Spencer's Stadium TavernNovember 18, 2006 S Formerly "Mike's Bar," Spencer's is steeped in history. Built in 1900, the building is worn and has a distinct character. The friendly atmosphere and location make it exactly as it claims to be: "A neighborhood tavern for the whole city." It's a little brick two story building whose unlikely neighbor is the Institute of Forensic Science. "They're good neighbors.... quiet," he jokes. Nuvo and Intake have both done stories on how Spencer stumbled on the opportunity to buy and renovate the aging tavern. There are links to them on the mainpage of his website. For this article, let's focus on what what brought us here: Beer. If The beer selection at Spencer's, like the building itself, is small. Only 8 taps and limited cooler space leave Spencer and Dustin no choice but to carefully plan ahead for new offerings. Consequently the offering is very good and unpredictable. The beer menu states their case. It starts with "Here's the deal on our beer selection. It is always changing. We like trying new beer and think you will , too..." Now that's honesty. Don't know what to order? Just ask. "We have a Japanese Nest beer that Dustin really likes." A few seconds later Spencer was pouring a Hitachino Classic Ale, 7%, from Kiuchi Brewery. Copper colored and very well balanced all around. Chinook, Challenger, Kent Goldings hops. Can't get that down the street! A good variety of beers stood together in the cooler, including Monumental Jewbilation, Founders Black, and Dark Horse. Here's a peek...
As for the taps, Spencer was very apologetic. "We're very thin now due to Thanksgiving. Very thin." There were only 6, including Leinenkugles Sunset Wheat, Old Style, RAM Bighorn, Bell's Best Brown, and BBC's Bourbon Stout. The sixth is unmentionable. "It's for a private party! They specifically wanted it," he blushingly explained. Dustin and Spencer work hard to make sure there is a variety of local and regional microbrews on tap, at least six, maybe seven. We found the Bourbon Stout to be smooth and not overwhelming. The Leininkugles was surprisingly refreshing, crisp, and delicious.
A "Want to see something really cool?" he asked. We eagerly lept to our feet. He walked, we followed. We lowered ourselves down creaking stairs into the dank, century-old basement. Nooks and crannys abounded. Crawl spaces. Ancient brick. It was like stepping back in time. "Here's the library." With that he proudly pointed to shelves holding decades-old beer cans and bottles. Most of them full. Vintage beer tasting, anyone?
After some exploration [and not finding Al Capone's body] we climbed back upstairs and ordered some food. The menu is bar food times two. We tried the Football Hero Sandwich. "Our Biggest Sandwich!" Turkey, Salami, Pepperoni, Provolone, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, and Italian dressing. It was great. Next to that we worked on Tubby's Gutbuster. The menu describes it as "Okay, get this. Waffle fries covered with our Tavern Tequila Chili with cheese melted on top, bacon, and topped with a dollup of sour cream." It was indeed gutbusting and the half that went home was even better the next day. Next time we'll try the chili on it's own.
Spencer's is definitely on our list as a good beer bar to frequent, and quite possibly the friendliest. Thanks Spencer, we'll be back! |
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pencer's Stadium Tavern sits quietly on the southwest corner of West and McCarty streets, downtown Indianapolis, a mere block away from the cranes and commotion of what is destined to become the new Colt's stadium (note cranes in photo). Owner Spencer Valentine knows he's got a golden location, but he won't admit it. Just ask him if he thinks having the new stadium next door will boost business. His reply: "Stadium? ...What stadium??" If you didn't know him you might be fooled, but you would quickly catch on. A quick wit goes a long way in getting to know Spencer. Affable, amicable, and downright likable, he brings a breath of fresh air to the impersonal bar scene where nobody knows your name.
it's brewed in Indiana, Spencer wants it on tap. "It was a big part of the business model from the very beginning. Offering Indiana beer to the fans visiting from out of state. And with the addition of Dustin, the selection became more daring." By Dustin, he means Dustin Boyer, former brewer at Rock Bottom. As Spencer's Head Bartender, Dustin has tremendous leverage in what gets ordered and put on tap. His knowledge, hard work, and eagerness to educate are the keys to making the tavern a great beer bar.
fter beers it was time for a tour. The first thing one notices after entering the tavern is the deep burgundy/red walls that encase the establishment. Almost everything is dressed in red and black. A comfortable bar stretches the length along the north wall and behind it towers a fanciful 1940's back bar, guarded by none other than Captain Morgan. 
There's little adorning the walls, but a hand-painted Circle City beer label may catch your eye. Now a comment on the TVs. There are several. All high definition. But they don't usurp the atmosphere like some "sports bars" do. What really stands out is the high definition projector. Wow! HDTV + HD projector = serious game watching. That said, Spencer's doesn't come across as a sports bar, per se. Although it is a great place to catch a game.
