I wouldn't really eat the food here, but as a bar it is a step above the dive bars littered throughout Chesterton. "Pub fare" or basically Applebee's-style fare is all to be expected here, though their fire-roasted pizzas are good. Their bar area is clean and spacious, with lots of tables and a second story. The crowd is mixed, though it tends to be younger on weekends. They have $1 drafts on Thursdays and a minimum of creepy dudes hitting on you when you just need a beer.
Review Source:Although I currently live in Arizona, I used to frequent this place on a weekly basis. Â The food is fantastic, and the prices are more than fair. Â When you visit a place as often as I did this place, you tend to build up a bit of a rapport with the staff. Â Every one of them is friendly and happy to serve you. The bartenders are awesome and can definitely make a stiff cocktail if you're in need of one.
As for the night-life, this place is like an oasis in the middle of the desert. Â This is, by far, the best bar within a 20 mile radius. Â The music is pretty good and tends to cater to all listeners. Â As for getting a drink, even if it is busy, its fairly easy. Â I rarely ever go thirsty when I am there. Â When I come home for a few days, I definitely plan on stopping by for a few cocktails.
They are now in a new location...where The Registry used to be in Chesterton.
We started with the fried pickles and bbq chicken pizza for apps. Â Both were very tasty and quick to arrive.
Had the pub burgers for entrees and they were cooked properly and were delicious. Â
The food prices are reasonable for the portion sizes, although the draft beer was a bit on the high side.
I'm excited to go back and try something new!
I really love this place. I've been here quite a few times. I like
the atmosphere, one side is the restaurant and the other is the
bar/restaurant. Everything I've eaten has been wonderful
esp. the wings. It's a nice local joint. Reasonable prices and
lots of parking. It's definitely worth checking out.
Not surprised, well maybe a bit. I went to Hooligan's while visiting a friend in Indiana recently and I was impressed. I was expecting a typical small town sports bar and once there the place had a certain charm to it that I wasn't expecting.
Considering the place is a "sports bars", it really didn't feel like one, and that's even with the gigantic projection screen over the bar. Perhaps the TV's were more noticeable because we sat near the bar (mmm I always seem to sit near the bar, must be my thing or something) or just that they were enormous. As for customers, the place was almost empty, but it was a weekday afternoon and in Indiana (really, it's not that I have anything against Indiana).
Our server was really helpful and attentive. The food came quick and was pretty good. We both had coconut shrimp and I'd consider it just a good as some other large chain restaurants I've been to.
Update- 4/07
So I went back during the weekend and on Saturday Hooligans is apparently the local scene where people congregate, drink and be merry. Lot's to drink, tons of eye-catching locals dancing to take in, gives you a sense Hooligans is a pretty happening place, and for small town Indiana, it is. It's a bit fraternity-ish in terms of style and music played, but more than acceptable. If you need a rougher crowd, then head next door to Factory Bar & Grill.
Pros: Friendly Servers, Lots of Parking
Cons: Middle of nowhere (IN),
Cost: $$ of 5
Overall Rating: 4 of 5
Recommendation: Recommended