In the early 1980s, Crystal Pistol was a North Sheridan dive where you could catch a round of pool or beers, and all in the midst of a crowd of punks and cowboys.  How the two cohabited at one place in such times is beyond me.  Featuring such hardcore and punk bands such as Black Flag, Husker Du and The Minutemen, the old Crystal Pistol became a landmark for traveling bands to stop by on their way to bigger cities.  Free beer was the payment for playing and that was good enough for them.

When the sacred moniker popped back up in the Brady District, I wondered if it would be similar to the North Sheridan version — and in a sense, it is — but, more or less, I was just plain happy to see more occupation in that area.  Located at 417 S. Main, just between Soundpony and Cain’s, the Pistol has certainly, if anything, established itself as a place to grab a good show; this place has already become a spot to catch a massive variety of local music, from hip hop to punk to rockabilly.  My favorite feature about the place is that bands can play in the barroom, in the actual concert room, or on their stage outside.  The stage, sound equipment, and lights in the concert room are nothing to scoff at either; they’ve hosted touring bands from all over the United States and everything has been great.  In warm weather, the biggest shows go outside.  The stage is high enough that plenty of people can see the performing act, all without the onset of claustrophobia.

With regard to the experience of drinking at the bar, I’ve enjoyed most of my trips thoroughly.  The beer prices are possibly the best in the downtown area; they pride themselves on cheap Guinness, which is good enough for me.  It seems like, on a monthly basis, they feature a revolving menu of cheap beers.  Last summer there was a time when they were serving $2 Stella Artois.  That was a sweet deal.  If you plan on opening a tab, make sure you either have cash on hand or plan on drinking more than $10 worth of refreshments, because they do have a $10 minimum if paying with plastic.

Like all the places on North Main, smoking isn’t allowed within the building.  If you do smoke, the area behind the building is fair game, and there are dozens of booths, tables, and chairs.  Of course, you can take your drink out there, too.

The decor is definitely saloon themed, as the full name of the bar (“The Crystal Pistol Saloon”) spells out, plainly.  The decorative oddities of the place are almost enough to be worth stopping to see, if for anything.  Mannequins, a fossil of a cash register, and a foosball table are all present.  The wood and concrete structure of the building gives the place a proper look for the part of town.

Overall, I enjoy popping over to the Crystal Pistol frequently; plain and simple, there’s nothing to complain about.  I will say, however, if you plan on coming out to a show here, have some cash on hand.  I’ve showed up to watch a gig that was promoted without any price mentioned by anyone (Pistol, bands, promoter) only to be told that its five buckaroos to get in.

It is definitely worth checking out, though; the drink prices and service are top notch and you’ll more than likely get a chance to catch a band you’ve never heard of before.

Photo courtesy The Crystal Pistol Saloon’s Facebook Page.

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