SOME UNIQUE BARS

                                   SOME  UNIQUE BARS

                                           Norman Kelly

 

Now this is just my opinion but today’s taverns, bars, saloons here in Peoria do not hold a candle to Peoria’s taverns back in the 30’s and 40’s. Of course I am a historian so things current rarely interest me.  The Saloons back then had bartenders that were virtual entertainers.  Some folks visited that particular tavern to watch the antics of the star bartender. 

 

The saloons were unique in ornate ways, copper ceilings, long, curving oaken bars and hardwood floors.  Most of them were long and narrow with  lighting meant to highlight the interior.  Paintings on the walls were big way back then and there was a feeling of elegance in many of them. Of course we had an inordinate number of dives as well, such as the Bucket O’ Blood.

 

They reached their peak numbers by 1942, topping off at 242.  During Prohibition, 1920, ALL of these truly unique, some elegant, saloons were forced to close. However, Mayor Woodruff had a scheme that allowed them to reopen. All the owner had to do was buy a Soft Drink Parlor License. Truth is they moved their expensive bars and other equipment into storage and the Soft Drink Parlor just became a front for all the Canadian booze that flowed into our town and the U.S.A. But…at least 166 of them were open and that was the center of Downtown Peoria’s Roaring Twenties. In 1933, they made an incredible come back and Peoria was back on top as far as the saloons, breweries and distilleries were concerned. The war years of WW11 were incredible in Peoria, centering on saloons that stayed open twenty-two hours a day.

 

                         SOME UNIQUE AND EVEN CLASSIC BARS

 

Ray’s Patio Inn, currently called Castle Inn on Loucks is a favorite of cheese loving Peorians.  Patrons will find a crock of cheese on every table, and more for the asking.

 

Kelleher’s Pub, located on Water Street has an old Irish feel about it. Patrons will find some hard to find brews, and a very unique atmosphere. With a classic, long, deep bar that was common here in old Peoria. The pub is near the river, and in a historical section of town.

 

Kouri’s on Sterling, once the Cardinal’s Roost, is now located not far from its roots. Has a great outdoor beer garden and has an old world feel about it.

 

Jimmies, located on Farmington Road, is a Peoria icon among bars.  It has an outside area as well, and a tradition concerning beer drinking and the restrooms. Insiders know about this feature and flock to Jimmies. It has an Irish feel about it and the employees wear ties.

 

Parkway tavern, now called The Dormitory is a saloon with a historical background.  For the patrons that are gangster fans, Peoria’s pet gangster Bernie Shelton was shot and died from a rifle shot to the back, while standing in the parking lot. Inside is a plaque to Bernie and his murder in 1948.  The rumor of Shelton’s ghost haunting the place adds to the allure.

 

VOPS, on Knoxville is a place known to virtually every Peorian.  The unique setting with the locomotive and train cars drew people from all over the state. Sadly, all of that will soon disappear.

 

The Lucky Lady, once known as  Rocky’s Hitching Post and now Cams on Farmington Road is a favorite.  It was once a gas station at the bottom of a steep hill. Back in the ‘old days’ cars ran into it frequently. The saloon is certainly a historical old place.  Insiders know about the progressive ten-cent beer, which made it an icon in its own right.

 

Out in Kickapoo there is Gilles. This place is said to be the oldest continuous liquor license in Illinois.  That makes it historically unique, I’d say.

 

The Last Chance Bar and Grill, located on a curve out near Dunlap, Illinois.  It is unique in that it is open 365 days a year.  A large place, loyal customers and as the name implies, if you don’t stop there where you gonna stop?

 

Martini’s, located in the Old River Station on Water Street is truly an elegant bar serving all kinds of different flavored martinis, among other drinks. Any older Peorian that ever road a train from Peoria Chicago has memories of that old railroad station. Certainly most of our service people left Peoria from right there. 

 

The Tartan Inn, located in West Peoria, a unique, well-known bar that has attracted local customers for many years.

 

The Friendly Valley Tap, located on Meadowbrook Road is certainly one of the very old bars that survived over the years.  The place is an old Quanset Hut from WW11, I remember seeing it erected there. We played in the woods behind it.  I can tell you it has not changed one iota.

 

Kahki Jack’s,  located on Allen Road, popular bar and restaurant that has a Australian flare to it.  It serves unique ostrich burgers and authentic Australian beer just for the asking.

 

The Red Barn on Glen, once known as Mother’s which was a key club.

A massive fire ended Mother’s. The Red Barn has stayed the same for many years, and always a place for live entertainment.

 

Sullivan’s in the Heights, ‘Sully’s’ is a classy place, up scale, wonderful wall paintings.

 

Penguin Tap, now T.N.T’s, is a sports bar.  Great old historical spot located in Peoria Heights.

 

Katie McButt’s, on Knoxville, is a popular, well-know bar that most young patrons know and love.  They have a McButt’s challenge there that insiders know very well and often regret challenging.

 

Jim’s in downtown Peoria is a classy bar and restaurant.  A very large  number of visiting dignitaries are wined and dined in this elegant setting.

 

Club Phoenix out in Bartonville is located in one of the surviving buildings of the old state mental hospital.  Not far from the place is a very old cemetery. Patrons find that there are some very interesting conversations because of its unique location.

 

Hammers, which is located in Bartonville, is a hockey name that is well known among hockey fans. Folks from all around the area find Hammer’s their special watering hole.

 

There are so many memories connected with some of the old saloons, bars and taverns here in Peoria, Illinois. Places like The Tower’s Lounge, The Rendezvous in the Hotel Pere’ Marquette, and a crazy place we all loved, Paul’s Circle Tap. Of course, there are many, many more as well.  After all, we were not called “The Alcohol Capital Of The World,’ for nothing.

Of course the trouble with lists is that people have a list of their own, and as they say…‘The list goes on.’

 

Norm Kelly