Not Five Stars Yet... But Could Be With Some Help

Sam's Saloon has been open a few weeks now. I believe the doors opened sometime in December 2007, and it appears that they will be hosting concerts regularly every weekend, Friday and Saturdays - at least this is what I've heard and witnessed.

I finally made it down to this Fountain Square concert venue and bar this Friday (1.18.08) to catch the show starring J.J. Pearson, King Duece and The Peggy Sues.

Overall I had a pretty good time and thoroughly enjoyed the musical acts. The place is unique in our town and has a really interesting feel. I don't know of any other venues that can compare with the nostalgic, a-lot-older-than-me presence. It's a true saloon... just like in the old days. It made me wish I had rode my horse there and brought my pistol belt in with me.

The acoustic sound of the place was very good. The resident sound man, Dave "Hatz" is an old-schooler who knows his stuff and it shows. You can actually hear the entire band very clearly. As a music lover, this really makes me happy and makes me want to return to the place.

The crowd was such a mix, and I only went once that I can't really review the "people vibe" of the place just yet. Maybe I'll get to that in a future review.

As good as this place is, it needs to tweak its atmosphere just a bit and improve in the bar area!

Getting a drink there literally took 15 minutes - and this applied to everyone, even members of the performing bands. It wasn't so insanely packed that it should of taken that long. It was just that the bar tenders had no clue on how to take care of a busy club atmosphere. They either need new bar tenders or the ones they have need to seriously step-up their game!!! That alone made me a little irritated, and it made them loose money. I probably would of had at least one more drink if it weren't for the slow service, but I just wasn't going to stand in line for another 15 minutes. On top of that, I feel like their drinks were probably $1-2 high for the place, considering it's basically a dive bar.

The problem with the atmosphere was all the tables set up in the "concert area." Not only were they in weird places, blocking the main entrance into that section, but the were all throughout the back. All the first comers immediately occupied the seats and by the time I had finally gotten a drink and made my way into the room, the only space was standing up in front of the people sitting at the tables, blocking their view. That made me feel a little rude and uncomfortable and I could see that I wasn't the only one feeling that way. For a punk rock show, they probably shouldn't of had any tables, or at least not that many out. And if they are going to put them out, put them to the sides of the walls so people don't have to stand in front of the early, "lazy" crowd!

All in all, this place is very is a good addition to the options of the Indy nightlife, and could be another great and RARE venue on the South side!

I'd recommend visiting the joint.