Spencer Valentine smiles broadly when he thinks of football season — the 2008 football season, that is. That’s when the Indianapolis Colts will bring their game to Lucas Oil Stadium, construction of which takes place each day barely 1,000 feet from Valentine’s new bar, Spencer’s Stadium Tavern, 802 S. West St.

Slated to open in 2008, Lucas Oil Stadium is what Valentine and a handful of investors hope will bring Colts fans to their little corner of downtown — the southwest corner of West and McCarty streets to be exact.

A small but cozy neighborhood watering hole, Spencer’s, formerly Mike’s Bar, is aiming directly for the Colts crowd and the teeming masses who must party downtown on game day, tickets or not. With three 42-inch flat-screen TVs pumping out non-stop sports action, the 700-square-foot tavern mixes the video-driven action of a sports bar with the camaraderie and intimacy of a neighborhood joint.

A long bar where people can rub elbows and get to know one another facilitates this tavern’s neighborly qualities. Stretching almost the entire length of the business is a modern, comfortable, 30-foot padded bar, which contrasts nicely with a gorgeous, solid cherry back bar dating back to the late 19th century.

But this tavern doesn’t need a Colts game to draw a crowd. Its food, libations, live music and other entertainment make Spencer’s Stadium Tavern a crowd-pleaser any time.

Valentine, former state election director under Gov. Frank O’Bannon, is proud of his growing selection of import and micro brews. The beer offerings include five on tap, including Breckenridge Avalanche, Old Style, Pilsner Urquell, Upland Wheat and Dogfish Head 60-Minute. A bevy of other bottled and canned beers abound as do domestics, liquor and wine. “We’ll keep changing our beer and wine selection until we find exactly what our customers want,” the 42-year-old Valentine said. “Even after that, we’ll probably continue to add new items and change things around.”

A decent pub food selection that features Spencer’s own Tavern Tequila Chili awaits the dinner and lunch crowd. The usual appetizers abound. For those with heartier appetites, Tubby’s Gutbuster should suffice. Touted as “game day food,” the Gutbuster includes that same chili ladled over a mound of tasty waffle fries and topped with melted cheese, bacon and sour cream.

Unlike many neighborhood bars, Spencer’s offers a decent salad selection. A steak and blue cheese salad tops the price list at $7.50. Four other salads are available.

Sandwiches are Spencer’s main food offering, including a Deluxe Grill Cheese and a Turkey-Bacon-Swiss Club, along with four others. Half-pound and one-pound burgers round out the regular menu.

Much of Spencer’s menu stays with the stadium theme: Stadium Nachos, Classic Stadium Burger and the Football Hero Sandwich, a 10-inch hoagie bun loaded with turkey, Genoa salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onion.
Daily lunch specials, served Monday through Friday, feature everything from jumbo chili dogs to Pico de Gallo and corn chips.
Seating is limited to the bar and a few tables. So on game day, only about the first 50 patrons will get to sit. Ample parking is available on a well-lit lot and a few outdoor tables would be inviting except for the close and omnipresent West Street traffic.
Spencer’s Stadium Tavern has all the hallmarks of a game day institution for Colts fans, and a regular, year-round stop for beer and food lovers.

Tips

Spencer’s Stadium Tavern
802 S. West St.
317-916-8888; www.spencerstavern.com

• Live music (singer/songwriter) every Wednesday night

• Dress is casual; food and beverage price range is moderate.

• To get a seat or table, arrive early on game day.

• Limited menu after 8 p.m.

• Mixed crowd — construction workers to city officials

• Open seven days: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sunday, noon-midnight