Carols

Carol's is a Forest Park treasure. When you walk in you will immediately think of the good old days - greeted by a large spacious area, several pool tables, old fashioned darts, video games and a super friendly staff that is second to none. Carol's also has a large patio which is friendly to both smokers and non smokers - and rocks in the summer for warmth or a fun game of bags. The bar indeed is still owned and operated by Carol (it has been for more than twenty years) - and if you are lucky you will be welcomed by her  famous "Beer Here" greeting!

Unlike a few of the reviews - I disagree this is an old man bar. While there is a strong crowd of middle aged regulars (a testimony to the great atmosphere and service) - you will often find many folks in their 20s or 30s, especially those involved in local sports leagues. There is a gay bar next door, and occasional visitors from there - but never anyone who is a bother. The bar is very friendly and people get along.

Overall, Carol's an old school bar - where you immediately feel welcomed and will have a great time. You can also enjoy free wi-fi and a public computer for use in a pinch.

Bring cash - Carol's does not take credit cards but the convenient ATM and more than reasonable drink prices make this place a MUST TRY! My friends and I enjoy Carols on a regular basis.

It's very large with a full circle bar with tv's lining the top so you can watch your favorite sports team. There is plenty of seating for friends or large groups. so points there!

Some of the nice features of this place include pool tables, dart boards (standard and electronic), electronic trivia game and a juke box. .They also have a bookcase full of books and board games that are open to people to use at their discretion.

The selection of beer and liquor isn't bad. Carol who own's the bar and some time bartends make a awesome long island. they do have pretty good bucket and pitcher deals (normal size not the tiny ones)  so if you are looking just to have a couple cold ones this place will work for you. They also offer you a frosted beer mug that will chill your beer to the point of ice chips forming on the top. great out the tap. sweet!

Also If you smoke like me smokers can apperciate the outdoor patio. That has a tent in case it's rainy and there is a TV outside so you don't miss any of game yor watching. Also they have a decent sized back area where you can play ping pong or bags .

things to know!
*: parking has never been difficult.
* they offer frozen pizzas
*try the home made jerky.
* they do not accept credit cards (however they do have an ATM on site so.  works well.)
* there is a gay bar next door.(For those of you that may be concerned the bar, "The Hide Away" is next door but there entrance isn't even on the same block as Carol's).
* Needs more younger people but people there are pretty cool.

so If you want a chill in a laid back place to hang out , play pool, darts, or just enjoy a sports game . instead of Madison Street. just come to Carol's.

Carol's is definitely an old man/dive bar but the people that attend and the staff are all very nice.

It's very large with a full circle bar with tv's lining the top so you can watch your favorite sports team or whatever else you fancy (just ask them to change the channel). There is plenty of seating for friends or large groups, I could see this as a softball team hang out for sure.

Some of the nice features of this place include: pool tables, dart boards (standard and electronic), electronic trivia game and a juke box. Also they have a decent sized patio where you can play ping pong or bags (corn hole). Oh and they also have a bookcase full of books and board games that are open to patrons to use at their discretion.

I admit the selection of beer and liquor are a bit lacking but they do have pretty good bucket and pitcher (normal size not the tiny ones) deals so if you are looking just to have a couple cold ones this place will absolutely work for you. They also offer you a frosted beer mug that will chill your beer to the point of ice chips forming on the top. So good!

Also I don't smoke but I know all the other people that do really apperciate the outdoor patio. They even put up a tent in case it's rainy and there is a TV outside so you don't miss anything you may be watching.

Couple of other things: parking has never been difficult, they offer frozen pizzas and if you just want a snack try the home made jerky.

Major downside would be the fact that they do not accept credit cards however they do have an ATM on site so not too much of a hassle.

Oh and yes there is a gay bar next door but I don't see how that would have anything to do with the service and quality of this bar. It's just plain ignorant not to go somewhere because you're a homo-phob!!! For those of you that may be concerned the bar, The Hide Away, is next door but there entrance isn't even on the same block as Carol's so it's not like you will even be near the other patrons not that it should matter in the first place!

If you want a chill, laid back place to hang out at instead of Madison Street I highly suggest Carol's just remember to bring cash and don't expect a fancy martini.