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JL Beers Set to Open | 11/07/2012

If you`re looking for a place where you can sit quietly alone at a table, JL Beers is probably not the place for you. It`s more likely to be a place where Cliff from the Post Office hangs out, and everybody knows your name.

"We like to keep it small and a little more intimate. And it`s fun to come in here with about 22 seats at the bar. You meet somebody new every time," said co-owner Lance Thorson.

With existing locations in places like Fargo, Grand Forks and Sioux Falls, later this week JL Beers will open its sixth location on 3rd street in Bismarck.

"Bismarck`s a great growing city and we`re proud to be part of the downtown environment," Thorson said.

The bar`s slogan is "Seating for 1000, 47 at a time." And much like a 50s diner, the bar can shuffle customers in and out in less than a half hour.

"Our main menu is burgers and then we have fresh cut potato chips and fresh cut french fries," Thorson said.

Thorson says they tried to hang onto some of the original character of the building, such as the brick work and the concrete beams, while at the same time, bringing in some modern flavor.

"We pretty much went down to the structrural elements, the core of the building. Saved the masonry, saved the concrete beams, and then added our finishes. So it`s a good collaboration of new and old and just has a distinct feel for downtown."

With 40 beer varieties on tap, Thorson says you don`t have to sample every one down the line. You can simply take out your smartphone and find the JL Beers mobile app.

"Post reviews and tasting notes. And it`s just a great tool for all of the beer geeks in the area to really take advantage."

No matter if its lunchtime or a Friday night, Thorson says you won`t have to wait long for a seat once you walk in the door.

The bar also built an outdoor patio for the warmer months. JL Beers opens at 11:00 Thursday morning.