Beginning as a saloon in 1890 and passing hands until 1909 with the start of Prohibition, the building has been a place to gather for nearly a century. Syd’s itself began on Nov. 9, 1945. Located next to the train tracks, Syd’s was a place for travelers and railroad workers to eat, drink and sleep.
“It’s the heartbeat of the square of Noblesville. If you’re going to come to downtown Noblesville to meet up with a friend, it’s typically going to be Syd’s. Everybody knows where Syd’s is. It’s on the corner,” says Michael Smith, Syd’s general manager.
Some employees have worked at Syd’s for more than 20 years. Rhonda Epp has worked at Syd’s since her late 20s, and soon the bar will be seeing her through her 50s.
“Everybody’s got a Syd’s story,” says Epp, assistant general manager at Syd’s.
Epp has watched college kids working at Syd’s grow up, have their own kids, and those kids come into the bar for their first nights out as 21-year-olds. For her, the people are what makes Syd’s so special.
“But for the last 21 years, it’s really been Rhonda running this place and keeping people coming in, keeping the staff in line, and making it more Syd’s than it ever has been,” Smith says.
Alongside the veteran employees is the new owner, Brian Knoderer, and the new chef, David Crutchfield, who, together with the existing staff, have been shaping Syd’s into something even better than before.
“The new owner, Brian, has done a great job with this place. He was a regular here. He’s real passionate about business and this industry in general. This is also the first bar that he has bought,” Smith says. “But he was very cognizant to keep the history of Syd’s as much as possible, because he understands and appreciates the history of not just Syd’s, but the building and downtown Noblesville in general. So, I want to give him a big shout-out. He put a lot of money and effort into transforming Syd’s into what it is now from what it was.”
Around a year ago, multiple renovations were made to Syd’s, including exposing the brick walls, opening long-closed windows, and raising the ceilings to their original heights. The upstairs area was renovated into a more upscale cocktail lounge, Howdy Bub, with plentiful seating and higher-quality liquors. “Howdy Bub” is a phrase that has peppered Syd’s history, once something people said upon entering the bar.
Syd’s is celebrating its 80th year with a series of events from Aug. 7-10 and monthly specials leading up to August. As an extra-special deal, anyone over 80 gets 50% off their meals all year. Giveaways, live music, and a pork tenderloin challenge will be some of the ways patrons can participate. The pork tenderloin challenge, already attempted by the YouTubers Mash Bros, involves eating a 3 ½-pound beer-battered and deep-fried tenderloin, bacon, beer cheese, a full garden salad, ½ pound of fries, and a pint of beer in under 20 minutes. Winners are placed on the wall of fame and receive a hat, while losers go on the wall of shame.
“We’re really open to newcomers, very welcoming to everyone. We can’t wait to have new regulars,” says Epp.
The schedule of weekly events can be found on the website sydsfinefoods.com. Events include karaoke, live music, euchre tournaments, trivia, and more.
To keep connected with Syd’s, follow them on social media or call (317) 773-6132. Visit Syd’s at 808 Logan St., Noblesville.
