If you get a chance to have a cocktail at The Looney Bin in Bradley, IL you will quickly see that everyone there is fully committed to having a good time. You don’t have to be insane to enjoy top-tier libations, drink specials, friendly bartenders, music from top bands and a cool crowd at this historical landmark, but it helps!
Known as “America’s Smallest Music Venue” some people also call The Looney Bin the Official Venue of Dirtbag Clothing, where their tagline is “Wear it ‘til it Stinks!” It’s a tiny little bar but it’s got big ideas and that’s why its owner Nick Huffman zigs while others zag.
The bartenders at The Looney Bin have been described by their regulars as “characters with character”—the kind of guy (or gal) who will make you laugh while throwing in some sage life advice along the way. A good bartender can pour a nice healthy drink, but if they don’t choose to engage with the customers (regulars and newbies), you might as well hire a robot. At this bar, we have heard that the staff is fun, friendly and functional, the triple F’s that any dive bar tourist covets.
There are three sizes when it comes to Bloody Marys at The Looney Bin, and the prices are crazy good: $3 for pints, $6 for mason quarts, and $9 for boots. That’s right—Bloody Mary in a boot!Cabo Wabo shots can be had at $3, and on Tuesdays you can get beer in a boot for $5.
The Looney Bin is well-known for featuring an eclectic mix of local live music, as well as Grammy-winning artists and artists that have been featured in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Since it’s such a small venue, you’ll be sure to get a front-seat view. In some bars, you can’t get anywhere near the bands, but here it’s like hanging out with them backstage.
If you’re into different musical genres, The Looney Bin is speaking (or singing) to you. Leave your strait jacket at the door and dig into some tasty tunes. If you like “Theatrical Hard Rock/Fantasy Metal”, check out Illusions of Grandeur. Amerikan Overdose is either a heavyweight version of Kiss or a lightweight IPT. Other recognizable names include: Trapt, Saving Abel, and Crazy Town.
If you’re tired of predictable cover bands like Dread Zeppelin, AC-D-SHE and The Brown Dirt Cowboys, you will appreciate original songs performed by bands at The Looney Bin. This place is so cool that they also host Preston Lacy’s annual Christmas Show/Party. You might remember him from Jackass.In short, the folks at The Looney Bin know how to party!
After a few shots or beers, if you want to consume some calories to suck up all of the alcohol, get some fast Mexican food from The Taco Lady. She serves tacos, burritos, chimichangas, and assorted South of the Border delights, as well as signature burgers and a bucket ‘o nachos with your choice of meat. Be sure to smother it all in a healthy dose of D.a.T. SaUcE (which is also featured in their amazing Bloody Marys)!
If you’re going to be traveling through North Central Kankakee County any time soon, make a mad dash to The Looney Bin in Bradley, IL, and add this intimate bar/music venue to your “must-do” list. Catch a local (or national) band, down a few beers, drop a few shots, have a scintillating conversation with a bartender and go crazy at The Looney Bin!
Located in: Bradley, Illinois
Be sure to try: Das Bloody for just $9!
