The Rack

What an interesting little place.

The Rack is an unassuming and somewhat hidden bar. It's so close to bf's house I always wondered, 'why don't we go there'? I think he was a little nervous to take me at first because you never really know what you're going to get. I've been about half a dozen times by now (the fear of me running and screaming down 5th Ave is now behind him) and each time I've been here it's been a different scene.

It's been totally dead, save for a few rough looking regulars who just wanted to drink and be left alone. It's been crazy and busy and fun with lots of 20-somethings belting out karaoke. It's been chill, when only a few groups of people were enjoying their nights playing pool. It's been weird when the bartender is reading a book behind the bar and looks annoyed when I asked for a drink. I DID take advantage of karaoke once, but again - weird night.

I've never gotten anything other than cheap light beer here (and maybe a few unwanted shots from bf's oh-so-generous friend). I have pretty much reserved The Rack for my end of the night bar and therefore have little to say about the place itself. I mean, I don't think I've even been in their bathroom.

Needless to say, I like it for what it is - the outsider not caring to fit in with 'popular' Grandview bars. Great for the end of the night and A-OK for me.

I went to The Rack recently to see a band play. I wasn't sure what to expect as I've driven by at least a hundred times and always thought it was just a crappy dive bar. Upon entering, I felt like my friends and I got stared at for obviously not being "regulars", but after the initial looks everyone went back to their own business. It is a dive...but not as bad as I expected. It's actually pretty clean. It wasn't too crowded, which I like because I hate being elbow to elbow with people at bars. (My group of friends there to see the band probably amounted for half of the crowd.)

The sound system for the bands wasn't the greatest and it was kind of awkward how the bands were stuck in the back behind the four pool tables while people played in front of them, but I guess they made do with the space they had available.

Overall, not a terrible little place. Oh, and they have free popcorn, so you can't beat that!

Just discovered this little gem even though I live only about a half mile away. This bar is a nice little divey bar with the usual diverse clientel. The drinks are super cheap and the night I went there, there was live entertainment. If you're looking for a place that's not too super crowded on a low-key evening with friends and are hoping to indulge in some $2 beers, this is the place.