By Jared Curtis
Olde Town Tap
You’re only a stranger once
Visiting the Olde Town Tap is like taking a stroll down memory lane. With a location in the old part of Altoona, the place is full of character and originality, while void of everything that has turned some into corporate establishment fans.
“The building is around 100 years old,” said owner Jason Johnstad. “There have been a number of different businesses here, but it’s only been a bar for nine years.”
Johnstad, who had not previously owned a bar, was looking for a place he could call home.
“My business partner and I have been talking about it for years, and we looked at a few different places,” Johnstad said. “But once we walked in, we knew it was going to be a great place.”
Even though the bar has only been open for less than a decade, the look and feel comes straight from days past. An L-shape bar holds down the front part of the building, with plenty of places to belly up. Stroll down a ramp and discover a big room filled with plenty of tables and chairs, a dartboard and a Spiderman pinball machine. It’s also the room where they hold live music or karaoke on Friday nights. Head further back and find one of the most unique smoking patios this nightlife writer has seen. Enjoy a smoke while shooting pool, playing darts or foosball, without stepping out into the cold.
“We are in a residential neighborhood, and we couldn’t have all of our customers outside smoking, so we converted the garage into an inside smoking patio,” Johnstad said. “It’s very comfortable, and customers don’t feel like they are missing out on anything by going outside for a cigarette.”
Happy Hour runs daily from open until 6 p.m. Customers can enjoy 50 cents off almost all drinks.
“We keep our prices pretty low all the time, but we still draw in a regular Happy Hour crowd,” Johnstad said.
Patrons can enjoy $12 buckets (five beers) every day and $5 pitchers on Sunday during NASCAR races. They also offer nightly shot specials.
“Our nightly specials change all the time,” Johnstad said. “But you can always count on a good special when you stop in.”
For the first time, the Olde Town Tap will begin serving more than just pizzas this spring.
“I’ve always wanted to open up the kitchen,” Johnstad said. “We’ll be specializing in Italian food, and it’s going to be good homemade stuff.”
Stop in opening day for the Chicago Cubs (April 5) and enjoy $2 Old Style Tallboys.
“We always have a packed house for opening day. It’s definitely worth skipping work,” Johnstad laughs. “We’re a big Cubs bar and will open early for all day games.”
Even with new buildings popping up constantly in the surrounding areas, Johnstad plans on keeping the bar just the way it is — a classic neighborhood bar that is filled with regulars and welcoming to new faces.
“We offer a relaxing bar experience with reasonable prices and a great smoking patio,” he said. “We’re a great place for grown-ups to have fun and let loose.” CV
Caption: The Olde Town Tap family welcomes everyone to stop in for a drink at the Olde Town Tap, 121 2nd St. S.E., Altoona. Hours are 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 2 a.m. on Sunday.
