Whether for celebration, to kick off a night of activities, pairing food options, or rounding out a night full of fun, cocktails oftentimes find their way into brunch, lunch, dinner, and all-around fun. Creative alcoholic and non-alcoholic concoctions have found their ways to menus ready to be explored and experienced at lounges, bars, and hole-in-the-wall gems. Explore these options when discovering our more rural destinations in the Greater Peoria Area.
STARK COUNTY
1-11 Tacos {Wyoming} // This location once popular for the roasting of coffee, now is a destination for Tijuana-style tacos that are as real as it gets. Just like south of the border, you can get your fill of authentic shells loaded with carne asada, al pastor, and chorizo. While enjoying authenticity inspired from south of the border, couple it with a crafted margarita, iced or frozen. Maybe request Tajin on the rim for a nice touch?
Catalpa Grove Tavern {Toulon} // For a hotspot off the beaten path check out Catalpa Grove. It’s well known for the insanely delicious burgers, ice-cold drafts, and outdoor seating, which includes a permanent outdoor stage for the regular entertainment schedule. Toulon’s Catalpa Grove is the perfect spot for a great beverage and an unexpected adventure. If you’re stopping by for breakfast, the bloody mary is top notch.
Spoon River Bowl {Wyoming} // For a classic crowd-pleaser, Spoon River Bowl offers everything you need for a night of entertainment with excellent cocktails, gaming machines, billiards, and–of course–incredible state-of-the-art bowling lanes, you’ll never want the fun to end. Look out for the weekly deals on food and cocktails before you stop by.
Toulon Tap {Toulon} // Keep a close eye on the Toulon Tap. If you blink, you may miss it. When we talk about hole-in-the-wall watering holes, we’re likely describing the Toulon Tap. Cocktails don’t have to be fancy (or expensive) to be enjoyed, which is why the warm wood paneling in the Toulon Tap can go well with a cold cocktail in a rocks glass. Enjoy with three of your closest friends, as it will become tight quarters for others to join.
MARSHALL COUNTY
Club LaCon {Lacon} // Club LaCon continues the supper club tradition into the 21st century. With a classic menu heavy on the steak and seafood, it’s no wonder Club LaCon has been a community staple for years. This local joint stands as a great place for a quintessential cocktail and a bite to eat.
Mona’s Italian Food {Toluca} // Mona’s has a nostalgic ambiance that will transport you from Toluca to a quaint little street in Italy. Giving you the opportunity to fully enjoy their creamy, flavorful pasta, juicy chicken, and fun twists on other classics. Treat yourself and a lover to a date night at Mona’s that feels straight out of a movie. Before you enjoy a glass of red or white with succulent chicken or pasta dressed with Mona’s famous meat sauce, look for the Campari on the bar and treat yourself to an authentic Italian refreshment–the Negroni.
Capponi’s Restaurant {Toluca} // And not to be outdone by what some may describe as the sibling restaurant, Capponi’s offers a nearly reciprocal experience as Mona’s, just a block down Main Street, Italian cuisine, family-friendly atmosphere, romantic ambiance, and authentic cocktails are at the ready. Whether to start your night at Mona’s or Capponi’s or it ends there, it’s a mere 375 feet from a night full of Negroni’s, martini’s (bleu cheese olives, please), wine lists, and maybe an dessert espresso martini or a dash of Sambuca in your espresso to settle your stomach.
Timber Ridge Golf Club {Lacon} // With two excellent options for a cocktail, Timber Ridge Golf Course is a comfortable and quality spot in Woodford for a beverage. Check out 1923 Steakhouse! With its unique grilling experience and creative bartenders, this spot is a great location. If you’re looking for a bit more casual, the Eagles Nest Sportsbar offers indoor and outdoor seating under the pergola overlooking the greens.
WOODFORD COUNTY
Evergreen Farm Brewing {Metamora} // With an innovative gamble, brewer Adam Sommer, transformed his family’s traditional midwestern, 225-acre, five generation farm into Evergreen Farm Brewing. With conventional farming out of the question and craft niche breweries taking off, Sommer decided to transform the farmhouse into a brewery—and we’re so glad he did! This one-of-a-kind brewery is not only producing excellent beer, but has created a new concept for brewing with a direct connection to the farm it originates. Sommer has coined the process, “Ground to Growler.”
Sheets Creek Saloon {Spring Bay} // At this beautiful location in Spring Bay, Sheets Creek (careful!) Saloon shakes up more than just great cocktail options, they’re shaking up the way you enjoy a day or night out in Woodford County. When you roll up to Sheets Creek Saloon (where the sunsets are free), there’s a strong chance you park next to a motorcycle, Jeep, and/or off-road utility vehicle. That shouldn’t stop you from what lies within, as this brand new establishment is ready to serve a variety of drinks to pair with their extensive food menu. Jack and Coke or just a beer? Perfect. Old Fashioned? Great. BUT! If you really want to venture your taste buds into uncharted territory, try the Peanut Butter n’ Jelly White Russian. This creamy hazelnut and black raspberry version of a classic cocktail will make you realize dessert cocktails are now challenging your childhood lunch of choice.
The Local Tap {El Paso} // El Paso’s newest and most popular baby and fur baby-friendly restaurant in the area, The Local Tap offers up craft beers from the region, as well as an extensive spread of food for you to enjoy in the new establishment or outside on their seasonal patio. While beer is their specialty, don’t let them fool you, the bartenders at The Local Tap are ready and able to provide you with sweet, refreshing cocktails to enjoy, including (and certainly not limited to) their white peach margarita, strawberry mango mojito, or their popular orange blossom old fashioned made with Calumet bourbon, brown sugar simple syrup, orange bitters and garnished with–wait for it–a brown sugar broiled orange peel and Luxardo cherry skewer.
