via Southern Indiana Business Report

ORLEANS – After working as a bartender for 15 years, Dylan Long had a lot of ideas for how he would run a bar if he ever owned one.

That opportunity came knocking earlier this year when he learned the Dawg House – his favorite watering hole – was for sale.

“I always had a vision for what it could be,” he said. “It’s a great little place, it just needed the right guidance.”

Decorated in red and black – a nod to the hometown Orleans Bulldogs – the Monon Stop opened Oct. 25. Located just steps from the new Monon South Trail, the restaurant/bar is family-friendly.

“We didn’t have anything like this in Orleans,” he said.

In just the first month, Long said the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Everybody has said how nice it is,” Long said. “People love the aesthetic and they really love the fries. I’ve yet to have anything sent back to the kitchen.”

Prior to opening, Long made some improvements to the interior, including resurfacing the floor and replacing the tables and chairs. He has big plans for the exterior, which includes adding an outdoor patio with seating and a spot for live music. Because the Monon Stop is adjacent to the Monon South Trail, he sees potential for trail users to stop in for a bite after walking or biking the trail.

As for the menu, he knew exactly what he wanted, starting with a signature burger served with a side of hand-cut fries. To that he added wraps, wings and appetizers.

“You don’t need a big menu, you just need a good menu,” he said.

He’s partnered with Once Upon a Bean, an Orleans coffee shop, to offer an espresso martini made with Once Upon a Bean’s own espresso.

Adding entertainment is one of Long’s next priorities. Monon Stop will have live music performances along with karaoke and trivia nights. A DJ will play music on Saturday nights.

For many years, the Monon Stop was known as the Depot Tavern. Long said he was shown a photo that looked to be taken in the 1950s showing the Depot in operation when the railroad was still running. Long said the bar and mirrors are about 100 years old and it’s believed they came from Italy.

In choosing a name, he wanted to stay true to the railway system that brought passengers to Orleans for decades and the new Monon South Trail.

“It’s a great addition to our town,” said Randy Clark, member of the Orleans Town Council. “With his location so close to the trail, he has a great opportunity to succeed.”

If you go

Monon Stop, 322 E. Jefferson St., Orleans, is open from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 3 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.