Posts

Stan's Bar, 208 W. Savidge Street, Spring Lake ~ August 19, 2025

Image
This local favorite (St. An's) has been in business over 75 years. Joe Stalec is the current owner and his great uncle, Stan Kulik bought the bar back when it was called Walt's Tavern. As part of his re-model, he moved the very long bar from one side of the building to the other. Because the building is so narrow, people carried the bar outside to turn it around, and carry it back into the building. That's a good story 😊 Although there is a very cool, neon sign above the front entrance, the regulars know to enter through the back. There are a few tables in the back and some in the front, along with a large booth. Otherwise it's just the very long bar. We took a table in the front and weren't sure if we had to order at the bar or if their was wait service. No one paid us any attention so we went up to the bar to figure it out. The man at the bar was not friendly at first but warmed up to us by the time we were finished for the night. The draft beer list was hung up ...

Bow Tie Tavern, 8388 Alpine Ave NW, Sparta ~ July 1, 2025

Image
Out in the country on the corner of 10 Mile and Alpine you will find this historic bar. There were some fancy cars parked outside. We walked in the back door to find an empty room, a pool table, and a phone booth. We rounded the corner and found specials and the bar. It was fairly busy for a Tuesday night and the ambiance was friendly and comfortable. We started with a Goose Island Beer Hug, two Cherry Wheats, and an Arnold Palmer. We were not up for their appetizers tonight so we decided to share a couple of deep-fried hot dogs. They came with ketchup, mustard, onion, and pickle, and we quite enjoyed them. Budget-friendly at $2.25 each, they were excellent with a seemingly more intense flavor. For one of our entrees we chose the Bowtie Burger served with ketchup, mustard, mayo, onion, pickle, lettuce, and tomato. The burger was juicy and delicious and arrived in a fresh bun with crisp lettuce. The Swiss Mushroom burger was equally satisfying served with mayo, grilled mushrooms, and on...