Monday, August 17, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section C · Page 9
Gay students can find support from local firms
By Loslie Potter
Kansan staff writer
If you are gay or bisexual, then you are considered one of the family.
Several Lawrence businesses cater to the gay community with events and services
Teller's, 746 Massachusetts St., has Family Night every Tuesday.
"It's a classy, safe, well-lit place for gay people to go," said Jennifer Veavey, a manager at Teller's. "We are supportive of the gay community because we figured that there weren't many places designated specifically for gay people."
"Basically, they can have a nice evening in a setting that they might feel more comfortable in." Veavey said. "And they get to meet other people that are in the family."
Veavey said that Teller's policy does not imply that gay people should not be allowed at other restaurants in Lawrence.
Tremors Night Club. 729 New Hampshire St., offers Alternative Family Night every Wednesday.
"Alternative Family Night was mentioned to us by customers." said
"Lawrence has always been a gay-friendly city and this is obvious because of the activities it offers."
Jim Clark
Sophomore at Washburn University
Trent Glass, manager at Tremors. "We figured that it was something no other dance club was doing."
Glass said that Alternative Family Night had been successful, and they had held a drag queen show during the summer.
"That was the biggest crowd we have ever had, and we will definitely have drag queen shows in the future." Glass said.
Jason Moreno, Garden City sophomore, said alternative-family nights were a reason he loved Lawrence.
"You don't have to be 21 to get in, like many gay bars in Kansas City," Moreno said. "And you feel comfortable being yourself at these places."
Larry's in Lawrence Inc., 1601 W. 23rd St. sells various gay-related items, including rainbow stickers, magazines, videos, cards, attire and even same-sex wedding cake toppers.
"We knew that Lawrence had a large gay community," said Brian Heinen, manager at Larry's in Lawrence. "And we felt that Lawrence was lacking a store like this.
"We carry a lot of gay-specific stuff," he said. "But people will come in and buy things they think are funny, and we have items that are not gay-specific."
Jim Clark, sophomore at Washburn University, said he appreciated the activities Lawrence offered the gay community.
"Lawrence has always been a gay-friendly city and this is obvious because of the activities it offers," Clark said. "Lawrence is so fun to hang out in. I come up here from Topeka almost every week."
Local breweries tap into market
Service, atmosphere can cause draining of glasses, wallets
Commentary
Customers waiting to be seated drink beer outside of Free State Brewing Company, 636 Massachusetts St. The restaurant and brewery is a popular spot for many students looking for their favorite microbrew. Photo by Gwen Olsen/KANSAN
By Vanessa Whiteside
Kansan staff writer
Give them beer — and they will come.
But give them great service and a fun atmosphere and they will eagerly return.
Since its 1989 opening, Free State Brewing Co., 636 Massachusetts St., has delivered high quality and good service.
The brewery offers an extensive menu of moderately priced entrees, such as black bean quesadillas and chicken gumbo, that go beyond standard restaurant fare.
Chuck Magerl, owner of Free State,
and his staff consistently offer daily specials
and a seasonal homebrew, which
always leaves something new to trv.
Free State's modern interior, which is surrounded by exposed-rock walls, gives patrons a comfortable feeling that can't be matched in any other local brewery. On the dimly lit lower level, smokers will feel at home, but only if they are willing to talk loudly and yell their orders. Those hoping to escape the din can venture upstairs to join non-smokers in a more remote dining room.
Free State's clientele, made up of locals of various ages and family sizes, may find it difficult to nab one of less than a dozen bar chairs. However, waiting for table seating is neither stressful nor frustrating. Each patron is given a pager to alert them when their table is ready.
Because at least two fast-paced bartenders tend to thirsty customers, the wait to wrap one's hands around a shaker glass filled with one of Free State's tasty brews is minimal.
An array of beers are prepared in small batches using natural ingredients and are served in either a 14-ounce glass or in take-home, half-gallon jugs. It would be difficult for locals to find better tasting beer for a mere $2.25 a glass. Recommendable Free State beers include Ad Astra Ale, a well-balanced bittersweet mix. The Oatmeal Stout has a smooth but malty taste. Free State's beers include the Wheat State Golden, Cyclist, Crimson Berry Ale, Brinkley's Maibock, Copperhead Pale Ale and Cycle Black Lager.
Whether you go to Free State for a well-prepared meal or simply to drink a beer and run into a friend, it is likely that you will leave satisfied.
One block down from Free State is Brown Bear Brewery, 729 Massachusetts St. The neighborhood brewery, once known as Kaw River Brewery, also offers a long list of homebrews that employees claim are good for the soul. With its simplistic interior and abundant seating, the two-floor establishment offers customers a more low-key atmosphere. But you might feel pity for the lone bartender attempting to serve an increasingly busy restaurant.
Recommendable beers include the Sunflower Wheat or IronWood IPA. Other Brown Bear beers include Irish Red Ale, Black Bear Stout, Chocolate Brown, Black and Tan, Cyclist and Peach Wheat. The Paw Print Sampler, a tour of all the beers, is available through your server.
Sports Page Brewery, 3512 Clinton Parkway, is an ideal setting for the avid sports fanatic. The restaurant's menu of traditional American entrees makes it easy to find an
LAWRENCE 18 AND OVER NIGHTLIFE
By Robocca Ulanoff Kansan staff writer
If your fake ID isn't cutting it, and you're searching for something to do tonight, take a look at the following listing.
Bleacher's, 806 W. 24th St., behind McDonald's on 23rd Street,
749 HAWK
18 to enter, 21 to drink
Thurs. — $1 anything
Fri. — Retro Disco DJ, Ladies- no cover
Sat. — 105.9 Lazer Night
Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St.,
841 WAVENLEE
All shows 18 and over unless otherwise indicated
Coco Loco, 943 Massachusetts St.,
The classic sports-bar-style interior is fun and inviting. Recommendable brews are the slightly hoppy but sweet Golden Glove Ace and the
appealing meal.
842-1414 Friday and Saturday nights — Coco Loco dance party.
The Granada, 1020 Massachusetts
St. B4. 123-190
Thurs. — Retro Dance party
Fri. — Revolution with DJ Roland until 3 n.m
Sat. -- Ultra Groove, funk, soul and disco party
All Ticketmaster shows 18 and over
Tremors, 729 New Hampshire St., 838-4623
18 and over
Wed. — Alternative Family Night
Thurs. — Dance
Fri. — Top 40 Dance Party
Sat. — Retro '70s and '80s
You Don't Have to Go to China to find the Best Chinese. You can find it here in Lawrence at
IMPERIAL GARDEN
Daily Lunch Buffet:
Monday - Saturday 11:30-2:30 $4.95
Sunday 11:30-3:00 $ 5.95
Daily Dinner Buffet Monday-Sunday 5:30-9:00 $ 6.95
841-1688
2907 W.6th (Across from Dillons)
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