Loose Moose Saloon: Sporting Chance to Hit the Roadhouse

The Loose Moose Saloon might be considered a sports bar, but it’s really more of a roadhouse trapped in suburbia.

Besides the green moose logo, there’s the big bear rug that hangs over the fireplace near the entrance and the spirit of a rockin’ roadhouse deep in the Carolina woods.

The one television above the bar is always on, but no one’s interested--like when you’re cleaning house and you turn on the set for company, with no intention of actually watching. Patrons would rather talk, shoot pool, munch popcorn or reflect on the tunes pouring from the jukebox.

Dave Koontz has owned the Loose Moose Saloon for more than five years. The unusual name was derived from an old “I Love Lucy” show, Koontz explained. “It’s a loose, casual place,” he said.

The floor is covered in sawdust. Free popcorn is available year round; free peanuts can be had November through June. Just throw the peanut shells on the floor.

Live bands generate rock ‘n’ roll Wednesday through Saturday nights at 9. The dance floor is large, with plenty of room to shake it up right in front of the bandstand. Still, some of the women preferred to dance in the aisles while Lost Angeles played a bruising set on a recent Saturday night. Dress is casual; there is a $3 cover on Friday and Saturday nights.

A back room holds three pool tables, and electronic darts can be played near the main bar. Monday Night Football is the only regular sporting event televised on a big screen.

Halloween night is the biggest night of the year at the Loose Moose Saloon, Koontz said. A costume contest, “vampire’s breath” shooters and the band No X-It highlight the festivities Saturday.

On tap at the Loose Moose are Budweiser and Coors Light for $2.50 and Moosehead for $2.75. Bottled domestic and foreign beers are available, plus 25 oz. cans of Foster’s Lager. Wednesday night offers well drinks and draft beers for $1; other nights feature different drink specials.

Loose Moose Saloon, 8901 Katella Ave., Anaheim. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (714) 826-2040.