Guu’s offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere for customers.
Guu’s on Main: Best bar
The Pointer
lgern177@uwsp.edu
Among all esteemed establishments in a town, only one seems to universally hold a place in our hearts (and social lives) as much as the local neighborhood bar. Called by many names, from tavern to pub to watering hole to izakaya if you’re in Japan, these places water our souls and dehydrate our bodies with beverages, usually of the alcoholic nature.
The best of the best of these establishments are societal oases in which customers can share a bit of gossip, banter and commiserate in a relaxed atmosphere. Fusing part English pub, part northwoods Wisconsin mom-and-pop establishment vibes, Guu’s on Main in Stevens Point is classified by many as just that.
One of Guus’ long-term employees, Brian Tamling, said owner Scott Gulan established the bar in 1998.
“We wanted to make a bar everyone would feel comfortable in,” said Tamling. “It’s got a really old-school feel.”
This feel may partially be attributed to the fact that the building itself is estimated to be about 100 years old. Rumors that it was a former brothel have also circulated for some time, Tamling said.
Or perhaps it’s the outdoorsy decor, which includes an over 100-year-old mounted buffalo head named Chief, that lends Guu’s its uniquely vintage appeal.
Old photographs, posters and high ceilings, which advantageously mitigate smokiness, are also reminiscent of a bygone age.
But perhaps what most endearingly sets Guu’s apart from other local establishments is its music, which is not only refreshingly diverse and eclectic, but also always slightly modulated.
Accordingly, customers are more likely to uphold the archaic practice of talking to one another rather than shouting half-inebriated pick-up lines at the stranger across the room. Or at least, they have the option.
In fact, Guus’ relaxed ambiance seems to have rubbed off on the customers; Tamling said in the seven years he’s worked there, he’s only witnessed three fights.
“It’s just overall a really chill atmosphere; everyone is cool with each other,” he said.
It’s this dynamic aspect of community that Guus’ staff members try to create with an easygoing and upbeat work philosophy.
Over 100-year-old bufflao head named Chief overlooks the bar shenanigans.
“The number one rule we have is to be cool and be respectful,” said Tamling. “We try to keep it friendly between staff and customers. Most people here are our friends, and we also welcome newcomers…it isn’t like Cheers, people we don’t know can come in here and we’ll still razz them and have a good time with them.”
Many UW-SP students said the friendly staff is part of what makes Guu’s a popular downtown hangout destination.
“I like Guu’s because we know most of the bartenders and stuff so we can take over the jukebox,” said Jarad Olson, a frequent customer at Guu’s and UW-SP student. “It has everything from really popular music to really alternative stuff…We can have dance parties and no one ever tells us to stop.”
“The jukebox actually has stuff we want to play,” added Val Barbarian, another customer and student.
Of course, the laid-back atmosphere isn’t the only thing that keeps college students and locals coming back time and time again. With an ongoing Pabst Blue Ribbon special plus 26 beers on tap, 10 of which are from within a 30-mile radius, Guu’s offers impressive variety. The staff is also highly trained to make other specialty drinks.
“Generally during the week Guu’s is more preferable because it’s not as crowded and the drink specials are really good,” Olson said. “I like that they actually support local breweries.”
The culinary menu is equally varied as the drinks, offering upscale bar food that ranges from specialty burgers, gourmet sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Vegetarian options, such as the grilled portabella mushroom sandwich, are also offered.
Kyle Babicky, a regular patron of the bar on Friday nights, said he is especially partial to the traditional Wisconsin fish fries.
“It’s pretty much the best fish fry in town,” he said. “And I’ve been almost everywhere.”
So, whether customers are hungry, thirsty, cantankerous, looking for conversation, relaxed or ready to party, Guu’s is the quintessential local bar--ready and waiting, whether it’s Friday night, Wednesday evening or Monday afternoon.
Or, in the words of Tamling, “It’s nothing pretentious, just a place you can sit down and have a beer.”
