NWI Bar: The White Rhino
Last Updated on Thursday, 04 February 2010 00:59 Wednesday, 03 February 2010 23:58
The White Rhino
Bar & Grill • Dyer, IN
Combine a background in the restaurant and bar business with an enthusiasm for the hospitality business and you’ll find one of the area’s finest establishments in The White Rhino Bar & Grill, located in the old Jewel Store at Joliet Street and U.S. 30 in Dyer.
The business owned and operated by Diane Glowacki and her son, Ryan Glowacki, who also own Bottoms Up, a sports bar & grill in Lansing, Illinois for 17 years. They started running a kitchen at Bottoms Up 3 years after opening. When they looked to open a second bar, the location in Dyer made sense. “This is a good area, it’s growing and we have great parking,” Diane said.
The unique name reflects the unique interior of the bar and restaurant, which features several photos of rhinos. Ryan came up with the rhino logo and the two worked with an interior design group for the colors and décor of the 5,500-square-foot White Rhino Bar & Grill. Greenery and foliage combined with the rustic stone enhance the bar’s décor amidst the high ceiling and openness. The restaurant also features a touch of nostalgia. The high-backed black booths came from Phil Smidt’s restaurant, a longtime fixture in north Hammond.
”They were closing about the time that we opened and we found some great things from their restaurant,” Diane said.
The extensive menu offers something for everyone’s taste from a selection of appetizers through burgers, sandwiches and salads. Dinner entrees feature pastas, chicken, steaks, ribs and chops, along with a variety of specialty pizzas.
“Everything here is made fresh to order,” added Diane. One of the popular items is the make your own salad or pasta, where guests select a variety of items and create their own meal.
Daily lunch and dinner specials are featured along with a selection of daily drink specials.
There upstairs balcony area can accommodate up to 70, for private parties, business meetings and special events. An extensive catering menu is available for the balcony room or for off-site catering.
Children are welcome in the dining room, while patrons of the bar must be at least 21 years old.
The White Rhino boasts 21 high-definition TVs, including a 13-foot big screen. The bar offers special events and trips to Chicago sports events.
Entertainment is featured throughout the week, including karaoke, open mic night and favorites Josh Holmes and the Jerry Clemons Band.
You can check out their website at www.whiterhinoonline.com and sign up for the E-club to receive emails about special events at the bar. The White Rhino can be found at 101 Joliet St. Dyer Indiana (219) 864-9200 and can also be found on Facebook.
