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18 February 22, 2019 | Best of Madison County 2019 BEST OF RETAIL / BUSINESS » Featured winner BY TRACI L. MILLER THE HERALD BULLETIN PENDLETON — The brick walls and strand lights strung across the inside of The Stable radiate warmth, creating an upbeat and edgy vibe. But customers say it’s the food and service at this Pendleton establishment that keep them coming back. The Stable was selected by readers of The Herald Bulletin as the Best Bar/ Lounge in the 2019 Best of Madison County survey. Mike Johnson and his wife, Patti, are regular patrons of The Stable. “It’s our neighborhood dinner place,” Johnson said. “My wife likes the Almost Skinny sandwich, but I order all kinds of things.” Johnson’s favorite sandwich is the Philly, which he custom orders to his personal taste, but that could always change. “The menu has changed and improved almost every year,” he explained. The menu is loaded with monster burgers made from Indiana beef, hand-cut fries, taco specials, and pizza crafted from homemade dough. The Johnsons have frequented The Stable since it opened in 2010 around the corner from its current location. He said the bar is a comfortable place for people to hang out and talk. “It’s not like a tavern feel,” he said. “It’s more of a place where couples go to have dinner. The wait staff is all super friendly. It’s comfortable, it’s entertaining, the food is top quality and the staff is the best.” Johnson said the bar has a hometown feel that fosters friendships. “The difference between this establishment and so many others we have been to is the people,” he said. “The people are super engaging. We have gotten to know our neighbors a lot better because now we have a common place to go to.” The Stable is owned by Adam Croft, Steve Denny and Missy Denny. “I’ve been a part of it from the beginning,” said Adam Croft, who lives in Pendleton. “We started out at a lot smaller place on Pendleton Avenue, but when we moved around the corner it kind of blew up.” The bar has eight craft beers on draft and more than 30 bottled varieties for people to enjoy along with live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. “It’s just a hometown local bar that has great food, music and a great atmosphere where people can talk,” Croft said. “It’s just a down-home place.” The Stable gets kudos for its food, service and atmosphere
