I got invited to a garage bar in Mapleton, Illinois that’s named after a ’70’s comedian who was a regular on games shows back in the day.
I’ve never been to Mapleton, Illinois, never been to a garage bar in Mapleton and I’ve never been in a bar named after a ’70’s comedian who’s main claim to fame was being a guest on game shows. So many first time experiences lay in store for us tonight, let’s go get experienced in Mapleton, Illinois!
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Bar Number 130: Nipsey’s Garage Bar, Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Here we are at the garage in Mapleton, Illinois that houses Nipsey’s Garage Bar. Let’s go in and see what’s happening in here.
Here’s Scott who’s the host and owner of Nipsey’s Garage Bar! It was great to meet him and it was so nice of him to invite me out here tonight, I love the Nipsey’s Garage Bar signature t-shirt he’s got on!
Here’s Scott with the co-host of the evening, his pretty girlfriend, Lauren. Wonderful to meet both of them and the next stop is the bar in here…
There it is, in all of its glory! Scott said his brother built it back in 2014 and check out the top of it, let’s get a closer look at that…
Scott said that for years he collected various union stickers and when Covid hit in 2020 and everything shut down, he took the time to adhere all of these to the top counter of the bar! It really gives it a cool and unique look!
I love the lit-up Budweiser sign on the back wall, very nice!
As you can see, it’s a very well-stocked bar and check out that state-of-the-art stereo system in here. Nice!
I love all the signage in here! Scott said they started with one TV and one neon sign and it grows steadily each year.
Here’s some of the cool neon signs on the side wall and the stand-out sign is the specially-made Nipsey’s Garage Bar.
Scott told me he named the bar after ‘70’s comedian, Nipsey Russell, who was known for his fun game show appearances in the day. I have a feeling this is the only bar in the world named after Nipsey Russell. Quite a distinction!
This is the fun refrigeration area of the bar.
Here’s some more photos of the impressive and well-built bar in here.
This was such a fun evening and they had wonderful food including smoked chicken wings, smoked cream cheese covered in bacon jam and strawberry jalapeno jam. There was a nice crowd of people and it was great to meet everyone.
I asked the final guests standing for the evening to gather for a group portrait…
They are, from left: Kaitlyn, Lauren, Scott, Kelly, Eric, Matt and Frannie. It was wonderful to meet and chat with all of you this evening!
Thanks to Scott for a wonderful and fun night at Nipsey’s Garage Bar in Mapleton, Illinois!
If you have a bar in your home or garage and would like to be featured on the blog, send me an email and let me know!
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