Have you heard of "Excuses Bar and Grill"? It's a bar on the south side, close to river front park. A guy I work with is in a band that is playing there next month and he was asking me if I knew anything about it (which obviously I don't since I'm asking you)
I think I have seen it, but I have never been in it nor would I really know anyhting about it. I avoid the SS if possible except for Mike and Tony's. Too trendy for me. I can ask around though, I work with a young bunch and I am certain they'll know what the scene is there.
He's playing there on Jan. 23rd. The name of the band is Occasional Monster and he's the drummer. He's more of a co-worker than a friend but he's a cool guy.