This issue, Seth Moore and Molly Tumanic visited the Stones Throw, 304 Eau Claire St. Every week, Seth and Molly visit a different bar in the Eau Claire area and review it based on a set of pre-determined
criteria.

Seth:

Music: The Stones Throw definitely excels in this area. It has live music every day of the week and not only does it showcase local artists, but it also brings in out-of-town acts. Bands like Westfall and Wookiefoot are two that are coming soon. It also has weekly events like jazz Monday, turntable Tuesday and meatball Wednesday. It offers most music – blues, jazz, reggae and rock – so you are sure to find something you like.

Beer: The Stones Throw has a great selection of brews to quench any patron’s thirst. Its selection includes Blue Moon, Guinness, New Castle, St. Pauli Girl and my favorite, Spotted Cow. It is always great to see an establishment giving their customers many choices.

Prices: This bar is a little more costly. Sometimes it has outrageous covers at the door. For example, on the day I reviewed this bar, the cover at the door was $8. Granted, Bernard Allison is a great musician, but that’s a crazy cover and a lot of people will miss a great show because they don’t have the money. If the band is that good, lots of people will come and the bar will make money. There is a line between fair and greedy, and the Stones Throw is on the wrong side.

Atmosphere: This bar has a great feel to it and the design is unlike any other bar in Eau Claire. It is a two-level bar, all focused on a great stage with the backdrop of stained glass windows. Every time I have seen a show at the Stones Throw, it has had excellent sound quality with plenty of seating. The bar is long and very accessible when you want a drink.

Specials: The Stones Throw does not have your regular happy hour specials. Instead, it has nightly specials on certain drinks. I think it’s always a good idea to stray away from the normal specials and give customers opportunities to get a good deal on drinks they crave.

Overall Comment: I liked the Stones Throw and would recommend it to anyone looking to see a great show. It’s a different bar, but that’s what makes it great. It offers people many different things like darts and live music and I recommend checking it out.

Molly:

Food Options: The Stones Throw offers a few munchies but nothing too exciting. It has pizza and your basic appetizers, like cheese curds and breaded mushrooms. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer a lot for the health-conscious individual. But if you’re looking for something to satisfy a craving, you’ll definitely be set.

Location and Convenience: The Stones Throw is located downtown on Eau Claire Street. This is not too bad for off-campus students, but it’s more of a trek for those who live on campus. However, the bus does run downtown, so it’s not hard to find a ride.

Specialty Drinks: The bar is equipped with any kind of liquor you need to make most mixed drinks. It even has specials during the week on Bloody Marys and White Russians. The Stones Throw also has a number of bottled beer alternatives such as Woodchuck and Bacardi O. This bar accommodates its patrons with almost any kind of thirst-quenching beverage.

Service: I thought everyone who worked there was incredibly friendly and quick to serve. From the bartenders to the house band, and even the sound guys, the Stones Throw knows exactly how to please a crowd. The bartenders know their alcohol, and the house band on Open Mic Night knows how to work the crowd.

Meat Market Factor: The Stones Throw draws a very diverse crowd. Most people go there to enjoy the musical atmosphere. The crowd is definitely as varied as the types of music played there. Even so, the people, just like the music, provide much enjoyment. The crowd airs a bit on the mature side compared to the more frequented Water Street bars, but nonetheless, they know how to have fun.

Overall Comment: I had been to the Stones Throw only once before for a very short time. After having spent more time in the bar, I must say it’s potentially one of my new favorites. I love the overall atmosphere of the Stones Throw. There’s even an upstairs level if you want to break away from the main floor and play a few games of darts. I look forward to heading back to the Stones Throw.