PK’s Bar — Restaurant in Carbondale

Visited this place from Austin, TX, what an awful experience. The weekend of September 6th, I was visiting Carbondale to see how it changed (SIU Alumni, 1992-1996). On my last night there, I was in this place, talking to the patrons and playing a slot machine, when it became disabled. As you can see from the photograph the machine had $252.69 of my money. The manager called a gaming technician, and they tried to fix it, but couldn't. I waited for over four hours before finally demanding my money, and they refused to pay it. When I told them I wasn't leaving without the money, they called the police. I explained to the police that I just wanted my money and informed them the establishment was required to pay it under Illinois Law (Illinois Video Gaming Act) and that I was reclaiming my property. I further explained that I had a flight out of Veterans Airport the next morning, and didn't want any trouble. The Carbondale Police didn't care and the establishment had me arrested for trespassing (and later arrested again for calling 911 in a related matter). I was taken to jail, booked, and tossed into a cell. I ended up missing my flight and spent thousands of dollars in travel and legal fees to defend these ridiculous criminal accusations in court. A lawsuit was filed against PK's for their poor handling of this situation. Fellow citizens and tourists, this place does not deserve a dime of your money after doing something like this. I look forward to the day that they will have to answer for what they...

This is my favorite bar of all time. Gwen, the owner, was like a mother to me while I went to college at SIU. She is one hell of a lady, and was always full of positive energy, and always ready to help people who were hurting. I will never forget her, and continue to go there periodically to say Hi, and to enjoy her establishment, bringing back memories from my college says after being in the military. We go back to the seventies, and had so many good times I can not count. PK's is truly a legend in Carbondale, and revered by people all across the country who have been to Carbondale. Was there again today. Had to stop on my way home from vacation. Always remember people ordering pizza, only to be told 'Sorry we don't have pizza'. But Gwen, and Thelma back in my day, always had good food for us at great prices. Love them both, and Thelma, I rest assured the Lord is taking good care of you, as you and Gwen did for so many of us over the years. Please take care of yourself Gwen, I want to continue dropping in to see you, and tell you how grateful I am to be your friend. I will never forget you and the good times we shared. YOU ARE A FANTASTIC PERSON, and created a legend that will never be forgotten.

Love you and PK's, Yamaha...

The tall male bartender with tattoos on his neck is extremely rude. They did last call, we wanted to order ONE Irish car bomb, I even said it could be in plastic cups. As a bartender, I was trying to make it easier on him. Last call was called at 1:47. When I asked for a car bomb, he looked at me and said “nah”. I said “why?” And he said “i don’t feel like doing the dishes, so no”. There was still 13 minutes until close and before I even started I specifically said it could be plastic…. He looked at us again and said “it’s last call I’m not doing an Irish car bomb because I’m not doing dishes”. He walked away, and the other, very kind, bartender came up and asked what was wrong and I explained to him what happened. He told us he would be more than happy to make us one. He did and we tipped him $20. As we finished the ride bartender came up and make a snarky remark, “how was it?” While laughing and took the shot glasses. I will not be back as long as he is employed. I have heard nothing but terrible things about him and that solidified it. As a bartender myself I cannot fathom looking at a paying customer and telling them they cannot have a drink because I don’t want to do the dishes....