One of Peoria’s oldest bars is Tina’s Coach Stop. It was the first stop for Phil Luciano and Danielle Hatch when they started their Barstorming series back in April and it’s been branded a “Peoria Institution” on the Peoria Bar Review. I’ve never been there and I think it’s time to correct that situation right here, right now!
Okay, I'm out of work and I have a powerful thirst for two beers, let's roll!
And through the miracle of the internet you're spared being sent on two wild goose chases from my fickle friend Mr. GPS before finally reaching our destination here at Tina's Coach Stop. The sign says it's open so...
Let's go on in and see what's happening at Tina's Coach Stop on a thirsty Thursday evening.
It's a festive looking joint in here with all the lights, but it's still dark in spite of them, I think this is definitely an "Al" bar.
Ask and ye shall receive, here's bartender Randy serving up the first beer of the evening. Randy told me that Tina's is the oldest bar in the Peoria area...
And he even gave me a copy of this PJ Star article about the bar, very nice!
Here's a shot of the back of the bar from my vantage point.
I love these blak and white shots of Marilyn Monroe on the wall.
This is a friendly bar, but everyone there was a little camera shy, so they got out of the way as I took a shot of the U-shaped bar from the back of the place.
Does anyone else out there love the fact that gum is listed on the food menu? It's right above tamales. Thanks for the Joe Walsh flashback moment, Tina!
There's a pool table here in the back and several of the patrons have brought their own pool cues, so it's obvious they take their pool seriously in here.
Here's a testament to how seriously pool is taken in here, a classic shot of Jackie Gleason from The Hustler hangs opposite the pool table.
As you can see from this pennant hanging behind the bar, this is a Cardinals bar, so Cubs fans take note!
Luckily, I made the cut tonight!
Bags of chips hang from the wooden ceiling behind the bar.
There's a table and chairs to hang out at in the corner of the bar here.
A sign from back in the day when people rode horses here instead of cars.
Here's Randy punching up some tunes on their jukebox. If anyone knows of a bar with an old time jukebox inside, please let me know! It's something I'm on the search for!
Meanwhile, back at the bar...
Randy serves up beer number two with the traditional MBIP two finger salute. Cheers and we'll see you all tomorrow!
Tina’s Coach Stop
3522 W Lincoln Ave, Peoria, IL 61604
309-676-5150
Related Posts: Two Beers @ Ron & Ivie’s Unique Tavern, Tavern On Prospect and The Trolley.
