Kirby's Beer Store is something of a WSU tradition, serving the Shocker community since 1972. The hole-in-the-wall bar has a packed live music calendar and was named one of America's Top 15 Dive Bars by Playboy magazine.
The 30-foot by 30-foot main space features a small stage with walls covered with layers of stickers, music posters, pennants and student art. It opened in 1972 and is one of Wichita’s top nurturers of live music, with guitarist Paul Elwood and groups such as Hüsker Dü and The Flaming Lips among the most famous alums. In recent years, the bar has added an outdoor stage and an adjacent arcade room with pinball machines.
Located at 3227 E 17th St N, it is across the street from campus and Wichita State music, art,, theater and English majors are its historic constituency. The regulars say they almost lured Kurt Vonnegut in for a drink when he visited campus. The signature “convivial libation?” Pabst Blue Ribbon.
NOTE: Kirby's is not affiliated with Wichita State University.