Editor's note: Muncie Origins is a Ball State Daily News series profiling various businesses that originated in Muncie.
If you’re over 21, you’ve probably been to a number of bars here in Muncie. Although there’s typically a few factors that make each bar unique, there’s one bar in particular that stands out.
Heorot is a pub located downtown that has an extensive variety of craft beers available. It offers 64 different meads, lagers, ales and ciders on draft as well as 300 bottles. The large selection is a major part of the bar's appeal.
Buff Tutrow, a Heorot employee and a craft beer lover, feels at home there because of the variety.
“That’s what’s great about this place, there’s a great variety. There’s nothing like this anywhere else,” he said.
For those who have never been there, the menu can be a little daunting. There’s a long list of drinks to choose from, but Tutrow believes everyone can find something they enjoy.
When people have trouble deciding, Tutrow talks to customers about what sort of flavors they love in foods, then makes recommendations based on their answers.
“There’s a beer for everyone, it’s a matter of finding the right one,” he said.
The pub, located at 219 S. Walnut St., brews some of its own drinks and has classic pub food, along with scotch eggs, an old Scottish food that’s gained popularity there.
Heorot is styled after the mead hall of the same name in the epic poem "Beowulf." The bar’s owner, Stan Stephens, has a hefty collection of Viking artifacts, and the pub is full of them.
If you look around, you’ll see tons of skulls, horns, axes and wolf images strung up on the walls. There’s even a fireplace that people can gather around.
Stephens said the idea for the pub began about 24 years ago. Heorot has been around for 22 years, and it’s far from over.
He said when the current property was purchased, it had been vacant for a few years. It took three 30-yard dumpsters to clear out everything that was left behind by the former tenants.
Stephens and his employees are currently working on new ideas for the bar.
Along with expanding the stage where Think, Dog, a local acting troupe, performs, the Heorot will be acquiring some new Viking gear, including a throne.
“Every person should have a throne,” Stephens said.
Stephens also said that while some of the artifacts are bought or given, a lot of them are also made specifically with the pub in mind.
With all of the knickknacks and decorations, Heorot really does resemble a Viking kingdom. On the second floor, there is a massive mural of a Viking ship, with Stephens at the bow, sailing off into a colorful sunset.
Past the mural, there is an authentic Viking longhouse where Think, Dog performs — for the time being.
If you’re looking for ways to be more involved in the Muncie community, Heorot’s got you covered.
Along with hosting plays produced by Think, Dog, there are also trivia nights. The pub’s sister bar, Valhalla — located right next door — also hosts a blues night every Thursday.
These events not only draw in customers, but also give people outlets.
“These events give people opportunities to be creative,” Tutrow said.
Even if Viking vibes aren’t your thing, Heorot has a little something for everyone. Not only is there a variety of craft beers, but there is also a wide range of music.
“We’ve got a very relaxed atmosphere,” Tutrow said.
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