The Sandbar...Home of the Indoor Hurricane!

Sandbar Graduate 2010: Katy

 Last week, we posted a request on this blog, Twitter, & Facebook for Sandbar graduates- college students who frequent the Sandbar and are graduating this spring, leaving Lawrence and the Sandbar behind (or not, in some cases).

We've profiled graduates in the past, usually employees because they have to answer my questions if they want to keep their job (not really), but this year we got lots of responses from graduating customers. We're excited to share their stories with you!

Today's graduate: Katy, a Tropical Thursday regular

This spring semester, me and two of my best friends decided we were not going to miss a tropical Thursday  at the Sandbar. So, for the whole semester, every Thursday the three of us went to the Sandbar, usually with our Bahama Mama glasses in hand and bellied up to the bar for a few drinks. It is one our favorite places in Lawrence and really has become a home away from home, especially for me because my real home is in Virginia where I live on the water, so the beach shack theme really hits home for me. We are sad to go, but the three of us look forward to meeting again one day down at the sandbar, hey!

What's your favorite Sandbar jukebox song? Bonus points if you tell us why.

I don't think it's any secret when the three of us are at Sandbar that one to  three Disney songs are going to play. The personal favorite though of the group I'd have to say is Hakuna Matata from the Lion King. We all know all the words and always make sure to sing them at the top of our lungs.

Tell us the funniest moment you remember at The Sandbar- whether it involves you or not.

I'd say the funniest moment I ever had at the Sandbar was taking my mom there when she came to town to visit. I ordered her a Shark Attack and it was like watching a kid in the candy story when she poured in the "blood" and I'm pretty sure she finished it in like 5 minutes and wanted another. She was also excited to keep her shark, when we got home she said, Make sure I don't forget my shark when I leave"

Remember the first time you came here? Tell us your first impression.

Me and my friends had always heard that Sandbar was the hardest bar to get into with a fake ID, so we promised ourselves that Sandbar would be the bar we saved for when we were actually 21. We all went together the night we got back into town from Summer break and had the time of our lives. We thought we had found bar heaven. Of course we weren't shy to put on the mermaid costumes and do the Hurricane. From the first moment we walked in, it became a Lawrence favorite.

What's your drink of choice? The one you'll miss the most? 

After trying all of the drinks, the two I will miss the most are my Pink Flamingos and the new skittle shots. I love the color pink and skittles are my favorite candy, so they were always my preferred choices.

Tell us what you're doing after you graduate- sticking around town? Moving on to greener pastures?

 I will be moving to New York City and attending the NYU Summer Publishing Institute.

How many hours have you waited in line?

We learned our lesson early and have never waited in line, because we always got there early enough to avoid the painstaking line.  I heard it can be crazy, so we avoided it at all costs.

In closing...

We love the Sandbar and I'm going to dearly miss it, but I'm glad I'll always have a place to come back to. Thanks for all the memories and the great times!

Sandbar Graduate 2010: Juliana

Last week, we posted a request on this blog, Twitter, & Facebook for Sandbar graduates- college students who frequent the Sandbar and are graduating this spring, leaving Lawrence and the Sandbar behind (or not, in some cases).

We've profiled graduates in the past, usually employees because they have to answer my questions if they want to keep their job (not really), but this year we got lots of responses from graduating customers. We're excited to share their stories with you!

The third Sandbar 2010 graduate this week is Juliana, a weekend regular.

What's your favorite Sandbar jukebox song? Bonus points if you tell us why.

Either The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson or Don't Stop Believing by Journey -- I love to dance to Michael Jackson, and Journey is always a good one to get the whole bar singing to.

  Tell us the funniest moment you remember at The Sandbar- whether it involves you or not.

Where to begin. I have so many funny Sandbar memories. One of the funniest memories is  going there with my roommate Vanessa to celebrate her 22nd birthday. It was a Tuesday so the bar wasn't overly crowded. But we managed to have a good time. After making sure Vanessa got liquored up with completely unnecessary shots (such as the firecracker), she then requested to be a mermaid, and that they play her favorite song -- Sweet Caroline. Then proceeded to explain to me that we needed to go upstairs and take pictures in the sand. Needless to say, we left shoeless, covered in sand and completely intoxicated -- all in all making a good birthday and a great Sandbar memory.

Remember the first time you came here? Tell us your first impression.

I came there Saturday night April 4th 2009, at approximately 11:56pm and waited outside. At 12:00am April 5th I turned 21 and entered Sandbar as the first bar I went to legally as a 21 year old. I have been there every weekend since. -- obviously I loved it. I made a dollar bill that is still on the wall! I love the atmosphere, the music, the dancing, the drinks, the company, and the staff -- definitely my favorite bar in town!

What's your drink of choice? The one you'll miss the most?

Shark Attack!!!!! Or any of the Bahama Mama drinks. We have so many of the duck toys and sharks as decorations around our apartment. I'm not sure what to do if I don't have a local bar to provide me with more!

Tell us what you're doing after you graduate- sticking around town? Moving on to greener pastures?

I will be around for the summer, but then I plan on teaching English in Europe for a year before attending law school in Boston!

How many hours have you waited in line?

Well my friend and I went to Sandbar once or twice a weekend, I think we have waited over an hour before, but it is always worth the wait!

(photo taken in Gulf Shores, Alabama, over spring break 2010)

Sandbar Graduate 2010: Gena

 Last week, we posted a request on this blog, Twitter, & Facebook for Sandbar graduates- college students who frequent the Sandbar and are graduating this spring, leaving Lawrence and the Sandbar behind (or not, in some cases).

We've profiled graduates in the past, usually employees because they have to answer my questions if they want to keep their job (not really), but this year we got lots of responses from graduating customers. We're excited to share their stories with you!

The second Sandbar 2010 graduate to respond to our request was Gena. 

What's your favorite Sandbar jukebox song? Bonus points if you tell us why.

My favorite songs would have to include Neil Diamond and Kool & the Gang songs.  There are too many favorites to pick just one.

Tell us the funniest moment you remember at The Sandbar- whether it involves you or not.

My funniest moment was from several years ago on Cinco De Mayo.  It was a saturday night and I arrived at the Sandbar already having started my celebration at El Mezcal (margaritas!!).  After being at the Sandbar for an hour or so, X (a certain coach who will remain nameless on this blog) arrived.  I turned to yell at my friend to tell her he was there and by that time he was standing right by me.  As I turned to my friend, I spilled my popcorn down the front of his shirt.  The rest of the night I kept going up to him and talking about the  team.  From that night on, every time I see X he comes up to me and says "I remember you." :)

Remember the first time you came here? Tell us your first impression.

I do remember my first night at the Sandbar.  It was in the Spring of 2004, and I had an absolute blast.  I was definitely dancing on the benches within the first half hour! :)

What's your drink of choice? The one you'll miss the most?

My drink of choice would be a Bahama Mama....and even though I will still remain in the area after graduation (and will still frequent the Sandbar), I would miss the shotski the most.

Tell us what you're doing after you graduate- sticking around town? Moving on to greener pastures?

I will be working at a pharmacy in Ottawa, Kansas.

How many hours have you waited in line?

Ha ha, I have waited in line quite a bit.  After many years of waiting, I have figured out the secret of the best time to arrive in order to avoid the lines. :)

In closing...

Even though I will be sticking around town after graduation, I would just like to thank Dave and his wonderful staff for so many years of enjoyment.  I will always be a big fan of the Sandbar!

Sandbar Graduate 2010: Matt

 Last week, we posted a request on this blog, Twitter, & Facebook for Sandbar graduates- college students who frequent the Sandbar and are graduating this spring, leaving Lawrence and the Sandbar behind (or not, in some cases).

We've profiled graduates in the past, usually employees because they have to answer my questions if they want to keep their job (not really), but this year we got lots of responses from graduating customers. We're excited to share their stories with you!

First up: Matt.

What's your favorite Sandbar jukebox song? Bonus points if you tell us why.

I definitely can't pick just one because I've got a set of three valuable songs that I always play with my dollar. It starts with Phil Vassar's "Six-Pack Summer" because it goes extremely well with a cold Landshark. Next is a song that can't be found on any other jukebox around town -- "Kiss the Girl" on the Little Mermaid soundtrack. Sure, it's a bit embarrassing, but it's always worth it when the entire bar is into it and every guy and girl in there knows all the words. Finally, Jimmy Buffet has to be played at the Sandbar so I always round it out with "Volcano"

Remember the first time you came here? Tell us your first impression.

I remember waiting in line for half an hour or so just to get in the first time. It was the weekend after my 21st birthday and my friends bought me dirty banana shots. The first thing I remember thinking was how uniquely "Lawrence" it is, but at the same time unlike anything else in town.

What's your drink of choice? The one you'll miss the most? 

The first thing I order is always a Landshark. It's the perfect summer beer and every day is summer at the Sandbar. However, the drink I'll miss the most is Surfer on Acid because even when I order it other places, the setting usually isn't right.

Tell us what you're doing after you graduate- sticking around town? Moving on to greener pastures?

I'm moving on to the pastures of Northern Ohio in the town of Bowling Green. If you think Western Kansas is flat, you should check out this area of the country... I'll be a Master's student in Bowling Green State's College Student Personnel program and look forward to potentially coming back to KU to work someday.

How many hours have you waited in line? 

I've never had to wait longer than 30-45 minutes because the Sandbar is amazing on a nice, late afternoon so I usually go then when there is no line.

In closing...

The Sandbar is one of the great Lawrence traditions that I will miss when I have to leave this place. I hope nothing major ever changes about it so that I can always look forward to coming back and enjoying good times and great people!

Thanks, Matt! Good luck to you in Ohio, and be sure to stop by when you come back to visit KU!

See our Free State Social Story on Whrrl

The Free State Social, a social media conference presented by the World Company, was held in Lawrence on Thursday, April 29. A community wide tweetup took place that night downtown, with several bars and restaurants offering specials.

I've mentioned already how busy we were that night and how much fun it was. Now, I've compiled some of our favorite tweets, pictures, and videos from that night into a story on Whrrl, one of my favorite location-based social networking applications. I like Whrrl because it allows you to check in to a location, add pictures, add text, or join other people who are in the same location. Essentially, you can create a digital story of an event.

The story I created is below; click on the image to view it.

More check-ins at The Sandbar

Powered by Whrrl

If you have an account with Whrrl, you can join this story to show the world you were there. Or, sign up on their website and give it a try.

Let us know what you think of the story! If you have pictures or video to add, please let us know in the comments.

Happy One Week Anniversary to Heather!

Well, the one week anniversary was actually yesterday, but whatever. Bartender Heather and her new hubby Ken have been married for a week! And they've been off soaking up the sun in Hawaii while the rest of deal with this unpredictable Kansas weather.

The wedding last Saturday was held at the Adams Alumni Center on the KU campus. Heather is a KU alum, and the groom- well, let's just say he's not. He's a Nebraska fan, and arrived at the wedding with a giant blow up Cornhusker in tow. It was tied around the Jayhawk statue in front of the building for a brief time, until the helpful staff at the Alumni Center assisted with removal.

After the wedding, the bride and groom made a brief stop at The Sandbar for pictures. Fitting, since they became engaged on the bar last year. They didn't get on the bar this time- large wedding dresses tend to make that difficult- but we took some pictures downstairs and also upstairs on the fake beach.

 

Next stop, the fabulous wedding reception at the Lawrence Country Club. Rumor around the club was that this was the biggest event they've seen in ten years- and I believe it. Lots of people, loads of great food, and the drinks were flowing.

The dance floor stayed packed, too. You probably notice that at most weddings, people have to be dragged on to the dance floor with a silly snowball dance, and the only people who actually stay on the dance floor are the little kids. Not this wedding. Young and old alike were dancing up a storm all night. Sandbar staff Dave, Tyler, and Andrew (Fyler not Madl) entertained the masses with their stellar moves.

When the reception finally wrapped up late that night, lots of us traveled to The Sandbar to cap off the evening. It was busy there, too.

Overall, it was a beautiful and fun day. Congratulations to Heather and Ken, we are all so happy for you!

Gifts for the 2010 Graduate

We have some great gifts for the 2010 graduate!

Our popular pint glasses have a brand new design- a mermaid with "Congratulations 2010 Graduates" wrapped around her. The front of the glass has the Sandbar logo. Choose from red or blue designs, and they're just $3 each.

We also just printed a new batch of Sandbar logo t-shirts in both blue and red, with white logos. Available in S-2XL for $12 each.

  

Attention: 2010 Sandbar Graduates

Are you graduating in 2010? Are you a Sandbar regular? We want to hear from you!

Every year we try to highlight a few customers and/or employees who are graduating and share some stories about them. If you'd like to be featured on our blog, keep reading. Send us an email with answers to the following questions- you don't have to answer all of them, and you can make up your own questions to answer, we're not picky- and include a picture or two if you want.

1. What's your favorite Sandbar jukebox song? Bonus points if you tell us why.
2. Tell us the funniest moment you remember at The Sandbar- whether it involves you or not.
3. Remember the first time you came here? Tell us your first impression.
4. What's your drink of choice? The one you'll miss the most?
5. Tell us what you're doing after you graduate- sticking around town? Moving on to greener pastures?
6. How many hours have you waited in line?

Feel free to embellish your stories or tell us something else. And we love pictures!

Email us at [email protected] and we'll feature you on our blog sometime in the next week.

When the Staff Gets Bored...

We keep a notebook by the door. The doorguy/bartender are supposed to use it to write down any important thing that happens on their shift- fake ID's that got turned away, someone they had to cut off, a crazy dance party that took place on the bar- but occasionally, nothing happens that's worth writing down.

On those long, slow nights the staff has to find something to entertain themselves with, and sometimes this is the result:

I don't even know what the comments on this one mean, so don't ask.

 

I believe Joe is the one who produced this pretty decent drawing of the Shark Attack.

Didn't know we had artists on staff, did you?

Check in on Whrrl and Earn Free Music!

We have something fun to announce: you can earn free jukebox credits at The Sandbar (in Lawrence only, for now).

If you use Twitter, you're probably familiar with location-based social networking tools like Foursquare, Gowalla, and Whrrl. The big buzz about these types of networks is the growing ability for merchants to offer freebies and rewards to customers who "check in" with one of these services. Kansas liquor laws don't allow us to give away or discount alcohol, but we can offer merchandise.

You don't have to be a Twitter user to use these apps. Check out their websites for more information about how to use them.

So what are we offering?

The first service we're offering rewards on is Whrrl (because right now it's my favorite). Check in to the Sandbar between 5-9 p.m., any day of the week, and you can earn 5 free jukebox credits. You have to show the offer to the bartender, and he/she will load your credits on to the jukebox.

Here are some screenshots of what you'll see in the Whrrl iPhone app and what you need to do:

1. First, check in on your app. You can see below that I'm "checked in" at The Sandbar. Click on the section circled below in the first picture.

2. A page comes up that shows details about the Sandbar- who else has checked in, and tabs for more information. Click on the Recs/Offers tab (circled in picture 2).

 

3. Once you've navigated to the Recs/Offers tab, you'll see our Special Offers! You can also see what users have marked the offer as "to do" or "did it." Click on the offer- if we had multiple offers available they would all show up here, but right now we only have one to choose.

4. A new page opens with the offer and a "Redeem Now" button.

 

Click on the Redeem Offer Now button, and the next page that comes up is what you need to show the bartender.

This page tells you how many times you've checked in to the location, and what your status is in the "society." It also instructs you to show this page to redeem your offer.

I've requested to set up a reward on Foursquare, too, but I haven't heard back from the company about it. However, at least one customer has seen it, so it's out there. Every third check-in on Foursquare earns you five free jukebox credits. I don't have a screenshot from Foursquare yet because I haven't seen the offer.

Please be patient with our staff, and please only redeem one offer per day, per check-in service! These promotions are very new and different for us, and it may take some time for all of our staff to really understand how this works. It's a learning process for all of us!