Local Spots - Carey's Bar review

Some of you may know in my previous life I owned a bar in Vermillion, SD that’s been known and loved by college students, alumni and faculty for decades. It should come as no surprise then, that my review of Carey’s Bar is Five Stars. Before you accuse me of bias, listen to my reasoning.

1) Carey’s is known for being strict on IDs and not letting in underage people. This is great because parents around the country can be assured there will be no binge drinking at least at THIS location. As an official “old fart”, I’m also delighted not to be competing for barstools with people not old enough to remember VCRs and Van Halen.
2) Carey’s has just the right amount of “joint” vibe to make it not feel like a chain with slick decor and shiny people. The Guinness posters and drum on the wall are direct from Dublin at the Guinness factory, where my friend Katie Krebs visited on spring break one year and shipped back to Vermillion.
3) Atmosphere means nothing if the drinks aren’t good and the beer isn’t cold, and it’s here that Carey’s Bar puts it’s best foot forward. The beer lines are cleaned more than any place I’ve ever known, and the bartenders are seasoned. TJ has worked there since 85′ (that’s 1985, people), Kyle, my brother, has been there since 2000, and Matt the owner started working for me in the late 90’s.

Come see Carey’s Bar for yourself if you’re ever in Vermillion – it’s worth the trip!