Alt rock, alt location, alt bar...alt kinds of stuff.

A bright blue pocket of pop culture sits on a stigmatic South Columbus street. The beer selection is vast, the dress is casual, and sirens only occasionally interrupt the alternative music.

Hal & Al's on Parson's

Photo: Christopher Atwood

The main obstacle for this newly opened bar is the location, yet instead of considering the rough neighborhood a worry, Hal and Al's made it the punch line.

Bar manager Dan Ores, 37, refers to Hal and Al's as The Parsons Challenge. And he is even making promotional t-shirts with the motto.

"Parsons Avenue has a stigma," said Nichole Endicott, 30, Hal and Al's patron. "But this is a great-feeling bar. I think it has a lot of potential."

If Parsons has the potential, Ores has the practice. He has worked at House of Blues for 12 years, opening a venue in Chicago as well as in Cleveland. With the nearby Carabar facing a grim future as highway development plans take place, Hal and Al's is likely to become the next hangout for alternative music fans with cult beer-oriented taste buds.

Hal and Al's "top shelf" beer features Coors cans for "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" fans; Oranjeboom for those curious about Holland's version of Pabst Blue Ribbon; and 6oz pony bottles of Miller High Life, which Ores describes as "Capri Sun for adults."

The top shelf also holds Black Label, Schlitz, and, of course, PBR. Although they sit on the uppermost rack of the beer fridge, these beers are only $1to $2 during happy hour (Tues. - Fri., 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.). Ores said he plans to keep this section a "revolving door" of interesting beers; he is currently seeking the Duff brand of beer inspired by "The Simpsons."

The rest of the cooler is an eclectic collection of imports including Original Sin Cider, Framboise, Arrogant Bastard Ale, Chimay, and various IPAs. At Hal and Al's, beers on tap or in bottles are worthy of a pint glass. Plastic cups are reserved, however, for the liquor and the boxed wine (which is surprisingly delicious).

"It's definitely a whiskey and beer crowd," said Ores.

Regardless of one's drink predilection, Ores encourages an inclusive atmosphere - which is why the bar's entertainment calendar is about as varied as the cooler.

The Hal and Al's week begins Tuesday with acoustic open mic night. Guests get in free; participants can win a $50 cash prize. Sign up starts at 9 p.m., music starts at 10 p.m., and the winner is based on crowd voting.

The crowd votes for the best music again on Wednesday's iPod Night. Anyone with a playlist can participate in this musical battle against the iPod of Ores, who takes his music as seriously as his beers.

He is so protective of his music, in fact, that Ores has refused to install a jukebox at the bar; he describes his iPod soundtrack as "CD101 with more of an edge."

"It's an alternative rock bar," said Ores. "You're never going to come in here and hear Steely Dan."

Unless, of course, you put him on your Wednesday night playlist. Patrons text their votes for their favorite 30-minute iPod deejay and the most popular participant wins a pair of tickets to an upcoming concert at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion (405 Neil Ave.).

Thursday is Ohio Roller Girls Derby Night, when guests can meet their favorite female fighters on wheels. Fans sporting a Roller Girls t-shirt are treated to drink specials, and some t-shirts are sold at Hal and Al's. Also, PBR Tallboys with a shot of Jameson are only $5.

The music features carry out the weekend, with the Beat Oracle deejaying on Friday and live bands scheduled for Saturday. The Hal and Al's stage is reserved for local original music, and it's booked until September. There will never be a cover, and there will never be a cover band, said Ores.

The week ends with a Sunday Comedy Night hosted by Jennifae. For default smiles, drink specials include $1 Old Style and $2 Beam.

"Some people might think it's too much too soon, but we're just offering variety," said Ores of the weekly lineup.

Ores knows that the crowd around Parsons Avenue is just as varied as what Hal and Al's offers, and he wants everyone to feel welcomed.

"I think it's a good thing," Ores said with a chuckle. "People realize that we actually give a shit."

"The bottom line is: mixing it up is a good thing," said Ores.