It’s been a little challenging finding a bar to go out and have a few drinks on my night off, because my night off is Sunday and a lot of bars in and around Peoria are either closed or they close in the early evening. Now throw the fact that it’s Easter Sunday and it’s really a challenge. One website I use from time to time to find a decent local bar review is the Peoria Bar Review, which is no longer being updated. Justin, a friend of mine who did that blog moved out of Peoria, just as I moved back. I tell you, what some people will do just do they don’t have to buy you a beer! Just kidding, Justin’s a great guy and I wish him all the luck in the world in his new location. Anyway after looking around on there I saw a post for the Crow’s Nest bar in Peoria Heights. I haven’t been there in years and I called and the bartender assured me that they would indeed be open until one in the morning. Yes, Virginia, there is an open bar on Easter Sunday in Peoria and so that’s tonight’s destination!

And once again, on these nights when I'm traveling solo, I take an Elite Taxi, no D.U.I. for me! Somebody recently asked if Elite Taxi was a sponsor of this blog and they aren't. I don't have any sponsor's here, I just use them because they are a great taxi cab service here in Peoria and they're good guys.

Here we go on our way to the Crow's Nest on this Easter Sunday evening. Captain Kirk is behind the wheel and I'm behind the eight ball as always.

And here we are at the Crow's Nest. It's weird, I've been here, but can't really remember the place. It's been well over twenty years since I've walked through those doors. Let's go in and see what's what in here.

Okay, it looks familiar now that I'm inside. Since it's an Easter Sunday it's empty except for this guy who left as I took a seat at the bar. After that it was just me and ...

Chatoh, the pretty bartender for the evening. Chatoh's a great bartender and we had a nice conversation through the evening and she tipped me off to a lot of spots to hit for the blog. She also told me this place has been up and running for over 40 years in the same location.

The bottles behind the bar light up at different times, but I couldn't quite capture the effect with my camera. After about six shots, I just said, "screw it" and moved on.

The red lights that dangle from the ceiling cast everything in here in a magenta hue. Better red than dead! It puts you in a real Sammy Hagar mood.

Opposite the bar are three pool tables lined up like pretty maids all in a row. Things to remember and places to go.

That bright internet jukebox is a painful eyesore in here. I really miss the old time jukeboxes in bars. I need to do a series on old jukeboxes still in existence in bars in Peoria. If there are any. If anybody out there knows of one, let me know.

A railing and stools run the distance along the outer wall beyond the pool tables.

There's a small table and stools by the front window which looks out onto Lake Street here in Peoria Heights.

Wow, here's a phone circa 1977...hello, how are you, have you been alright?

A shot from the other end of the bar.

The view from the very back of the bar on an Easter Sunday evening in Peoria Heights.

Here's the nightly specials...it's party time!

Meanwhile back at the bar, it's time to put Chatoh to work and see if there's a swizzle stick in our future.

And here she goes mixing up our double gin and tonic.

Okay, it's just about done, let's see if it gets garnished with a genuine swizzle stick...

Wah, wah, wah...all we get is a straw. But Chatoh's pretty smile is a nice consolation prize. Plus, there's the drink, which helps ease the pain.

And here we are on our way home. Things are always a little more blurry on the return trip to the MBIP Headquarters.

Peace out from Captain Kirk, the king of the Elite Taxi drivers. See you all tomorrow.

Crow's Nest
633 East Lake
Peoria Heights
309-685-4696

Further reading: Foursquare, Peoria Night Out and BooRah.

Did you know when you go it's the perfect ending,
To the bad day I was just beginning.
When you go, all I know is you're my favorite mistake.

Surprise link, click on it...I dare you!

The Weekly Virtual Swizzle Stick From Jaws

Jaws the Cabbie took inspiration from Captain Kirk, the cab driver for this week's virtual swizzle stick. Thanks, Jaws, it's out of this world!