1/4/2015 Update: 2015!
R Bar has opened on Utica Ridge in Davenport, and has already made my Top Ten upscale bars. One of my favorite bars in the region is 129 , and I saw a lot of similarities (129 is owned by the ex-wife of R Bar’s owner), including wine racks and cracked glass lighting. They've got nice use of barnwood in the alcove behind bar and the entryway, and a small patio with cool fireplace. The focal point is what used to be a humidor (this used to be a Baker Brothers cigar store), and is now the wine room, but I think having this enclosed space takes away valuable real estate from the bar. I was taking a run by the old Bon Air in Moline to see what progress was being made on their remodel, when I found Deep Pockets by surprise. This place gives a much nicer choice for shooting pool on the Illinois side than Leisure Time with 11 tables, including a front table designed for championship matches. They have a nice long bar with 3 or 4 flat screens, so you don’t have to be a pool