Pioneer Tap

Fun karaoke & great bartender, Rachel!  Second time in here was a lot of fun.  They have pool tables in back and a nice stage area.  Its pretty big, but I've never been here when it was full.

My favorite karaoke bar; beats even those in the city.  The sound system is perfect, no worries about getting drowned out by the system or not being able to hear yourself.  Amazing selection, especially M/W; the list is very up to date.  Tues has a good selection as well, better than any other bar I've been to (just not as good as M/W).  Really nice people, casual atmosphere.  Good prices!  (I've only been here on karaoke nights, don't know much about the other nights.)

Local Hole-in-the-Wall Stuffed with Entertainment.
by Tiffany S.

As Kennedy Avenue traffic bustles by, it's almost hard to notice Pioneer Tap, located at 6826 Kennedy Ave. in Hammond, IN, nestled between a cemetery and a family restaurant.  

But once you turn into it's brightly lit parking lot, kill the engine, and stroll through the door, you're sure to find that the real action lies within this kitschy Country/Western, Rock-and-Roll establishment.

I've been a habitue of Pioneer Tap (which we lovingly refer to as simply "The Tap" in our little group) for nearly 5 years now.  Cheap drink prices, pool, karaoke, and live bands all contribute to my adoration for this quirky hole in the wall.

Unlike typical Country/Western bars, The Tap is a regular watering hole for all walks of life, from bikers to college kids and karaoke aficionados.  What's more is that once you walk into this hodge-podge family of a crowd, it takes little for you to become accepted.  No upturned noses here, no sir.  

Karaoke takes place Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.  Mondays and Wednesdays, Louie and Bonnie run the scene, boasting a large and frequently updated karaoke list, state of the art cordless mics, and superb ability to make the singers sound their best---even after a few Bud Lites.  Tuesdays, Dan, who started as a Pioneer regular, runs the show, also boasting an extensive list and top of the line equipment.  Both hosts are excellent singers themselves, and if the night is slow will sometimes fill in the gaps with their own exquisite stylings of anything from Broadway classics to AC/DC.  Also, you can choose to sing on the corral-like stage if you're not too comfortable having all eyes on you, or take your microphone on the dance floor and shake things up a bit---heck, they're cordless so shimmy around the bar if you'd like---just don't drop the mic!

Thursdays are "jam nights" allowing locals to climb up on a second side-stage and jam with a live band.  Think live band karaoke, but with less of a karaoke-stigma.

Friday and Saturday nights bring a different crowd to the Tap, as local bands rock it out and in between sets Randy usually DJ's rock and dance hits.  This crowd likes to shake it, and Pioneer definitely answers the call.

The bartenders are more than simply efficient---they actually care about the patrons.  As an enthusiastic karaoke singer, I religiously order a glass of water--no ice--to keep my voice in check.  Every Wednesday night (my regular Tap night) the bartender, usually Dawn, starts pouring my ice-free water as soon as I walk in the door.  It's treatment that many bars can't boast anymore, but remains important at Pioneer.  Like I said, when you're there you're family.

The bar has plenty of seating for small or larger groups and boasts a large dance floor for line-dancing or, when ballads are sung/played, pulling your sweetie close and slow dancing under the bouncing lights of the disco ball.

In the back room you can find pool tables and other arcade games if karaoke and dancing aren't your thing.

So next time you're driving down Kennedy Ave. in Hammond looking for something fun to do, I suggest you mosey your way into Pioneer Tap.  Whatever day of the week it may be, you'll surely find something to do and a friendly environment in which to do it.