Adult s’mores, anyone? The beloved autumn campfire dessert just got better. Enter the S’mores Martini, one of 85 reasons to love Quincy, Illinois.
The new Watering Holes Guide to the city’s prolific bar scene connects visitors to 85 unique venues, from retro co*cktail lounges to cozy corner bars and late-night musts. It features three themed mini-crawls, along with nearby attractions including historical, recreational and shopping stops.
The guide is a natural fit to Quincy’s history, along with today’s elevated bar experience. The city has enjoyed a long love affair with the charms of libation, dating from 1837 when the first brewery was established.
From 1850-1860, the surge of German migration to Quincy was accompanied by the tradition of brewing “liquid bread.” During this era, Dick Brothers Brewery was established, built over a clear, bubbling spring with laterals stretching a half block. Once larger than Anheuser-Busch, today the Dick Brothers Brewery District is home to festivals, tunnel tours, a museum and The Ratskeller — featured in mini-crawl number three.
The 85 Watering Holes adventure includes a fun incentive: The Q5 Challenge. Visit five participating bars and win a signature Quincy shot glass.
For the 85 Watering Holes Guide and even more travel inspiration, including free two-hour bike rentals, and more information about Quincy, visit seequincy.com, call 800-978-4748.
Island Girl: Tropical Paradise Potions
This mini-crawl features fruity and refreshing drinks that will transport the drinker to an island paradise.
The Rail Sports Bar & Grill is serving up the Quinsippi Islander featuring pineapple rum, Malibu, coconut water, blue curacao, a tajin rim and dry ice. The restaurant also offers a menu of pizza, burgers and sandwiches.
Riverside BBQ & Grill is a family-owned barbecue joint just two blocks east of the river. Here, enjoy The Pink Pirate, made with Malibu, lemon, orange, cherry, pineapple and cranberry juices with a sugared rim.
Enjoy a refreshing House Moscow Mule in cranberry, lemon, blueberry or raspberry lime flavor at BoodaLu Steakhouse. This restaurant serves only the finest Angus beef steaks alongside stunning sunset river views and an extensive bar.
Facing the Mighty Mississippi, Chick’s on the River is famous for its “chicken lips” — huge chicken breast pieces hand battered, deep fried and dunked in one of seven delectable sauces — along with fresh juice martinis. Enjoy an espresso martini, rum punch or a Summer Breeze, made with citrus rum, melon liqueur, lemon juice, sweet and sour and simple syrup.
Also by the river, The Dock is a casual spot with a covered patio and live music. Check out the Sunday Funday lineup, featuring the Bacon & Egg Bloody Mary, bottomless mimosas and the PBR Hard Coffee with donut.
Foxy: Custom Crafted co*cktails
This mini-crawl is for the adventurous drinker.
At Thyme Square Bakery & Cafe, sample farm-to-table fare and artisan bread along with a Bloody Mary with house-cured bacon, homemade pickles and Tito’s Vodka.
Opened in 2023, Platt Daddy BBQ is a recent but welcome addition to Quincy’s panoply of restaurants. Enjoy 100% grass-fed beef along with a Bourbon Peach Tea.
Tiramisu is an authentic Italian restaurant, feeding Quincy’s residents and visitors for over two decades. Sample House Homemade Limoncello when it’s in season and an extensive wine list year round.
The Fuzzy Bubbler, a cheese-focused beer, wine and co*cktail pub on Jail Alley, is serving up The Strawberry Sparkler, featuring Hendrick’s, Eufloria and simple syrup made from local berries.
For swanky, retro vibes, check out the Gucci Room at The Patio Restaurant & Lounge. While there, sip on a Patio Punch, made with dark rum, orange, lime and pineapple juice, and grenadine.
Bittersweet: co*cktails + Beer
This mini-crawl highlights Quincy establishments serving great beers and other brews in addition to fun co*cktails.
Check out The Pour Haus, where coffee and co*cktails meet, morning to night. Enjoy a sweet, nostalgic treat with the S’more Martini — a skewered, roasted marshmallow atop the perfect martini and a chocolate and graham cracker rim. The Pour Haus offers cozy ambiance inside and an outdoor patio.
For an elevated experience, head to Quincy Axe Company and try a hand at axe or knife throwing for all skill levels. There’s also giant Jenga, corn hole, darts and snacks, along with the featured co*cktail. The Melon Lime Fizz is a crisp and invigorating blend of melon and lime flavors with a sparkling finish.
Quincy Brewing Co. is Quincy’s only craft brewery. Have a seat in the inviting beer garden and enjoy the Great Debate, a light-bodied, well-attenuated lager with a neutral flavor profile and low bitterness.
The Scoreboard is a classic corner bar offering comfort food, cold beer and “the best cheeseburgers in town!” Accentuate the meal with a zesty Lemon Shot.
Learn some history at The Ratskeller, an underground German bar in the historic Dick Brothers Brewery District. The featured drink here is the Boulevardier, made with Kentucky straight rye whiskey, Carpano Antica, sweet vermouth and coffee-infused Campari.
