Today, popular hangouts for John Carroll University students include Dive Bar (Dive) and O’Reilly’s (O’s). Before these favorites, however, another bar was the go-to destination.

The idea of the Rathskeller (nicknamed the Rat Bar) began in the late 1960s located in what is now the Inn Between. According to Mike Howe ’72, “Me and a few buddies were the ones who came up with the inception. It was based on a bar called ‘1789’ in Georgetown.”

“While we were [at Georgetown], the idea was very cool to have a bar very close to campus. We took it one step further, and it took a lot of convincing, but we got it approved,” said Howe.

The bar opened in the early 1970s with an interior design consisting of red plaid carpeting and wooden furniture. Linda Meglin ’74 said, “The Rat was open on Sunday and was located below the chapel. During mass on Sunday (there was one at 6 p.m.) you could hear the jukebox… strains of Three Dog Night, Cat Stevens and Linda Ronstadt through Father Bukala’s gospel and sermons. A true JCU soundtrack.”

When the Rat Bar was open on campus, the legal drinking age was 18 years old. At the time, a pitcher of Bush was $1.50 while Budweiser was only $1.25. The legal limit for alcohol consumption was 3.2%. The bar would serve hotdogs, chips, popcorn and other snacks. When the bar grew in popularity, there used to be roast beef sandwiches from time to time. There were also games such as foosball (which was very popular with the alums), bowling and a pinball machine. 

“You would walk past it going to the cafeteria,” said Ron Deneweth ’74. “It was always so fun to be with your friends. We would meet there for a study group. We would also see many professors. Many of the Jesuit Priests also stopped by to converse with students.” 

“Many of my friends would be hanging out there talking, including late journalist Tim Russert ’72 and Mary Ann Bergerson Ahern ’76.” Deneweth said, “Sometimes you would see the girls from Notre Dame College and Ursuline College.” 

Molly Robinson ’74, had a huge impact on the hangout spot. “I was the first female manager of the Rat Bar. I used to invite bands that would play on the weekends. There were many evenings that we had to turn people away due to the fire code, but I loved it. It was a laid-back style which made it perfect for all students.” 

Dave Robinson ’74, Molly’s husband, added, “The Rathskeller was filled the night Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record.” Though the Rat Bar closed in the early 1990s, the memories and the traditions live on.

Currently, the only student-run business is Saxby’s which is located in Saint Ignatius Hall. Students Amaury Houvet ’28 and Trent Lindh ’28 said it best. Lindh said, “[The Rathskeller] is unique to campus, and I wish I had known about that sooner.” Houvet added, “It is weird to believe that the Inn Between used to be a bar. I like learning about the random history.”