The Knuckle Saloon: A Sturgis Icon

So, What’s the Story?

Nestled on a whole city block of Lazelle Street in Sturgis, The Knuckle Saloon is a place you might’ve heard of. It’s been a part of the local fabric for 25 years and counting. Curtis Venable, who stumbled upon owning the place over a casual beer, reflects on this unexpected yet charming journey. “I’ve seen it for sale for several years, and I thought, ‘Well maybe we’ll buy it.’ Next thing I know, I bought it,” he laughs.

Turning the Old into New

Even though Venable has been the proud owner for just two years, he’s no stranger to Sturgis. “I’ve been coming to Sturgis for 23 years now,” he mentions, blending right into the local rhythm.

A Facelift for a Legend

Under Venable’s watchful eye, The Knuckle has undergone some nifty upgrades. “We repainted the building, redone the parking lot, and put in new equipment,” he explains. These changes aim to elevate the experience for locals and visitors alike. And if you’re in town, the Brews and BBQ section offers some delightful Southern Carolina-style barbecue, turning meals into memorable adventures.

Let’s Talk Space and Time

With a seating capacity of 750 to 800 across the restaurant, bar, and outdoor pavilion, this place is massive. Venable cheekily notes, “We have more seating than any bar in town.” During the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, this becomes a prime location.

Endless Planning

Preparing for the rally? It’s not an overnight task. “On August 11, we start preparing for next year,” says Venable. But don’t worry, The Knuckle isn’t just a fair-weather friend. It’s open year-round!

Improving Every Week

Constantly striving to enhance customer experiences, Venable talks about their weekly innovations: “Every week, we’re trying to do something new. We even extended our bull riding series, offering more prize money to get locals involved.”

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