Rabbitt’s Tavern

My favorite hometown dive. Best pool tables in town. This is where the salt of the earth Grinnellians drink their domestic lagers. The only thing that’s really changed over the last decade+ is the addition of an internet jukebox and a quality soundsystem. There’s pickled eggs and turkey gizzards on the bartop. This place isn’t for pansies, but the clientele is probably nicer than they look.

Came here a couple of times while in town for a wedding. It’s a classic Midwestern bar: lots of locals, cheap drinks, and pool tables. The bartenders are really chill and have no problem kicking the troublemakers out. Also, you know you’re at a Midwest wedding when the bride sinks a one-​legged behind the back corner shot in her wedding dress.

Some people call this a dive. I call it an adventure. Certainly it is an experience either way. Every time I come in here something strange happens… you never know.
Rabbitt’s offers a surprisingly respectable selection of liquor and even recently added Templeton Rye, Iowa’s own rye whiskey. Several kinds of whiskey (bourbon generally) and their cocktails aren’t bad. Beer selection stinks, but for the price it’s hardly worth complaining about, especially with pitchers for $ 5.50 and Buds on Sunday for a dollar.
It doesn’t feel like a cozy neighborhood establishment as it is rather dark and, depending on the demographic, some terrible music might be playing on the juke box (which has a bizarre selection of songs, ranging from regetón to folk rock). People are usually pretty friendly and sociable on any given night.
They had a magician one night. He was pretty good. Performing to a crowd of super-​drunk people, no less, but definitely good entertainment.