Geeks and bowling in NWI

Beer Geeks

On a Tuesday afternoon, a soulful guitar riff and a heart ached voice fills the local beer bar, Beer Geeks. Located in Highland, this is a convenient place to listen to blues without the price of going to Chicago.

Due to the closings of La Rosa’s and Bugsy, many college students and fans of blues have not been able to find a local place to listen.  With Beer Geeks shining its bright light over the region and hoping to draw in beer and blues lovers from all over, this gives people a new place to hang out and listen to great music. Beer Geeks, as stated in the name, only sells beers to customers. This bar serves microbrews and craft beers to the masses and changes up its on tap beers daily, providing a unique tasting experience with constant swaps.

Beer Geeks’ “Tuesday Bluesday” allow customers to slip into a blues house and enjoy some amazing talent in a local environment. Bands bust out funky jam sessions while customers groove to the music and sip on a tasty brew. Excellent and friendly service adds to the homey vibe which floods the bar. As the lights start to dim and the mood sets, customers are set to embark on a free show, if they do not plan on drinking. A menu is placed in front of customers, covered in tap and bottled beers. Each beer is given an intricate explanation of the taste, along with who brewed the beer, what style the beer is, the ABV (alcohol by volume), IBU (International Bitterness Units) and even the glass that the beer is served with.

The smoke-free environment also adds to the pleasant experience, allowing the pure and best taste of the beers served. Being able to leave a bar in Indiana without being covered in smoke is a great perk that this establishment provides.

Beer Geeks is having its one-year anniversary show of “Tuesday Bluesday” with Carlos Johnson on April 3. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Beer Geeks is located at 3030 45th Street, Highland, Ind., and can be reached at (219) 513-9795.

Set ‘Em Up Lanes and Lounge

For the music-seeking night owl types, Set ‘Em Up Lanes and Lounge is the perfect destination. There are tons of options at great prices in this one-of-a-kind bar and bowling alley. Located on Broad Street in Griffith, Set ‘Em Up offers food, pool, bowling, shuffleboard and hosts a myriad of local bands.

Every Monday starting around 9:30 p.m., Set ‘Em Up holds Open Jam Night, featuring acts from acoustic and hard jam sessions to magic acts and comedians. Rap, jazz and dubstep even grace the ears of patrons at Open Jam Night occasionally. The laid-back atmosphere and welcoming crowds make this a prime location for performers as well as music-seekers.

For a different kind of music experience, karaoke lovers can visit Set ‘Em Up two nights a week: Sundays for Family Karaoke and Wednesdays after 9:30 p.m. for “Wing N Sing Wednesday,” complete with 50 cent wings. When Friday and Saturday nights roll around, local bands such as The Unit and The Hype are on the bill, continuously bringing upbeat shows.

Besides the music, the food and drink specials make this hometown bar and bowling alley stand out. Whether it is $2 off any large pizza or $1 domestic drafts, there is a special or two offered every day. From pizza to sandwiches to fried appetizers, Set ‘Em Up is the place to go for good old fashioned “bar food.”  Their hoagie is a simple sandwich, but it is one of the best around.

Whether looking for family-friendly activities, such as bowling and family karaoke, or hitting up the night life, Set ‘Em Up Lanes and Lounge has something to offer for everyone.

Set ‘Em Up Lanes and Lounge is located at 135 N. Broad Street, Griffith, Ind., and can be reached at (219) 924-3181.