Since this is the first Friday post since MBIP is back, I had to go to my two favorite bars in Peoria. And just what are my two favorite bars in Peoria? Well, if you read the title to this post, it’s kind of self-explanatory, so let’s just hit the road and start this post already. Sheesh!

Okay, the post has officially begun and here we are at Jerry’s Bar!

We’ll walk down the familiar mad for plaid stairway and check it out, my painting is still featured on the top shelf and there’s the bar with the Jerry’s Bar coasters on it. But where’s Jerry?

Here he is, Jerry, the friendly host of Jerry’s bar, always a pleasure to see this guy!

And here I am with the pretty hostess of Jerry’s Bar, Anne. The MBIP camera kind of fuzzed out this shot. HATE the MBIP camera! Hate, hate HATE it! But I had a great time at Jerry’s Bar and now through the miracle of these here interwebs we will now be magically transported to...

Mike’s Tavern! This is an historic and classic tavern here in West Peoria and if you haven’t ever been here, you definitely should stop by! Let’s go inside and see what’s happening.

Always nice and dark in here and I love the atmosphere and vibe in this place, even if it’s your first time in here you feel like you’ve been a regular forever. It’s just one of those places and I love it!

Here’s the pretty bartender for the evening, Amanda serving up a Budweiser tallboy! The evening has officially begun!

Great to see Roy in here! Roy’s married to Shannon, who owns the bar. Shannon took the place over after her dad Tony died and both her and Roy have done a great job keeping the place going. Tony would be proud for sure!

Here’s Todd, I didn’t take a photo of Todd at the MBIP Second Annual Bowling Party, so here’s three shots of him to make up for that! It’s a trifecta of Todd!

Yet another shot of Todd with Scott and Michelle. Great to see everyone and it’s crazy to think that Michelle had brain surgery just a few months ago! She’s doing great and looking pretty as ever, it’s really wonderful to see her out and about again!

And there’s a photo of Shannon’s dad, Tony on the wall. Tony was a great guy and he really took good care of my Grandpa, Leo, who was a regular in here for decades. Cheers to Tony and Leo, both are greatly missed and fondly remembered!

Longshot of the bar!

Behind the bar is a treasure-trove of cool knick-knacks and historical items, let’s take a look...

There’s the beer can and bottle collection and Roy told me that Amanda dusted them off the other night, that hasn’t been done for quite a while and nice to see the collection dust free! There’s the different beers on tap and of course the classic Cup-O-Nuts jar. I love the Mike’s Tavern model, the conehead liquor bottles, vintage bobbleheads and that menu from Kramer’s restaurant! Lots of history behind the bar here!

And speaking of history, here’s the school desks opposite the bar known as “death row.” Why are they known as that? Well, you’ll just have to visit Mike’s Tavern to find out, I’m not telling!

There’s a back room here complete with gaming machines if you’re in a gambling mood and there’s the mysterious dark room in the back.

I love this Budweiser Clydesdale Horses clock on the back wall.

Here’s the mark of a classic Peoria bar, the spinning Budweiser trolley!

Meanwhile, back at the bar...

Here’s a pretty trio of women: Karen, Gavra and Michelle!

And I’m glad I got a picture of Gavra with her boyfriend, Tim. They gave me a really cool card and a donation for MBIP of 40 bucks at the MBIP Second Annual Bowling Party and I forgot to thank them for that on that post, so I’m thanking them now!! Plus Gavra gave me this CD pictured below!

Thanks Gavra and Tim, that was very nice and I appreciate it! And the CD is great!

The evening ended with Gavra taking a selfie of her, Michelle and I back at the pay phone in the back room! This was a fun night and great to see everyone at Mike’s Tavern! Roy said business has been a little slow, so I encourage everyone reading this to stop in and get a drink and a Cup-O-Nuts at Mike’s Tavern to keep this classic bar alive in West Peoria! We'll see you all tomorrow!

Mike’s Tavern
626 W. Cedar
West Peoria
(I have the phone number to Mike’s but most people don’t because it's a secret, so there!)

Once upon a time there was a tavern,
Where we used to raise a glass or two,
Remember how we laughed away the hours,
And think of all the great things we would do.

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