Hello to the IL BA's. I'll be traveling to Springfield the 2nd week of June for a family reunion. While I'm there, I plan to hit up Friar Tuck's, as that's pretty much the only place I know of that has good beer. Are there any other not as well known places that get good distro? Are there any beers I should be on the lookout for around that time frame? Any good local breweries within 20 miles? Any places to eat that are must stops? (Outside of Charlie Parker's, because I've been there) I appreciate the help. Cheers, Kef
God help you! That's where I was raised I used to work at that Friar Tucks!! I think they have a Hyvee now, which also might be worth stopping at. There used to be a Famous Liquors around there as well, that would sometimes have random or old bottles of stuff. Ingrained and Obed and Isaac's were okay last I was there (but that was some time ago), but I'm guessing/hoping they've improved some since then? Also, eat a horseshoe for me. I'd say, if you're taking 74 into IL to stop at Triptych in Champaign/Urbana/Savoy, and go to their Friar Tuck/Binny's as well.
Well snap! I know you mentioned the Friar Tuck's in our chats together, that's why I knew about it. I didn't know you were raised there though. Small world. My aunt and uncle are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and thought it would be a good time for a family reunion as well. I'll definitely have a horseshoe for you. I told my wife about them and she looked at me like "Wha....?! I'm having one". I don't know what route we're going to take yet. But thanks for the recommendation. Cheers!
I worked at the Champaign/Savoy Friar Tucks as well as the Springfield one! The Savoy one was better, but I know the springfield one moved to a new, better location a few years ago. Ugh, please do have a horseshoe for me, I'm craving them big time now! I would often get the buffalo chicken horseshoe, and every now and then, the bacon one! I would also often get both cheeses (yellow and white). Nothing like a post horseshoe food coma! Hope ya have a good time at the reunion and anniversary party, 50 years is a lot! P.S. I'm moving slightly back your way this summer, heading to Grand Rapids
Awesome news man! Yeah, horseshoes are no joke. I think last time I had one I was like 15... and man, I went for a full shoe. At the time, I thought I had an appetite. Couldn't finish the damn thing. I don't think I'll have that problem this time. Maybe one of these days we'll meet back up. Beer and food is in order.
I think Hy-Vee and Friar are both worth a stop. They can have some different things. We get a decent amount of Toppling Goliath Cans. Pseudosue mostly, with a couple others this past week. Food wise, Driftwood downtown is pretty good, Public House 29 in Rochester is supposed to be pretty good and have a decent taplist.
Not sure which route you're taking to get to Springfield or how much extra time you will have, but Destihl's new brewery in Bloomington/ Normal will be open then and White Oak has a new taproom and brew some excellent beers that you can take to go, and hopefully Lil Beaver brewing will be open by then too.
Hand of Fate brewery and American Harvest Eatery are the best brewery/dining options in the area. Balen's is a new craft bar/eatery downtown, and Floyd's has seriously upgraded their selection. I went to some diner once for a horseshoe, but immediately regretted it. YMMV
@Keffa, happy to return the favor here! You gave me some great tips on OH beer when my wife went out there back in the summer, and she brought me back some great stuff. Ended up doing a big trade for some killer Jackie O's stuff recently because she grabbed me a Dark Apparition (per your rec) and I'm hooked. Got an array of JO stouts that I can't wait to crack with friends in the future. As has been noted, on your way in, if you are taking I-74 through Champaign, you'll definitely want to stop at Binny's (right off the interstate) and also make a pass through Friar Tucks in Savoy. By far the best selections in town, and easily accessible from the interstate. There's some smaller shops, but those 2 will be well worth your while. Binny's in particular will have a decent Pipeworks selection. Half Acre can be found at both stores. Triptych Brewing is also right by Friar Tucks and well worth a stop at the taproom. They keep their taplist updated daily on their website. They make some great beer. If you stop in town for one let me know and I can try and meet you. This is where I live, so I can give lots more beer/food advice here if needed. In Springfield, as has been noted, I would do Friar Tucks. Hy-Vee liquor stores often have a great selection if one is there now. I can't speak to any local bottle shops in that town - I'd actually be curious if there are some to check out? We did start getting Toppling Goliath in IL, which you'll find readily available at Binny's and Tucks (right now it's all FL canned Pseudo Sue, Rover Truck, Tsunami, Dorothy, and Golden Nugget). No Decorah, IA bottles...yet. For horseshoe/beer action I always like to hit up Obed & Isaacs. They have a pretty great horseshoe, although I'm sure there are some purists out there with other thoughts and feelings. There beer is decent, sometimes above average. For a good taplist, Floyd's Thirst Parlor always seems to have several good beers on tap.
This is why I do it brother I will try to stop to meet up, because, well, if you are hooked on Jackie O's, I've got a couple in the fridge that I'll save for you, one you've had (but perhaps not vintage ), the other you might not have had yet. Might have a couple other goodies for you by then, who knows? As far as places to stop, I appreciate the suggestions. I'm just looking for all of the recommendations I can so I can make a sort of "itinerary". With the limited time I'll have, I'm trying to do the most I can while I'm there. I'll shoot you a message to work out the details of the pitstop later on. Cheers, Kef
I've lived in Springfield the last five years and it's pretty dry for craft beer. The Hy-Vee has a nice selection and that's where I get most of my beer. Craft Beer Bar has a huge selection, but not many on tap. Usually when we want a decent draft beer we will go to Balen's as they also have pretty decent bar food. Feel free to send me a message if you want any more help, but for the most part I just pick up beer when I'm on trips.
