Well, is this or the Slippery Noodle the true oldest bar in the state? I sure hope it's Knickerbocker Saloon, because the place is great. Good drinks, good beer selection, friendly (if seriously busy) bartenders, decent patio and fantastic inside seating. The decor is wonderful - love the belt-driven fans and the tin ceiling. And the food is really good - the pork tenderloin (brought down from sister bar Digby's was a "grown up" version with flavorful marinated meat encased in a nice breading that refused to crumble off, topped with a mustard sauce and house-made cucumber, onion and jalapeño pickles on a brioche bun that stood up to it all. It's not the tenderloin I had as a kid, but it's a delight for a grown-up. I really like this place, and so does my wife. read more

See all

Had to stop in since I was in the area with some time on my hands. I've been to the bar in Indy that claims "oldest bar in Indiana" as well. Now, whichever it is, I've been there. The bartender was friendly & attentive. The surprise was that food comes from the bar across the street! There is no kitchen here, but they own the other bar. I got their (bar across the street) namesake burger & chips. Both were very good. I could see going back, but maybe to the bar across the street, since that's where the food comes from anyway. read more

We like this place when the Piano Man is playing. He is fun and entertaining and takes requests. Atmosphere is light and energetic. Great place for a nightcap after an evening out. Outdoor seating area that is dog friendly, too! read more

Worthy atmosphere of the oldest bar claim, an eclectic blend of fascinating vintage lighting and long strung out dining area staging a very cool bar, us four guys dropped in to game a bachelor party.m before heading to Bistro 501. Staff was pleasant and enjoyable but a bit slow and awkward with checks. There needs to be easier ways to send money than fiddling with papers and pens. We each ordered a choice cocktail, old fashioned, Moscow mule, spicy Margarita, all way too watered down and overly sweet. This is a poor introduction to any downtown good times. Unable to recommend due to the lack of skill for extremely easy drink making here, my spicy Marg was embarrassing compared to a basic buffalo wild wings mango habanero margarita which actually offers a tingling sensational balanced blend. The same goes for the others who all were confused how a classic bar fell so far. When Buffalo Wild Wings has much better drinks than a long-lived local hotspot, something is seriously wrong! read more

See all

We tried the Knickerbocker saloon, and the drink special was martinis. The bartender was very social and accommodating. in learning that it is the Indian's oldest bar we were very interested to hear more of her stories. The service was great and the drinks were great and the food was brought in from the next-door restaurant which they also owned. I would highly recommend coming here for a night out read more

Doesn't look like much inside but the history is cool. Fun to say I had a drink in the oldest bar in Indiana. Service was quick and drink was good. read more

Bartender sucks. If you can't have a good attitude, don't be a bartender. Better places to get a drink and spend my money. Ambiance not bad, but old and tired. Go someplace that cares that you are there read more

Great casual bar with an interesting history!

The history of this place is great. I suggest arriving after 8pm as the male bartenders dress up for work and are quick and on point. Covid has allows them to open seating on the street and it really quite nice. You can be outside and not have to be close to smokers. Meanwhile, we were served by a female bartender starting at about 7:15 p.m. Who was wearing what appeared to be pajama shorts and a tank top. She also appeared to be inebriated on the clock, loudly and outside use the f-word multiple times and is apparently voting for Trump. She then clocked out and argued outside with a milk acquaintance of hers on the patio for roughly 45 minutes. read more

Knickerbocker Saloon - The view from the street seating. - Music Venues Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

Day trip to Lafayette last month, but most of the details are lost to memories. Here's what I do remember: Oldest bar in the state as declared by the state legislature There are no taps, only cans/bottles. Could be due to the age of the bar or some such. There is a small stage in the main bar area for solo musicians or comics, and a larger stage in a separate room. The separate room also has a decent collection of musical instrument and other memorabilia. The restrooms and the hallway have a few old licenses from the bar's earliest days. This is very much a neighborhood bar with a lot of locals that will likely strike up a conversation. Food is limited, if not non-existent. However they don't mind if you bring in food, and there is an excellent french restaurant next door. read more

See all

Great bar and space down town Lafayette. Historic building and the speakeasy vibe helps you feel the history come alive. Live music and piano make the space come alive. Pool and games in opposite room behind bar. read more

Knickerbocker Saloon - a variety of liquors - Music Venues Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

Well, for all the hoopla for this place from others, it didn't meet expectations. Ok, Friday night. Ok, After Covid. Ok, first time. But, come on. This doesn't explain the poor service and music. Went to the Knickerbocker to have some fun to listen to The Piano Man who is suppose to be well known here in Lafayette. But the experience only began with some crazy stuff... When we sat down, at a small table along the bar, we were approached by the waitress about 5 minutes later. Oh, there were less that 12 people there. Keep that in mind. She got our order, one glass of wine and one vodka on the rocks. Ummm, take a look at your finger. Yep your index finger. My drink was, including ice was only one finger. NO it wasn't a wide glass. Just a normal glass. My guess was not even a shot. Well one would say, must be an over site and go on. Next in out experience was that the Piano Man finally began 30 minutes past when "he" was supposed to start. Yep, it wasn't him. He had two other guys with him that tried to play some old covers. Not good. The stories I've heard of the Piano Man were not full filled. Such a disappointment. Oh, back to the waitress. While waiting for the music, I asked for another drink since all I had was a swallow. I looked and they had a great Martini list. So, I said I would start with their Classic martini. Hmmm.... Classic. Ok, lets get this straight. Ice, 2.5 oz vodka, 1/2 oz dry vermouth and an olive for garnish. Please tell me I'm wrong. But this is basic. I turned around to watch the "bar tender" to watch make my drink. Guess what, the waitress was making it. I watched her put about 1 oz of vodka, 1 oz of vermouth and when she brought it to the table, no garnish. LOL, it only got worse. I asked her if she was missing something..."No." I told her that martinis are garnished with olives. She said that was just the "dirty martinis.". Well, with that said, I asked for olives, endured the taste, paid the bill and left. Overall, NOT a good experience. We won't be going back. Oh, you ask if I asked for the Manager? He was busy flirting with the young girls. Hmmm read more

I sat down at the bar and waited 30 minutes and never received any service. There was 2 bartenders working the bar. it was 8 pm, on a Friday night. The bar had less than 15 people in it. Bartenders were too busy hanging out with friends, to take care of paying customers. I have been in the food industry for over 3 decades, I have never received such poor service. "Service" is too good a word to use, seeing as I never had my drink order taken, so technically I did not receive any type of service. A complete waste of time. read more

Piano Man here! Make a Request and I'll sing you a song! Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights usually starting around 9pm. This is the oldest bar in Indiana! Neil Armstrong, Al Capone, Ulysses S Grant, Mark Twain, and more have had a sip here and so can you! read more

Old school speakeasy vibe. Live piano player taking requests. Plenty of bartenders. Great old woodwork throughout. I could stay there forever. read more

Thought I'd try this place because of the history and I was not disappointed! Service for me was spot on. I never sat empty for more than 2min. (I don't mind walking so I ordered at the bar) Quaint and cozy space, it really transports you back in time! read more

And so my epic journey to the oldest bar in each state continues-- I went to the Knickerbocker about 4:30 in the afternoon, so it was fairly empty other than the super hot representatives from a local vodka company setting up for the night. The bar seems fairly authentic inside. Turn of the century mirrors and and woodwork are extremely impressive. The terrazzo floor looks circa the 40's. The stamped tin ceilings look like they very well may have hung above U.S. Grant's head when he stopped by for a drink. The bartender is very sociable and makes good drinks. There is a strong beer list that is thankfully very heavy on the Indiana beers. I would like to come back when this place is jumping because it seems to balance out college bar, historical bar, and sophisticated bar pretty well. They also have a room with a stage and lots of music memorabilia. Also---you can smoke here. That used to be common in Indiana, but now is pretty rare. read more

Knickerbocker Saloon - Indiana's oldest bar. - Music Venues Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

It's Indiana's oldest bar, and underneath the site (The Lahr) of the only suicide by guillotine in the US. "Steeped in history, the Bocker is."-Yoda I always have a great time here. Great stage for bands, a jukebox that plays more Bad Religion that DMB, and strong strong strong drinks. Giant portions of food, and insanely amazing staff. Denise, you are great. The Bocker will always hold a place in my heart from my college days. read more

Came here two nights in a row during my stay for a wedding. It was walking distance from our hotel- which made it convenient. The bartenders were attentive and the mix drinks were nice and strong. There is also live music in the room behind the bar- a great place to dance and enjoy if you are into that. I like that the live music is in another room, that way when you are at the bar- you can still enjoy it without it being too load. This is a great place to relax and be with friends. Even our bride came here after the wedding, and there were already two other brides in the bar! Oh yeah- and apparently this is the oldest bar in the State? Didn't know that but pretty cool... read more

Great place! Very nice bar. Great whiskey & beer selection. Very attentive staff. Fun spot.

Here on a slow Tuesday night. Very attentive bartender and as always, a clean and great place to be with friends!!!

Pulled pork nachos, kettle chips w blue cheese and BLUES!!!! Drinks are strong. Service is good. Music was great! What else do you want in a saloon??? read more

The place is gorgeous and the drinks are really good and reasonably priced. However my experience at the bar was ruined by a bartender that got drunk, came over to my table, and started being rude and racist to one of my close friends. I would easily make this a regular spot, but I will not be returning while she is employed there. read more

Indiana's Oldest Bar, they have a document on the wall signed by the governor. 100 something years old in that same location. Food, nope, and they don't apologize about it. They're a bar, and they're pretty good at it. Live music most nights of the week. Service is great and friendly. It's got a great "feel". Old, but not outdated. read more

Known for EONS for their fabulous live Blues performances, though they don't really have live Blues music anymore, trading it mostly for covers, local bands, and hip-hop stuff. Still have some GREAT music now and then...watch their website for updates! Had an in-house restaurant for a while, but now are limited to some basic bar food and chili. The food situation has changed several times over the last ten years or so... The physical bar itself is the most BEAUTIFUL thing! Lots of mirrors and old-world charm. Beautiful lighting and decent bathrooms, seating, and space. Decent parking and easy entry. Nice relaxing porch (with bar service!) out front, in nice weather. Great special events and holiday parties! Owner is serious about keeping the place nice and is a good guy to get to know! The bar staff is friendly and really interested in making you happy...just often busy and needing a little "nudge"! Don't be afraid to GET their attention! Great wine selection (a hobby of the owner), decent beer selection (large for the size of the bar), and the mixed drinks and martinis are wonderful! Their "special" cocktails that they offer from time to time are a fun things, too...makes things interesting! read more

Cool place to come for live music. Piano guy was great and the drinks are reasonable priced and perfectly boozey. No food is a bit of a bummer, but you can get food delivered, which makes up for it. I'll be back to try some of the other signature drinks! read more

Lafayette tradition. Celebrated weddings, mourned funerals, puked here on my 21st. Service is either creepy or friendly and welcoming!

By far the best bar in Lafayette. This place is a gem. Great atmosphere, awesome patrons, really personable bartenders who make great drinks. Different drink specials every day are a steal. "Enter as strangers, leave as friends" is definitely a fitting tag line for this bar. Plus awesome live music every Thursday-Saturday read more

By far, best bar in Lafayette/Indiana. The bartenders are so knowledgeable and always have interesting events or shows going on.

Love this spot! It's such a great place to hang out with friends and definitely the best bar in Lafayette. The bartenders are so friendly and truly care about their customers. They even make drinks tailored to your taste! Such a fun atmosphere and I always have great service. read more

This is my all time favorite lafayette bar! The bartenders are adorable and so quick. I had the best gin and tonic of my life!! The atmosphere is perfect for hanging out with good friends. read more

One of my favorite places in Lafayette! The Cosmopolitan is delicious, and the atmosphere is so fun. Both the regulars and the bartenders are friendly and care about serving their customers with the highest quality drinks. Very attentive bartenders and will tailor the drinks specifically to what each customer wants. And so much history - must try if you've never been! read more

I really liked the live music in this place. The drinks are good and not that expensive and the people here were very nice from the bartender to the other patrons. Good place to have a drink and relax any day of the week. You can meet very interesting people here as well and as the other reviewers said it the drinks are strong. read more

Knickerbocker Saloon - Music Venues Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

The Knickerbocker is the BEST place in town for live bands! The staff is always in a great mood and happy to see you! If you're in the area stop in and give them a try, because I always have an AWESOME time there! read more

Knickerbocker Saloon - The patio is perfect for having a drink with friends and enjoy beautiful downtown. - Music Venues Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

See all

The Knickerbocker was not only a great bar, but it was a sanctuary for those who enjoy a cigar with a drink. This has now changed as they have fallen victim to the ever growing war on tobacco. What was once a charming, picturesque experience of a time that once was, is now just another typical watering hole. So sad! read more

Love this place! Best Martinis in town! Great place for live music too.The staff is also amazing and fun.

Fantastic bar right in the heart of Lafayette. Excellent staffing ensures a wonderful time. The martinis are FABULOUS! Very quaint patio set in beautiful downtown, can't beat it! read more

Every time I went there, it was such a pleasant atmosphere, the wait staff and bartenders are super friendly

The place is the oldest bar in town, and has a good selection of beers. The ambiance is so-so, and usually not very happening.

Weak drinks and expensive. We've had better drinks at a movie theater. Server actually took a smoke break when I asked to tab out. Not going back read more