Western Courier

Issue date: 3/31/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Elliot Van Fleet Chandler's, located on the square, has been revamped into a piano bar and is having its grand opening today and tomorow.

Western Illinois University students and Macomb residents wishing to relax and enjoy some jazz music can check out the newly renovated Chandler's Bar.

Chandler's, which changed over from The Macomb Dining Company last year, is a restaurant and bar located on the Square. Bruce Brown, Chandler's owner, said the appearance of the restaurant and bar is also different.

"We brightened it up," Brown said.

He added it looks more like a big-city bar now.

Brown said there is nowhere else in Macomb like Chandler's and it will be a change from the bars where students go to party and get wild.

"This is just going to be a nice, quiet bar," he said.

He said there is a baby grand piano and live jazz music will be played Friday and Saturday nights.

"Anything from Willie Armstrong to Frank Sinatra … to Dean Martin and that type (will be played)," he added.

Brown said he will be booking local entertainment for the bar.

"If (anyone has) any talent, they can contact me," Brown said.

He added another great thing about Chandler's is the prices were lowered on the food.

He added Chandler's offers everything from steaks to prime rib to seafood.

Brown said he suggests students who are graduating to book Chandler's as soon as possible for dinner because reservations are already being booked rather quickly.

Grads and others who are interested can call 309/837-2434 to make a reservation.

Brown said anyone could come into Chandler's but people will be carded for alcohol.

"We just want to give students a unique experience," Brown said.

Brown added it is a good way to bring the Western students and the rest of the community together.

"This is a place for the locals and the students … I think the students are a part of the community," Brown said.

One interesting thing about Chandler's is the back bar is a piece of history. A back bar holds the liquor being sold, the cheaper liquor in the lower front and the more expensive in the back, up high. The back bar at Chandler's is an antique.

"Everyone comes in and enjoys looking at it," Brown said.

Brown said now the focus drinks of Chandler's are martinis, coffee drinks and ice cream drinks.

Chandler's will be having its grand opening today and tomorrow. Hours for the restaurant part of Chandler's is Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and the bar is open on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday until the last patron leaves and Friday and Saturday until midnight.

Brown would like to invite all students to come check out Chandler's.

"We will be Macomb's only piano bar," he added.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools