That store where they always have your size in your new favorite pair of shoes. The restaurant where they cook your steak just right. The bar where they always know your name. These are the things we love about our favorite local businesses. But what do you do when these places close? This feature is designed to spotlight some of those options.

Victory Sports Bar and Grill (formerly located at 2319 N. Ridge Rd.)

For several years, Victory was my Cheers. I would sit down and almost immediately a nice, cold Miller Lite would appear in front of me. Kurt was my favorite bartender, Maddy was my favorite server, Bases Loaded Waffle Fries was my favorite app and the table in the corner next to the TV was my favorite place to park for the night. I celebrated many special occasions there, and when it suddenly closed in 2008 after the smoking ban went into effect, I was devastated. I didn’t even get to say goodbye!

I still have days when I long to go grab a beer at Victory, but my friends and I have had to come up with alternatives to our old hangout. Nothing will ever take its place, but here are a few locations that come close*:

Bigs (7011 W. Central): This is the place that comes closest to Victory for me. The servers are pretty good about remembering you, it has a great dartboard and Megatouch machine, they have cheap, giant beers and the jukebox is filled with good music (which we all know is important to me).

Morts (923 E. 1st St.): While this bar doesn’t have the same dive type feel as Victory, I love that I can go in and the servers remember my name and drink order.  The free popcorn doesn’t hurt either.

Walt’s (7732 E. Central): I have to be in the right mood for Walt’s, but when I am, I enjoy the simple atmosphere and delicious, greasy food. If you go on Tuesday when they have karaoke, you will encounter lots of characters, the kind that really make up the dive bar atmosphere.

Lucky’s (1217 E. Douglas): Although this bar is usually more subdued than Victory ever was, it still has a homey feel. The bartenders are pretty good about remembering your drink order and there are lots of colorful patrons.

*One thing that made Victory, well, Victory, was its smoky atmosphere. I know it’s not politically correct to say it, but sometimes you just want to sit in a stinky, smoky bar. All the places mentioned above fit the bill.

Readers, help us help you. What local businesses do you miss that you want us to find some alternatives for? Sound off in the comments.

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