The Corner Bar

We were having one of those cross-wired conversations, asking Larry Bell of Kalamazoo Brewing Co. about what sells at the "corner bar" and using the term generically, and having him answer specifically. Finally, he explained he meant the Corner Bar and informed us we couldn't leave town without seeing the place. Thank you, Larry Bell.

The Corner Bar has as good a breweriana collection as we've seen in any bar. Dozens of chalk statues are tucked in corners throughout the place and cover the Art Deco back bar. There are cardboard, paper, tin and porcelain signs on all the walls. Dick Milne, well known to breweriana collectors throughout the Midwest, will happily provide the history of any of them.

The collection extends beyond breweriana. A sign on the back bar declares, "Tootsie on duty," there's a giant Burger Chef sign and a hanging pro shop display for bowling balls drilled "while you wait." Father Dick and son John Milne took over the building in 1986. It was built in 1896 and has been a bar, a sports center, a private club (during Prohibition) and a bowling alley with five lanes. John takes care of the kitchen -- just order one of the specials, you can't go wrong -- and has recently installed two humidors.

Kalamazoo beer drinkers are price conscious, but Dick Milne has built a fine selection of 18 draft beers with most 10-ounce servings $1.50 or less and the most expensive 16-ounce beer a modest $2.60. Choices include micros from afar such as Sierra Nevada and St. Ambroise as well as plenty of Michigan beers, including Bell's and impressive newcomer Roffey Brewing Co. of Holland.