The Main Event, Bettendorf IA

My server Mark walked up to my table. Said hi, then turned around and went to another table. After that, it was around 30 minutes before someone else took our order.

What a fun experience. The coolest bar experience I had in a long time. Mark, the bartender was on point. The people there were fun to be around.

We had 3 different kinds of of pizza, and they were all fantastic. The crust was perfectly tender but crispy.

Ordered the ghost pepper cheese burger and fries and they were amazing. I would highly recommend the food from here. Ordered 3 burgers and fries to go and they were ready within 15 minutes for pickup.

I had a great time and a delicious Pastrami sandwich with potatoe salad.
Bubba the owner made it for me.
Thank you

Valerie was our server. She was the only waitress, but she was not stressed. The place had quite a few people. She also had a good sense of humor. I had their pulled pork sandwich and fries. Prices are reasonable and food was great. Definitely will return!

I've barely noticed The Main Event in all my time in the Quad Cities. It came up as a suggestion in maps recently - not quite sure why, as I'd have never considered going there a decade ago. I still want to try more places in my hometown, however, so this was going to be dinner tonight.

Two words - dive bar. Not mentioning this to punch down or criticise, however. I really dig both the location and overall ambiance. It's dark, likely owing to the sparse recessed lighting fixtures above the bar and across the space. The two foot square drop ceiling of checkerboard patterned white and black tiles looks as dated as the mix of brownish carpet and six inch square red ceramic tiles across the floor. The HVAC ductwork, consisting of several yellow and red painted cylindrical ducts across the main drinking space, does however appear new. More than all of this that sells the place as a dive, however, is the kitchen plainly visible from the bar near the center of the space. Again, I love all of it. It at once appears and feels welcoming - something that was great to have tonight.

I had my usual Bombay and Tonic, as well as a burger and fries. The G&T was one of the best I'd had recently - at once a little fruity, but still fresh and clean tasting. The burger, topped simply with pepper jack and sauteed onions and mushrooms, was wholesome and filling. Fries were solid too - plenty of both crispiness and fluffiness, like a good crinkle cut fry should have.

The ambiance was only improved by the music choices. The entire time I was there a mix of 70s pop and rock played, including the Beatles, the Electric Light Orchestra, and Styx. It's not something I'd go for every day, but it was nice to step back and revisit. It was all played at a reasonable, low volume as well. I didn't feel overwhelmed or worn down by it at any point.

I'd come back here for a night out with the boys in the future - it's an easy place to relax, have a drink, and kick back for a bit. Nothing assuming about the place or the people in it. I enjoyed both the burger and the drink. Thanks Main Event!

One of my favorite bars in the QC. The wife and I both had amazing sandwiches (ribeye & grilled tenderloin) and soups (broc ched). Bartender (Autumn) was informative (specials etc), charismatic and kept the drinks full. Will visit again.

Went here for the first time after the Toys for Tots run. M. E.was good enough to host lunch after the ride. Friendly staff, clean inside, I heard their food is really good. I plan to go back.