A Bloomington tavern prides itself on being one of the last true neighborhood bars.

We are having lunch with the morning crew from WJBC Radio at Schooner's in this week's You Gotta Eat.

Schooner's doesn't have secretaries, Dictaphones or middle management, but it is "The Office" to the WJBC morning team when the trio wants to know what's really going on in the twin cities.
Scott Laughlin, Colleen Reynolds and Carrie Muehling say you can get the scoop at Schooners, as well as a 20–ounce fermented alcoholic beverage.

"It's a neighborhood bar. You can come in here and I guarantee you, anytime you come in here, someone will buy you a beer, and that is what's important to me. But the food is great and Bob the owner is here everyday of the week. So you know they care about the customer," said Laughlin.

"You have to be here. Have to operate it. You have to be here day in and day out. Take care of it. See the people. Greet the people. Know who the people are and what they do," said owner Bob Groetken.

"I'm the Ag Director at WJBC and I go to a lot of fairs so I get the opportunity to try tenderloins there. But this is probably the best one I've had," said Muehling.

"I always get the Turkey Poor Boy Sandwich. It is garlic bread with warm cheese. Turkey. It is delicious. Melts in your mouth. Love it!" said Reynolds.

We started with Schooner's regionally famous onion rings and chicken wings.
Scott ordered the wings with wild sauce... not hot but lathered in flavor.
Carrie's mini tenderloins looked like a kids' meal.

But the regular tenderloin is as big as a hubcap and a challenge to finish.
Colleen had her usual Poor Boy. Rich in taste, it oozed cheese like pizza in a bun.

Scott and I each gobbled up a Gebby Burger. It is nine ounces of pure beef with grilled onions just starting to caramelize. Each bite is the neighborhood bar at its' best!

Scott washed his hamburger down with a big frosty mug o' beer. The rest of us had iced tea and soft drinks.

Our bill for four: $46.00 plus tip.

Schooner's is a guaranteed score when hunting for gossip or grub.

Schooner's is at 810 E. Grove in Bloomington.

(309)829-6841

Monday through Saturday the kitchen is fired up from 11 in the morning until 11:30 at night. –Noon until eight on Sunday.