Sal’s bartenders reflect on years of service

Many students spend their weeknights studying in the library, but senior Hannah Lysne is finishing out her last semester by bartending at one of St. Joseph’s staples. Located on Minnesota Street, Sal’s Bar and Grill remains a hotspot for CSB+SJU college kids. On a Friday night, a passerby might hear the camaraderie of college students talking loudly while a line wraps outside the door or hear the twangs of “Piano Man” play as the bar comes to a close. Three weekends ago, many seniors brought their parents to the establishment to show them the place known for its hot wings, big mugs and questionable floor liquid.

Lysne is who you’ll see behind the bar on most Wednesday nights. A double major in peace studies and biology, she’s been catering to students’ orders since her sophomore year. She’s worked many weekends and both of Sal’s themed nights—trivia on Wednesdays and “All You Can Drink” on Thursdays—of which she prefers Trivia Wednesdays.

“It’s easier because most people are getting big mugs on Wednesdays, so you can be more relaxed and in conversation with other people. It’s also fun hearing the trivia even when you can’t play,” Lysne said.

Lysne said working at Sal’s was overwhelming at first. Two years ago, when she and her roommate Olivia Reid first approached the Sal’s owner to express interest in working there, he took down their numbers and assigned them shifts for All You Can Drink. For a $12 entrance fee, “All You Can Drink” promises its goers that they can refill their drinks as many times as possible—so long as you can weave through the crowds of people to find your way to the bartop. During her first shifts, Lysne said she had to get used to customers staring at her, tapping their cards on the bar and screaming her name.

“When you first start working, it’s really stressful…especially because some people are less patient than others. I don’t think everybody realizes that we want to serve you as fast as we can,” Lysne said. “and waking up when you have a 9 a.m. class and you work til 3 a.m.…that can be tough.”

Most students hear about Sal’s before even coming to CSB+SJU. Currently on its fourth generation, Sal’s extends back to 1946, where it was originally run as a cafe. Dale Schneider, who purchased Sal’s Bar and Grill in 1971 from his parents, recently passed away on April 14. Lysne said many people attended Sal’s after his visitation on April 19 to honor him.

“Everybody knows everybody,” Lysne said. “It’s definitely a big-family feeling.”

In contrast to bigger schools, where there are many places to go within walking distance, the bars of St. Joseph remain integral to the community feeling.

“There’s only like three bars in this town that people go to regularly,” Lysne said. “Saturdays are for Sal’s, Fridays are for the La… there’s like a routine to it.”

Indeed, the streets of St. Joseph are often filled with the same rotation of college students, skipping in Air Force Ones and forgoing coats. They’re filled with friends, acquaintances, neighbors, townies and sometimes parents.

“You just can’t beat Sal’s dance floor on a Saturday night,” said Lysne.

The throes of students who frequent the checkered floor would no doubt agree.