In March, the Business Insider magazine selected 31 college bars in America as the “best and most beloved college bars in the country.” Kite’s Grille and Bar, 615 N. 12th St. in Aggieville, was the only Kansas bar to make the list.
“It recognizes one of our local bars as having a great product and atmosphere,” said Lyle Butler, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, said.
Butler said that this recognition will help bring customers to the Aggieville area, as well as possibly inspire business people to move their ventures to Manhattan and the shopping district.
“This benefits Aggieville as a great place to come here and visit,” Butler said.
“Beloved and noteable”
The list was compiled by two list editors at Business Insider. In their review of the bar, they highlighted the fact that actor Will Ferrell has eaten at the bar, as well as the fact that it’s a hot spot for K-State fans after sporting events.
“It’s awesome,” David Kowal, manager at Kite’s, said. “We work very hard to make this the best bar in Aggieville and it’s great to be noticed across the nation.”
The “Will Ferrell Challenge” was created when Ferrell visited in 2008 and ordered Kite’s newest burger, which contained three pounds of beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion. Anyone who can finish the burger and fries gets a free T-shirt.
Kenneth Burger, specialist in the U.S. Army, can attest to the fact that Kite’s is a popular bar in Manhattan.
“I met my girlfriend here in November, so it’s definitely my favorite bar in Manhattan,” Burger said. “We are here for our six month anniversary now actually. You can probably find the two of us here most weekends.”
