I came across an interesting article in the May 23, 2015, Indianapolis Star newspaper "Indy 500 drivers loved Mates' White Front" about a historic place near the Speedway called Mates' White Front Bar and Restaurant. Many times you could go there after a race and racing times and meet drivers.
It was established originally in 1935 by George and Violet Mates at another site which featured the entire front painted white and moved to 3535 W. 18th Street in September 1952 and was run by their sons Mike and Nick in the 1950s and 1960s. It continued to be called White Front even though it was never painted white like the original.
The newspaper had pictures and one was of a menu showing the price of a cheeseburger and pork tenderloin at 45 cents.
The second building still stands, but is a strip club today called Club Venus.
I sure wish this bar was still there as I would definitely make sure I visited it. Kind of like a racing Tootsie's Pink Orchid Lounge in Nashville.
Drink One for the Race. --Cooter
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