The look: Without the company of a Jeannie's Bottle regular, I would have missed the bar completely. Tucked in the back lot of a retail strip, Jeannie's is one of those places you find through introduction, not due to a random walk-in. Inside, the bar has a little bit of everything you'd want in a watering hole - TVs tuned to sports, pool tables, video games, a dance floor with live DJ and karaoke.
The crowd: The crowd was mostly 20somethings on both the Tuesday and Friday nights I visited. We found the crowd to be very friendly and willing to give their opinions and thoughts on the bar, politics and anything else. Bartender Jenny Hentges was very helpful, and a second bartender, TJ, acted like we were old friends after only a short time. Anyone willing to share some Popeye's Chicken with a reporter suffering from drinking-induced hunger is fine in my book.
The two drinks: "We know what we're going to make," Hentges said, excitedly, after conversing with some regulars. She served up a Blue Lightning shot. I spotted Roaring Lion (energy drink) and UV Blue in the tart, sweet shot, but the rest was a secret Hentges wasn't giving up. She followed that up with a creation of her own, a Fresca, named so for its similarity to the soft drink. This sweet drink contained Absolut Citron and Absolut Pears along with a splash of lemonade, sweet and sour, and Sprite. The Jeannie's staff impressed with both offerings, which are unique to the bar and worth a shot (pun intended).
The grub: Jeannie's offers up free food (while it lasts) most nights of the week. Items include drinking-friendly selections such as walking tacos, hot dogs and wings.
The verdict: Jeannie's seems to always have something going on: Monday Night Football bingo, karaoke Thursday through Sunday, free pool on Sundays and more. But what tops the list of reasons to visit Jeannie's is the friendly staff and regular crowd, all of whom are quick to chat and make you feel welcome within minutes of walking in the door for the first time.
