Kirby’s a ‘counter-culture’ hangout

From WSU Sunflower;

Staff Reporter Meredith Osborne 

Kirby’s Beer Store offers a close vacation from the Wichita State campus by being located at 17th and Holyoke streets.

The bar is small, but brims with life. Stickers from bands who have played at Kirby’s cover the windows, and an infinite number of posters are layered on the walls, extending to the ceiling.

WSU Junior Brad Hurtig, a Kirby’s regular, describes the bar as essential to the Wichita music scene.

“They have concerts almost every day of the week,” Hurtig said. “It’s a really wide variety of music — acoustic, indie pop and metal.”

Kirby’s provides a venue for artists across the country, even around the world. Bands from Norway and Mexico have all played on Kirby’s stage.

In addition to a lively music display, the bar provides other forms of entertainment. During the day, classic movies are shown on the TV. At 4 p.m., the channel is changed, and visitors can enjoy a few episodes of “Jeopardy!” Kirby’s also houses a poker night every other Wednesday.

Steven Otto, a frequent patron, doesn’t think of Kirby’s as an average bar.

“It’s kind of a counter-culture place,” Otto said. “There are few bars where you can have an intellectual conversation, but you can at Kirby’s. It’s a home away from home kind of bar.”

As far as food, Kirby’s sells chips, nuts and pizza. The pizza is locally made and served until midnight.

The bar is best known for its accepting atmosphere and positive energy. Twenty-year supporter, Jason Fritts, is passionate about the bar.

“There are so many layers of tradition here,” Fritts said. “Everybody is welcome, and all types of music are welcome.”

Kirby’s is open from 3 p.m. - 1 a.m. Monday-Wednesday, 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. – 12 a.m. Sunday. Shows start at 10 p.m. except on Sundays, when they begin around 7 p.m. For more information, visit their website,www.kirbysbeerstore.com, or call 316-239-7990.