Quad Cities Bars

Well, Rubikon finally opened its doors in downtown Moline on Friday the 11 th , and it took me all the way until Wednesday before I could stop in.  Inside is structurally not much different than its predecessor (Tailgater’s), but much newer and cleaner.  They’re trying a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde approach, with being a coffee lounge in the day (although it wasn’t clear to me if they have or plan on having food) and a bar at night.  They also still have “Print”, “Fax”, “Email”, and “Copy” decals stuck to their window, but I didn’t notice any office equipment inside.  The official Grand Opening is set for New Year’s Eve, so it’s wasn’t exceedingly busy at 6:00 pm mid week.  The list stands at 415 . As to what’s new in the QC, Bobbie’s is now open in what used to be Au Jus in Rock Island (or Milan, not sure where the dividing line is), and I have it on strong authority (thanks, Steve) that the former 3 rd & 22, east of the RI District, is becoming Rooster’s Sport’s Bar and Grill. 

Not too much to discuss on the Quad Cities bar front with this update – nothing new opened, no new closings, didn’t hit any on my What’s Left list, which remains at 17 .  Really, the only news I’ve got is that ‘Now Hiring’ signs have appeared in the windows of Rubikon, indicating they do still plan on opening. That’s not to say I haven’t been busy.  I spent a weekend around Sioux City , where we hit a couple places, then spent 5 days in Key West , where I was able to rack up 21 bars.  These include (in chronological order) Sun Sun Pool Bar (at our hotel, the Casa Marina), Cowboy Bill’s, Salsa Loca, Willie T’s, Margaritaville, The Bull, The Smallest Bar, Hog’s Breath Saloon, Overboard Bar & Grill, Schooners Wharf, Conch Republic, Sloppy Joe’s, Joe’s Tap Room, Jack Flats, Captain Tony’s, The Green Parrot, Tattoos & Scars Saloon, Lazy Gecko, Whistle Bar, Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, and The Chart Room.  Along the way, I learned a few fun bar facts: The Chart Room – This was the first