One Of The Best Bars In America Is Right Here In Arkansas And Its History Will Fascinate You
Maxine’s Tap Room has been serving Arkansans for nearly 70 years. Through cleverness, perseverance, and a bit of luck, this bar has stayed an icon. Let’s sit back and sip while we learn about the fascinating history of this Fayetteville favorite.
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You can find just off of Dickson at
107 N Block Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701.
107 N Block Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701.
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Death, fire, and problematic insurance were all issues the bar had to overcome.
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Ms. Maxine was only 24 years old when she opened the bar (using money borrowed from her parents) but her savvy business choices help set a strong foundation.
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She purposely designed the bar to have the smallest legal window possible (to avoid break-ins) and always kept a club behind the cash register. She also only hired football players to ensure the whole team would become dedicated patrons. These quirks worked and made Maxine's a local icon.
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In 1960, the new (and current) building featured a 50-ft. long bar. Other notable features that you can still glimpse are a deer head clad in Mardi Gras beads as well as Maxine's revered bar stool.
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Maxine passed away in 2006 and the bar nearly died with her. A month after her death the taproom caught on fire and stayed closed for over a year because of lacking insurance.
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The bar has been able to regain a refreshed life while still honoring Maxine's memory. The taproom now features 1950s style drinks and is decorated with vintage photos of the original Maxine's.
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They won't officially be 70 until 2020 but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate a little early.
We would love to hear about your memories at Maxine’s! Reminisce with us in the comments below!
If you’d like another short and sweet history lesson, take a minute to learn about Arkansas’ other diamond mine. If you’re in Fayetteville now, you should head down the street and let your inner child run wild at the new pinball bar.
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