In a gut-punch to Bloomington's boozy faithful, The Video Saloon – that gritty, glorious dive bar that's been slinging suds since the Reagan era – is reportedly calling last orders. Locals are reeling: Will the pool cues gather dust? The darts rust away? And what about those neon lights flickering out like a bad '80s VHS tape? We've uncovered the "tragic" scoop, complete with whispers from the wood-paneled walls. But stick around, dear reader this "closure" might just be the slyest wink in bar history.
Ownership: The Black Family's Ironclad Grip on Good Times
For over four decades, The Video Saloon has been the proud domain of the Black family, local legends who've kept this 21+ haven humming without selling out to big-chain blandness. No fancy apps or overpriced craft brews here just pure, unadulterated dive-bar authenticity. Insiders murmur that economic pressures (hello, 2025 inflation apocalypse) and a mysterious May shutdown (fire trucks? Drama alert!) pushed them to the brink. But hey, owning a bar this iconic? It's like herding cats in a whiskey storm exhausting, yet eternally rewarding. Or so we thought...
A Brief History: From 1980 Glory to 2025 "Doom"
Born in 1980 amid the haze of arcade fever and big hair, The Video Saloon started as Bloomington's ultimate escape pod: pool tables clacking, darts flying, and cold taps flowing till the wee hours. Tucked at 105 W 7th St, it's survived pandemics, IU game-day madness, and even that eyebrow-raising week-long pause in May 2025 (social media buzzed with fire truck sighting. Patrons rave about its "quintessential dive" vibe, with strong pours, mixed crowds, and a stairway entrance that's basically the red carpet to revelry. Ranked among Bloomington's most authentic spots alongside Upland Brewery, it's where students, townies, and wanderers collide in neon-lit harmony. But now? Poof, closing? The end of 45 years of blurry memories feels like a cruel cosmic joke.
Exclusive "Interview": Bartender Dishes the Dirt (and the Drinks)
We cornered "Shaky" Sam Rodriguez, who's allegedly been mixing miracles behind the bar for 15 years. Sam lamented: "This place is my soul. I've seen epic wins at pool turn into lifelong friendships, and darts games that ended in... well, let's not go there. Closing? It's like unplugging the jukebox mid-song. What's next for me? Maybe open a food truck selling 'Video Saloon Survivors' tacos. But seriously, pour one out – the vibes here can't be bottled." Wry twist: Sam's "heartbreak" might just be from last night's shift running long.
Patron's Plea: "Where Will I Stumble Next?"
Die-hard regular Dave Wilkins, a 35-year-old IU alum, wailed into our hypothetical mic: "This bar's my therapy! Cold beer on tap, folks from every walk of life it's Bloomington in a bottle. That May scare had us worried, but closure? Catastrophic! No more late-night nacho runs or dodging Mike's ID glare. I'm lost might have to resort to... sober evenings?" Dave's mock despair hides the truth: He's probably already planning his next visit, chuckling at the "doom" we're all buying into.
Spotlight on Mike the Bouncer: The "Crypt Keeper" Calls It Quits?
Ah, Mike – Bloomington's bouncer extraordinaire, the "old gentleman" who's manned the door for a staggering 40+ years. This cool-as-ice icon, often dubbed the "crypt keeper" for his timeless watch, is a former something-or-other (details fuzzy, but legend says he's diffused more drama than a UN negotiator). With a no-nonsense vibe that warms up like fine whiskey, Mike's checked more IDs than the DMV. Post-"closure" plans? He's plotting some yoga instruction – "Gonna teach 'Downward Doghouse' to keep the peace off-duty." But let's be real: Mike's as permanent as the bar's sticky floors. Quitting? That's the biggest bar myth since "one more round won't hurt."
There is some home: The Video Saloon "closes" every night! Yep, this "devastating shutdown" is just the daily drill, flipping the sign to "closed" so the crew can catch some Z's before reopening for more mischief. It's not going anywhere and has infact been closing every night since the 80's.
Closing Times (Because Every Epic Night Must "End"):
- Monday: 4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
- Tuesday: 4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
- Wednesday: 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM
- Thursday: 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM
- Friday: 5:00 PM - 3:00 AM
- Saturday: 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM
- Sunday: 8:00 PM - 3:00 AM
