Knickerbocker Saloon

Weak drinks and expensive. We’ve had better drinks at a movie theater. Server actually took a smoke break when I asked to tab out. Not going back

And so my epic journey to the oldest bar in each state continues–
I went to the Knickerbocker about 4:30 in the afternoon, so it was fairly empty other than the super hot representatives from a local vodka company setting up for the night.
The bar seems fairly authentic inside. Turn of the century mirrors and and woodwork are extremely impressive. The terrazzo floor looks circa the 40’s. The stamped tin ceilings look like they very well may have hung above U.S. Grant’s head when he stopped by for a drink.
The bartender is very sociable and makes good drinks. There is a strong beer list that is thankfully very heavy on the Indiana beers.
I would like to come back when this place is jumping because it seems to balance out college bar, historical bar, and sophisticated bar pretty well. They also have a room with a stage and lots of music memorabilia.
Also — you can smoke here. That used to be common in Indiana, but now is pretty rare.

My favorite night spot! Great selection of beer, whiskey, and it is cigar friendly! They have a great staff and the building is a nice piece of history. Dim lighting, good beats, and «Upscale but never uptight!» There is also a nice covered patio…

Good bottled beer selection. They claim to be the oldest bar in Indiana. I’d recommend coming during a show night, otherwise it’s nothing too special. However, if there’s a good band playing it can be a really cool venue. They also have golden tee. 4 stars because it can be cool, probably a 2 or 3 on normal nights. Also, ppl can smoke inside.

Pulled pork nachos, kettle chips w blue cheese and BLUES!!!
Drinks are strong. Service is good. Music was great! What else do you want in a saloon???

The place is the oldest bar in town, and has a good selection of beers. The ambiance is so-​so, and usually not very happening.

Classy joint. Never too high a cover; almost always great bands. Even when bands aren’t so hot, they still play hard and we have a good time. Sweet girl who slings drinks there but can’t for the life of me remember her name right now. We go there a lot. Great atmosphere for music —

I would like the Knickerbocker, except that it is so smokey that I don’t go there. It is a cool old building and they have live music on the weekends, so I would love to be able to spend more time there. They actually have a really nice beer selection. But it is the smokiest place in town — after you leave there, it takes 2 showers to get the smell out of your hair. They call one half of the bar «non-​smoking» but the two halves are not separated, so it’s smokey in both rooms, and if there is live music in the «non-​smoking» section, it is too loud, so you don’t want to spend much time in there anyway. Not worth the terrible smell for me.

The oldest and coolest bar you will find in Indiana. This place is one of the best bars I have seen and I imagine that it is packed for Purdue games. One of the few places that has live music in this area as well. mant famous people have had a drink in here like Thomas Edison, mark Twain, and Al Capone. I can now be added to the likst.

Great atmosphere with a whole lot of history! They have 2 stages and half the place is non-​smoking. Love it!

I really liked the live music in this place. The drinks are good and not that expensive and the people here were very nice from the bartender to the other patrons. Good place to have a drink and relax any day of the week. You can meet very interesting people here as well and as the other reviewers said it the drinks are strong.

Great music scene and beer selection!!!

It’s Indiana’s oldest bar, and underneath the site (The Lahr) of the only suicide by guillotine in the US. «Steeped in history, the Bocker is.”-Yoda
I always have a great time here. Great stage for bands, a jukebox that plays more Bad Religion that DMB, and strong strong strong drinks. Giant portions of food, and insanely amazing staff. Denise, you are great.
The Bocker will always hold a place in my heart from my college days.

This place is great when they have good bands otherwise it is a very mediocre bar. Live nearby and have not seen a good band in there for quite some time.

Known for EONS for their fabulous live Blues performances, though they don’t really have live Blues music anymore, trading it mostly for covers, local bands, and hip-​hop stuff. Still have some GREAT music now and then… watch their website for updates! Had an in-​house restaurant for a while, but now are limited to some basic bar food and chili. The food situation has changed several times over the last ten years or so…
The physical bar itself is the most BEAUTIFUL thing! Lots of mirrors and old-​world charm. Beautiful lighting and decent bathrooms, seating, and space. Decent parking and easy entry. Nice relaxing porch (with bar service!) out front, in nice weather. Great special events and holiday parties! Owner is serious about keeping the place nice and is a good guy to get to know! The bar staff is friendly and really interested in making you happy… just often busy and needing a little «nudge»! Don’t be afraid to GET their attention! Great wine selection (a hobby of the owner), decent beer selection (large for the size of the bar), and the mixed drinks and martinis are wonderful! Their «special» cocktails that they offer from time to time are a fun things, too… makes things interesting!

The Knickerbocker Saloon is a great place to go for a relaxed atmosphere and live music. The bar has a classic feel. Newcomers are treated as well as the large group of regulars that you’ll see from night to night.
Since coming under new ownership a few years ago, the bar has gone from strictly blues acts to a more diverse musical lineup. While the acts aren’t always the highest quality under the sun, I’m just thankful that someplace in Lafayette is still dedicated to having live music on a regular basis.
The bar and wait staff are very friendly and fast.

This is a good place to go listen to some live music. They have a fantastic looking bar and a couple of cute waitresses. If only the drinks were better. Still a good place to go, just don’t order mixed drinks. Stick with beer.

VERY nice sit down type of bar. It’s the oldest saloon in the state of Indiana. The original mahogoney wood and details of the bar is so classic and warm-​feeling. Every time I went there, it was such a pleasant atmosphere, the wait staff and bartenders are SUPER SUPER friendly. My only favorite bar in Lafayette.