Editor’s Note: This story is inspired by a previous story that ran in The Scarlet & Black in 2003.
Multiple S&B staffers take a look at six of Grinnell’s drinking establishments: Grinnell Craft Brewhouse, Prairie Canary’s Speakeasy, Solera, Periodic Table, the Grinnell Pub and Rabbitt’s Tavern. They award the bars between one and five beer bottles while taking into account the drinks, atmosphere, prices and crowd each place has to offer.
Grinnell Craft Brewhouse
The Brewhouse can be a bit intimidating for a lone 21-year-old, but a great spot for a group of friends. Outside, a large group of millennials discussed life and politics. Inside, the vibe was quiet, with people playing board games. Some older patrons sat at the bar, but there wasn’t any pressure to be incredibly social. Fruity beers are a delightful little treat, which is why my pick here was the Blueberry Delight, one of their lighter beers. With tip and tax, my total came to $9. For a 16-oz cup, the alcohol had enough blueberry flavor to make it clear this was not just a normal beer. I’ll admit I ordered it even though I’m not much of a berry fan, but it was surprisingly good. As I sipped on it while playing Scrabble, I couldn’t help but wish I had brought food to go with it. This is one of the rare bars that allows you to bring your own in, and the sweet yet not overpowering taste pairs nicely with a meal. Next time, I’ll probably try a new drink, as this might not be the best at the establishment, which by far offers the most beer options in town.
– Thai Theodoro
Prairie Canary Speakeasy
Prairie Canary, a perfect date spot, the best tomato feta soup in town (the only) and underneath it, a little piece of the prohibition era. The speakeasy has dim lights and appetizers served until 9 p.m. For first-time visitors, beware that the closing hour varies by night. That night, four laminated palm-sized cards sat at each table, printed with pictures of the speakeasy’s special cocktails and their ingredients. Thai cleverly picked out the Banana Nightcap for me to order through a casual round of Uni duni tê (Brazilian eeny-meeny-miny-moe) on the cards. The bartender behind the counter carefully and artfully traced one thick line of chocolate sauce down the side of the glass, where the drink sitting inside looked somewhat like a chocolate milkshake. The Banana Nightcap turned out to be a thick concoction that smelled like artificial banana candy and was composed of cognac, creme de banana, dark creme de cacao and Mozart chocolate creme liqueur cream. Egged on by my lovely coworkers of The Scarlet & Black, I chugged the last half of the drink, leaving streaks of chocolate sauce suffusing through a thick layer of cream-coloured foam. I licked my lips — faintly, I noticed the people sitting at the table behind us were gossiping. As I stood up and floated back up the creaky stairs to the main Prairie Canary restaurant, I realized my world was kind of spinning sideways. I was also giggling strangely to myself. However, I would not be opposed towards a second round of the smooth, rich Banana Nightcap — if only I had just another $14 in my bank account.
– Natalie Ng
Solera
If I had to say it succinctly: Solera is the place to be. With comfy couches, lots of people (although it’s usually an older crowd) and a lovely wine selection, what’s there not to love about this wine bar? It feels like being in your own comfy living room surrounded by friends. I got the pinot gris, which is not a wine that I am familiar with, but I enjoyed it very much. I don’t know a lot about wine, but I think it was relatively dry but a little fruity. I vastly prefer dry wine, but the slight sweetness didn’t bother me at all. I have tried other wines here, on other nights where the rest of The S&B staff was unfortunately not present, all of which have been delicious and, might I add, heavily poured. The owner of Solera is also wonderful. She joked with us throughout the night, and as we were walking out, she picked up her accordion and began to play. I can’t recommend Solera enough, as long as you don’t mind running into a professor or two.
– Evelyn Wilber
Periodic Table
It seems that the Periodic Table, located inside Hotel Grinnell, puts equal emphasis on the drink and the experience. Despite getting there near close, the bartender was happy to serve us a few drinks, and even offered to start the fire back up in their spacious outdoor seating area. I decided to forego my usual drink of choice and order off their specialty concoctions menu, featuring drinks such as the Moscow Molecule and the Caffeinated Chemist. I chose the Tequila Catalyst, intrigued by the description: “See it change before your eyes!” The bartender simulated a full-on chemistry experiment right in front of me, concocting the drink in a scientific beaker and demonstrating how the drink changes from dark indigo to a light lavender with the addition of lemon juice. After paying, I joined everyone else by the fire, where we listened to Henry read trivia questions for children and regrouped before the rest of the night. This was by far the calmest destination — a nice break situated right in the middle of The S&Bar Crawl. It was certainly pricey, but a great destination to end your night if you’ve got the cash to spare.
– Sarah Evans
The Grinnell Pub
maybe sold at the Grinnell Pub. (Chhayachhay Chhom)
Cheap, unglamorous and a little dirty — Grinnell Pub is like Rabbitt’s Tavern’s older, more grizzled brother. When The S&B arrived at the Pub, we were surrounded by a small crowd of middle-aged patrons who seemed to wonder why a motley crew of 21-year-olds just walked in. Luckily, two of our fellow Grinnellians, Catherine Terelak `25.5 and Piper Kline `26, immediately ran up to us to praise the Pub to the heavens — “They have karaoke!” — and recommended the Pearl Harbor to me. (I later called the Pub to figure out what exactly went into the Pearl Harbor and was informed by the owner that they don’t serve those … a Google search says it’s a cocktail with vodka, melon liqueur and pineapple juice.)
A little greenish, the alleged Pearl Harbor got the job done — enough for me and Thai to fearlessly perform a really bad rendition of Lady Gaga and Beyonce’s “Telephone.”
– Taylor Nunley
Rabbitt’s Tavern, Inc.
If you are ever wondering where the true spirit of Grinnell lies, you should check 721 4th Ave. There, you will see the iconic sign with two pool cues which inexplicably reads “Rabbitt’s Tavern Inc.” The reason for the two t’s and “inc.” is only known by a select few who can truly call themselves Grinnellians. Probably. Having already massively outclassed Taylor Nunley `26 and Thai Theodoro `27 with my “Break on Through to the Other Side” by The Doors at the Pub, I was understandably in a good mood upon arrival. I went up to the bartender, Tony, and asked him for a drink that represents Rabbitt’s best. “Busch Light is always cold,” Tony said after a pause. It was all I needed to hear. I enjoyed the refreshingly cold brew with the staff and my girlfriend, who I must thank for introducing me to the beauty of going to Rabbitt’s. Taylor is right — the Pub is Rabbitt’s slightly strange brother. But to finish that analogy, Rabbitt’s is the younger, better looking sibling who can do no wrong.
– Henry Horn
