House of Swing

It’s a classic bar, out of time. Nothing has changed since 1960. Love it.

I suppose my five-​star review needs a few caveats. I just liked this place a lot, but it’s probably not for everyone. They ran out of several kinds of booze in the time I was there. It’s dark. It’s small. The bathrooms haven’t changed in many decades. All that said, there’s something deeply cool about the House of Swing, especially when there’s a good band going on stage. It’s friendly, fun and has a perfect vibe. If it wasn’t halfway to Pennsylvania (in the mind of this westsider), I’d be there a lot.

Give five stars, but dive bar atmosphere. What gives? Well, it’s because you go straight back to 1952, and the music is live and as good as it gets. Not oldies — blues, jazz, swing. And the greats have been here, too. This small dive stage has hosted BB, Buddy, and Muddy through the years. A local joint, you’ll be instantly transported into the chill after your first sax solo. Do it.

This place is surprisingly cool.
I could easily walk to this bar — but haven’t — fearing it was «just another dive bar.» And sure, it’s a little divey. When I was there on a Saturday night when a band was in full swing and the lights were down low, all I could really see was «stuff» plastered on the walls. Music memorabilia, I think? Also blocking my view of whatever was stuck on the walls was the huge crowd of people. I mean, the bar is tiny, but the majority of bar seats and tables were full of people. Or surrounded by people dancing to the music being played by the funk band. (I’ve never seen such a big band in a small venue before — there were at least 6 people playing on the world’s smallest stage)
The nice thing about the live music was that it was loud but not so loud that you couldn’t talk to anyone. Maybe they do that because the crowd is a little older, but I really appreciated that.
The one oddity of the evening was that my options for using the restroom were to walk through the band while they were playing or head next door to McDonald’s. I opted to walk next door which wasn’t all that bad because it’s less than a minute walk. I hear there’s a cool record collection near the bathrooms, but I’ll have to stop in on a night when there isn’t a band to see that.
Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area, although I wouldn’t make a special trip just to go to this place.

Could be labeled as the epitome of a hole-​in-​the-​wall. Small, dark environment, walls completely covered with old signs, posters & memorabilia. Tiny little parking lot, not a lot of seating, but a great spot to chill & listen to some high quality, low drama good music. With different bands every week, you’re bound to hear something you like. Call me «too-​modern,» but having to pay with cash is the dumps. You’ve removed your coat & started to heat up just to realize you’ve got to run to an ATM to buy the first round.
Nice little spot to enjoy a cold domestic beer at a great price — just remember to bring cash.

I’m totally with Jeff B. on this one. I’ve been there several times just so I can hear some good music and be able to bs with the band members. The Alan Greene Band plays there weekly, at least it seems that way. Great band! Its small, basically made up of a big bar, but it rocks! If you’re in the mood for some good music and cold beer but not the hustle and bustle of 20 something bars, come to the HOS. Let me forewarn you though, CASH ONLY. Don’t be scared though, there is an ATP right across the street.

Good live music, cheap drinks, very low riffraff factor. Mickidee’s next door (about the only time I’ll go). I must have Jack or Beam when I go here. The parking lot is tiny. They do not serve food but they let you bring it in. Great place to go when the weather is bad. If I brought a date here and she did not like this place, I would probably say not the woman for me! I don’t go to bar by myself much anymore, but this is one place I would not have qualms about doing it.