Sometimes finding something to do in Ashland seems impossible. But, there is more to Ashland than meets the eye. However, taking the risk and going to a place you have never been can be scary; so the Collegian sent two reporters, Seniors Connor Dunwoodie and Callan Pugh to review local businesses around Ashland. Their first stop was Linder’s Sports Bar & Grill.

Connor: It’s not the easiest place to find. Located on South street, right off of Claremont Ave., Linder’s is hidden among an array of rundown buildings, but once the awning with the name “Linder’s Sports Bar & Grill,” appears, you know you’ve found it. 

I’ve been there both during the middle of the day and late at night. During the day, the bar is relatively calm. If you spend an hour there, you’ll see maybe seven to ten Ashland residents filter through. But at night it’s a different story.

Ashland University students flock to the bar and fill both the upstairs and downstairs to drink. I want to point out that daytime and nighttime at Linder’s are very different things. When Callan and I walked in during the day, we were quickly served and brought our drinks, and the waiter was very friendly and helpful. 

I ordered the TL burger with a side of fries, and for only $7.49, the meal was filling and delicious. The food only took 20 minutes to make, and we were checked on about four times. 

During the night my experience has been different. I’ve been at Linder’s when it’s packed, and service is not the fastest. Sometimes it takes ten minutes to get a drink and the waiter or waitress occasionally is not behind the upstairs bar. I’ve only had that experience a couple times, though the staff usually serves the patrons in a more timely manner. At night the mood is much more relaxed than most bars, with people just engaging in conversation and casually drinking with each other. 

What I respect about Linder’s, is that it does not try to be something it is not. They say they are a sports bar and that’s exactly what they are. With TV’s playing games and lots of sports memorabilia covering the building the place looks and feels like a sports bar. 

Callan: Throughout my first three years at AU, I was afraid to visit Linder’s because of the “21 and up only after 11 p.m.” rule . Now I’m sad that I did not try it out sooner. It is definitely a place where you can come and enjoy a casual afternoon or night. 

The smell of their food is one of the first things you notice when you walk in, and it did not disappoint. I tried their Broccoli Cheese Bites appetizer and I will certainly be going back to get more ASAP. It was essentially a fried, gooey bite of broccoli cheddar soup and I loved every bit of it. Their drink menu is full of options.

Linder’s is a place both my dad and my mom, who have very different tastes in drinks, would enjoy. It’s also a place I would be proud to take my friends from home when they visit. 

Our waiter explained that they have daily specials on different drinks and food but even without that their dishes and drinks are reasonably priced. In total with the broccoli cheese bites and a beer which was on sale for the Saturday special, my bill came to $9.69. 

Overall, I would recommend checking Linders out the next time you are looking for a way to change up your routine. I had a great time visiting. 

Service: 4.25/5

Callan: Our waiter was with us right away. He checked on us several times and gave us a chance to look at the menu when we asked. We did have to wait a little too long for the checks but after an hour of excellent service this was not a deal breaker.

Connor: During the day, the service is great and very relaxed, but come nighttime the service slows down and the staff seems stressed.

Cleanliness  4/5

Callan: It’s still a dive bar at its core. If it was perfectly clean, it really wouldn’t be an authentic experience. But you can tell the staff at Linder’s works hard to keep up on messes. 

Connor: Overall, the place is well-kept. The tables and floors are clean and the building is tastefully decorated to fit the “sports bar” atmosphere.

Bathrooms: 3.5/5

Callan: The women’s bathroom was nice and clean, but very small with only one toilet. I could see a busy night resulting in a line. I also like to talk with my friends in the bathroom. I couldn’t do that here. 

Connor: The men’s bathroom is clean. There is one urinal and one toilet. What struck me is that there is no writing on the walls, the restroom looks like it has had constant upkeep.

Affordability: 3.75/5

Callan: If you ate here all the time, it would definitely put a dent in your wallet, especially when your meal plan is already paid for. But it is a good spot to visit on weekends when convo and the nest are closed or on special occasions. It’s on par with most other local eateries.

Connor: The drinks at Linder’s are about the normal drink price for Ashland. The food on the other hand is relatively cheap and delicious for a low cost. 

Atmosphere: 4/5

Callan: For someone who doesn’t follow sports too closely, this bar, especially when big games are on, may not be the ideal spot. But, I found it to be comfortable and relaxed. The other patrons all seemed to be friends, so there were very positive, fun vibes. 

Connor: If you don’t like going out to clubs and want to drink more socially, Linder’s is for you. The atmosphere is much more relaxed than a club, but there are still a multitude of people to socialize with. I’ve always enjoyed spending an evening with good friends there.

*Ratings are the average of Callan and Connor’s individual reviews*