We started out at Brandon's in the relatively new strip mall at Southport Road and Shelbyville Road, but it was closed, as in forever-- there were the ominous signs on the door that spell out an ignominious end for a business, such as one that said "DO NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY OR REMOVE ANY ITEMS WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE LANDLORD", and others from companies laying claim to the bar equipment inside.
Suffering from drinkus interruptus, we continued on to the only other area in Franklin Township to drink (except for one new Mexican restaurant on Franklin Road), the little town of Wanamaker. First stop was the locally famous New Bethel Ordinary, on the main drag in downtown. Wanamaker used to be named New Bethel, and sometime during the early 20th century, I think it was, the name was changed for reasons I was not immediately concerned with because I was THIRSTY, damnit! NBO is a great little place to eat and drink, with a small bar section separated from a larger family dining room. It really seems like an old-time saloon, but I couldn't find anyone in there who knew the history of the joint. I couldn't complain, though, because the beer was reasonably priced, with quite a selection of microbrews from around the region. NBO is best known, however, for its pizzas- they're kind of a tavern-style pie, but with an incredibly abundant layer of cheese and toppings that seems at least a couple inches thick. Their other dishes are good, too, if I can remember correctly the few times I didn't have pizza. You can't beat the NBO for a comfortable, small-town atmosphere that's less than 20 minutes from downtown Indy.
We didn't make it to Brewski's or the Gold Mine this trip because we stayed for more than one at NBO. Instead, we finished up at the One More Lounge on Southeastern Avenue just northwest of downtown New Bethel, er, Wanamaker, just up the road in one of those old small U-shaped shopping centers from the 50's or 60's, at the back of the U. The sign is so small you might miss it if you're not looking for it. It's a small, comfortable, vaguely scary little place with lots of biker memorabilia on the walls and ceiling. I get the impression that they don't see many new customers, because both times we've gone in there everyone turned to look at us as if we'd just landed a flying saucer out in the parking lot, and the second time we came in, about 6 months after the first time, several folks after some scrutiny remembered us! On the wall there was a White Pride Ride advertised on a poster which featured a motorcycle flanked by a US flag and a Confederate flag. By way of introduction one of the regulars gave us a tour of the place which included a party room that has a stripper pole they use on "amateur nights", whenever that is..... And yet, the folks there are genuinely friendly, as if they're gonna give ya the benefit of the doubt until you show 'em different, so after a bit we were gettin' along with everyone. Add to that the fact that the beer was good and cold and cheap, and I didn't wanna leave! At least not till all my songs had played on the jukebox, anyway.....
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