Perhaps a new trend?

Horror didn't work out so well, I burnt out on it. So let's try something that's been an interest of mine for a while longer, yeah? Springfield and Kirksville, my two homes, got something in common: They're both college towns. Kirksville's just a smaller Springfield, really. Fewer people decided to stick around there, I guess. It's too cold. But there's one thing pretty much any college town is guaranteed to have (Except maybe Provo, Utah)--A bar. Probably more than one, but at least one is almost a guarantee.

So I'm going to use this place to talk about them. The ones I've been to, the ones I've heard about, what I'd recommend, etc. This is the internet, after all, and I think this site has been a pretty good soapbox for me to stand on.

First in this series: The New Key Largo, on Republic Road, Springfield, MO. The place has been around for three years, recently under new management.

The front of the bar faces away from the street, with a small parking lot leading straight into the entrance. A small alley could cause some problems for two-way traffic, but the place is small enough that doesn't seem like much of an issue.

The owner doubles as the main bartender, a fellow named Matt. Decent guy, pretty attentive, chattier with females than males unsurprisingly, but aware of what's going on in the place.

As for the bar itself, well...it's a theme bar. From the name, that should be no real surprise. It tries to capture that lackadaisical Florida Keys feel, including some indoor decorations of palm trees and what are meant to look like cheap, tin roof shacks. Lots of green abounds, with lazy ceiling fans and plenty of AC vents.

The setup looks like a small concert venue, with tables and bar near the door, and a dance floor by the far wall. The front half of the bar feels like a dive, albeit an accepting one. The back half is definitely the draw on weekends.

Music is live, or there's a juke box that defaults toward predictable-but-comforting club music when nobody's paying. Nothing really jarring for the atmosphere, but nothing novel either.

Drink prices aren't bad at all, especially not by Springfield standards. Beer flows cheaper than it does at most places downtown, but the selection is limited. Hard alcohol, again in rather limited supply, also runs a little below the average.

The crowd looks to be on the younger side, mostly under 30, which makes sense given that the bar's draw is music and dance. I'm sure the cheap alcohol doesn't hurt, either.

In short, this is a place I'd recommend if you're looking to go out with friends and have a good time. It's a little loud, and a bit small, so don't expect intimate conversations, but Key Largo walks a pretty solid middle line.