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Even the difference between Wisconsin and Minnesota is noticeable. The bars there don't even sell their own states beer like Summit and Schell's. The personal connection that should exist in business has been replaced by the highest bidder.
I've noticed some former taverns turn their operation into primarily a restaurant with a bar to overcome that perception that there is something dirty and bad about a tavern. Don't get me wrong, there are some nasty places out there, with their porno gambling machines and whatnot. But there are plenty of family owned businesses which act as the local watering hole that is cultivating a community. Can anyone else identify with going to the bar when they were kids?
The problem with the modern man is that he thinks there is a disconnect from drinking and family. Look at the drunks in college now. They never learned what enjoying a beer was when they were growing up. The bar was "bad" and now because they find themselves in a bar they are being "bad" so they might as well be as "bad" as they feel inclined to.
Even a certain Catholic in Wisconsin has taken notice of good works done in the name of the tavern.
The sterile online world can't substitute authentic human interaction with all its glorious awkwardness and idiosyncrasies.
HT ED