Quad Cities Bars

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’...

I’d mentioned last post that the East Village Café was remodeling, but hadn’t made clear what the new name was going to be, or even if there would be one.  The sign just says “Brew”, but Brew In The Village is the full name, and was added to my list the week it reopened.  I’m not quite sure if it was completely finished, but I think a sort of rustic joint where you can get a cup of coffee or a Vanilla Porter will make a nice addition to East Davenport. Monkey’s Riverdale Pub closed briefly to become My Place – The Pub , after an ownership change and slight remodel.  I’ll probably have to take a look at my favorite and least favorite dives lists, since Monkey’s was on both (depending on the time of day), though both were as honorable mentions.  Those additions bring my total to 538 . As for what’s on the horizon:  Congratulations to Richard and Denise Day, who just broke ground on Green Tree Brewery in LeClaire.  If all goes well, they...

The J Bar in the Holiday Inn in Davenport opened Sep 8, and when we and our friends Dave & Robin (rare thing to have company when I add a new bar to my list) hit it for the first time, it was too busy to sit inside.  The patio was heated and very cool, with a fire feature bisecting it.  Unfortunately it was still too cold to hang around too long, so I went back the next day and sat at the bar.  Good food, unique menu, and a $40,000 argon filled wine cooler.  All very hip, and I think will make a really nice hotel bar, but really very corporate. The Field House (same owners as the original one in downtown Iowa City) occupies what used to be Habaneros in North Park Mall.  This place is Hawkeye heaven with its gold and black décor and 20+ flat screens, and the food is good enough to be a draw even on non-football Saturdays.  They opened 9/2, but I didn’t even notice it until over a week later. We also hit the first of the three Market Cafes...