Steeple Bar, Orient SD

If I ever open a bar it will be modeled on The Steeple in Orient South Dakota. Set in a deconsecrated church, its founders would turn in their grave if they saw its current condition, yet this tiny town (with a population of no more than 200) is home to a bar that would rival any establishment that I've come across in Sydney in terms of its character.

My first night there I was attacked by a crazy looking Golden Retriever at the door. Turns out that this was Junior, one of the proprietors. He was a lot more friendly once I got inside and bumped into him sitting at the bar enjoying a beer out of his bowl. Junior belongs to Kevin, the guy who runs the bar. Kevin is a bit creepy looking, but I think you need to be a little bit different if you run a bar like The Steeple.

My run in with Junior set a precedent for each of my visits to The Steeple where by a potentially shit night has been salvaged by the unique vibe of this place.

It still looks like a church from the outside. It's most distinguishing feature is graffiti; every square-foot of the interior, except the bar top, is covered with "was heres", poems, love messages, phone numbers, caricatures, photos, all contributed by patrons. Inscriptions extend to the rafters and the ceiling (the only space left available), accessed by a couple creaky-under-foot loft's.

The other aspect I love about Steeple is the fact that there is no basin in the men's toilet - incredibly unhygienic, probably illegal but kind of exhilarating in its statement of rebellion.

Never has the bar been packed when I've been there. All you need for a great night is good company, some money for the Jukebox and a couple of felt tip pens.