Opened in 1982, J Clyde’s Pub looks like a space that might have opened that long ago in a nice way without quite hitting the dusty, old dive bar stereotype completely. The decorations here are less cluttered than a typical ancient dive bar and skew more toward posters of pin-ups and a celebrity cut-out or two (keep an eye out for Elvis at the rear of the space). Black and white checkerboard tile adds to the classic vibe in conjunction with the red bar counter and red low tables that line one wall. Striped, padded booths provide the seating along that same wall opposite the bar.
The collection gets a little more varied behind the bar where faded dollar bills and old beer signs line the mirror among the bar’s liquor bottles. A homemade J Clyde’s Pub championship belt sits above the bar, a converted Old Style box. Above it, a long mannequin leg because why not and a handful of Halloween decorations that may or may not be up all year, that I could not confirm. String lights weave between these decorations and a few vintage-style prints above the bar mirror. Dueling TVs, one typically tuned to cheesy horror and one typically tuned to something a little more lighthearted (according to the bartender), run on either end of the bar.
J Clyde’s Pub serves as a supporter bar for Indy Eleven, the local soccer team, explaining some of the decorations that include a soccer jersey on a half torso mannequin at the window end of the bar. Additional string lights line the window out onto the patio and street outside. Beer selections include domestic favorites and a couple of craft beers on tap, though the deal is clearly $2.50 High Life draft, of course. The bar is cash only and a lack of funds can be remedied by an ATM on-site.
