The Top 3 Bars in Shelbyville, Indiana Offer Booze, Food, and Fun

The top three bars in Shelbyville, Indiana have different character, and each have their own colorful history. Nightlife in Shelbyville would not be the same without these fine hometown establishments.

Willie Farkles

Some establishments seem to take on almost legendary status in a community. As one of the top 3 neighborhood bars in Shelbyville, Willie Farkles continues to remain a mainstay for bar patrons. The Bedford stone building was erected in 1954 by Joe and Edith Boyer. The Boyer's opened that year with the name "Joe's Glass Bar" due in part to the glass brickwork prominently visible on the front of the building. (See photo) Joe's Glass Bar carried the reputation as being a rough place, and stories still are told of the rousing altercations that occurred within the walls of this establishment. In the 1970's the name was changed to Willie Farkles. It soon became the place in town to go to party. Massive crowds packed the joint every weekend, with the party sometimes spilling into the street.

Willie Farkles is rather small, with one bar and several tables surrounding the pool table. The weekend crowds have diminished in size, however this establishment is usually well stocked with patrons every night of the week. The décor has not changed much since the 1950's, with a dark wood bar, brass foot rail, and multiple mirrors behind the bar. Evening food is mostly sandwiches and great pizzas. Willie Farkles opens at 7:00AM. Stop by for some of the best biscuits and gravy on your way to work.

Willie Farkles is located at 639 South Noble Street in Shelbyville. If you want to visit a classic, nothing fancy about it neighborhood bar, Willie Farkles is the place for you.

Big Jim's Village Pub

Big Jim's Village Pub is located at the corner of N. Pike and East Washington Streets across from the Post Office, and next to the Shelby County Republican Headquarters. While this author makes no political statement, one can imagine the jokes told about the close proximity of the Elephants to Big Jim's. Housed in a two story brick building constructed in 1877, this hometown bar is a popular meeting place. The atmosphere in Big Jim's is sedate and quiet during the afternoon, but at night things can get a little raucous. Pool tables, the mainstay of many bars, offer patrons a chance to shine like Fats Domino. With two main rooms, both long and narrow typical of shotgun style architecture, you can sit on the bar side with booths as well as bar stools, or the game side with the pool tables and darts. A back door leads to a side street enabling one to slip out if an unexpected person comes in the front door. Big Jim's Village Pub used to be called simply Big Jim's, and has not changed its layout or décor in years. A long established local bar, Big Jim's is one of the popular neighborhood watering holes in Shelbyville, and opens daily at 1:00PM.

The Brickhouse & Elements Room

Located on the corner of South Pike and East Locust Streets, the Brickhouse has two distinct areas. The Elements is actually a separate room with a separate entrance and exits, and is available for rent for parties or other events. Due to the separation and closure of the bar in that room, the Indiana Excise Police allow folks under age 21 to enter. The Brickhouse is both a sports bar and a dance venue. The bar is spacious, with a pool table and new Pepsi basketball game recently installed. (The proprietor recently switched from Coke to Pepsi, thus the freebie game.) TV's offer sports coverage. The dance floor is towards the back, with plenty of tables and a large DJ booth. In addition, live bands are often booked for the enjoyment of patrons. Food offered includes sandwiches and pizzas. Catered food is brought in for the Elements events.

For years this was the location of the "Top Hat Dine and Dance". In 1989 the Hoosier Lottery started, including a TV game show with a one million dollar top prize. A Shelbyville resident won the million dollars, and used his winnings to completely rebuild the Top Hat into the brick building you see today. Originally the new bar was called Poochie's, and later became the Club DeVille. The bar has changed hands more than once, with the Brickhouse being the latest name for this great local bar. Want a good time? Then head to the Brickhouse on a Friday or Saturday night