The “How the West Was Won” Bar Crawl: A Story

As the year draws to a close, a lot of students at Purdue will be leaving shortly, not soon to return.  Unfortunately, many of these students will leave only experience half of what the location of Purdue has to offer, rarely venturing across the river into Lafayette.

After realizing my days at Purdue were numbered, I gathered 12 of my most easily persuadable friends together and planned a spontaneous a bar crawl with the simple goal of exploring downtown Lafayette.

We set out with the noon sun high in the sky, not knowing if we’d all make it back alive.

Stop 1: DT Kirby’s

I should start this story by mentioning that this bar crawl was an idea spawned while we were enjoying a drink or two at Harry’s the night before.  That being said,  greasy food sounded awesome.  All of us being avid fans of DT Kirby’s, we knew that lunch here was where we had to start.  Most of the people in our party hadn’t been to the new location yet after their relocation mid-fall.  It’s much larger than the original spot across the street (35 seats v. 120 seats).

As I’ve mentioned before, DT Kirby’s is home to all things delicious and unhealthy such as deep fried hot dogs, mac n’ cheese topped burgers, and a whole slew of other calorie intensive options.  It’s a great place to fill up the tank, but overeating there can stop your day dead in it’s tracks.  Beware.  Bar crawls are no fun when all you want to do is sleep.

 Also, good bloodies here to start the day.

Stop 2: Lenehan’s

All fighting a food coma, we reluctantly opened the door to leave, painfully smacked in the face by the sunlight of the outside world.  We slowly managed to waddle across the street to a new slighty Irish sports bar, Lenehan’s.  I’d heard a lot about this place, mostly that it was fun if you were really drunk and if it was really late.  We had neither of those qualifications on our side, but thought we’d check it out anyways.

Predictably, we were the only people there at 2 in the afternoon, however this played to our advantage as we instantly turned the establishment into a personal game room.  With free ping pong and several sports games you can pay a dollar each to play, this place took me back to basement hang outs in high school.  What we had originally intended to be a brief visit quickly turned into several hours of mild exercise.  The onsetting tiredness rapidly dissipated.

Stop 3: The Vault

With the desire to keep playing bar games, we set our eyes towards the west to our favorite pool hall.  By the time we had walked several city blocks, we finally reached our destination.  The doors were locked.

We looked at our watches, 4:50, and pressed our faces against the window peering at the workers inside who kept holding up 5 fingers, meaning we’d have to wait a few more minutes.  Luckily, the overall look of disappointment that spread quickly across the faces of the group, along with probable concern for those in the party that had started to heavily chainsmoke,  seemingly touched a note of sympathy.  An employee let us in a couple of minutes early.  Sure it was only a few minutes, but there’s nothing like that feeling of special privilege to boost morales.

It was the first time I’d been inside of the Vault without a smokey haze slowly rising towards the ceiling.  There was no music playing, no pool balls crashing, just the chatter of the group we came with.

We quickly took advantage of the any day, any beer schooner deal ($6 for a 34 oz. craft beer) followed by cashing some bills, collecting some change, and tightly racking some balls.

I’m not sure how long we were here, or how many games we played.  All I know is that it was long enough for us to watch the entire movie of Twister that was playing on the flat screens around the bar (and even pumping it through the speakers after enough begging).

Stop 4: Hunter’s Down Under

Having finally worked off what felt like eternal DT Kirby’s food babies, somehow we felt the need for more food.  After arguing for several minutes about where to head next, a friend made a simple request, “I know a place, follow me.”

Intrigued by his confidence, all 12 of us followed him back out onto the streets of Lafayette.  We quickly noticed we seemed to be walking away from all of the other suggestions, and that it didn’t really seem like we were walking towards anywhere too interesting.  As we all started to question our decision to blindly follow, suddenly our leader seemed to vanish in thin air.  After a few moments, we noticed he was no longer with us and confusion quickly spiked.

“Guys, down here” cut through the air, instantaneously met by heads whipping around trying to determine which direction it was coming from.

Eventually, someone peered over the railing along the sidewalk.  There were stairs, and those stairs led to a wooden door hidden in the shadows.  We were at Hunter’s Down Under.

A humble combination between a bar and a restaurant, I felt immediately comfortable.  As we found our seats and picked our way through the menu, several locals flagged us down to make their recommendations, even one that claimed to eat there at least 5 times a week.  I got the deep fried cat fish strips with buffalo sauce.  The meat was tender, delicious and exactly what I needed.

Stop 5: Chumley’s

The night was fast approaching, and the general consensus was that people would start dropping like flies if we didn’t head further west soon.  So after finishing up our meals, we jetted towards Chumley’s.

With a wide selection of good beer, we had decided this would be a great place to recap our day out on the town.  Somehow, be it luck or destiny, we were able to claim the huge fishbowl table in the back of the bar, where everyone could fit and no one had cellphone connection.  Cheers were made and glasses were clanked, everyone was having a good time and happy with the way the night was ending.

That is, until someone got the bright idea to spend the better half of a paycheck on several rounds of explicitly named shots for the table.

The rest was history.

Needless to say, when we walked across the pedestrian bridge and up the hill to Harry’s, we all shared a similar feeling of accomplishment.

We had wasted a day and a lot of money doing nothing productive, filling our bodies with things that could literally kill us.

But, everyone was happy, no one was stressed, and we had made some great memories with people soon to be separated by huge geographical distance.  It’s hard to put a price on that.

Out of all the new little places and the things I’ve done trying to find content for this blog over the semester, the “How the West Was Won” bar crawl was my favorite.

I’d encourage everyone to take the time to explore downtown Lafayette before they graduate, a bar crawl is one way to do that.

Craft Beers on the Roof

This past Saturday, Tippecanoe Arts Federation hosted TAP, an event similar to the very popular Wines on the Wabash, but focused on craft beer.  Naturally, I couldn’t pass up an oppurtunity to go.  So I grabbed a couple of friends, including an Exponent photographer, and headed over the pedestrian bridge to check it out.

With tickets priced at only $25, eager fans flocked from the local area to get a taste of a huge variety of craft beers from 15 Indiana breweries ranging from local favorites like People’s Brewing Company to visiting brewhouses, like Sun King from Indianapolis.  Upon entrance, guests received a wristband and a free glass that they could use to refill from any station from 3-6pm as many times as they pleased.

And I forgot to mention, the whole event took place on the top floor of a parking garage, overlooking the Wabash River and the town square of Lafayette.

While most of the booths were dedicated to full-fledged breweries, one table was focused on the actual brewing process.  It was operated by employees of Blichmann Engineering, a local business that specializes in making the tools used to make beer and wine, including a patented “BeerGun” that allows for easier filling of bottles.

In additional to showing off their cool products and sharing some of the beer that they had made with them, employees were actually brewing beer on the spot giving passerbys an inside look at the process.

With my video camera on hand, Paul was kind enough to let us pick his brain.

Overall, TAP was a great experience.  I’d jump at the chance to attend the event again in the future.  The people were friendly, the beer flowed freely, and I actually learned a lot.

Cheers to craft brewers and craft beer drinkers alike for making it a memorable day.

Stuck in town for Spring Break?

You’re in luck.  The Irish people in town are having a party, and you’re invited.

Next week is Spring Break for Purdue students.  As many students rush off to beach destinations, I’ll be splitting my time in the Windy City and in the middle of the desert.  Unfortunately, I am forced to take a temporary haitus from posting until my return in a couple weeks.

That being said, there’s a great holiday coming up that I didn’t want to ignore.

Monday, March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, and even though Lafayette isn’t a huge city, there are still enough Irishmen in the area to stir up some noise.

The festivities will start Saturday, March 15, with the 8th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 11 am.  While this won’t have thousands of people and won’t stretch for miles, one should be prepared for lively music, lots of green, and a few people that have already had too much to drink.  If you want to join in on the parade, they’ll be starting by the levee area of West Lafayette.  Participants 21 and over are encouraged to head to 9 Irish Brothers for an Irish Coffee and a pint of Guiness after the parade ends, where they can listen to live Irish music all day.

The celebration continues on Monday at 9 Irish Brothers with live bands playing throughout the afternoon and into the night.  If you don’t have to work, it’s a great chance to kick back and let your inner Irish out.  It’s also rumored that DT Kirby’s will be doing something special, though that’s just the word on the street.

If you’re stuck here over break, you may not be on a beach, but at least the snow will be gone and you’ll be able to spend your days celebrating with some good drinks and some good food.  Venture into Lafayette, try something new.  If you think you find something special, tweet me @SpencerBrian to tell me all about it.

Until the next time, slàinte, to your good health, and cheers.

Share a Drink with the Ghost of Twain

If you happen to find yourself roaming around downtown Lafayette after  hours, you might find the Knickerbocker Saloon calling your name.  Quaint, simple, exactly what you would expect from a place that claims to be “Indiana’s oldest bar“.  Originally built in 1835, then called the “Cherry Wood Bar”, it was constructed as part of a hotel.  In 1874, the bar adopted the name “The Knickerbocker Saloon”, introducing the automatic player piano as entertainment, and the rest was history.

More times than not, the Knickerbocker goes overlooked by the unknowing passerby, as there are now many newer, updated places that young adults can go downtown to spend their free time.  However, the Knickerbocker gives you an atmosphere that’s difficult to find elsewhere.  Upon entering, the first thing probably noticed are the candles spread evenly around the room, giving a dim glow to each table.  It’s never very loud (unless there’s a concert going on that night) and faint conversations restricted to each table slip quietly through the smoky air.

It really is a simple place, homey, exactly what you’d expect from any bar that has seen so many years, but as one dives deeper into the bar’s history, they’ll find that there’s a lot more to  this classic watering hole than meets the eye.

First, there’s the impressive guest list.  Wherever you end up sitting, you’re likely to be in the general vicinity of where President Grant, Al Capone, or Mark Twain had a drink, all three of which the bar claims to have hosted at various times.  Even more modern Purdue celebrities like Drew Brees and Neil Armstrong have been said to have graced the bar with their presence.

It should also be noted that there have been many masks the bar has worn throughout the years.  Originally it was a hotel bar.  However, with the name change in 1874, it expanded its business model to include haircuts and shaves for its patrons (in addition to the drinks).  This lasted until the prohibition when the shift in alcohol laws hurt sales, it was briefly closed until laws once again changed allowing it to reopen for business.  For almost 40 years, the bar was back in full swing until a fire struck in the 1960s forcing it to be shut down once again.  After being renovated, it operated as a clock shop several years during the 1970s before once again becoming the fully functioning bar it is today.

Another interesting tidbit is that there is an ongoing debate regarding the claim that the Knickerbocker Saloon really is Indiana’s oldest bar.  There’s another bar in Indianapolis called the “Slippery Noodle” which makes the same claim.  The Knickerbocker has technically held its liquor license longer, obtaining it in 1835, compared to 1850 for the Slippery Noodle.  However, the Slippery Noodle has stayed open through the years, even as a speakeasy during the prohibition.  It’s up to the individual to decide whether its the initial opening date or staying open consistently that matters the most.

However, for me, one claim trumps them all.  A rumor spread by word of mouth throughout the years, relying only on the gossipy nature of bar goers to survive.  This is the claim that the Knickerbocker is home to the only known suicide committed by the use of a guillotine.  As the story goes, the basement of the Knickerbocker used to be part of the The Lahr (the hotel originally associated with the bar).  One fateful night, an unhappy employee found the horrific bladed device in the basement and used it to behead themself, casting a darker shadow on the property for years to come.

The Knickerbocker may not be the flashiest venue around.  It may not have the cheapest drinks.  Only a few hours there will leave the stale scent of smoke on clothes for days to come.  But more importantly, the Knickerbocker is an important piece of Lafayette history, able to outlast many challenges and changes throughout the years, existing as a thriving downtown staple today, and hopefully for many years to come.

Sunday Funday at People’s Brewing Co.

As many residents living around Purdue University are aware, stores don’t sell alcohol on Sunday in the great state of Indiana.  Now, for Super Bowl Sunday, this has the potential to pose a major problem for the procrastinating football fan. If someone wants to drink, but they accidentally left their favorite beer off the grocery list, often times it leaves them restricted to sitting in a bar, heading for a state border, or watching the big game completely sober (something that would have been downright painful this year).

Fortunately, there’s good news. Another option is on the table that many people are completely unaware exists, local breweries. Due to an exception in the laws controlling alcohol sales, small craft breweries and wineries are allowed to sell sealed beverages for consumption elsewhere any day of the week, including Sunday. Even though this year’s Super Bowl has passed, it is important to note that this exception applies year round, and can come in handy for many occasions.

But where can you find a local brewery?

People’s Brewery in Lafayette lies right across the river from Purdue University.  They’re highly rated by people in the area and are one of my favorite breweries to visit in Indiana.

Located at 2006 N. 9th Street in Lafayette, the storefront is humble.  It feels more like you’re walking into an old mechanics shop, rather than a place that makes beer.  There are no windows to give you a preview of what lies behind the front door, leaving many first timers without a clue of what to expect,  often unsure of if they’re even at the right place.

However, after opening the door and stepping in, one is instantly greeted by the warmth and friendliness of the staff, all very knowledgeable and hopeful to help make your trip to their establishment a great time.

It’s small inside, there’s probably enough room for 20-30 people to sit down, less when they’ve a local band performing.  The bar is small too, hosted by one employee with a few stools surrounding it, often filled by customers.  Everything is wooden and simple, in a good way.

The most impressive aspect of the People’s Brewing Company building is the open window wall behind the bar that allows patrons a sneak peek into their brewing process.  They take pride in the beer that they make, and they want to help every person that comes through their front door learn an appreciation for the brewing process.

As far as the actual beer goes, they’ve got a very wide range of flavors and tastes, often having 5-7 varieties on tap.   Most of the beers are a little on the hoppy side, so it’s great for those that prefer a little bitterness in their drinks.  Two of my favorites are the “Notorious BIP”, a dark Indian pale ale, and “Mr. Brown”, a 7% alc. nutty brown.  While these are my favorites, I encourage you to try their selection for yourself.  The bartenders are very willing to let you sample a few and will tailor your experience to your own personal preferences.

Certain beers can be purchased in bottles and anything on tap can be purchased by the growler.  A “growler” is basically a big jug, roughly the size of a pitcher.  If it’s your first time, a Mr. Brown in a growler will run you around $15.  However, the cool thing about a growler is that you can bring the jug back for cheaper refills (even cheaper on Wednesday with $2 off a normal refill price).

People’s Brewing Company is the perfect example of a local company with hometown pride that brings a quality product to the consumer at a great price.  Go there to have a great drink while you’re supporting a great local company at the same time, even on a Sunday.