I drove by the Wunder Y thousands of times before I knew it was a bar. I'm guessing my experience is not unique. There's no sign, just a few windows, and with parking in back, most people use the rear entrance. It wouldn't be difficult to mistake the place for something much shadier than what it is.
That's not to say, however, that the Wunder Y is without a hint of shady charm. It's rather steeped in it, actually, a dive to the core. Its patrons have made it into somewhat of an underground Moline institution. I'd never heard anyone even mention the Wunder Y, but once my friends and I finally started making the trip, we couldn't go there without running into someone we knew. For this reason, I like to think of it as my own little speakeasy. It's a great place to run into classmates, your old minor league baseball coach, and people that you thought were dead. They're all down at the Wunder Y.
The shuffleboard table is a big draw, and I've seen a few people get hustled with it, insofar as you can get hustled at shuffleboard. But if a couple old guys walk up and ask if you and your buddy are up for a game, it's a pretty safe bet that you're going to get your ass whooped. If you're just a spectator, ask if you can operate the ancient scoreboard. That thing's going to be on Antiques Roadshow some day.
I should mention that I once hated the Wunder Y. It grows on you a little bit with each visit, though, like a nicotine addiction or a rash.
Best dive in the Quad Cities, which is saying something. read more
