Issue date: 5/21/09 Section: News

While other popular bars choose to close their doors for the summer, the Panther Paw takes the lead in the bar scene with daily lunch and dinner specials and indoor and outdoor bar. (File Photo)

Charleston restaurants and bars still have a lot to offer despite the slow summer.

Though some bars and restaurants, like Top of the Roc, are closed for the summer, others are still active and offer specials to draw in customers.

The Panther Paw has a special each day for lunch and dinner. The price of food usually ranges between $3.49 and $6.49, and drinks are $2.50 to $5. The Paw serves a variety of food from hamburgers to house salads and Italian beef.

The Paw occasionally extends their business hours for sporting events. Every once in a while, the bar and grill hires entertainment, usually a band, to bring in a crowd.

The Paw receives a good amount of business from both Eastern students and local residents, this helps business remain steady all year.

According to the manager, Alyssa Pohl, it depends on the occasion, but summer is typically slower than fall and spring.

"I love working here, the crowd is great and makes it a fun time," said Danielle Cunningham.

Cunningham, 21, has been a bartender at The Paw since August 2008.

"It allows you to still be out, but making money instead of spending it," said Pohl.

Business hours for the Panther Paw are Monday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Another restaurant in Charleston is Roc's Blackfront.

Kylie Knoop, 21, has worked there for seven years as a waitress, hostess and bartender. "Every job has ups and downs, but I wouldn't want to work anywhere else," said Knoop.

Knoop also said that the restaurant tends to be quieter and mellower during the summer, and the income is not as steady.

Knoop feels that Roc's is less of a college bar than anywhere else in town and the environment seems to be more casual.

Roc's offers a variety of menu items like steak, sandwiches and vegetarian items. The price of drinks range from $2.75 to $6 on average and the food can cost anywhere from $5 to $20.

Business hours are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. with bar hours after 9 p.m.

Mac's Uptowner still maintains good business despite the lack of population.

"Summer is actually one of our busiest times of the year," said Jenny Ryczek, 24.

The Uptowner offers $1 drafts Monday through Thursday and $2 domestic bottles and Friday and Saturday.

With the exception of summer, the Uptowner has live music performances multiple nights a week to promote business.

Summer hours for the Uptowner are Monday through Saturday 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.



Kaitlyn Peters can be reached at 581-7943 or at kdpeters@eiu.edu.

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