saloon.

315 S Hudson St
Buckner, MO 64016
US
[launch map]
(816) 650-6265
Visit Web Site

Lexington Inn Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:19:00 +0000

(Lexington, MO)

Scooter’s 386th bar, first visited in 2007.

aka “Edge of Town”

This motel bar is a popular hangout, especially at the end of hospital shifts, and gets pretty packed.

1078 N Outer Rd
Lexington, MO 64067
US
[launch map]
(660) 259-9025

V.P.’s Bar

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:17:00 +0000

(Lexington, MO)

Scooter’s 384th bar, first visited in 2007.

The shop next door started as an antique store, but evolved into a restaurant when ebay began cutting into their business. The bar opened a couple of years ago to complement the restaurant. It features lightweight aluminum bar furnishings and the coolest beer glasses I’ve seen:

900 Main St
Lexington, MO 64067
US
[launch map]
(660) 259-4533

The Dukes

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:16:00 +0000

(Richmond, MO)

Scooter’s 383rd bar, first visited in 2007.

“It was the Dukes it was the Dukes…”

Steakhouse / golf course bar

815 Wollard Blvd
Richmond, MO 64085
US
[launch map]
(816) 776-5900

Shakers Nightclub

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:15:00 +0000

(Richmond, MO)

Scooter’s 382nd bar, first visited in 2007.

Modern, clean, and decked out in purple. Also, at $1 a draw, this was the cheapest beer of the day. We thought it odd that the bartender was a large older man in overalls but before we left the shift changed and a younger country girl that fit with the nightclub theme took over.

303 Wollard Blvd
Richmond, MO 64085
US
[launch map]
(816) 776-7095

Depot Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(Richmond, MO)

Scooter’s 381st bar, first visited in 2007.

Just around the corner from Hide Away, this bar is adjacent to a skateboard park so has a sign on the door warning those damn kids that if they want drinks of water they better bring their own damn cups.

408 W Lexington St
Richmond, MO 64085
US
[launch map]
(816) 776-2415

Hide a Way Bar

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(Richmond, MO)

Scooter’s 380th bar, first visited in 2007.

Tucked away on a side street just west of downtown, we watched some college football and chatted with the bartender.

113 S Shotwell St
Richmond, MO 64085
US
[launch map]
(816) 776-5252

Our Place Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:12:00 +0000

(Richmond, MO)

Scooter’s 379th bar, first visited in 2007.

Big place off the highway with a stage for bands. Pay for your drinks with exact change or else the bartender may put your change directly in the tip jar without asking first!

39735 Business Highway 10
Richmond, MO 64085
US
[launch map]
(816) 776-9018

VFW Post 741 / American Legion Post 256

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(Excelsior Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 378th bar, first visited in 2007.

This was the first VFW/American Legion combo we’ve seen, and also the first of either variety we’ve been to where we encountered any resistance. The door required a passcard to open but the bartender let us in. The lone vet inside grilled us for a few minutes about our military status in an obvious attempt to point out that we did not belong, but the bartender convinced him to allow us to stay.

200 Concourse Ave
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
US
[launch map]
(816) 630-7711
Visit Web Site

Goodtimes Restaurant & Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Excelsior Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 377th bar, first visited in 2007.

Though we didn’t see anyone eating when we were here, apparently the food here is pretty good.

1903 W Jesse James Rd
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
US
[launch map]
(816) 630-1227

Town Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(Smithville, MO)

Scooter’s 374th bar, first visited in 2007.

As I was looking for the men’s room in a dark hallway someone opened the bar’s back door, sunblinding me enough that I had to ask the woman who entered which door was the one I needed. My beer may have been the first draw of the day, it had a slight fruity taste.

111 E Main St
Smithville, MO 64089
US
[launch map]
(816) 532-0943

B Z Bar

scooterj — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:12:00 +0000

(Edgerton, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Appears to have closed in 2010. Replaced by Gracie’s Bar right next door.

Scooter’s 372nd bar, first visited in 2007.

Conveniently located right next to the town’s police station, this bar featured a birthday board for all the regulars and a resident lhasa apsa.

409 Frank St
Edgerton, MO 64444
US
[launch map]
(816) 790-3261

Katies Pub

scooterj — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(Gower, MO)

Scooter’s 371st bar, first visited in 2007.

Since the phone number was disconnected we assumed this place was out of business. But, on a hunch that a town this big would have to have at least one bar, we decided to make the side trip. Sure enough, Katies Pub was still there, just without a phone. While drinking our beer we played a few rounds of trivia.

308 Railroad Ave
Gower, MO 64454
US
[launch map]

Bert & Ernie’s

scooterj — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Plattsburg, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Was destroyed by a fire on November 6, 2007.

Scooter’s 370th bar, first visited in 2007.

A pretty nice place! After our first beer we decided to stick around and try the pizza. We had a medium pepperoni & sausage, and it was delicious. Actually good enough that I’d be willing to make the hour drive each way to have it again sometime!

Edit: Except now I can’t, it burned down a couple of months later.

108 Broadway St
Plattsburg, MO 64477
US
[launch map]
(816) 539-3136

The View

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:26:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 367th bar, first visited in 2007.

We played several rounds of trivia here. This may have been a gay-friendly bar based upon the rainbow-colored Bud Light clock and the colorful beer tap. However neither of my friends thought it was a gay bar, one of whom is gay himself.

Update: I was right. Looks like my friend needs to take his GAYBAR-GAYDAR in for a tuneup.

204 Orchard St
Kansas City, KS 66101
US
[launch map]
(913) 281-0833

Sammy’s Tavern

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:24:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 365th bar, first visited in 2007.

We all thought this was a new bar for us, but once we were inside both of my companions recognized it. Oh well, it was still new for me. Private club.

Revisited on November 5, 2016. No longer a private club, so no smoking. The outside of the building belies the rustic beauty of the inside. Very nice bathrooms. Nice bartender. Full bar but beer is bottles & cans only — and only domestics.

222 N 6th St
Kansas City, KS 66101
US
[launch map]
(913) 281-0184
Visit Web Site

Chicago’s

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:23:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 364th bar, first visited in 2007.

Another busy place, the 3 of us crowded around the far end of the bar. Chicago’s is the building down on the corner, I forgot to get a picture until we were about to leave so had a lousy vantage point. Private club.

UPDATE

Revisited on November 5, 2016. The photos below are from that visit. No longer a private club, so no smoking. Good craft beer selection. It was our bartender’s first day.

534 Central Ave
Kansas City, KS 66101
US
[launch map]
(913) 281-9744
Visit Web Site

Johnnie’s On Seventh

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:22:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)
Formerly Johnnie’s Club, Johnnie’s Sports Bar

Scooter’s 363rd bar, first visited in 2007.

aka Johnnie’s On Seventh

We’d tried to come here 3 weekends ago but that was on a Sunday and they were closed. Behind the bar sits a really cool little brick street neighborhood. Private club.

UPDATE

Revisited on November 5, 2016. No longer a private club, so no smoking. The bartender was serving as DJ via YouTube, and free fried catfish was offered up. Good craft beer selection. Pictures below are from that visit.

55 S 7th St
Kansas City, KS 66101
US
[launch map]
(913) 371-0300
Visit Web Site

Blue Rose

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 362nd bar, first visited in 2007.

We had first entered a private club called Dixie’s and immediately faced a grilling not only from the bartender but also from a customer at the end of the bar. “Check their membership cards! They don’t belong here! Throw them out!” he kept shouting as the bartender nagged a Mexican family who also were not members. This wasn’t necessary at all, we had respected the rules everywhere we have been, but this customer was being way too much of an asshole about it. So, noticing that he was reading the new Harry Potter book, B leaned in and told him how it ended as we were heading towards the door.

We stepped outside into the blistering heat and saw The Blue Rose across the street. D and I were tired of being tossed out of places (Dixie’s had made about 5 today) so B went to go check it out. After a few minutes of standing in the heat without a peep from B, we decided to go see what was happening only to find B sitting comfortably in the A/C halfway through his frosty cold beer.

The bartender gave us membership applications, the only private club we found that actually offered a way to become a member, and poured our beers.

1013 Central Ave
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
[launch map]
(913) 321-7673

Hideout Club

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:20:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 361st bar, first visited in 2007.

I believe this was the bar where “The Perfect Storm” was playing on TV, and we discussed the futility of watching a 2-hour drama that’s based on a true story where everyone dies at the end anyway.

1410 Central Ave
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
[launch map]
(913) 281-4115

Dot Landers

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 360th bar, first visited in 2007.

All I remember really is that it was packed, but we did find an empty table.

RE-VISITED ON DEC 28, 2018

The bar was recently renovated. The front entrance was rebuild to move the door into an alcove protected from the rain, the original brick walls were exposed, and some new paint. After seeing it in 2018 I know have very faint, vague memories of it from 2007.

1705 Central Ave
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
[launch map]
(913) 233-1872
Visit Web Site

Gossip Inn

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:18:00 +0000

(Park Drive, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 359th bar, first visited in 2007.

Had we realized how close this was to Pam’s, we could have gotten here faster by walking. The pool table was free of charge today (quarters provided at the bar) so we played a couple of games.

2418 Park Dr
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
[launch map]
(913) 281-3322

Pam’s Pizza & Pub

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:17:00 +0000

(Park Drive, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 358th bar, first visited in 2007.

We were hoping this would be more pub than pizza place, and we were in luck. The bartender gave D a birthday shot.

2519 Park Dr
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
[launch map]
(913) 371-4969

Oasis: the Club

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:15:00 +0000

(Armourdale, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 356th bar, first visited in 2007.

This was another rough looking place but we were comfortable enough to sit and play several rounds at the trivia box. The restroom however was one of the nastiest I’ve seen. The sink was grimey enough that B wouldn’t use it, figuring it would make his hands dirtier. The toilet was clogged with cigarette butts, and the trash can had been put to use as a toilet.

1111 Kansas Ave
Kansas City, KS 66105
US
[launch map]
(913) 321-7248

Alibi’s

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(Armourdale, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 355th bar, first visited in 2007.

This almost went on the list of places that refused to serve us, but a customer “remembered” B and vouched for us to get us in. We of course reciprocated with a beer. And, B and D had actually been here before and never had a problem until now.

975 Kansas Ave
Kansas City, KS 66105
US
[launch map]
(913) 233-1141

Casino Bar

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(Armourdale, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 354th bar, first visited in 2007.

With an interior finish of the finest particle board, this place looked like it had the potential to get pretty rough. There were several interesting characters about, but most of the people were pretty pleasant. The bartender was particularly helpful as he tried to explain the concept of KCK’s private clubs and why some serve us and others don’t.

1100 Osage Ave
Kansas City, KS 66105
US
[launch map]
(913) 281-5800

Country Cabaret Club

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:12:00 +0000

(Armourdale, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 353rd bar, first visited in 2007.

This was like being in an entirely different world. The ultimate Mexican country-western bar experience. The bartender passing out free homemade tamales as the sounds of donkeys braying punctuate the music. The men’s room was unusual too, facing the bar with only a partial saloon door offering any semblance of privacy.

Inside the men’s room we noticed that evidently condom peddlers are patriotic and support right-wing conservative issues:

814 S 12th St
Kansas City, KS 66105
US
[launch map]
(913) 371-9501

Reich’s Club

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(Argentine, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 352nd bar, first visited in 2007.

Despite the name this place had little to do with WW2 Germany. However it was a little bunker-like. After entering the front door you proceed down a long central corridor to another door towards the back where you are then buzzed in.

3405 Strong Ave
Kansas City, KS 66106
US
[launch map]
(913) 831-3405

Dad’s Hole In the Wall

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(State Ave, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 351st bar, first visited in 2007.

This was a nice, tiny little spot. Bar seating for 9, with a total capacity of 32. Almost completely invisible from the main road, you have to be looking for it to find it.

1111 N 50th St
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
[launch map]
(913) 328-2583

Coyote Blue Cantina

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:22:00 +0000

(Argentine, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 345th bar, first visited in 2007.

The photo is actually of the building we went in by mistake first. Coyote Blue is the next building to the left, the gray building.

We were invited to join in on a nacho bar and also to have some free tripe but we were too scared to try it.

As the only non-hispanics in the place, while I was in the restroom B was accused of being an undercover cop from the vice squad. B neither confirmed nor denied this allegation.

2710 Strong Ave
Kansas City, KS 66106
US
[launch map]
(913) 432-8005

Muddy Waters Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:21:00 +0000

(Muncie, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 344th bar, first visited in 2007.

No wonder we didn’t see it, this biker bar was in a strip mall, across from Wild Woody’s, but hidden from highway view by another building.

6720 Kaw Dr
Kansas City, KS 66111
US
[launch map]
(913) 788-2050

Jamie’s Place

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:20:00 +0000

(Turner, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 343rd bar, first visited in 2007.

The bartender here was a really cool guy and came over to chat with us a bit. He pointed out that we missed a bar back in Muncie so we had to head back and search for that next…

4901 Metropolitan Ave
Kansas City, KS 66106
US
[launch map]
(913) 287-1870

Frankie D’s

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:19:00 +0000

(Muncie, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 342nd bar, first visited in 2007.

Part bar, part Mexican restuarant.

6411 Kansas Ave
Kansas City, KS 66111
US
[launch map]
(913) 287-9134

Roadhouse Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:18:00 +0000

(Muncie, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 341st bar, first visited in 2007.

When we stepped inside here we found ourselves at a nearly-full bar shrouded in total silence. No music, no TV, no conversation. So B told the bar his “schnauzer” joke to break the ice.

6524 Kaw Dr
Kansas City, KS 66111
US
[launch map]
(913) 299-5599

Bill’s 32 West

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:17:00 +0000

(Muncie, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 340th bar, first visited in 2007.

This was our first stop at what we thought was a cluster of three bars (but would turn out to be more). We were invited to partake of free nachos but were too full from our earlier Arby’s stop.

6500 Kaw Dr
Kansas City, KS 66111
US
[launch map]
(913) 788-3843

61st St Pit Stop

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(State Ave, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 337th bar, first visited in 2007.

Your basic dive bar. I can’t remember for sure but this might be the place where our 10oz draws were 75 cents. We had to chug, though, because several guys were about to try to squeeze a massive beer cooler through that small front door and we didn’t want to get stuck waiting.

6102 State Ave
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
[launch map]
(913) 334-6700

To the Hoop Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(State Ave, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 336th bar, first visited in 2007.

A pretty small sports bar in a commercial area. I had a Bud Select and quickly remembered why I don’t get Bud Select. A patron to our right filled us in on a couple of nearby places to try, includuding The Sports Page plus a place further down the road that he had never worked up the courage to try. So naturally that’s where we went next.

7912 State Ave
Kansas City, KS 66112
US
[launch map]
(913) 334-1700

American Legion Post 199

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:12:00 +0000

(Bethel, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 335th bar, first visited in 2007.

We entered through the patio out back to find a fairly full house. There was a fish fry going on that we were invited to join, but we weren’t hungry yet so politely declined.

7942 Leavenworth Rd
Kansas City, KS 66109
US
[launch map]
(913) 299-0281
Visit Web Site

Jerry’s Neighborhood Sports Bar

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(Bethel, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 334th bar, first visited in 2007.

Because of the lack of neon we had driven right past this place without noticing it. The main bar was full, with everyone watching one of the Die Hard movies on TV, so we had to sit at the side bar.

8048 Leavenworth Rd
Kansas City, KS 66109
US
[launch map]
(913) 788-3596

Office Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Bethel, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 333rd bar, first visited in 2007.

Our first stop was actually a bonus bar. We weren’t expecting to find one here and were just flying by when B spotted it. Our bartender, who was watching women’s softball on TV, was a wealth of information and filled us in on the concept of private clubs in KCK. She also told us about several others that would be open on a Sunday. This included two right next door on either side that we had completely failed to notice.

8016 Leavenworth Rd
Kansas City, KS 66109
US
[launch map]
(913) 788-5108

Bottom of the Hill

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:30:00 +0000

(New Cambria, MO)
Formerly Jimbo’s

Scooter’s 332nd bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Busch Light 8oz draw – $0.75
S: Busch Light 8oz draw – $0.75

Karaoke was in play here, but it was dead. We learned why when we tried it ourselves. B did a severely-truncated “You Never Even Call Me By My Name” and I did “Elvira”. The karaoke guy had never done it before and apparently was uninsured because he warned both of us to be extremely careful around his “$22,000 of equipment”. There was only one song book and it was fastened to the microphone stand. The songs were not organized by title nor artist, instead by what CD they were on, and most of the pages were hand-written. Several times he was unable to find the right songs using his “system”. “Elvira” was my third attempt for him to find a song that he had listed, and it took him 3 tries to even find that. Wow.

At least we got to meet the dopplegangers of Julianne Moore and Kid Rock, who were having a beer together next to us.

101 W Front Ave
New Cambria, MO 63558
US
[launch map]
(660) 226-5959

My Place Ca Fae and Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:29:00 +0000

(Bucklin, MO)

Scooter’s 331st bar, first visited in 2007.

We pulled in to Bucklin, MO a little after 10:00 on a summer Saturday night, and after a couple of wrong turns found the My Place bar.

The place was packed, in part due to a birthday party. Karaoke was in full swing, and a large guy in overalls named Norm was enjoying a few beers. We got ourselves a couple of cans of Busch Light and sought an empty spot to go hang out.

The karaoke DJ announced that Norm had a special talent to perform but only if the bar raised $50. A collection was taken up (we chipped in a few dollars ourselves), and before long the funds were raised.

Apparently under instruction not to do it inside the bar, Norm stepped just outside the door and proceeded to remove his underwear without removing his overalls to the delight of the crowd. After he got a round of ovation I got a picture of him, complete with his underwear hanging out of his pocket and the fifty dollars cash in his fist.

As we were leaving, a woman step out of the bar, spat a loogie into the street, and stepped back inside.

My Place is located in downtown Bucklin, just northeast of Hunt Street on Livingston (Mo-129). Bucklin is in Linn County, MO, about a mile-and-a-half north of US-36 on MO-129.

1416 N Livingston St
Bucklin, MO 64631
US
[launch map]
(660) 695-3476

OK Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:28:00 +0000

(Marceline, MO)

Scooter’s 330th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Michelob 10oz draw – $2
S: Michelob Light 10oz draw – $2

I had mis-printed my map of this town so it took us for-e-ver to find this place… even having asked for directions. Finally I spotted the telltale neon and we eventually figured out how to get to it. The interior was pretty rustic.

126 E Howell Ave
Marceline, MO 64658
US
[launch map]
(660) 376-9400

Lucky’s

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:27:00 +0000

(Brookfield, MO)
Formerly Shawn’s Place

Scooter’s 329th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Coors Light bottle – $2
S: Coors Light bottle – $2

Your basic strip-mall bar. When we arrived there were 2 cop cars waiting in the lot. Moments later two guys left the bar with drinks in-hand and started to get in their cars. Then they both noticed the cops and in unison turned around and went back inside.

610 W Lockling St
Brookfield, MO 64628
US
[launch map]
(660) 258-5303

Horseshoe Bar

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:26:00 +0000

(Linneus, MO)

Scooter’s 328th bar, first visited in 2007.

While we were sitting in this spacious bar the bartender’s husband and 3 children arrived and sat near us. Cute kids, sipping on their Cokes.

B: PBR can – $2
S: PBR can – $2

209 W State St
Linneus, MO 64653
US
[launch map]
(660) 895-9905

Rob’s Beer Joint

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:25:00 +0000

(Browning, MO)

Scooter’s 327th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: PBR can – $2
S: PBR can – $2

Rob still owns the place but has been having health problems the last several months, so his wife is running things for him.

310 W Main St
Browning, MO 64630
US
[launch map]
(660) 946-9905

Afternoon Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:24:00 +0000

(Milan, MO)
Formerly Cat’s Den

Scooter’s 326th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 8oz draw – $1
S: Fat Tire 8oz draw – $1

This place was almost cavernous and looked like it had been recently renovated. I selected a seat at some patio furniture.

103 S Main St
Milan, MO 63556
US
[launch map]
(660) 265-5000

Legends

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:23:00 +0000

(Green Castle, MO)

Scooter’s 325th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Natural Light can – $1.50
S: Natural Light can – $1.50

We couldn’t go into the bar due it being rented out for a bachelor party. Luckily it had a nice outdoor beer garden. Our bartender was the former owner, a really nice guy.

We each did have to slip into the main bar to use the restroom and in doing so found that the the stripper, who was supposed to have been there by now according to the bartender, was late and only a few guys were anywhere to be seen.

We saw far too many cars parked nearby to be explained by the number of people in the bachelor party so looked around and found that the local Lion’s Club meets in the “Opra” House [sic] across the street. We decided to check it out. B opened the door, and about 200 silver-haired bingo players stopped what they were doing and stared at us. B wanted to join them, but I wanted to hit the road.

93 E Front St
Green Castle, MO 63544
US
[launch map]
(660) 874-4686

Chevy’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:22:00 +0000

(Novinger, MO)

Scooter’s 324th bar, first visited in 2007.

On the way into town we spotted a guy driving a go-cart and tried to get his picture… but he was too fast and all we got was his dust.

B: Natural Light can – $1.50
S: Natural Light can – $1.50

When we arrived in town we found three bars lined up in a row, but only the southern one was in business.

Our bartender told us that she couldn’t remember the name of the one in the middle but that the other one was named “Hotel California”. She said that only one of the three bars ever seems to be in business at any given time, and that she has worked at each of them.

By the way, how often do you see a Bible verse on the side of a bar?

125 S Frankford Ave
Novinger, MO 63559
US
[launch map]
(660) 488-5300

Nemo Rocks

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:21:00 +0000

(Kirksville, MO)

Scooter’s 323rd bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.25
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.25

We want to call this a biker bar… except there wwere no bikes but all pickup trucks. In any case it had a stripper pole and a cool bartender.

1512 Brook Dr
Kirksville, MO 63501
US
[launch map]
(660) 665-2999

Ryan’s Sports Bar

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:17:00 +0000

(Kirksville, MO)

Scooter’s 319th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.75
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.75

112 W Harrison St
Kirksville, MO 63501
US
[launch map]
(660) 627-5919

TP’s Office

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:16:00 +0000

(Kirksville, MO)

Scooter’s 318th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud 10oz draw – $1.25
S: Bud 10oz draw – $1.25

110 S Elson St
Kirksville, MO 63501
US
[launch map]
(660) 665-9679

The Locker Room

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:15:00 +0000

(Kirksville, MO)

Scooter’s 317th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.50
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.50

We watched a couple rounds of UFC with several other guys.

106 S Elson St
Kirksville, MO 63501
US
[launch map]
(660) 665-4448
Visit Web Site

Full Moon Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(Kirksville, MO)

Scooter’s 316th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $2
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $2

816 W Northtown Rd
Kirksville, MO 63501
US
[launch map]
(660) 665-5600

Checkers

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(Queen City, MO)

Scooter’s 315th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud bottle – $2
S: Miller Light bottle – $2

We sat at the square-shaped bar and talkedd across the bar to an old man with a tracheotomy as he smoked a cigarette. He and the bartender — a young woman — told us about how this place is usually pretty busy once the farmers come in from the fields. As we left, B bought trache-man another beer.

430 Cedar St
Queen City, MO 63561
US
[launch map]
(660) 766-2423

Boondocks

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:12:00 +0000

(Lancaster, MO)

Scooter’s 314th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 7oz bottle – $1.25
S: Bud Lite 7oz bottle – $1.25

We asked for the smallest beer they had, and got the smallest beer of the entire trip. I’d never seen such small bottles before.

104 Jackson St
Lancaster, MO 63548
US
[launch map]
(660) 457-3544

Jim’s Silver Dollar

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(Bloomfield, IA)

Scooter’s 313th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Old Milwaukeee 10oz draw – $1
S: Old Milwaukeee 10oz draw – $1

This place wasn’t bad at all… exactly the type of dive we like. The antique bar was incredible, the ceiling ornate, and behind us a rustic old-timey piano sat side-by-side wwith a TouchTunes jukebox. The men’s room was a bit odd… basically a closet with a toilet — no sink and no working light.

109 S Washington St
Bloomfield, IA 52537
US
[launch map]
(641) 664-3162

American Legion Post 78

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Bloomfield, IA)

Scooter’s 312th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Coors Light 10oz draw – $1
S: Coors Light 10oz draw – $1

We had trouble figuring out how to get into this place, the front door seemed to be locked. (We later discovered it was just sticky.) We went in through the back.

We asked our bartender about the other bars in the area. She named a couple of places on the way out of town that she thought we’d like. More upscale. “Younger people, people more like you, you’ll like it.”

“There’s also Jim’s Silver Dollar around the corner, but you don’t want to go. That place is a complete dump. Dirty, disgusting. Really nasty. Nasty people, too. [leaning in] True white trash. [leaning more and motioning towards the guys at the far end of the bar] Even worse than what you get in here. And it’s expensive, you’ll pay a buck-fifty, maybe even a buck seventy-five.”

Now, with an endorsement like that, where else would we go next???

211 E Jefferson St
Bloomfield, IA 52537
US
[launch map]
(641) 664-2446
Visit Web Site

Cocanana’s

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:39:00 +0000

(Ottumwa, IA)

Scooter’s 311th bar, first visited in 2007.

We got our beers ($1 each for 10oz Bud Light draws) and I began looking through my notebook to see how we had done. I did a double-take and rechecked my figures. I was stunned to discover that we had just ordered our 30th drink at our 30th bar of the day, shattering our previous record by 7 bars.

We high-fived and clinked our glasses, sending a splash of beer onto the bar counter. A guy standing at the end of the bar asked what we were celebrating.

“We’ve been to 30 bars!” we said.

“Really? This is your 30th ever?” the guy asked.

“No,” we replied, “our 30th today!”

“Oh my god!” interjected the bartender. “PLEASE tell me you are not driving!”

“Oh no,” we reassured her, “we’re on foot.”

“Well, congratulations, then, and be careful,” she told us as she wiped up our minor spill.

After we finished our drinks and left the bar, we were met in the parking lot by a group of patrons, a man and two women who had heard us talking about our accomplishment. They asked us where all we had been and shared with us a wealth of information about some of the bars we had been to earlier in the day.

1317 E Main St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
US
[launch map]
(641) 682-1931

The Salty Frog

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:38:00 +0000

(Ottumwa, IA)

Scooter’s 310th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 8oz draw – $1.25
S: Bud Lite 8oz draw – $1.25

Right across the street from Scooters, this place had only been open for a couple of weeks tops when we visited.

314 E Main St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
US
[launch map]
(641) 683-8327
Visit Web Site

Owl’s Nest

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:35:00 +0000

(Ottumwa, IA)

Scooter’s 307th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.25
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.25
We were now both feeling it. Not drunk… full. Stomach volume was proving to be a major challenge that looked likeely to keep us from reaching our goal.

116 S Court St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
US
[launch map]
(641) 682-9368

Uncle Buck’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:34:00 +0000

(Ottumwa, IA)

Scooter’s 306th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 16oz draw – $2
S: Bud Lite 16oz draw – $2
And, again, another zig-zag across the street. This place was also having karaoke, but here it was proving popular with singer after singer after singer. The setup was in the front room by the window which had to help. Upon our arrival B noticced a distinctive-looking fella and immediately nicknamed him “Blonde Jesus”. Beefore we left, Blonde Jesus got up and sang “Sweet Home Alabama”.

518 Church St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
US
[launch map]
(641) 682-4449

Dugout

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:33:00 +0000

(Ottumwa, IA)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Shut down in July 2008 after a drug raid.

Scooter’s 305th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Miller Light 10oz draw – $1.50
S: Miller Light 10oz draw – $1.50
And yet another zig-zag across the street. This bar was divided into two rooms – the front main bar area and a back room. It was karaoke night, with a karaoke guy set up in the front corner of the back room. Despite the bar being crowded, most of the people were in the front room and hardly anyone was doing karaoke. I’m not surprised, though, it was unusually loud in the karaoke room.

535 Church St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
US
[launch map]
(641) 684-0895

The Keg

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:32:00 +0000

(Ottumwa, IA)

Scooter’s 304th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.25
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.25
A zig-zag across a busy street from the previous bar.

622 Church St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
US
[launch map]

Front Runners

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:31:00 +0000

(Ottumwa, IA)

Scooter’s 303rd bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Old Milwaukee 12oz draw – $1.25
S: Old Milwaukee 12oz draw – $1.25
The change to Old Milwaukee was a pleasant switch that helped give us a little bit of a second wind. I think we played a little bar trivia here.

837 Church St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
US
[launch map]
(641) 682-0720

Ned’s Place

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:30:00 +0000

(Batavia, IA)

Scooter’s 302nd bar, first visited in 2007.

Batavia was on the way back to Ottumwa and we stopped despite the fact that it was getting late, so we were disappointed that all we could find was an American Legion with a locked door. We walked around the side of the building and saw some people standing near a truck. “Can you tell us how to get to Ned’s Place?” we asked. “Through that side door right behind you,” they reeplied. Whoops!

B: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.50
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $1.50

B was gettting antsy for some reason so we played some shuffleboard as we drank our beer.

1000 3rd St
Batavia, IA 52533
US
[launch map]
(641) 662-2600

George’s

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:29:00 +0000

(Fairfield, IA)

Scooter’s 301st bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Coors Light bottle
S: Coors Light bottle

Now, my notes call this place “Taso’s Pizza & Pub”, but my photo is of “George’s Pizza & Steak”. George’s is in the right location, and I can’t find any listing for a place called Taso’s. So most likely I mis-read a sign inside while taking notes. Anyway, we had some coors and then decided to get a little pizza after realizing we hadn’t eaten in over 12 hours. I don’t know how much our beers were since the pizza got added to the same tab.

57 W Broadway Ave
Fairfield, IA 52556
US
[launch map]
(641) 472-9119

VFW Post 2271

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:28:00 +0000

(Fairfield, IA)

Scooter’s 300th bar, first visited in 2007.

For years I have known of the statue of a distance ancestor in the town square at Fairfield but never had an opportunity to see it until now…

To celebrate my visit as well as something else worth celebrating, I wanted to find someplace appropriate. We checked out the square and found a few places, then checked the perimeter of the square and found the perfect setting…

B: Miller Light 12oz – $1.25
S: Miller Light 12oz – $1.25

There were about a dozen people inside this VFW. B got their attention, I announced the reason for my visit to the statue, then announced one other thing that I was also celebrating:

This is the 300th bar I’ve been to in my life!

I then bought the entire house a round and we had a good time with everyone there before it was time to move on.

121 E Broadway Ave
Fairfield, IA 52556
US
[launch map]

Visit Web Site

Primavera Club

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:27:00 +0000

(Ottumwa, IA)
Formerly Harley’s

Scooter’s 299th bar, first visited in 2007.

Our intention was to pass through Ottumwa for now because we had some business to attend to in Fairfield, two towns further down the highway. But as we reached the eastern edge of Ottumwa we were stopped in our tracks by barricades across the highway — closed for construction. Luckily there was someplace right next to the barricades where we could ask for directions.

B: Bud Lite bottle – $1
S: Miller Light bottle – $1

Formerly Harley’s, this place had just recently been bought by a nice Mexican family and re-opened as the Primavera Club. Our bartender, Lorena, was a former nurse who told us about heer life’s travels. Her friends at a nearby table helped us out with directions around the construction zone so that we could get to Fairfield.

2801 Roemer Ave
Ottumwa, IA 52501
US
[launch map]

Alpine Inn

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:26:00 +0000

(Ottumwa, IA)

Scooter’s 298th bar, first visited in 2007.

We circled around this place twice trying to determine if it was actually a bar or not. Finally we went inside and discovered it’s all bar. B bought a beer for an old man next to us that we were chatting with.

1804 Albia Rd
Ottumwa, IA 52501
US
[launch map]
(641) 682-3311

American Legion #136

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:25:00 +0000

(Albia, IA)

Scooter’s 297th bar, first visited in 2007.

We chatted with a guy named Bob who used to own a hardware store and would come to KC (technically to Overland Park, it was the Kansas City Merchandise Mart) for trade shows. On our way out B bought him a beer.

By the way, this American Legion has the distinction of being the most brightly-lit bar we have ever been in. Oddly, the darkest bar we have ever been in also was an American Legion.

21 Washington Ave W
Albia, IA 52531
US
[launch map]
(641) 932-2716
Visit Web Site

Brick Street Pub & Eatery

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:24:00 +0000

(Albia, IA)

Scooter’s 296th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $0.75
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw – $0.75
(Our tips were more than the cost of the beer!)

This place was built in 1904, and has always operated as a bar for all 104 (and counting) years of its life.

24 A Ave W
Albia, IA 52531
US
[launch map]
(641) 932-5442

Tennessee Owl Tap

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:23:00 +0000

(Albia, IA)

Scooter’s 295th bar, first visited in 2007.

We asked for the smallest draws available, and got the smallest draws we’ve ever had! They were almost embarassing.

This guy caught me taking this picture, so B went over to him and explained what we were doing to make sure he was cool with it.

2 S Main St
Albia, IA 52531
US
[launch map]
(641) 932-5954

Murph’s Sports Bar

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:22:00 +0000

(Albia, IA)

Scooter’s 294th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Bud Lite 8oz draw – $1
S: Bud Lite 8oz draw – $1

17 S Clinton St
Albia, IA 52531
US
[launch map]
(641) 932-2232

Fat Annie’s

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:21:00 +0000

(Moravia, IA)

Scooter’s 293rd bar, first visited in 2007.

Either Annie wasn’t working today or she’s lost a lot of weight. The thing that most caught our attention was the nude paintings on the wall. There were four, all of the same woman. One thing that was odd was that two of them were identical.

Both when we arrived and again when we left, a young girl opened the door of the laundry next door and stared at us.

102 E Chariton St
Moravia, IA 52571
US
[launch map]
(641) 724-9822

The Alibi

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:20:00 +0000

(Centerville, IA)

Scooter’s 292nd bar, first visited in 2007.

Address unknown, placement approximate. Located behind the Ben Franklin on the west side of the town square, on State Street. There is no identifying sign and it doesn’t appear in any directory I can find. We would not have come here at all, except the bartender at Gordie’s told us about it.

UPDATE – I finally found the business address by searching for the liquor license.

301 W. State
Centerville, IA 52544
US
[launch map]
(641) 895-1873

Gordie’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:19:00 +0000

(Centerville, IA)

Scooter’s 291st bar, first visited in 2007.

The bartender here was who told us about this town having the largest town square. This bar was on a one-way side street coming into the square. This particular street was once called Pill Row because every building was a doctors office.

108 N 13th St
Centerville, IA 52544
US
[launch map]
(641) 437-7231

The Silver Spur

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:18:00 +0000

(Centerville, IA)

Scooter’s 290th bar, first visited in 2007.

While I tried 3 times to close the men’s room door before giving up and peeing with it wide open, B struck up a conversation with the bartender about her carpal tunnel braces.

When we left this was a memorable bar, but we didn’t realize until several hours later how memorable it would become. The following information was given to us by some people that we would meet 10-1/2 hours later:

The Silver Spur used to be called Larry’s Silver Spur. Larry was a really nice guy, but then one day his wife up and shot him in the head. She’s in prison now. Then later there was a couple in there and they had an argument. The girlfriend stormed out and the boyfriend stayed inside, he was going to wait for her to cool off and knew she’d come back in. But she never did… because when she went outside she stepped onto the highway and got flattened by a semi. They got most of her for the burial but “one arm was unattainable.”

I haven’t been able to confirm any of this yet but it’s too interesting of gossip not to pass along.

23771 Highway 5
Centerville, IA 52544
US
[launch map]
(641) 437-4777

Neighborhood Tap

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:17:00 +0000

(Seymour, IA)

Scooter’s 289th bar, first visited in 2007.

This was the first of many bars we’d visit this weekend on the town squares of small towns. We love those! I forgot to get an interior photo and I’m temporarily drawing a blank on what it was like on the inside, but I do remember it being a pretty nice place for such a small town.

419 W Wall St
Seymour, IA 52590
US
[launch map]

Fibbin Fisherman Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:16:00 +0000

(Corydon, IA)

Scooter’s 288th bar, first visited in 2007.

I forgot to get a photo of this sign that was hanging behind the bar, I also forgot to buy one of their t-shirts.

211 N Franklin St
Corydon, IA 50060
US
[launch map]
(641) 872-2883

American Legion #379

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:15:00 +0000

(Allerton, IA)

Scooter’s 287th bar, first visited in 2007.

This town was a fairly significant detour off the main highways and had only one bar, so we had already called ahead to make sure they’d be open. “We’ll be open at 1:00 on Saturday,” they said. So you can only imagine our intense disappointment when we found the place closed. Luckily we found a nearby replacement in this American Legion.

This was one of the least bar-like bars we have visited… it felt more like drinking at the kitchen counter in a community center. Our host was very pleasant and friendly, though, so we increased our tip a little to help her out.

303 S Central Ave
Allerton, IA 50008
US
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Visit Web Site

Crossroads Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(Princeton, MO)

Scooter’s 286th bar, first visited in 2007.

This was the home of the biggest hairdos I have ever seen in person. Unfortunately I could not get a discrete opportunity to snap a photo. Also the men’s restroom was located uncomfortably close to the dining area with uncomfortably thin walls.

Hightway 65 & Highway 136
Princeton, MO 64673
US
[launch map]
(660) 748-3833

Snappy’s

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(Trenton, MO)

Scooter’s 285th bar, first visited in 2007.

When we first arrived there was no one to be found, but after a couple of minutes B did some exploration and found the bartender/owner in the poker room in the back. Named Craig, he was the first bartender we met on this trip to be internet savvy. His bar has a MySpace page, and in fact he moved to Trenton from Florida after using the internet to find this bar for sale. He whipped out a laptop and we showed him photos and blogs from our past barhopping adventures.

One interesting feature towards the back is the women’s restroom, it’s an outhouse brought inside and fitted with a more modern toilet.

201 W 10th St
Trenton, MO 64683
US
[launch map]
(660) 359-6224
Visit Web Site

Trackside

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:12:00 +0000

(Trenton, MO)

Scooter’s 284th bar, first visited in 2007.

While B parked the car I stepped on inside, and all conversation came to a stop. With all eyes on my I slowly and nervously took a seat. After a lengthly pause I broke the uncomfortable silence and said my friend was parking the car and we’d order then. Only after he stepped in and we ordered our beer did anyone stop staring and get back to talking. I did find it odd that a bar filled with fairly tough looking men had a daytime soap opera playing on the TV.

1242 Tinsman Ave
Trenton, MO 64683
US
[launch map]
(660) 339-7701

Traphouse

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(Chillicothe, MO)

Scooter’s 283rd bar, first visited in 2007.

This place was hard to find. Google Maps got us close but we just didn’t see it. We circled around, drove all over, and even called for directions. Finally, with great effort, we found it. It turns out it wasn’t on a street at all but on an “alley” of sorts that looked like the driveway for a nearby trailer house.

The bartender was the owner’s mother, who was watching the final Bob Barker episode of The Price Is Right. She told us that several bars in town have gone under due to younger people moving away but that their place was doing well due to low overhead.

Behind us a wall was completely covered with photos of various parties hosted at the bar.

319 Henry St # A
Chillicothe, MO 64601
US
[launch map]
(660) 646-6800

Angela’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Hamilton, MO)

Scooter’s 282nd bar, first visited in 2007.

This was a pretty big place on the inside, occupying 2 buildings on the downtown strip. One building was set up as a dining and dancing area. Angela’s had nice little personalized beer mugs.

211 N Davis St
Hamilton, MO 64644
US
[launch map]
(816) 583-2337

Mark & Michelle’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:17:00 +0000

(Gladstone, MO)

Scooter’s 279th bar, first visited in 2007.

2007 Visit: I couldn’t remember anything.

2014 Visit: This place is deceptively larger than it looks from the outside. The square-shaped island bar sits in the center of the room, with video games of varying degrees of working sit in the far corner. Serves pizza & wings, hosts karaoke.

7102 N Oak Trfy
Gladstone, MO 64118
US
[launch map]
(816) 436-6600
Visit Web Site

Hide Out Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:16:00 +0000

(Gladstone, MO)

Scooter’s 278th bar, first visited in 2007.

As karaoke was being set up and old woman made me sign a birthday card for someone I didn’t know. At the far end of an easily-missed strip mall near 69th & North Oak.

I’ve since learned that this is a popular blues bar.

6948 N Oak Trfy
Gladstone, MO 64118
US
[launch map]
(816) 468-0550
Visit Web Site

The Office

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:15:00 +0000

(Gladstone, MO)
Formerly Kyle’s Tap Room

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Was called Kyle’s Tap Room when I visited in 2007. Kyle’s closed on April 05, 2008. Is now re-opened under new ownership as “The Office”.

Scooter’s 277th bar, first visited in 2007.

Nice neighborhood hang-out

6825 N Oak Trfy
Gladstone, MO 64118
US
[launch map]
(816) 420-9099
Visit Web Site

Hiway House

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(Colonial Square, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 275th bar, first visited in 2007.

On Prather Road, just south of the Prather/Antioch split.

The bar is very small compared to the rest of the building, I didn’t look beyond the restrooms to see what was down the hall (if anything). I kind of feel like I remember there being a separate restaurant area.

4071 Prather Rd
Kansas City, MO 64116
US
[launch map]
(816) 454-7200
Visit Web Site

Bama’s

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:12:00 +0000

(N. Brighton, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called One Eyed Jacks

Scooter’s 274th bar, first visited in 2007.

Pizza place / bar

5044 NE Parvin Rd
Kansas City, MO 64117
US
[launch map]
(816) 455-6000

Antoinette’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(N. Brighton, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 273rd bar, first visited in 2007.

2007 Visit: I take back what I said about that American Legion being the most redneck place I’ve found.

2013 Visit: No problems this time!

Decent sized open area with the bar along one wall and games along the other. A patio has been added since my first visit.

4545 N Brighton Ave
Kansas City, MO 64117
US
[launch map]
(816) 452-1011
Visit Web Site

American Legion Post 61

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Clay County, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 272nd bar, first visited in 2007.

2007 Visit: This one was hard as hell to find and took several tries. I asked several locals, they all knew about it but none could give clear or accurate directions. Google Maps led me to someone’s house. When I finally found it the mystery was solved: parallel streets both with the same name, one of which dead ends at the Legion while the other is what all the mapping sites lead you to. Once inside this was the darkest bar I’ve ever been in, and possibly the most redneck too. Hidden back behind Vivion & Compton.

Regularly hosts karaoke

2014 Visit: Much cleaner and brighter. Friendly patrons, much more so than the previous visit. And Google Maps finally has the location right, too!

5125 N Bellaire Ave
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 454-7570
Visit Web Site

Rendezvous Bar

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:32:00 +0000

(Salina, KS)

Scooter’s 270th bar, first visited in 2007.

We both had Old Style. 12 oz. draws for $1.25 each.

Before long we once again began lamenting the loss of of our pizza. “At least it will be a good meal for a bum,” I said. B’s face lit up and he started chuckling.

“I have a phrase that just popped into my head,” he said. “Check this….. ‘Bum Feast’. That’s exactly what that pizza is.”

I started cracking up.

“I’d make a good name for a band,” he added.

“I can see the debut album now,” I said. “Bum Feast: Pizza On The Sidewalk.”

And the cover art could have been the photo I should have taken of us moping over spilled sidewalk pizza.

Believe it or not, we began to get a second wind here and decided to keep going. So we stepped outside to head down to the next bar. We were stunned to find that what had been rain when we arrived at Rendezvous had since turned into a sky-wide waterfall. A river was running down the street with the water level already up to the chassis of the cars parked in front. We decided to call a cab instead. We dialed the number for Sunflower Taxi and got Lee again.

“It’s going to be at least half an hour because the streets are all flooded,” he said.

We went back inside and played Golden Tee until he arrived. B heckled me for using my thumbs instead of my palm when putting.

Lee arrived, and the two of us plus a third guy who had also called ran out in the pouring rain with him. We were surprised to find an already-full cab waiting for us. Somehow the three of us + Lee managed to squeeze in. We asked him to take us to any bar that was still open, but the places he named we had already been to. Not wanting to delay anyone else, we asked to just go back to the Budget King motel so that we could figure out a new strategy from there.

By now all of the streets were under 1 to 1-1/2 feet of water (I later learned that Salina got 5.3 inches of rain in 90 minutes that night!) and Lee looked nervous as all hell trying to get us to our destinations. He did a great job though so our hats definitely go off to him.

It was a little after 1:00am when we returned to our room. With nature behaving the way it was and less than an hour before Kansas law mandated that the bars closed, we decided thet prudent thing to do would be to call it a night.

249 N Santa Fe Ave
Salina, KS 67401
US
[launch map]
(785) 827-3830

Paramount Bar

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:30:00 +0000

(Salina, KS)

Scooter’s 268th bar, first visited in 2007.

This place was crowded and did have a band, but there was no cover charge and the music was not too loud. We were able to get a table with ease.

We both had Bud 10 oz. draws were $2.00.

After finishing our beer we stepped out under the awning to scope out our situation. It was raining heavily (turned out to be one of the worst floods Salina had seen in years, over 5 inches of rain fell n just a few hours) and the next bar was up the street. As we made our plan, B felt something shift and heard a heartbreaking “sploosh” sound.

Weakened by several exposures to the rain, the side of the pizza box we had been carrying since The Scheme had popped open and our entire 1/2 large pepperoni pizza had just dropped face-down onto the wet sidewalk.

In what must have looked like a well-choreographed scene, we looked in horror at the mess on the sidewalk, then at each other, then at the pizza, then at each other, and at the pizza again, and bck at each other.

B was at a loss for words. He knelt down and somberly started putting the slices of wet pizza back in the box. “Well maybe it might still be salvageable,” I offered.

He looked at it, frowned, and set it behind a bench. “There’s no point,” he said, before cursing himself repeatedly.

Devastated by our loss, we ran up-and-across the street to the next place we saw.

219 N Santa Fe Ave
Salina, KS 67401
US
[launch map]
(785) 827-0992

The Scheme

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:28:00 +0000

(Salina, KS)

Scooter’s 266th bar, first visited in 2007.

B had a Bud Light, I had a Miller Lite. Bottles, I believe they were $2 each. B’s was an insulated aluminum bottle.

We arrived just as they were about to close but they were kind enough to let us put an order in. Rushed, we blurted out “large peppperoni” then nursed our beers while waiting for our pizza.

Before long, the deliciousness arrived. Flavorful, hot, and very cheesy.

We were only able to eat half of it so decided to take the rest of it with us since we usually end up getting the munchies after a full day of drinking. We got a box and thanked the cook (who turned out to be the owner) for making such a good pizza. I got my camera back out to take a few more pictures and that’s when the mystery of the beeping sound was solved. It was my camera warning me that my batteries were about to die.

The owner of Scheme was nice enough to give a new pair of batteries. Thank you!!! So I took a picture of him and our bartender…

They then gave us the grand tour of the place, showing us all of the art and memorabilia hanging on the walls and telling us the story behind them. Much of the art contained hidden images or was an optical illusion.

Some of the other pieces told the story of Salina’s history and of the history of the owner’s family. Such as the little girl who wrote to Abe Lincoln and told him more people might vote for him if he grew a beard. Or of an old family friend named Wild Bill Hickok. Other pieces were simply art for art’s sake.

We thanked them for their hospitality, grabbed our precious cargo of pizza, and headed back outside.

123 N 7th St
Salina, KS 67401
US
[launch map]
(785) 823-5125

Blind Pig

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:27:00 +0000

(Salina, KS)

Scooter’s 265th bar, first visited in 2007.

We both had Bud Light. 10 oz draws were $1.25.

We asked the bartender here about non-chain eating options and after running through a few ideas she hit upon a place called Scheme that makes a good local pizza. We got directions from her before we headed out the door.

By now we had managed to get enough beers close enough together that I was starting to get a buzz for the first time today, so it was time to ditch the car. We called Sam, the manager at Budget King (our motel), and asked him to get us a cab while we returned to the motel to park the car. About halfway back we heard that strange beeping sound again.

We got back to the motel in short order and still needed to wait several minutes for the cab, so we chatted with Sam for a bit. Turned out he had previously managed motels in Kansas City and Atlanta. He seemed like a pretty good guy who cared a lot about his family.

Our cab finally arrived and we climbed into a van driven by Lee of Sunflower Taxi who took us out to get something to eat.

2501 Market Pl
Salina, KS 67401
US
[launch map]
(785) 827-7449

Sharkey’s

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:26:00 +0000

(Salina, KS)

Scooter’s 264th bar, first visited in 2007.

We drank our beers quickly while watching a guy do some pretty impressive pool playing.

The bartender here told us about some of the places we wanted to check out in town. We mentioned that one place in particular we wanted to see was The Blind Pig, solely because of its name. We got directions and walked back to my car. Except we started to enter a nearly-identical car parked 3 spaces down. Only the discovery of a cooler in the back seat kept us from getting all the way in.

925 W Lincoln Ave
Salina, KS 67401
US
[launch map]
(785) 827-7769

Bootlegger’s Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:25:00 +0000

(Salina, KS)

Scooter’s 263rd bar, first visited in 2007.

We both had Bud Light. $1.25 for a 10oz. draw.

B got carded, as he often does due to his youthful appearance. A nearby patron in his 50s estimated B’s age as young 20s. At 36 years of age he was pleased with that assessment.

We noticed jugs of corn squeezins behind the bar and asked the bartender about them. She told us that the guy who mis-estimated B’s age was drinking some.

“By the way, be careful tonight,” she said. “Salina is the DUI capital of the world. And I don’t mean per capita either, I mean literally more arrests than anywhere else, period.”

“Why is that?” we asked.

“Well,” she said, “some years back the police chief lost a child to a drunk driver so he made it a personal campaign. It was so successful that now it’s something the city takes pride in so please do watch yourselves tonight.”

As we were leaving, that same customer that had earlier questioned B’s age grabbed B by the arm and yanked him over, demanding to see his ID. He studied it carefully by the glow of his lighter before letting him go.

“I was getting close to decking that guy,” B told me later.

616 N Broadway Blvd
Salina, KS 67401
US
[launch map]

Knucklehead’s Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:24:00 +0000

(Salina, KS)

Scooter’s 262nd bar, first visited in 2007.

We both had Bud Light. $1.00 for a 10oz. draw.

This place was pretty small and pretty brightly lit on the inside. We chatted with the guy next to us about Westport. It seems that any time you tell someone in a bar you’re from KC, Westport is the part of town they know.

“Be careful, fellas, Salina is the DUI capital of the world,” the bartender warned us.

311 E Pacific Ave
Salina, KS 67401
US
[launch map]
(785) 826-4909

Brownie’s

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:23:00 +0000

(Abilene, KS)

Scooter’s 261st bar, first visited in 2007.

B had Bud Light, I had Coors Light. $1.50 for a 12 oz. draw.

This place had a pretty impressive stock of canned and bottled beers. The bartender gave us a detailed overview of how Kansas’s liquour laws worked and all the different types of establishments you could be. She also reminded us that we were drinking 3.2 beer, which almost made it feel like we were cheating.

It was about an hour from the start of karaoke but we didn’t have time to stick around. We were going to have to skip any remaining towns if we were ever going to make it to Salina.

209 W 1st St
Abilene, KS 67410
US
[launch map]
(785) 263-3264

Downsouth Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:22:00 +0000

(Abilene, KS)

Scooter’s 260th bar, first visited in 2007.

We both had Bud. $1.50 for a 12 oz. draw.

We were seated next to a guy who told us about the four bars in town, about a place that he sometimes described as a liquor store and then other times described as a bar, and which streets we needed to avoid so that we didn’t get pulled over and arrested for DUI. He also wanted to talk a lot about Westport.

210 W 1st St
Abilene, KS 67410
US
[launch map]
(785) 263-0359

Lumber Yard Restaurant & Bar

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:21:00 +0000

(Chapman, KS)

Chapman was hit by a devastating tornado in early 2008, but the downtown area only had minor damage. I have attempted to contact the owner without success to check the status of the bar, but am presuming it is still open.

Scooter’s 259th bar, first visited in 2007.

B had a 12 oz. Coors Light for $1.50, I had a 12 oz. Killian’s for $2.00

Needing to make a pit stop I proceeded to the logical part of the bar area but was quickly stopped by a handful of regulars and was told I was going the wrong way. It turned out the men’s room was by the front door. While I was inside a young guy sat down at the bar and the owner (or manager), seated nearby, told the bartender to check his ID.

“Do I need to card those their IDs too?” she asked, referring to us.

“No need,” said the manager, “I’ve served them before, they’ve been in here a few times.”

Hmm, if that’s true, then I guess I can’t count this as a new bar.

114 W 4th St
Chapman, KS 67431
US
[launch map]
(785) 922-6140

Uptown Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:20:00 +0000

(Junction City, KS)

Scooter’s 258th bar, first visited in 2007.

We both had Bud Light. 12 oz draws were $2.00 each.

This was one of the more run-down places we went to. Damage near the front seemed to speak of a recent fight ending with a good body slam to the wall.

The Kentucky Derby seemed to be the main thing people wanted to watch at the bars in Junction City, and the bartender had a brief but friendly argument with a customer who wanted to see it. (The bartender was insisting it was over, but it wasn’t.)

908 N Washington St
Junction City, KS 66441
US
[launch map]
(785) 762-4044

JC Bar

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:19:00 +0000

(Junction City, KS)

Scooter’s 257th bar, first visited in 2007.

As we sat inside the woman sitting to B’s left would not stop talking to us about tornados. Meanwhile a delivery truck brought in a shipment of snacks just in time to allow B to enjoy some 75-cent Chex Mix.

On the wall behind the bar, just above a “Happy Birthday” banner, at least 9 guns were displayed.

B had a Bud, I had a Bud Light. 12 oz draws were $1.50 each.

912 N Washington St
Junction City, KS 66441
US
[launch map]
(785) 238-7445

Corner Club

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:18:00 +0000

(Junction City, KS)
Formerly Corner Club (Private)

Scooter’s 256th bar, first visited in 2007.

This place was formerly a private club… the word “private” had since been scratched out on its sign. Inside free hot dogs and sausages simmered in a crock-pot in a small room packed with Coors memorabilia… but we both had Bud Light. 10 oz draws were $1.50 each.

1202 N Washington St
Junction City, KS 66441
US
[launch map]
(785) 238-5510

Cock & Bull

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:17:00 +0000

(Manhattan, KS)
Formerly My Place Tavern

Scooter’s 255th bar, first visited in 2007.

Based on its name I was certain would be a pretty rough and tumble gay bar, though B disagreed. The fact that was on Stag Road bolstered my theory even more.

I was wrong.

We both had Bud Light. 10 oz draws were $1.50 each.

2413 Stagg Hill Rd
Manhattan, KS 66502
US
[launch map]
(785) 776-6699

Twilighter Country Club

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:15:00 +0000

(Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 253rd bar, first visited in 2007.

We had been searching for a bar recommended by a bartender at an earlier stop, following a set of scrawled instructions on a series of post-it notes. Instead of reaching our destination, we found ourselves completely lost in a seedy looking neighborhood.

Luckily for us, this neighborhood included a strip dotted with several little watering holes-in-the-wall. Having time for only one, we picked the first place we spotted. It turned out to be the diviest dive of the day.

We parked in front of the Twilighter Country Club and were actually a little skittish about walking in. We worked up the nerve and heading on inside.

We took our seats at the double-L shaped bar. To our right, an older gentleman on oxygen was chain smoking while nursing his whiskey. Catty-corner to us, two leathered older women gossiped over bottled beer. (Except that the ladies were not older after all, we later learned from context that they were in fact in their mid 20s.)

Our bartender was a heavily pierced young woman who was watching daytime television and munching on onion rings. She glared at us for a moment when we sat down before sighing, setting down her onion ring, and coming over to see what we wanted.

After pouring us each a 12 oz draw of Bud Light ($1.25 each) she huffed, grabbed her onion rings, and sat back down to watch TV.

Now when you’ve had a few beers it’s inevitable that nature will come calling, and in our profession that means you grow accustomed to relieving yourself under a wide variety of conditions. Which is fortunate, because the men’s room here was swarming with flying insects and even featured urinal millipedes — a first for us!

As we reached about the mid-way point in our beers, the front door opened. The bartender, previously focused only on her television and onion rings, jumped to her feet.

“NO! You cannot come in here!” she barked.

“Why not?!?,” growled a gravely voice from behind us. “I have money, I want a drink!”

Slowly we turned around in our barstools to see a dirty, haggard man wearing absolutely nothing except a pair of tattered jeans. No shirt, no shoes, no socks.

“No, you have to have a shirt to be in here!” the bartender yelled. “It’s the law!”

“I come in here shirtless all the time! The owner lets me!” he insisted.

“Well number 1 I don’t believe you, and number 2 he’s not here so I’m the law. Now get out!”

“Well I’ll just go to any of these other bars down the street since you don’t want my money,” he threatened.

“Fine! Go right ahead! They’ll all tell you the same thing!” Our bartender was now shouting at the top of her lungs.

“Well I don’t give a fat f*ck!” he screamed.

“Fine! Now get the f*ck out of here!” she yelled back.

“I will! F*ck this place, you f*cking bitch!”. And with that, he surrendered and stormed out.

The bartender took a deep breath, looked at us, and said “I’m so sorry about that, guys.”

“Oh no, don’t worry about it,” we said, “that was the highlight of our day!”

We all laughed and from that point on she warmed up to us.

* * * * * *
When we left the bar we discovered that shirtlessness is apparently common attire in this particular part of town. Next to our car a beer-bellied shirtless dude was sitting in the bed of a pickup truck oggling women walking past.

816 N Kansas Ave
Topeka, KS 66608
US
[launch map]
(785) 357-7598

Stingers

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(Topeka, KS)

Scooter’s 252nd bar, first visited in 2007.

We both had Bud Light. 14 oz draws were $1.75 each. Our bartender, Norma, was very helpful and wrote down directions to several nearby bars on post-it notes for us. Unfortunately we still managed to get lost trying to follow them.

2335 NW Clay St
Topeka, KS 66618
US
[launch map]
(785) 234-4900

Perry Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(Perry, KS)

Scooter’s 251st bar, first visited in 2007.

We both had Bud Light. 12 oz draws were $1.25 each. There was a fish fry in progress while we were there, but we weren’t hungry yet so skipped that.

215 E Front St
Perry, KS 66073
US
[launch map]
(785) 597-5295

Helen’s Hilltop

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(Tonganoxie, KS)

Scooter’s 249th bar, first visited in 2007.

Kick-ass biker bar, though we were too early to have any company there. B had a Bud Light, I had a Miller Lite. 16 oz draws were $2.25 each.

19611 Mclouth Rd
Tonganoxie, KS 66086
US
[launch map]
(913) 369-3772

Dodie’s Roadhouse

scooterj — Sat, 05 May 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Basehor, KS)

Scooter’s 248th bar, first visited in 2007.

We both had Bud Light. 16 oz draws were $2.50 each.

The interior was decorated with marlins and had t-shirts stretched over several of the ceiling tiles.

15302 Briar Rd
Basehor, KS 66007
US
[launch map]
(913) 724-2808

Askew Inn

scooterj — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:16:00 +0000

(Scarritt Pointe, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 247th bar, first visited in 2007.

3600 Independence Ave
Kansas City, MO 64124
US
[launch map]
(816) 231-0526

Embassy

scooterj — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(Midtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 244th bar, first visited in 2007.

Hipster dive on Main Street.

3945 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-1600
Visit Web Site

Jerry’s Bait Shop

scooterj — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Old Town, Lenexa, KS)

Scooter’s 239th bar, first visited in 2007.

Great little sports dive in downtown Lenexa, with live music on the weekends. I like this location better than the Lee’s Summit location, it feels more “real”.

13412 Santa Fe Trail Dr
Lenexa, KS 66215
US
[launch map]
(913) 894-9676
Visit Web Site

Wetherbee’s

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:20:00 +0000

(Antioch/Vivion, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Evidently closed in 2010

Scooter’s 238th bar, first visited in 2007.

We were the only people in the bar on our visit, we had arrived just after opening. The bartender tried to talk us into staying for the drag show later.

2510 NE Vivion Rd
Kansas City, MO 64118
US
[launch map]
(816) 454-2455

Bojo’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:18:00 +0000

(Antioch, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 236th bar, first visited in 2007.

5410 NE Antioch Rd
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 455-3344
Visit Web Site

VFW Post 5606

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:17:00 +0000

(Oak Ridge, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 235th bar, first visited in 2007.

This VFW is tucked back from the road a bit, located between a golf course and Stroud’s North. This writeup is about my visit to it as a bar.

As VFW bars go, this is probably the most friendly one I have been to. (And most have been friendly.) The silver-haired crowd was very excited to see some young people in there. “We need more young people in here to keep this place going,” one of them said.

I got a kick out of the men’s room when I stepped through the door to find a woman standing in the corner staring back at me. (Look at the pictures to see what I’m talking about.)

This VFW’s bar is open to the public and makes for a nice little dive to hang out at after a round of golf.

5406 NE Oak Ridge Rd
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 452-9861
Visit Web Site

Hot Shots

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:16:00 +0000

(Pleasant Valley, MO)
Formerly Charlie’s Cue Ball Lounge

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now Mustang Sally’s

Scooter’s 234th bar, first visited in 2007.

2007 Visit: A pretty hard core blue-collar drinking bar that has changed names a few times. Drinks are cheap. Was really busy on both visits. The bartender, a white-haired older woman, was tough yet friendly.

2014 Visit: Now Mustang Sally’s (has been for a few years) — serves pizza and other food. A newly-poured patio is about to open, garage doors inside will lead to it.

The parking lot can be very tricky trying to back out of.

8118 NE US Hwy 69
Pleasant Valley, MO 64068
US
[launch map]
(816) 459-9934
Visit Web Site

JC’s Sports Bar

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:15:00 +0000

(Vivion, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 233rd bar, first visited in 2007.

2006: We didn’t get a good vibe from this place. No one would talk to us, no one was talking to each other. It was like drinking in a grungy monastery for bikers.

2014: What was I thinking in 2006? This was a friendly, laid-back place. Had a good time!

6135 NE Vivion Rd
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 454-8388
Visit Web Site

Marcy’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(Antioch/Vivion, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 232nd bar, first visited in 2007.

You wouldn’t know this place was here from driving by on Vivion, all you might notice is Marcy’s diner. But if you drive around back through the K-Mart parking lot, you’ll discover an awesome little dive in the basement. Enjoy the karaoke!

2631 NE Vivion Rd
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 452-0103

Helen’s Just Another Dive

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 231st bar, first visited in 2007.

Probably the most popular under-the-radar place in North Kansas City. I rarely find people that know about it, but those that do love it. And the first time you go, it definitely is tricky figuring out just how exactly to get there.

As the first review noted, the hours are odd. And, at least in my experience, not always consistent during the week. I’ve arrived early (but during the posted hours) on a couple of occasions and found it not open yet.

Inside, the space seems a lot bigger than it looks from the outside. Just about all the domestics are on tap. Helen’s JAD has a surprisingly good beer selection — almost too good — it very nearly makes this place not qualify as a dive. However beer prices are a tad high — at least for domestics. Imports seemed to be more reasonably priced.

I just discovered that you can order food online through the JAD’s web site. Dive bars aren’t supposed to do that! Maybe Helen’s JAD isn’t really JAD after all????

2002 Armour Rd
North Kansas City, MO 64116
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-8715

Paci’s Cafe

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 229th bar, first visited in 2007.

This is a place that blurs the boundaries of my definition of a dive, but since it technically meets most of the criteria I’ll go ahead and count it even though it’s a little classier.

There’s a very extensive bottled beer selection, and as of 2009 or so a nice semi-covered patio.

It’s amazing how much traffic this bar gets, considering how hidden it is. (Though the demolition in early 2011 of a long-abandoned building across the street has improved visibility.)

1825 Buchanan
North Kansas City, MO 64116
US
[launch map]
(816) 985-1157

VFW Post 4050

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
I’d never thought of a VFW as something that would go out of business, but this one did in mid-2009.

Scooter’s 228th bar, first visited in 2007.

This is one of the few VFW bars I’ve been to that is not technically a private club … it is advertised as open to the public.

1419 Swift Ave
North Kansas City, MO 64116
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-3256
Visit Web Site

Oak Tree Restaurant & Lounge

scooterj — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 227th bar, first visited in 2007.

Of all of the dive bars in North Kansas City, this was the one that I was most nervous about visiting. But, as usual, it turned out there was nothing to be worried about, the people here are very friendly.

Oak Tree is a pretty typical old-style neighborhood dive bar & grill. It and Helen’s JAD actually make good bookends for the Armour corridor in NKC. Located behind the CVS, this is also the northernmost entry on the Swift Avenue dive bar row.

The seating area is divided into two main sections, with the V-ish shaped bar in the center forming the divider. There are pool tables, various bar games, and at the west end a stage area for live entertainment.

With friendly bartenders and regulars, this is a good, old-school dive bar to unwind in.

220 E 20th Ave
North Kansas City, MO 64116
US
[launch map]
(816) 474-9924

Club Deja Vu

scooterj — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 18:10:00 +0000

(Antioch/Vivion, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Attitudes and Latitudes

OUT OF BUSINESS
Something called Eclipse is moving in. But this is such a terrible place I can’t imagine it will last either.

Scooter’s 226th bar, first visited in 2007.

Generally too loud if there’s a band or DJ. Prone to late night violence. Uncomfortable seating after the booths were removed in 2007. Draft beer is usually too warm.

2516 NE Vivion Rd
Kansas City, MO 64118
US
[launch map]
(816) 453-2222
Visit Web Site

Court Of aPpealS Pub and Grub

scooterj — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 18:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Shawnee, KS)

Scooter’s 222nd bar, first visited in 2007.

AKA “C-O-P-S Pub”.

Great little dive in downtown Shawnee. Clean and well maintained with nice bar decor. Jukebox, MegaTouch, and a small “room” in the back houses a pool table. The bar hosts poker and I believe there’s also occasional karaoke or live music.

I thought this ceiling-light beer ad was pretty cool. (Looks much nicer in person.)

11121 Johnson Dr
Shawnee, KS 66203
US
[launch map]
(913) 962-0555
Visit Web Site

Danally’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 18:16:00 +0000

(Shawnee, KS)

Scooter’s 221st bar, first visited in 2007.

This is one of B’s favorite places.

A tiny little standalone dive, but it doesn’t feel cramped. A faint musty smell permeates the air, partially remnants from when this was one of the smokiest bars in town. (It’s nonsmoking now by law.)

The bar only seats a few people, back from that is a secondary curved bar that seats a few more. The front area is more open, with a vaulted ceiling, a few bar tables, and a pool table. The decor is pretty interesting, including a stuffed crow hanging upside-down over my head.

A karaoke station was being set up when I re-visited in 2010. They also host poker.

There’s a jukebox, several TVs for such a small place, and a couple of video slots/poker machines.

Outside the south side door is a small outdoor seating area, if you can call it that. Basically a standalone canopy with a patio table and a couple of folding chairs.

6022 Nieman Rd
Shawnee, KS 66203
US
[launch map]
(913) 248-1757

Jake’s Place

scooterj — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 18:15:00 +0000

(Shawnee, KS)

Scooter’s 220th bar, first visited in 2007.

12001 Johnson Dr
Shawnee, KS 66203
US
[launch map]
(913) 962-5253
Visit Web Site

J Barleycorn’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 18:13:00 +0000

(Overland Park, KS)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now Jimmy’s Pub & Grill

Scooter’s 218th bar, first visited in 2007.

One of several former Pizza Huts converted into a bar that you can find around town.

9148 Santa Fe Dr
Overland Park, KS 66212
US
[launch map]
(913) 381-9511

Peanut On 76

scooterj — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Overland Park, KS)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now the 76th Street Pub.

Scooter’s 217th bar, first visited in 2007.

People still call it “The Peanut”, but as of 2010 it hasn’t officially been a Peanut for a while.

7042 W 76th St
Overland Park, KS 66204
US
[launch map]
(913) 648-4242
Visit Web Site

Chip Shot Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 18:10:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 213th bar, first visited in 2007.

Chip Shot is one of the best bars on NKC’s Swift Avenue dive bar row.It has an “authentic” feel to it that I can’t quite explain… its personality doesn’t feel forced. The bartenders are friendly, the regulars are nice, and the decor is rustic and relaxing.

There are two rooms. The front room contains the bar, a few small tables, and a couple of games. The back room as several more tables and the pool tables.

The food here is typical bar food — except it’s good. Quite good for the price. The nachos and steaks are popular, I’m a fan of the burgers and tenderloins myself. I believe the kitchen closes at 10pm. Takeout is available.

Like most other bars in NKC, as of about 2009 there is now a semi-covered patio out back.

(This pic is from their web site)

1621 Swift Ave
North Kansas City, MO 64116
US
[launch map]
(816) 472-1444
Visit Web Site

Stardust Club

scooterj — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 211th bar, first visited in 2006.

I’ve been here several times over the past few years after some friends from another bar told me about it. (As many times as I have been here, I can’t believe I’ve never taken any interior pictures.)

This is one of those places you have to be buzzed into, so you need to either be a member or look like you know what you’re doing and not a troublemaker.

The owner is nice and will treat you well, as long as you respect her and the place. But if you aren’t drinking, or if you start bothering other customers, you’ll be shown the door in a heartbeat.

I’ve never managed to sit at the bar here, it’s just about always full. There’s a few small bar tables and a decent sized stage that’s mostly used for karaoke. In the far back is a pool table and an area where a buffet is occasionally set up. There’s also a small dance floor in the corner by the stage.

There’s a kitchen too, but I never seem to get here before it closes so I can’t say anything about the food.

The clientele is very blue collar, a working class bar populated by an interesting assortment of well-weathered characters.

I haven’t been in as much lately as the regulars I knew here have moved on, but I try to drop in every once in a while.

1809 Minnesota Ave
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
[launch map]
(913) 281-4410

VFW Post 4043

scooterj — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 18:12:00 +0000

(Liberty, MO)

Scooter’s 209th bar, first visited in 2006.

This could very well be the smokiest bar I’ve ever been to. I don’t mind smoke, but there was literally a thick, burning haze.

B & H Highways
Liberty, MO 64068
US
[launch map]
(816) 781-0184
Visit Web Site

Back Door Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 18:11:00 +0000

(River Bend, MO)

Scooter’s 208th bar, first visited in 2006.

This is a tiny dive bar on the back side of a gas station at 291 & 210 Hwys. Access is from a small unlighted intersection about 500 feet east of the interchange.

The bar is eclectically decorated — several types of stringed musical instruments, a wooden Indian, bee hives, cattle horns, etc. There’s a jukebox, a dart board, and a pool table.

The clientele is skews a little older, but a few younger people pop in from time to time. Draft beer is served in mugs — some with high school logos on them.

We were greeted by an extremely intoxicated mechanic who couldn’t even say his own name when introducing himself and found setting a book of matches on the bar to be a rather challenging task.

River Bend – a town created several years ago by residents who wanted to stay free of the encroaching restrictions of (ironically) Liberty and Independence — has no smoking ordinance so smoking is allowed in this bar.

4500 N Cobbler Rd
River Bend, MO 64058
US
[launch map]

Retro Bowl

scooterj — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 18:10:00 +0000

(Liberty, MO)

Scooter’s 207th bar, first visited in 2006.

Bowling alley bar

906 W Liberty Dr
Liberty, MO 64068
US
[launch map]
(816) 781-1998

Roxy

scooterj — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:15:00 +0000

(Overland Park, KS)

Scooter’s 205th bar, first visited in 2006.

Stopping here was really more of an afterhought as we weren’t originally planning to. This was one of those deals where we had to make an extra stop in order to relieve our bladders.

7230 W 75th St
Overland Park, KS 66204
US
[launch map]
(913) 236-6211

Birdies Pub & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:14:00 +0000

(Overland Park, KS)

Scooter’s 204th bar, first visited in 2006.

I used to live just a few blocks away, but since that was back when “bars are for the dregs of society” I had never been.

8889 W 75th St
Overland Park, KS 66204
US
[launch map]
(913) 648-4011

Red Balloon

scooterj — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:13:00 +0000

(Shawnee, KS)

Scooter’s 203rd bar, first visited in 2006.

The infamous karaoke bar

10325 W 75th St
Shawnee, KS 66214
US
[launch map]
(913) 962-2330

Rusty’s Last Chance Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:12:00 +0000

(Lenexa, KS)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now “Kites”

Scooter’s 202nd bar, first visited in 2006.

The beers here were enormous, so we played bar trivia for a while to pace ourselves.

10901 W. 75th St
Lenexa, KS 66214
US
[launch map]
(913) 268-9000

VFW Post 846

scooterj — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:11:00 +0000

(Overland Park, KS)

Scooter’s 201st bar, first visited in 2006.

Since it was Veteran’s Day we wanted to stop in and have a drink with some vets. We bought a round for all the guys in there, but not before one of them had already bought us a round too.

8804 Grant St
Overland Park, KS 66212
US
[launch map]
(913) 648-4991
Visit Web Site

Bar

scooterj — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:10:00 +0000

(Old Town, Lenexa, KS)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now “Woody’s Pub & Grub”

Scooter’s 200th bar, first visited in 2006.

Yep, Just “Bar”

12804 Santa Fe Trail Dr
Lenexa, KS 66215
US
[launch map]
(913) 888-1227
Visit Web Site

Fitz’s Blarney Stone

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 195th bar, first visited in 2006.

Irish theme dive bar north of Westport.

3801 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-4949

AJ’s Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:14:00 +0000

(Scarritt, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 194th bar, first visited in 2006.

I had heard about this place before, a story about a customer bringing in a shopping cart that had a TV in it, and that while drinking a cockroach crawled in and meandered across the the bar. So naturally I had to see this place.

I didn’t come across any roaches, but before we left a customer did come in with a shopping cart full of groceries. And on a later visit, someone did indeed bring in a shopping cart with a TV in it.

2618 Independence Ave
Kansas City, MO 64214
US
[launch map]
(816) 231-9789

Knuckleheads Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(East Bottoms, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 193rd bar, first visited in 2006.

This is by far one of THE coolest places in KC. If you like the blues at all, you HAVE to check this place out. Indoor and outdoor stages, huge amounts of indoor and outdoor seating (and the indoor seating is easily converted to open-air when the weather is nice) and great talent.

2719 Rochester St
Kansas City, MO 64120
US
[launch map]
(816) 483-1456
Visit Web Site

Karen’s Kozy Cabin

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(Scarritt, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 192nd bar, first visited in 2006.

This is one of the smallest bars I have ever seen, it was a full house with approximately 6 patrons. Though 2 months ago it “expanded” — in that they knocked a hole in the west wall and slapped up a quick ceiling and plywood exterior over their former beer garden to make room for a pool table. There is still a very small patio in back, it looks like it had seating for about two. Draft beer here is served in mason jars.

UPDATE – A further remodel has eliminated the old horseshoe-shaped bar and replaced it with one that makes better use of the limited space.

4614 Saint John Ave
Kansas City, MO 64123
US
[launch map]
(816) 483-0892

Tom’s Bigger Jigger

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Indian Mound, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 191st bar, first visited in 2006.

A well-worn place with a large sqaure-shaped bar and about a dozen patrons. Our bartender, Norma, was a friendly older woman.

6120 Saint John Ave
Kansas City, MO 64123
US
[launch map]
(816) 231-3699

Rivers Edge

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(East Bottoms, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 190th bar, first visited in 2006.

A combination breakfast/lunch diner (kitchen closes around 1:00-2:00) and dive bar.

1036 N Agnes Ave
Kansas City, MO 64120
US
[launch map]
(816) 231-8855

What’s Happen’n Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:22:00 +0000

(Marlborough, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 189th bar, first visited in 2006.

Formerly a trolley barn, this run down old building next to the railroad at the southern end of Prospect has been one bar or another for about half a century or so.

The clientele I’ve seen on my visits are almost universally old white drunk men and the women who love them. Drinks are very cheap, and beer is served extremely cold. This is a bar for those with true iron livers.

This is definitely one of those “letting loose” kind of places. Just about anything goes here. In local dive bar terms, this would be the Zoo Bar of South KC — except raunchy.

No true KC dive bar fan should be allowed to die without drinking here at least once.

8512 Prospect Ave
Kansas City, MO 64132
US
[launch map]
(816) 523-1174
Visit Web Site

Bogart’s

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:21:00 +0000

(Independence, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now Erin’s Pub

Scooter’s 188th bar, first visited in 2006.

When we visited it a cool stained glass ceiling over the bar. But later when business dropped after the smoking ban, the owner destroyed it in a fit of rage. She later sold the bar and after some repairs it re-opened as Erin’s Pub.

Here’s some pictures from a more recent visit in June 2010:

3010 S State Route 291
Independence, MO 64057
US
[launch map]
(816) 350-8110

Spanky’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:20:00 +0000

(Raytown, MO)

Scooter’s 187th bar, first visited in 2006.

5230 Blue Ridge Blvd
Raytown, MO 64133
US
[launch map]
(816) 737-1620

Hangout

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:19:00 +0000

(Raytown, MO)

Scooter’s 186th bar, first visited in 2006.

10002 E 63rd Ter
Raytown, MO 64133
US
[launch map]
(816) 737-8566

Cuzzins Pub & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:18:00 +0000

(Raytown, MO)

Scooter’s 185th bar, first visited in 2006.

9315 E State Route 350
Raytown, MO 64133
US
[launch map]
(816) 353-4242

Race Day Cafe

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:17:00 +0000

(Raytown, MO)

Scooter’s 184th bar, first visited in 2006.

Biker-friendly bar in Raytown. (Tuesday is Bike Night if I remember correctly.) A small place, but it has lots to do that makes it a fun dive to hang out in. Silver Strike, billiards, darts, — the usual bar games. I can swear I remember there being a ping-pong table in there too. Cheap drinks. DJ on the weekends, small patio in the back.

I didn’t try any of the food so I can’t comment about that, but for cheap drinks and a fun dive-bar setting this is a good pick.

7108 Ditzler Ave
Raytown, MO 64133
US
[launch map]
(816) 356-5800

Creekside Pub & Grille

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 182nd bar, first visited in 2006.

9916 Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64131
US
[launch map]
(816) 941-4014

Billy B’s Restaurant & Bar

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:14:00 +0000

(South KC, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 181st bar, first visited in 2006.

9922 Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64131
US
[launch map]
(816) 943-1188

Half Time Sports Bar

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(South KC, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Good Time Charlies Pub & Grill

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called Baylee’s

Scooter’s 179th bar, first visited in 2006.

Was also once called Pat Murphy’s. This spot seems to change fairly often.

13023 Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64145
US
[launch map]
(816) 941-2720

Daily Limit

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(South KC, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 178th bar, first visited in 2006.

In the Red Bridge Shopping Center. More than just fishing themed… when we were in there fishing was just about all anyone was talking about.

523 E Red Bridge Rd
Kansas City, MO 64131
US
[launch map]
(816) 942-0400

Sand Trap Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(South KC, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 177th bar, first visited in 2006.

13037 Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64145
US
[launch map]
(816) 942-0990

River Bar

scooterj — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Dows, IA)

Scooter’s 175th bar, first visited in 2006.

This was another unexpectedly nice place. One thing we had noticed throughout the trip was that we never came across anyplace with karaoke. But they had it here, in a back room.

108 E Ellsworth St
Dows, IA 50071
US
[launch map]
(515) 852-4255

Boonies Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Faribault, MN)

Scooter’s 174th bar, first visited in 2006.

We were flying down 35 when Brandon’s eye caught a tiny highway sign for a place called Boonie’s so veered off at the exit to check it out. The town was about a mile down the road and then we found our place. It was a pretty nice place. In addition to the bar and restaurant they apparently had meat for sale was a saw a rather nice large cut sitting next to the register when we walked in. Bingo was being played. Our server talked us into trying some sirloin beef tips (called “Bull Bites”) and we’re glad she did because they were really, really good.

3301 Millersburg Blvd
Faribault, MN 55021
US
[launch map]
(507) 645-6424

Elsie’s Bar & Restaurant

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 17:22:00 +0000

(Nord East, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 170th bar, first visited in 2006.

Elsie’s is either a bowling alley with a separate bar and restaurant, or it’s a restaurant/bar with a bowling alley in the back. In either case this was a pretty nice place and we were surprised that no one was bowling when we first arrived. (By the time we left quite a few people were bowling.) This place was also the start of my downfall. My Miller Lite came in a bottle and was very, very skunky. I didn’t want to say anything, though, and was trying to force my way through it. But by the time Brandon was nearly done with this draw I was only a third through my bottle at best. I got up to use the restroom and due to some weird acoustics I was able to hear Brandon mention my skunky beer to the bartender in perfect clarity. When I returned I had a fresh Miller Lite draw waiting for me. But the skunky taste of the bottle still weighed heavily on me so even though this beer was fresh and delicious, I was not quite able to finish it before we left.

729 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
US
[launch map]
(612) 378-9702
Visit Web Site

N E Yacht Club

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 17:21:00 +0000

(Nord East, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 169th bar, first visited in 2006.

Based on the name I assumed this would be some sort of high brow place but it turned out to be a classic style dive with cheap beer.

801 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
US
[launch map]
(612) 378-1740

Scott’s 1029 Bar

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 17:20:00 +0000

(Nord East, Minneapolis, MN)
Formerly Laura’s

Scooter’s 168th bar, first visited in 2006.

Originally a sports bar, local police started hanging out so the theme switched to a police bar. Now police from all over come here. Police memorabilia adorns the place, including the door of a police car donated by New Orleans police as a gift in thanks for help during Katrina. But that’s not the only kind of decor. The ceiling is covered with bras hanging from nails. For whatever reason, the bartender did not know why, women seem to like taking their bras off here so they hang up all the bras that women donate.

Notable in the news for being busted by ASCAP –for having karaoke on September 6, 2007, without paying royalties.

1029 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
US
[launch map]
(612) 379-4322
Visit Web Site

NE Palace

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 17:17:00 +0000

(Northeast Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN)
Formerly First Chance, Last Chance

Revisited 17 years later in 2023, scroll down for more.

Scooter’s 165th bar, first visited in 2006.

This place used to be called “First Chance, Last Chance” because it was the first chance for a drink if you were coming in to town and the last chance for a drink while leaving town. We were left alone for half an hour while the bartender stayed out on the patio (which featured a waterfall). We played several games of shuffleboard and attempted to play some pool but in our semi-stupor we could not get any balls to sink, so we gave that up. A drunk woman tried to dance with us and then later when we went to see the patio a guy out there told us a few choice things about that woman. Clearly they had been fighting.

The patio…

UPDATE! I re-visited on April 1, 2023. Everything below is from that visit.

The biggest change I noticed was all the flatscreens everywhere, including four behind the bar configured into one giant screen. The other change I noticed is that the pool table we offended in 2006 was nowhere to be found. I was worried I had remembered the pool table story wrong all these years (like attributing it to the wrong bar), but one of the regulars assured me there used to be a pool table and showed me where it was. I joked that after how badly my friend and I played on it in 2006 they probably took it out back and shot it.

Where this standalone counter is now is where the pool table was that we defiled 17 years earlier:

For most of my visit the “4 panels as 1″ screen was being glitchy, but a few minutes before I left someone worked on the settings and got the upper left screen back in synch.

2500 4th St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
US
[launch map]
(612) 788-2305
Visit Web Site

Sully’s Pub & Restaurant

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 17:16:00 +0000

(Nord East, Minneapolis, MN)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed Jan. 31, 2007, due to smoking ban.

Scooter’s 164th bar, first visited in 2006.

When we planned our road trip to Minneapolis we compiled a list of around 100 bars we wanted to try, but knew we’d only be able to make it to a fraction of that.

We ended up making it to 35, but one place we made absolutely sure we visited was Sully’s. After all, how could we pass up a place that gets online reviews like these?

* “As a young woman, I was crazy to go in there alone. I am lucky I made it out of there not drugged or something. The staff is not very pleasant either.”

* “It’s way below a DIVE bar. Don’t bother checking it out.”

* “Watch your back while tossing down the real cheap beer”

* “Danger! Danger! Watch yourself! For those who crave excitement, check this place out. Drug deals in bathroom are a constant. ”

* “I wish giving this bar zero stars was an option. ”

* “Don’t wear your nice clothes, as you might get a little blood on them in the scrap you’ll find yourself in after a few too many rounds of Jim Beam.”

* “So put on your steel-toed boots and brass knuckles, and head on down to Sully’s. Where the men are men, and so are the women.”

* “Sully’s, where livers go to die. Truly a manifestation of end-stage alcoholism, this is the spot from whence the four horsemen of the apocalypse shall arrive to wreak havoc upon the earth as judgment day draws nigh.”

* “I simply cannot stress to you how god awful this place is. Horrific traumatic memories flood my mind and my senses are transported to its urine scented pint glasses and feces stained walls just thinking about it.”

* “A scummy dump. Every “patron” in here looks like a meth user/dealer. If you’re looking to get harassed or assaulted, this is the place for you.”

There was no way we were passing this up!

We arrived at Sully’s at 2:55 on an overcast Saturday afternoon. Like most places in Minneapolis (and I wish more places in Kansas City), parking was in the rear so we entered through the back door.

Because of the Minneapolis smoking ban there was no tobacco smell to mask the base odor of stale urine, faint remnants of vomit, and a faint but sharp odor that was reminiscent of the spray of a male cat.

We made our way down the narrow corridor to the large rectangular bar, where I ordered an Icehouse and my friend ordered a Bud.

We spied a Silver Strike machine and decided to play. My friend accidentally chose a female character so he made sure I did as well. I had never actually played before, so after losing the first game he gave me some pointers. I came back to defeat him for the next two games.

Meanwhile an intoxicated biker was trying to make song selections on the adjacent Internet jukebox but could not figure out how to use it. He asked for our help, so my cohort helped him find and play Still Loving You by the Scorpions as well as some Helloween, Metallica, and Black Sabbath. Eventually he decided he no longer needed help, and expressed this by grabbing my pal’s arm and pushing him away.

Despite this minor scuffle we were a little let down. This was not the diviest dive we have been to, and it wouldn’t even come close to being our scariest bar experience that day. (That would come about 3-1/2 hours later and will be the subject of a future post.) Still, this was a place that definitely met every single one of our dive bar criteria and was well worth the trip.

As we left the bar we were cornered by a pair of drug dealers in the parking lot. They were selling prescription drugs and were especially pimping their Vicodin.

“How much is that going for?” my friend asked.

“$2 a pill,” replied one of the dealers.

“Hmmmm…..” my friend paused as he feigned interest, “Naw, I’ll have to pass. I can get them much cheaper from the hospital I work at.”

As we climbed into the car I took a picture of the drug dealers to remember them by.

Sully’s was located in the Nord East area of Minneapolis, on the east side of Central just north of Lowry. Unfortunately it has closed, the smoking ban has been cited as the reason for it’s demise. As of this time we have been unable to confirm if another bar has re-opened in its place, and there is information that a neighboring food processing facility may have expanded into this location. It appears Sully’s is now just a memory.

2519 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
US
[launch map]
(612) 781-6658

Tony Jaro’s River Garden

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(Nord East, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 163rd bar, first visited in 2006.

This was a rectangular bar with a sticky floor. We selected Iron Range Amber Lager because we liked the anvil on the tap. The bartender seemed unusually grateful for our tip. The restroom had an even tinier trough than the small one we had seen yesterday and sported a sign on the soap dispenser that read “All Employees Must Wash Genitals”.

Just before we left one of the customers wanted to watch ESPN but nobody knew what channel ESPN was on. “This must be a gay bar,” quipped Brandon.

UPDATE

Re-visited exact 10 years later to-the-day, on August 12, 2016. The outside had been spiffed up a bit but the inside was exactly as I remembered it. (Minus the “all employees must wash genitals” sign that apparently left with a soap dispenser upgrade.)

This time we had The Greenie, their signature drink for about the past century, that in 2016 we either didn’t know about or were too nervous to try. I don’t know what’s in it, but it cured both of our hangovers and we were ready for the day after finishing it.

2500 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
US
[launch map]
(612) 789-9728
Visit Web Site

Dusty’s Bar

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(Nord East, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 161st bar, first visited in 2006.

The bar was pretty busy so we sat at a table and the smell of Dago Burgers was mouthwatering. The Dago Burger is made from Italian Sausage and topped with Mozzarella. As an ATM was noisily installed nearby we played pull tabs (and lost) while waiting for our food. And it was well worth the wait. Dago Burgers are INCREDIBLE!

1319 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
US
[launch map]
(612) 378-2118
Visit Web Site

Halek’s Bar

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(Nord East, Minneapolis, MN)

There is rumor that the new owner (a long-time bartender there) is being forced by the Halek family to change the name, the proposed name is “Ya Baby Sports Bar” after an inside joke between him and one of the regulars.

Scooter’s 160th bar, first visited in 2006.

A double-bar. Our beer tasted a little off. The bartender was chatting it up with some of the regulars and not behind the bar very much. A woman came in holding a dollar and Brandon noticed her glance at a hanging display of snack chips. He made a “standard amount” wager that she wanted Funyuns but I noticed some Gardetto’s snack mix just before Brandon did and went for that. But the bartender was not paying attention and the woman got frustrated and started to leave. So Brandon called to the bartender, and another patron caught on to what was up and called to him too. The bartender returned and the woman picked the snack mix. Score! We left and while we were outside taking a picture the woman came outside and said “I heard the big guy won a buck off me.” She then unlocked the building next door and told us not to let anyone in while she went back into Halek’s to get something.

2024 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
US
[launch map]
(612) 522-9866
Visit Web Site

Stand-Up Frank’s

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(North Side, Minneapolis, MN)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Painted lime green, redecorated with a zombie theme, shows horror movies, and now called “Donny Dirks Zombie Den”.

Scooter’s 159th bar, first visited in 2006.

This was a classic old building with a great age-worn bar that ran the length of the building. It featured a dark, ornate ceiling, antique cash registers, and the first coin-operated bumper pool table we’d ever seen. Brandon wanted to get a picture of the pool table but two people were using it as a table to read the paper. So Brandon went over to ask them if he could get a shot, and that’s how we met Gary and Laura. They were incredibly nice and told us about the neighborhood we were in and places we should check out later, including the stop were we would get lunch that we would have completely missed if not for them. They explained that these bars open early to serve third-shift blue-collar workers, and that by evening it would be an entirely different kind of crowd here. Gary bought us a shot of chilled Vodka that was really good but we could not finish — but apparently when you buy a shot here it comes with a refill.

2027 2nd St N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
US
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Irv’s Bar

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(North Side, Minneapolis, MN)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Killed by the smoking ban. All contents auctioned off May 14, 2007, the bar has since been converted into office space.

Scooter’s 158th bar, first visited in 2006.

This place has taps but they never use them — bottles only. The crowd was surprisingly good-looking for this time of day, we later learned from an overheard phone call that several had been out drinking until the bars closed, then gone to an all-night diner, then come here for the 8am-10am 3-for-1 early bird drink special. This was a square shaped bar and behind us was a small dining area and an enclosed outdoor patio. The kitchen offered a limited menu of inexpensive bar food including 3 burgers for a buck, but the kitchen didn’t open until noon and we didn’t have time to wait that long. The men’s room sported the classic ice-filled urinal trough.

201 W Broadway Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55411
US
[launch map]

New City

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:26:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Went out of business sometime between 2007-2009.

Scooter’s 155th bar, first visited in 2006.

This place had several pool tables and we played a game or two. An upscale pool hall, actually.

25 N 4th St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
US
[launch map]
(612) 332-6289
Visit Web Site

Champps Sports Bar & Cafe

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 150th bar, first visited in 2006.

This was a cool stop — a long outdoor bar in an alley. Mary was our bartender. We then found, while trying to locate the restroom, that this alley bar was actually part of a much larger indoor bar.

100 N 6th St
Minneapolis, MN 55403
US
[launch map]
(612) 335-5050
Visit Web Site

The Saloon

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 148th bar, first visited in 2006.

Facing several artistic wall photos of nude men, we glanced around the room and noticed that this placed sold its own private-label bottled water. (We would return later to get some as souvenirs.) This was one of the first bars we had been in where no one talked to us, and Brandon wondered if his wedding band was causing people to believe we were a couple. Finding the restroom here was an task, it was way in the back through a dark area and around a smaller bar that was a little more, um, “adventuresome”.

830 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
US
[launch map]
(612) 332-0835
Visit Web Site

Lee’s Liquor Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 146th bar, first visited in 2006.

This was a good quality dive, the kind we love. Another place with a rectangular bar. A Spuds Mackenzie lamp helped light the bar.

101 Glenwood Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
US
[launch map]
(612) 338-9491
Visit Web Site

Liquor Lyle’s

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:16:00 +0000

(Uptown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 145th bar, first visited in 2006.

Yep, it was happy hour, so we had no choice but drink two beers. This place had a cool, funky, almost “shagadelic” interior. The men’s room had a high quality trough. “Minnesota – Land of 10,000 Troughs”.

2021 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55405
US
[launch map]
(612) 870-8183
Visit Web Site

CC Club

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(Uptown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 142nd bar, first visited in 2006.

I’m surprised we even stopped considering how hard it was to get here. We had to keep circling around because we couldn’t make the turn at first and then couldn’t find a place to park.

I don’t remember much about this bar, but I apparently took this blurry photo inside.

UPDATE!

Frustrated that I couldn’t remember anything about this place, I made it a point to visit again when I had another shot on August 12, 2016. The pictures below are from that visit. This time we took an Uber to avoid the parking nightmare from the last time.

The L-shaped bar is in the front, behind that are two seating areas — one of which is loaded with arcade games. The bartenders were all riots. One of them was cracking us up with his refusal to support the Minnesota Vikings and switch his allegiance to the Green Bay Packers for two reasons: (1) He hasn’t been taxed yet to pay for a new arena for the Packers (the Vikings just opened a new arena), and only Pepsi products (or maybe it was Coke, I lost my notes) are available at Vikings games and he prefers the other brand.

This was another bar with a nice craft beer list. I had Todd – The Axe Man (American IPA) by Surly.

2600 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
US
[launch map]
(612) 874-7226
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Roundup Beer Hall

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Minneapolis, MN)

OUT OF BUSINESS
The liquor license expired in March 2010 and was not renewed, I’m presuming this has gone out of business.

Scooter’s 140th bar, first visited in 2006.

We found this on a corner next to a highway in one of the most diverse neighborhoods we have ever seen anywhere. We had to stop because ever since Munich you just don’t see places called “Beer Hall” that often anymore. The bartender was rather suspicious of us at first, asking Brandon “Do you really live in Missouri?” She warmed up to us after a little while, though.

201 E Lake St
Minneapolis, MN 55408
US
[launch map]
(612) 823-6016

Matts Bar

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 139th bar, first visited in 2006.

Home of the famous “Jucy Lucy” burger, this place was absolutely packed with a lunchtime crowd.

3500 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55407
US
[launch map]
(612) 722-7072
Visit Web Site

Sportsmans Lounge

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:27:00 +0000

(Mason City, IA)

Scooter’s 138th bar, first visited in 2006.

The bartender was a tall blond-haired guy who talked about Mason City in its night-life heyday (complete with strip clubs) and went off on the conservative voters who keep tightening up the laws and getting things shut down. He warned us to bee careful walking back to the motel, as the police love to pick people up for public intoxication. “Would they rather us drive?” Scott asked. “That’s exactly what I tell them!” the bartender said.

217 N Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
US
[launch map]
(641) 423-3252

Candy Bar Nite Club

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:26:00 +0000

(Mason City, IA)
Formerly The Poodle

Scooter’s 137th bar, first visited in 2006.

I don’t remember much about this place other than approximately where it was.

116 N Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
US
[launch map]
(641) 423-9299

South Federal Reserve

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:25:00 +0000

(Mason City, IA)
Formerly Sallee’s

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Is back to its original name: Sallee’s.

Scooter’s 136th bar, first visited in 2006.

Had the smallest tap of any place we’d ever seen.

627 S Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
US
[launch map]
(641) 424-1310

Saddle Company

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:24:00 +0000

(Mason City, IA)
Formerly Gumps

OUT OF BUSINESS
Close in 2007. Re-opened as Ghost Riders. That failed in 2008. Re-opened again as Cancun. That failed in 2009.

Scooter’s 135th bar, first visited in 2006.

This was a fun little dive. As we talked to the bartender a nearby customer asked what brought us up from Kansas City. When we explained our quest and that this was the 36th bar we had been to, he insisted we get up on the saddle in the back of our place and get our pictures taken.

516 S Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
US
[launch map]
(641) 421-1166

Rhythm and Brews

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:22:00 +0000

(Mason City, IA)
Formerly Cousin’s Sports Bar

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called “Toast Bar”

Scooter’s 133rd bar, first visited in 2006.

This place had a nice bar and eating area. We got a medium all-meat pizza here that was really good — very meaty and flavorful.

11 S Delaware Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
US
[launch map]
(641) 424-4490

Champions Bar & Grill

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:21:00 +0000

(Mason City, IA)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called “Dano’s Bar & Grill”

Scooter’s 132nd bar, first visited in 2006.

I remember this being a nice little place not far from the downtown square but that’s about all I remember.

1327 N Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
US
[launch map]
(641) 424-5929

Burke’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:20:00 +0000

(Mason City, IA)
Formerly The Stoned Toad

Scooter’s 131st bar, first visited in 2006.

Food was weighing heavily on our minds and that picture of a burger on the front helped pull us in. Once inside, however, our beer caused us to forget about food and after we left we remembered we were still hungry.

1221 N Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
US
[launch map]
(641) 423-9610

Kozy Korner Bar

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:19:00 +0000

(Mason City, IA)

Scooter’s 130th bar, first visited in 2006.

This was diagonally opposite from Mugshotz, and that’s all I can remember.

1402 N Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
US
[launch map]
(641) 424-7905

Mug Shotz

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:18:00 +0000

(Mason City, IA)
Formerly Route 65

Scooter’s 129th bar, first visited in 2006.

This places is called Mugshotz if you go by the newer sign on the side or Route 65 if you go by the sign on the front. (Looks like Mugshotz is the official name.)

1401 N Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
US
[launch map]
(641) 421-1756

Willow Run Lounge

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:17:00 +0000

(Mason City, IA)

Scooter’s 128th bar, first visited in 2006.

We asked for a good place to eat. “Right here,” said the bartender. Well, we didn’t really want tacos, though, so she recommended a steak place at the north end of town.

2821 4th St SW
Mason City, IA 50401
US
[launch map]
(641) 423-9709

Players Sports Bar & Dance

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:16:00 +0000

(Clear Lake, IA)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called Rumorz.

Scooter’s 127th bar, first visited in 2006.

All I can really remember about this place is using the restroom. Both on arrival and on departure.

1210 S Shore Dr
Clear Lake, IA 50428
US
[launch map]
(641) 357-0901

Elly’s Lake Front Tap

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(Clear Lake, IA)

Scooter’s 126th bar, first visited in 2006.

It was a warm, overcast Thursday afternoon in August as we walked around downtown Clear Lake, Iowa, enjoying cold drinks at the neighborhood pubs. One tavern proved to be a little bit of a challenge for us to find, as we didn’t expect it to underground — in the basement of what appears very much to be a private residence!

Indeed, the front of Elly’s Lake Front Tap looks like a visit to one’s grandmother’s house. However a set of steps leads down to an entrance below sidewalk level to a hidden basement bar.

The bar was U-shaped and had a few people sitting around it, most of them considerably older than us. Drinks were cheap and in cans. We sat down beside a gentleman and he asked where we were from. We told him “Kansas City” and explained what we were up to. When we told him we’d be going to Mason City next, he gave us warning after warning about construction between Clear Lake and Mason City, rambling about lane closures and flooded out shoulders. (We’d later find the highway completely open, clear, and fine.)

Clear Lake is best known for being the location of The Day The Music Died — the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. The Surf Ballroom, where the three performed their last concert the night before the crash, is located just a few blocks from Elly’s, while the crash site is just a few miles to the northeast.

Consequently, Elly’s has become an unofficial and lesser-known shrine of sorts for memorabilia and artifacts surrounding the event (as well as Clear Lake history in general). The walls of the bar are covered in photos, posters, and newspaper clippings, while display cases house other items such as bricks from the first Surf Ballroom (which was destroyed in a fire and rebuilt years before the crash).

Tourists coming to Clear Lake for its place in music history typically make visits to the Surf Ballroom and to the crash site, but a stop at Elly’s should be added to the itinerary to get the full experience.

Because the interior of Elly’s is very dark and the flash on the camera I had with me was malfunctioning, I was unable to get any decent interior shots. However I have selected a few photos from the nearby Surf Ballroom, as well as from the crash site, to illustrate some of the history in Clear Lake.

12 S Shore Dr
Clear Lake, IA 50428
US
[launch map]
(641) 357-9589

Ingy’s

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:14:00 +0000

(Clear Lake, IA)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed in 2007. In 2009 a place called Bikerz tried to open up but couldn’t get a liquor license.

Scooter’s 125th bar, first visited in 2006.

For whatever reason I can’t really remember my visit to this place.

313 Main Ave
Clear Lake, IA 50428
US
[launch map]
(641) 357-8635

Retlaw’s at the Lake

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(Clear Lake, IA)

Scooter’s 124th bar, first visited in 2006.

We had a choice between draws for $4.50 total or a pitcher for $5.00. It was a tough call, but we opted for the pitcher. We looked for a trivia box to kill some time but none was to be found.

619 Buddy Holly Place
Clear Lake, IA 50428
US
[launch map]
(641) 357-4060

Other Place

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Clear Lake, IA)

Scooter’s 122nd bar, first visited in 2006.

This bar is a small chain with most of their locations clustered in north-central Iowa, but for some reason it also has an Overland Park and an Olathe location. It was a pretty big place and not very busy. We asked the girl behind the bar about places to go drinking over in Mason City (she was from there) but she said that she didn’t know because she wasn’t old enough to drink yet.

200 US Highway 18 W
Clear Lake, IA 50428
US
[launch map]
(641) 357-8118
Visit Web Site

Rookie’s

scooterj — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Clear Lake, IA)

Scooter’s 121st bar, first visited in 2006.

This was a 2-sided bar on Main Street right downtown. We noticed that the lower level side of the bar was all men while the upper level side was mostly women.

The Mecca of Cheap Drinkin’ (Rookie’s; Clear Lake, Iowa)

307 Main Ave
Clear Lake, IA 50428
US
[launch map]
(641) 357-4629

Rookie’s

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:30:00 +0000

(Osceola, IA)

Scooter’s 120th bar, first visited in 2006.

Pretty good sized bar. I found out later it’s associated with an attached bowling alley that we didn’t even notice! We must have been pretty lit.

116 E Webster St
Osceola, IA 50213
US
[launch map]
(641) 342-9709

Plain Jane’s Lounge

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:29:00 +0000

(Osceola, IA)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called Foxy’s

Scooter’s 119th bar, first visited in 2006.

The bartender confirmed for us that that there were only 3 “real” bars in town. Which meant the info we had that led us here for our stopping point of the day was faulty.

108 E Jefferson St
Osceola, IA 50213
US
[launch map]
(641) 342-2069

West Side Tavern

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:28:00 +0000

(Osceola, IA)

Scooter’s 118th bar, first visited in 2006.

Young crowd, bolted leather seats, country music, 5 ceiling fans with none of them on. I got a phone call and was yakking on the phone for about 5 minutes, irritating Brandon. Baby food jars with holes poked in the lids served as salt shakers.

124 S Fillmore St
Osceola, IA 50213
US
[launch map]
(641) 342-6249

Side Tracked Again

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:27:00 +0000

(Creston, IA)

Scooter’s 117th bar, first visited in 2006.

Due to the extreme darkness a good picture could not be obtained either outside or inside. But this bar’s most prominent feature was a large Hamm’s bear inside the front window.

We asked the bartender why it was called “Sidetracked Again”.

“‘Sidetracked’ comes from being next to the railroad tracks. We used to be on the other side, but the city closed us down because they said they needed to build a store there. So then we moved over here and now we’re ‘Sidetracked Again’.”

206 W Union St
Creston, IA 50801
US
[launch map]
(641) 782-8534

Twilight Zone

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:26:00 +0000

(Creston, IA)

Scooter’s 116th bar, first visited in 2006.

Everything about this place screamed dance club from the outside and we were a bit hesitant, but once inside we saw no prominent signs of a dance floor. Brandon noted that the different font of the letter “W” was likely the only thing making this bar’s logo not be a trademark violation. Both Miller and Bud had sponsored their signage.

129 N Pine St
Creston, IA 50801
US
[launch map]
(641) 782-8033
Visit Web Site

Eagles Club Room – Post 1398

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:25:00 +0000

(Creston, IA)

Scooter’s 115th bar, first visited in 2006.

The bar area was quite large and located on the upper level. We think this may have been a members-only place because we were supposed to sign in up front, but no one was looking so B suggested we just stroll in “like we know what we’re doing”. This place had a big, rectangular bar. As we drank our beers we didn’t really notice that the drunken guy from the Montgomery Street Pub was also there.

When we left, that same guy had left seconds ahead of us, and he began to stumble down the stairs. Brandon grabbed him to steady him and he thanked us. He then went into a spiel about how his wife and son had beaten him earlier that night so the police took him to the bars to get him away from then. He pulled up his pants legs to reveal several scrapes and bruises to support his claim. He said that they do it to him all the time. Eventually the topic of where we were from came up and when we said “Kansas City” he got really excited. “No shit?” he began, “my daughter’s a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader!”

We didn’t believe him, but he insisted. “Come on, they have the posters and she’s on the calendar. I’ll prove it.”

He led us back to the Montgomery Street Pub, where as soon as we stepped in the bartender looked him on the eye and said “No, no more tonight.” “I’m just here to show them the calendar,” replied our new friend. “Oh,” said the bartender, “we don’t have that anymore, it was for last month.” “So is it true?” we asked, “Is his daughter really a Chiefs cheerleader?”

“Yes, she is,” vouched the bartender and several patrons.

After we managed to lose the drunken dude, who now wanted us to go with him to his shop to see the poster he had there, we were going to head on out of town.

300 E Montgomery St
Creston, IA 50801
US
[launch map]
(641) 782-4215

American Legion – Post 70

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:24:00 +0000

(Creston, IA)

Scooter’s 114th bar, first visited in 2006.

We munched from styrofoam cups of snack mix and I found that the restroom had the smallest trough-style urinal I had ever seen.

119 N Walnut St
Creston, IA 50801
US
[launch map]
(641) 782-7833
Visit Web Site

Montgomery Street Pub

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:23:00 +0000

(Creston, IA)

Scooter’s 113th bar, first visited in 2006.

A fairly small place with an L-shaped bar and a slightly rowdy crowd. One guy was particularly drunk and tossed out a few bucks to buy a shot for a newlywed couple at the other end of the bar.

207 E Montgomery St
Creston, IA 50801
US
[launch map]
(641) 782-2165

Good Time Charley’s

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:22:00 +0000

(Creston, IA)

Scooter’s 112th bar, first visited in 2006.

This was a fairly large place with a long bar, font and rear entrances, that was split lengthwise with the bar and some dining tables on the south side and a separate overflow dining room on the north side, a split-level a few steps down.

211 N Pine St
Creston, IA 50801
US
[launch map]
(641) 782-2992

Elms Club

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:21:00 +0000

(Creston, IA)

Scooter’s 111th bar, first visited in 2006.

Nice neighborhood spot. L-shaped bar and several booths.

108 N Elm St
Creston, IA 50801
US
[launch map]
(641) 782-2615
Visit Web Site

TJ’s

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:20:00 +0000

(Afton, IA)

Scooter’s 110th bar, first visited in 2006.

After Bert’s, having a beer in what was essentially a Butler building wasn’t quite as enchanting but this was still a fairly nice little place.

241 N Webster St
Afton, IA 50830
US
[launch map]
(641) 347-5043

Berts Pub & Grub

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:19:00 +0000

(Afton, IA)

Scooter’s 109th bar, first visited in 2006.

Afton, Iowa is the former county seat of Union County, and has a nice town square to prove it. While people in jeans played basketball in a park in the square in 100+ degree heat, we drove around looking for a place to cool off.

Located right on the square, Bert’s Pub & Grub occupies a former Gamble’s department store. With wood floors and high ceilings, Bert’s showcases its ornate, leather-wrapped bar proudly. We had just settled in with our bottles of Bud Light and Miller Lite when the bartender offered to show us around the place.

The most striking feature of the main bar area is its antique elevator. Originally used by the department store, it is still used today for bring in cases of beer and taking out the trash. This unique elevator is hand-operated, using an intricate system of pulleys to allow the operator to raise and lower themselves and a heavy load of merchandise with ease by simply pulling a rope. Our bartender demonstrated how simple it was to use.

As we toured the bar we were surprised to find a dance room in back, complete with setups for pole dancing and cage dancing. (The camera we had with us on this visit had no flash, hence the “night vision” photo below.) The owner, Jeff Zeits, had the stage and dance area constructed in 2004 and had plans to bring in exotic dancers from time to time to “bring a little life” to town. But City Hall got wind of the idea and put a stop to it before it ever took off. Nonetheless is still makes a good stage for local and touring bands.

175 E Kansas St
Afton, IA 50830
US
[launch map]
(641) 347-5150

Long Branch Lounge

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:18:00 +0000

(Arispe, IA)

Scooter’s 108th bar, first visited in 2006.

This place had a pretty big dance floor. When we explained to the bartender that we had come up through Lamoni, she told us all about her sons going to school at Graceland University on a football scholarship and how they are required to eat at least 2 meals on campus each day.

400 N Division St
Arispe, IA 50831
US
[launch map]
(641) 346-2570

Darlene’s Place

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:17:00 +0000

(Ellston, IA)

Scooter’s 107th bar, first visited in 2006.

We sat at the short end of the L-shaped bar under the watchful eye of a mounted goat head smoking a cigarette (similar to the one shown here). To our left a couple of weathered farmers were having a drink.

“We’ve got a population of, oh, about forty*,” one of the farmers told us, “so we’re awful lucky to have this place.”

This is one thing we love about this area of Iowa. No matter how far it is from the main highway, no matter how small it is, you can almost always count on finding a place to stop and share a drink with the locals.

As we finished our beers, two young future regulars came in for some root beer. Hopefully Darlene’s will still be there for them when they come of legal age.

We still had more places to see, so we said goodbye to our friends at Darlene’s and got back on the gravel highway towards our next destination.

*55, according to the US Census 2006 estimate

202 E Main St
Ellston, IA 50074
US
[launch map]
(641) 772-4992

G & L Bar and Grill

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:16:00 +0000

(Diagonal, IA)

Scooter’s 106th bar, first visited in 2006.

From the outside this was probably the most run-down looking of any place we visited but once we stepped in we found that it wasn’t too bad. While I was using the restroom the bartender swiped B’s driver’s license through a device that verified his age. We were surprised that of all places, this was the first we ever saw such technology. The bartender seemed a little bit nervous about us at first but she warmed up to us a little after a while.

209 Broadway St
Diagonal, IA 50845
US
[launch map]
(641) 734-5525

Office Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(Mt Ayr, IA)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called “Bo’s Place”

Scooter’s 105th bar, first visited in 2006.

When we stepped inside we found the bartender sitting in a chair behind the far end of the counter watching soap operas on a little TV she had set up on a stand. After serving our drinks she returned to her soaps and we don’t think she ever said another word. As she watched her show, Brandon scanned the room and spotted a piece of bar decor on a shelf fashioned to look like a bucket of Miller High Lifes.

115 N Taylor St
Mt Ayr, IA 50854
US
[launch map]
(641) 464-2921

K-Town Legends

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(Kellerton, IA)

Closed briefly, is back open now with a new owner.

Scooter’s 103rd bar, first visited in 2006.

We drove onto the main strip in this quiet little town, lined with several run-down buildings, some empty, but many being rather architecturally interesting buildings. This was probably a pretty little town back in its day. As for the bar, it had no signage anywhere outside or inside that told us what the name was so we had to ask the bartender. We noticed some bowling trophies on a shelf above us, and a back room behind a curtain that we didn’t go check out.

102 Decatur St
Kellerton, IA 50133
US
[launch map]
(641) 783-2300
Visit Web Site

Poor Boys Lounge

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(Decatur City, IA)

Scooter’s 102nd bar, first visited in 2006.

Lots of dead animals on display, and showers in the restrooms, leading us to believe this used to be a hunting lodge.

304 E Vine St
Decatur City, IA 50067
US
[launch map]
(641) 446-8005

Bears Den Pub

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Leon, IA)

Scooter’s 101st bar, first visited in 2006.

This place had a roulette-like game that used the ceiling fan as the spinner.

101 W 1st St
Leon, IA 50144
US
[launch map]
(641) 446-6222

Characters Sports Bar / The Raging Buffalo

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Lamoni, IA)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Was also called The Longhorn Pub for a while, is now simply called The Bar.

Scooter’s 100th bar, first visited in 2006.

Located right in the heart of downtown. A big place with lots of TVs and memorabilia. Officially the bar proper is only open on weekends. The rest of the time, while you can still order alcohol, a huge red curtain hides the bar so that the extremely conservative locals won’t have to be offended by seeing it while they are eating.

100 N Linden St
Lamoni, IA 50140
US
[launch map]
(641) 784-6505

John’s Big Deck

scooterj — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Was closed for 3 months for cleaning/remodeling. Re-opened March 13, 2009 under new management.

Scooter’s 98th bar, first visited in 2006.

John’s Deck is three bars in one. The street level is a standard sports bar & grill with better than average food. The middle level, accessible through a separate entrance, is a music venue and dance area. The top level is a relaxing outdoor bar that turns into an outdoor music venue at night.

928 Wyandotte
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 474-5668

Chez Charlie’s

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:25:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 97th bar, first visited in 2006.

A pretty hard core dive bar, with strong, cheap drinks. Has a pretty regular following. Can be hard to spot since it has almost no signage, but it’s the south end of the building Blarney Stone is in.

3809 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-9247

Buddies

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:23:00 +0000

(Midtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 95th bar, first visited in 2006.

This ended up being one of the most fun places we went to. It was laid back, relaxed, and friendly.

B played pool with a lesbian with a mullet. While he was waiting for his next turn a guy came over and flirted with him briefly.

“I’m winning,” B told me, refering not to the pool game but to getting hit on.

But later I got checked out, blatantly and repeatedly, by a guy who was chatting with me while I was using the restroom.

After I told B this, I was declared the winner.

3715 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-2600
Visit Web Site

Dark Horse Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:18:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 90th bar, first visited in 2006.

Dive bar serving Torre’s Pizza.

4112 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 931-3663
Visit Web Site

Twin City Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(West Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 87th bar, first visited in 2006.

Neighborhood bar & grill that is a long-time institution. Popular among all walks of life and a major opponent of the smoking ban.

1815 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-5956
Visit Web Site

Gilhouly’s

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:14:00 +0000

(West 39th, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 86th bar, first visited in 2006.

The bartender had not arrived yet and the only person who could legally get us a beer was the owner, who was outside dealing with an A/C issue. After a while he was able to come in and pour for us. As he set our beers in front of us the actual bartender arrived.

When we finished our beers B went to go use the restroom. “Need another round?” the bartender asked me. “Naw, we have to get going,” I said. “Did you already pay him?” she asked, pointing to the owner. “Yep, we’re square,” I said, honestly believing Brandon had already paid.

I then went to the restroom myself, and when I came back out, I saw B at the counter paying our tab.

Whoops!

I promise, Bartender-lady, whoever you are, I was not trying to slip out without paying!

Updated in 2022 with photos, finally!

1721 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-2899
Visit Web Site

DB Cooper’s

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(West 39th, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 85th bar, first visited in 2006.

Dark & dirty dive bar with billiards

1804 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-9800

Jimmy’s Jigger

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(West 39th, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 84th bar, first visited in 2006.

Former standalone bar that was later swallowed by Jazz, the restaurant above it, to become Jazz’s de-facto restaurant bar. You can sit in here and not feel like you are in the restaurant, yet still have access to the entire menu.

When we got there they were not quite open yet and the door was locked. We decided to go elsewhere but when we were about 30 feet away I barely heard a faint click. “Hold on,” I said, and ran back to try the door again. Open.

“FIRST!” shouted B as we walked in, throwing his arms up in the air.

“Hooray for you,” said the bartender sarcastically. “Write that accomplishment down in your diary.”

I immediately started laughing as I pulled the bar diary out of my pocket and wrote that one down.

1823 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-7977

Kelly’s Westport Inn

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 83rd bar, first visited in 2006.

In one of the oldest buildings in KC (if not THE oldest). Opens at 8:30am and popular among all demographics. Big place with pizza shop in the back.

500 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-0635
Visit Web Site

Dave’s Stagecoach Inn

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 82nd bar, first visited in 2006.

Tiny cash-only dive bar that opens at 8:30am.

316 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-2492

PR’s Place

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 81st bar, first visited in 2006.

Located on the eastern edge of Kansas City’s West Side, PR’s Place is a popular hangout for Kansas City’s hispanic population while virtually unknown among the artists and hipsters found only a block to the east. You might drive right by this place and not realize it’s a bar, the exterior might make one think more of a dentist office.

PR’s has an inviting, comfortable interior and one of the more eclectic jukebox catalogs we’ve seen. It’s also a popular place for watching sports — especially soccer. If you are a fan of the World Cup this is a great place to watch it. There are no beer taps, but bottles and cans are plentiful and cheap.

1741 Washington St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-9746

Cigar Box

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 78th bar, first visited in 2006.

Daytime lunch spot becomes popular after-hours hangout. Yes they still have the walk-in humidor even though you can no longer smoke what you buy — stupid voters. Stay too late and you might get into a debate with a drunken Chiefs fan or get seduced by one of the ladies from Temptations, the strip club next door.

1519 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-7222

The Brick

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 77th bar, first visited in 2006.

Monday-Saturday
11:00 AM – 3:00 AM

Sunday
Noon – Midnite

Good food, delivered until 10pm. Popular hipster live music venue.

1727 Mcgee St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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Zoo Bar

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Open Monday thru Saturday, 11am to 1:30am. Mon-Thurs call ahead before arriving late as it sometimes closes at 11pm during the week if it’s slow.

Scooter’s 75th bar, first visited in 2006.

Zoo Bar is a place that so few people know about and is so hard to find, that oftentimes first-time visitors have no idea what to expect and may feel a little nervous. Instead they are surprised to find themselves inside what is probably the friendliest and most laid-back place in town. I would venture to call it the best dive bar in Kansas City. And that can’t be far from the truth, to be thriving after nearly 26 years and counting in a location where none of its neighbors have lasted.

The bar is very small… in fact the bar itself takes about half of the usable space. There are seats for maybe about 25, but no one seems to mind standing when they have to.

The most striking feature of Zoo Bar is the graffiti covering its walls, ceiling, and nearly every other accessible permanent surface other than the bar itself. In the mid 1980s the bar was repainted and patrons threw such a fit about loss of the scrawlings that it has never been painted since. More than 20 years of Zoo Bar history is now inscribed upon the walls. Many people just leave their name and the date, while others draw pictures or write a sentence or two about the visit. Markers are left out on the bar for anyone who wants to add themselves to the ink-on-paint tapestry.

Another feature Zoo Bar is very proud of is its old flip-style CD jukebox. The owner and bartenders have spent years editing and refining the mix of selections, literally agonizing over what CD to remove if a new one is added. The result is such a well-balanced mix of music that almost any visitor can find music they like, yet no matter what gets played it fits the style of the bar perfectly. Occasionally spontaneous bar dancing has been known to break out.

Zoo Bar has no beer taps, but it does have nearly 30 varieties of beer in bottles and cans. This includes several premium and foreign beers as well. And as long as it doesn’t require a blender (which no real drink ever should… especially a drink in a dive bar), the bartenders can mix up just about anything else you may want. Most importantly, this is one the cheapest places to drink in downtown Kansas City.

The bartenders are all a fun bunch. Ronnie or Ellen (who was the first bartender I met there back in 2006) will take care if you during the daytime, while Carol, the Sarahs, Cameron, Samantha, or Shizzy will be happy to serve you at night. Collectively the bartending staff call themselves the Zooettes. Except for Cameron, of course.

On Saturday the bar offers a free lunch buffet. All of the food is home cooked, usually by the owner and often with a bit of a kick of spices. The menu changes each weekend and is usually written on the whiteboard inside the front door a day or two in advance.

The owner, Preston Cain, is a friendly guy who often will stop in at some point in the evening. An attorney who practices out of the law office above the bar, Preston runs the bar almost as a hobby. Preston took over operation after the original owner, prosecuting attorney Ray Webb, passed away. A ceiling tile commemorating Webb sits behind the bar, while Preston is showcased in magic marker on the opposite wall.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

When I made my first visit to Zoo in June 2006, a friend and I were looking for a place that we did not know for certain even still existed. We had only a name and a general idea of the location that I had picked up from a 2-year-old list of businesses mentioned in a bicycle blog. Indeed, the Zoo Bar was so hard to find that we looked directly at it several times, from right across the street, and did not see it. The only signage was a small engraved wooden sign inside the window. Somehow I caught this sign out of the corner of my eye as we were giving up the hunt and walking away.

When we stepped inside, everyone inside stared at us and we realized we were intruders in a very private, close-knit community. So we was surprised when the moment of silence was broken with “Welcome to the Zoo!” as a woman moved her coat in order to offer us a place to sit.

The regulars were a mix of lawyers, government workers, and construction workers. Ellen, our bartender, opened our cans of beer while we began talking with the gang about topics ranging from a tragic bicycle accident that had occurred around the corner an hour earlier, to KCTV’s Katie Horner, to people having sex at a nearby bus stop. One Zoo fixture, a man named Les, gave us a lesson on the health benefits of drinking Goldschlager.
* * * * * * * * * * * *

Zoo Bar opened on October 24, 1982, in the southeast corner of a 2-story law office building at 12th & McGee. It was the direct descendant of Up The Street, a bar that had opened in 1977 on the 12th Street side of the same building. It was a lawyer hangout and featured pool tables in its back room (a room that today is the wig shop next door). In 1984 a fire closed the bar for a few months.

In the late 1990s downtown went into a slide and most of the bars along what was once a mighty dive bar row closed. Eventually only Zoo Bar remained. It operated as a daytime-only bar for years, supported by the daily visits of a small but very dedicated group of regulars. (Many of whom are still regulars today.) The larger back room was walled off, becoming retail space that today serves as the wig shop operating next door. What remained was the tiny sliver of a bar that we see today, with the cutouts that used to allow access to the back room still obvious at both ends of the bar.

In early 2007, anticipating increased foot traffic from the new Sprint Center and Power & Light District, additional bartenders were hired and a night shift was added. Lighted beer signs were added for the first time, and exterior signage was put up. The gamble paid off, and Zoo Bar’s patronage has increased tremendously. At night Zoo becomes a favorite hangout of downtown residents and visitors to the new entertainment venues.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Today Zoo is a place where adults of all ages and all walks of life enjoy relaxing. There’s never a band — only the jukebox — and the TVs are rarely on (usually just for Royals games) so it’s a good place for conversation. And with the small space, conversations usually end up spreading to include diverse groups of people who would otherwise normally never likely cross paths. It’s the kind of place where everyone treats each other right and looks out for each other.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Because of the new signs Zoo Bar isn’t as hard to find today as it was when I first visited, but it can still be a bit of a challenge. It is located on McGee, immediately north of the Sprint Center, about halfway up the block. It is directly across the street from the McGee Street entrance to the Board of Education building. If you are driving, note that McGee is one-way northbound, and accessible only from 13th Street which is one-way westbound. There is no parking lot but the metered spaces out front are free evenings and weekends. Still, being adjacent to the Sprint center and only 1 block from the Power & Light District, many visitors walk there from other downtown destinations.

1220 Mcgee St
Kansas City, MO 64106
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The Stables

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 73rd bar, first visited in 2006.

The Stables is an okay dive bar. Being close to several office towers its nice to walk to with co-workers for come cheap after-work beer. (Served cheap and very cold.) There’s pool tables in the back,Silver Strike in the front, and an old-style big screen TV that’s used mainly for music channels but sometimes for sports. The bar is a cozy L-shape, and there is ample table seating. True to its name, riding equipment and pictures of horses are placed throughout the bar.

For a long while, Stables was the only bar downtown that was not open on Saturdays. That finally changed about a year ago.

Another change is that The Stables has quietly become gay-friendly… at least on certain nights of the week. I wouldn’t say it’s completely become a gay bar just yet, and (at least from what I’ve seen so far) it really shouldn’t make anyone uncomfortable who isn’t into that sort of place.

Still, if you happen to be an exceptionally handsome young fellow, don’t be surprised if you get hit on by some middle-aged dude in a wifebeater. Just laugh it off and chill… you’ll be fine.

813 Walnut St
Kansas City, MO 64106
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(816) 842-2016

Tarantino’s

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly The Garage

OUT OF BUSINESS
Now located at 13th & Locust, Kansas City, MO

Closed November 2009.

Scooter’s 72nd bar, first visited in 2006.

Fantastic pizza/calzone/sandwich joint with limited bar

601 Mcgee St
Kansas City, MO 64106
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(816) 421-0043

Red Front Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 71st bar, first visited in 2006.

From the web site:

The Red Front Bar is located on Admiral Blvd. in the heart of downtown. A great place to sit down and relax after a long day of work or maybe the perfect place to start your night out on the town, however it is common for a person to sit down at Red Front for the whole night. Our great bartenders can mix up anything you request. Play some music on the Juke Box or make your own music on the Karaoke machine. Hang outside on our new deck! Red Front is a place to relax with old friends, make new friends, and even dance the night away! The perfect place for b-day, bachelorette, and bachelor parties.

310 Admiral Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64106
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(816) 472-0569
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Caddy Shack

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 70th bar, first visited in 2006.

Caddyshack, or “The Shack” as many of the regulars refer to it, is a popular dive bar and night spot for downtown Kansas City barhoppers.

On our first visit in 2006 we were warmly greeted by our bartender, who asked our names and immediately engaged us in conversation. The owner, Joe, came out to meet us as well. On subsequent visits we have learned that Joe makes it a habit of getting to know his customers, circulating among the crowd saying hello and making conversation.

The interior of the bar is divided into two main sections. The front section contains booths and low tables surrounded by office chairs. The back section contains a mix of high and low bar tables interspersed among the pool tables.

Caddyshack features free popcorn, optionally seasoned with their special blend of spices, and has recently begun making their own pizza. The pizza is Sicilian style, based upon a recipe Joe has been making for over 30 years, and is available until 2:00am. Other standard bar foods are also available.

Entertainment includes pool tables and other usual bar games. About once a month they have a karaoke night that is wildly popular, often drawing standing-room-only crowds.

In 2007 though early 2008 Caddyshack underwent an extensive renovation. In addition to fixing up the bathrooms and cleaning up the interior, the unused back patio was closed and a new, much bigger patio was built on the building’s east side. The picture a the top this article was taken before construction, the new patio sits off the right-hand side of that photo. This patio is now one of the busiest spots downtown after 1:30am.

700 E 3rd St
Kansas City, MO 64106
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(816) 421-4742

Brooksider Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:25:00 +0000

(Brookside, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 67th bar, first visited in 2006.

Very popular Brookside hangout – sports bar / live music venue

6330 Brookside plz
Kansas City, MO 64113
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(816) 363-4070
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Bobby Baker’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:21:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 63rd bar, first visited in 2006.

At $4 a draw this was the most expensive beer we bought all day. Unfortunately for B this fell on his turn to pay.

This is a tiny but comfortable place. Try to get the big round booth!

7418 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
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(816) 523-5485

Hanibal’s Waldo Bar

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:20:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Fin’s Waldo Bar

Changed hands in early 2008.

Scooter’s 62nd bar, first visited in 2006.

I liked this place better back when it was Fin’s — when it was a dirty-dive with beer-soaked carpet and super-cheap pitchers of beer, a place where you could relax and cut loose with your group of friends without anyone else judging you.

Since the buyout and remodel a couple year back, this place looks good. It’s clean, it’s hip, it’s trendy, it has a decent selection of beer and some good-looking food. It has a cool garage door front that opens to a sidewalk patio. And yet, to me, anyway, it’s not quite right.

Despite the open brightness, it comes across to me as stuffy. I can’t relax when I’m here. I feel like all the yuppies are staring and waiting for me to do something to annoy them. Even the bartender came across as a little too uptight.

7438 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
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(816) 523-9964

Kennedy’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:19:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

MOVED – No longer at this location.
Destroyed by fire on February 16, 2007. Moved to a temporary location next door. Move back to the original location (roughly) in 2009 after a new building was constructed where the old building used to be.

Scooter’s 61st bar, first visited in 2006.

Destroyed by fire on February 16, 2007. Opened in a temporary location next door. Now a new building is being constructed at the original site and Kennedy’s will soon move back again. Was a dive, don’t know what the new one will be like.

7428 Washington St
Kansas City, MO 64114
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(816) 361-9788

Tommy Farha Cafe & Bar

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:16:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 58th bar, first visited in 2006.

The place with the white hearse in front. Opens at 7am!

8019 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
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(816) 444-0990

Patricks Bar & No Grill

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(South Waldo, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Deangelo’s Lounge

Now “Patrick’s Bar No Grill”

Scooter’s 57th bar, first visited in 2006.

This place has a cool split-level bar, with a big screen in one corner and a pool table in another.

When we first visited it was DeAngelo’s:

Now it’s Patrick’s, and other than the name it seems pretty much the same.

8251 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
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(816) 444-3707

Village Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(South Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now Swagger

Scooter’s 55th bar, first visited in 2006.

The movie “First Knight” was being shown on all the bar TVs during our visit.

8431 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
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(816) 361-4388

Walsh’s Corner Cocktail

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(South Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 54th bar, first visited in 2006.

This place was decked out in an Irish decor but didn’t have any Irish beers on tap. We were the only customers in the place. (Saturday, 11:15am)

304 W 85th St
Kansas City, MO 64114
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(816) 361-7099

Grand Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(South Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 53rd bar, first visited in 2006.

Located south-southeast of Waldo, this bar almost seems out of place in the neighborhood. (Though BB’s being located a few blocks east helps it not seem quite so isolated.)

I’d classify the Grand Saloon as somewhere halfway between a restaurant-bar and a low-key lounge. It’s a bar that doesn’t seem to be very well known, but is a lot of fun for those who know about it. The bartender on my last visit was pretty funny and we chatted with him for quite a while.

The kitchen is open until 11pm nightly, and there’s also karaoke every Saturday night. I don’t know if they still do this, but on the day of my first visit (in a July while back) they were having a free BBQ that evening.

927 E 85th St
Kansas City, MO 64131
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(816) 333-1750

Flo’s Poke-A-Dot Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 52nd bar, first visited in 2006.

At the extreme southern end of Waldo, or arguably at the extreme northern end of South KC, sits a tiny run-down strip mall. In the center of this strip mall you will find Flo’s Poke-A-Dot Lounge.

We found our seats on the south side of the box-shaped bar, the only people in the place under the age of sixty. (Granted, it was 10:30am on a Saturday.) On the wall across from us, a velvet painting of a nude woman graced our presence.

We both ordered Bud Light draws and began talking with the bartender and other customers. Based upon the name of this bar we had assumed the owner was a woman named Florence. Instead we learned that “Flo” is a man named Floyd.

About midway through our beers, napkins were suddenly slid in front of us by one of the other customers. With a look of worry on his face, my drinking buddy leaned over to me.

“How quickly can you chug your beer?” he whispered.

“I don’t know, pretty fast,” I whispered back.

“Do it!” he whispered forcefully.

Unaware of what he had somehow realized was about to happen, I began drinking as quickly as I could. As I took the last gulp, out of the corner of my eye I spotted the need for this urgency.

A gentleman a few bar stools down had pulled a plastic bag full of shrimp out of the pocket of his jacket and had begun dumping fistfuls of it onto the napkins he had just placed in front of the other patrons.

Now I love shrimp, but I’m not going to eat fisted shrimp from a plastic bag pulled out of the pocket of some random guy at an unfamiliar bar. I set my empty beer glass down and my friend and I stood up to leave.

“Wait, don’t you want some shrimp?” the shrimp-fister asked us.

“Ah, no, we just had a huge breakfast,” we fibbed. “Thanks anyway!”

We left the bar and got into the car. As my friend put the car in reverse, there was a knock at the driver’s side window. We saw one of the other customers standing outside the window, cupping some shrimp in his hands. We lowered down the window just enough that he could speak without passing us any shrimp.

“What the hell am I supposed to do with this???” he asked rhetorically, laughing about his failure to escape the shrimping in time.

“No clue, guess you better bolt faster next time!” we chuckled back.

8934 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
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(816) 363-9571

River Aces Lounge

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:20:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 49th bar, first visited in 2006.

This is a very popular dive in North Kansas City. While it’s pretty quiet with an older crowd earlier in the day (as one would expect), at night — especially on the weekend — this place is jam packed.

It’s not a very big bar, but it had enough room for pool, a couple of games, and space for a DJ. There is live entertainment every night — either karaoke or a DJ — and it’s all-request.

Beer prices are good here, some of the cheapest pitchers around. Definitely a good deal.

Things can get dicey here late at night so keep your guard up. The bouncers are good at taking care of troublemakers, but fights do sometimes break out that have spilled into the parking lot across the street on rare occasion. I don’t think it’s enough of a problem to avoid this place, just be smart and stay cool.

1800 Swift Ave
North Kansas City, MO 64116
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(816) 474-4210

Depot Saloon

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:19:00 +0000

(Avondale, MO)

Scooter’s 48th bar, first visited in 2006.

Depot Saloon is located in the heart of the tiny town of Avondale, which is located about a half mile north-northeast of North Kansas City Hospital. The town is tucked away in the woods and surrounded by a creek — not many people have any idea it’s even there.

The building is pretty plain on the outside, but inside reveals a nice dark wood bar fronting a large, well-lit dining room. There’s pool tables in the back. Poker is hosted here fairly regularly and draws a decent sized crowd.

Depot Saloon is known for its BBQ. It’s not the greatest I’ve had but it’s not bad, and it’s nice to be able to order a simple plate of burnt ends as a bar appetizer with your beer.

2706 N Bell St
Avondale, MO 64117
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(816) 452-2100

Harry T’s Corner Bar & Grill

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:18:00 +0000

(Chouteau, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Is now a BBQ restaurant. I assume the bar is still available during restaurant hours.

Oops, closed again, late 2009.

Scooter’s 47th bar, first visited in 2006.

Sports dive across the parking lot from The Bar.

3920 N Chouteau Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64117
US
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(816) 452-3150

The Bar

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:17:00 +0000

(Chouteau, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed in Spring 2011. A sign outside says “Dangerous Building”.

Scooter’s 46th bar, first visited in 2006.

This is one of the most popular true dive bars in the Northland — if not THE most popular. Though an older crowd by day, at night it is packed with a very young crowd — generally with a high concentration of the “pretty-people” set.

The actual bar is fairly small but is fronted by several skinny bar tables to maximize seating in that area. Around the corner is a larger back room with a pool table and the dance floor.

Drink prices are very cheap, and karaoke is a regular occurrence. I’ve been visiting The Bar off and on for about 4 years now and have always had a good time.

3904 N Chouteau Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64117
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(816) 453-5911

River City Tavern

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:16:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed at the end of January, 2011, after the building was condemned.

Scooter’s 45th bar, first visited in 2006.

This is the southernmost bar on the Swift Avenue Dive Bar Row. It occupies a nondescript little shoebox of a building.

On my first visit I was greeted by a scrappy little mop dog on the floor and a gruff bartender who seemed to think it was very strange that I kept tipping him for my drinks. By the way it’s all bottles and cans here — no taps.

I didn’t really care for this place. It was ok, but I’ve been to a lot of better dives. However it must be doing SOMETHING right, because it’s consistently open on weekday nights even though the superior (in my opinion) Pat’s Pub just a few doors north rarely seems to make it open past 9pm during the week. River City Tavern is not open on weekends though, or at least not consistently.

1229 Swift Ave
North Kansas City, MO 64116
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Bar 12

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 44th bar, first visited in 2006.

Bar 12 is a popular sports dive in NKC’s Swift Avenue dive bar row. it’s best known as a karaoke bar, but it also has weekly poker nights and DJs a few nights a week — usually with no cover charge.

This bar doesn’t serve food, but they let you order food from the Chip Shot next door and bring it in to eat.

The bartenders here are great — I haven’t met one yet I don’t like. Still, this isn’t my favorite bar in Swift. No fault of the owners or staff, I think it’s just the fact that this bar attracts a younger crowd than most of the other bars in this area.

Currently karaoke is Monday and Tuesday nights, poker is on Thursday nights, and the rest of the nights are DJs.

1613 Swift Ave
North Kansas City, MO 64116
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(816) 221-5255
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Pat’s Pub

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:14:00 +0000

(North Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 43rd bar, first visited in 2006.

Pat’s Pub is my favorite of the bars on the Swift Avenue dive bar row. It and River City Tavern are at the southern end of the strip, fairly isolated from the busier bars a few blocks north.

Beer on tap is very cheap. There is also food here, but I haven’t tried it yet and don’t know what all they serve.

In addition to the bar and dining area there is a new patio out back, and lately the bar has been hosting live music on Friday nights. (So far with no cover.)

This is a very laid back place, and I enjoy dropping in from time to time on my way home from the bowling alley.

My only complaint is with the hours. It is only open during the day on Saturday (unless they are hosting a special event), which is understandable given its location. But except for Friday nights the closing times are inconsistent. Sometimes I can stop in after bowling on Tuesday night, but most weeks it’s already closed by the time I get over there at 9:00. Consistent hours could do a lot to help increase evening business.

On the other hand, maybe Pat just wants to be able to go to sleep.

1315 Swift Ave
North Kansas City, MO 64116
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(816) 471-8752
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Shooter’s

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(Northland, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 41st bar, first visited in 2006.

Shooter’s is one of those places where everybody knows everybody. But don’t let that intimidate you, newcomers are welcome and as long as you aren’t a troublemaker you’ll soon find yourself right at home.

Owners Scott and Robin Severson have turned what from the outside looks like a little shack into a popular neighborhood institution. You can count on seeing the same faces on the same nights every week, and the tight-knit community of bikers, working class, and young singles that has formed all take care of each other. The Seversons are also very active in the local business community, working to promote the rights of small business owners.

The bar features a spacious patio in the back. Half the patio is covered, the rest is open-air and naturally shaded by large trees atop a stone wall. Inside you will find 2 pool tables and a much larger seating area than the building looks like it should hold.

Some of the regular specials include bottomless beer for $10 and free pool on Monday and Wednesday nights, Ladies Night on Tuesdays, Guys Night on Thursdays, and karaoke on Thursday and Saturday nights. On Saturdays you can also enjoy a free lunch buffet, which changes each week. Tacos, fried catfish, BBQ, and many other selections have been served.

4108 N Oak Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64116
US
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(816) 454-7650

The Runaway Lounge

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Vivion West, Northmoor, MO)

Scooter’s 40th bar, first visited in 2006.

Visited in 2006 and remembered it as a basic strip mall bar. Revisited in 2014 and liked it much better this time. Despite being in a strip mall it has a lot of character and is a comfortable, inviting neighborhood dive that seemed friendly.

The dual-sided bar runs down the center of the space to serve both the main room and the back room where all the pool tables are/

2418 NW Vivion Rd
Northmoor, MO 64150
US
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(816) 741-8201
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Jockey Club Lounge & Bar

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Riverside, MO)

Scooter’s 39th bar, first visited in 2006.

The bar’s name ties to the local history, when a questionably-legal horse racing track operated during the 1930s under the financing and protection of Kansas City boss Tom Pendergast. Though the track is long gone, some of the original structures still remain. I am uncertain if this bar is one of those structures.

In the time since our visit the owner has spruced the place up quite a bit. The outside has been cleaned up and repainted, and the broken sign atop the building has been replaced with a new, stylish sign. Sadly, however, the classic vintage “cocktails” sign that once graced the front of the building has been removed.
Inside you’ll find a friendly bartender and friendly regulars. I forgot to get a picture but I enjoyed the two large fish tanks in the southwest corner.

4312 NW Gateway Ave
Riverside, MO 64150
US
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(816) 741-9844

Big Shots Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 18:11:00 +0000

(Barry, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Now a sushi restaurant

Scooter’s 38th bar, first visited in 2006.

Basic strip mall bar

7753 NW Prairie View Rd
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
[launch map]
(816) 505-3009

Dirk’s Sports Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 18:10:00 +0000

(Barry, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 37th bar, first visited in 2006.

Basic strip mall sports bar

8132 NW Prairie View Rd
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
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(816) 587-3646
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Winslow’s City Market Barbecue

scooterj — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 30th bar, first visited in 2005.

BBQ restaurant with a separate bar on the other side of the kitchen. The bar opens to the largest patio in KC. Several beers on tap, poker nights, live music on weekends. No cover.

20 E 5th St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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(816) 471-7427
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Cup & Saucer

scooterj — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Closed in 2006

Reopened Jan 2010 as a wine/coffee bar called K City.

Scooter’s 29th bar, first visited in 2005.

Coffee shop / bar that catered to hipsters who like live local music. The drink selection was rather sparse.

412 Delaware St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 813-0944

Drafter’s

scooterj — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed in 2007. Started to re-open as The Belfry but that went under before it got going.

Scooter’s 28th bar, first visited in 2005.

Nice little neighborhood/after-work bar & grill. Huge, relaxing space in an old Garment District converted warehouse. Occasional free buffets. Love the off-the-beaten-path location.

323 W 8th St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 472-4001

Buzzard Beach

scooterj — Sat, 09 Jul 2005 17:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 25th bar, first visited in 2005.

This is one of the few bars in Westport that I don’t mind going to. A true dive. There’s an upper and lower level, plus a deck upstairs. CASH ONLY!

Monday – Thursday 3:00 P.M. – 3:00 A.M.

Friday & Saturday 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 A.M.

Sunday 8:00 P.M. – 3:00 A.M.

4110 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-4455
Visit Web Site

Jilly’s

scooterj — Fri, 23 Jul 2004 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Re-opened in late 2008 as CODA.

Scooter’s 21st bar, first visited in 2004.

As Jilly’s, it was virtually empty in the early evenings, packed after 10pm.

As CODA is still had an emphasis on live music, but with a new menu it is now popular even when a band isn’t playing.

1744 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-4977

Mike Kelly’s Westsider

scooterj — Tue, 06 Jul 2004 17:10:00 +0000

(West Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 20th bar, first visited in 2004.

Combines fine dining with a dive bar. The web site makes it look formal, but during an afternoon visit I sat at the bar and the bartender told me dirty jokes.

Updated in 2022 with photos, finally!

1515 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(866) 486-3138
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Harling’s Upstairs Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 14 Jun 2003 17:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 13th bar, first visited in 2003.

Nice, spacious upstairs dive and venue with a patio during the summer. If using the men’s room, watch your step at the doorway!

Frequent live music including Saturday blues jams.

3941A Main St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 531-0303

Peanut Downtown

scooterj — Thu, 06 Mar 2003 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 8th bar, first visited in 2003.

Cool dive bar with good beer selection and a variety of live music. Good food (burgers vary however) and good service. Upstairs room used for bands and private parties.

418 W 9th St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-7470
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Tanner’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2002 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Tanner’s downtown location usually attracted decent crowds but was notorious for poor service. It closed in 2008.

Scooter’s 4th bar, first visited in 2002.

Popular but average sports bar. Large main level space plus a separate bar downstairs that I have not yet been to. Food is good but nothing spectacular. Unlike the Waldo location, this place is notorious for poor service so expect long waits — especially if you are seated at a table.

1000 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-8687
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The Quaff

scooterj — Tue, 02 Oct 2001 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 3rd bar, first visited in 2001.

The Quaff is a pretty popular sports bar in downtown Kansas City. The main bar is fairly small, but two additional rooms create a large open space that can hold a pretty big crowd. All the sports bar staples are here: multiple big screens, pool tables, pop-a-shot, foozball, Golden Tee, darts, etc. They have a good selection of beer and the food is excellent for bar food. They even serve breakfast.

This was my gang’s first frequent hangout and the first place I ever achieved “regular” status.

If you start a tab, make sure you close it with cash instead of leaving it on your card. They add a surcharge if you pay with credit. Also look at your bill closely, this place is notorious for trying to slip extra drinks onto the tabs of unsuspecting customers. Screwing us over one too many times is why we no longer go here. (Though I still go for lunch on occasion.)

1010 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-1918
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