http://www.lawrence.com/users/photos/2013/aug/05/259522/

Picture the Jackpot Saloon, and “relaxing” and “refreshing” probably aren’t the first words that jump to mind. On a busy night the downtown bar best known for its eclectic mix of live music is dark, crowded, sweaty and loud, and its signature $5 specials are flowing — that would be a 16-ounce can of PBR with a shot of Jim Beam.

“At nighttime that pretty much explains this bar,” bartender Mike Harmon said.

But have you been in on a Monday afternoon lately? Welcome to Jackpot’s version of a spa day.

From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., there’s daytime-appropriate cocktails made with fresh fruits and a massage therapist on site giving chair massages, which are free but tips are encouraged. The bar’s only-on-Monday drinks usually include a bloody mary made with fresh tomatoes instead of bottled juice, a fresh strawberry shandy (Boulevard Wheat beer, lemonade, sprite and muddled fresh strawberries) and a fresh raspberry Tom Collins (muddled raspberries, lime and gin). The licensed massage therapists are borrowed from Body Boutique. When I popped in this week, they had a game of Dr. Mario set up in the front booth, though that may or may not be a recurring feature.

Harmon said his teacher-friends inspired the idea, envisioned to help people relax and get ready to tackle the week. And the drinks are easygoing enough you could have one or two and still go about your day (however, that shot-and-a-beer special is always available if you’re looking to take your Monday afternoon in a more traditional Jackpot-like direction).

http://www.lawrence.com/users/photos/2013/aug/05/259523/