Big Al’s is a legendary Peoria nightclub and bar that has been in operation since 1974. Big Al’s went through a closure in 2024 and re-emerged this summer with a new owner and a change in hours and operation.
I knew that including Big Al’s on this bar tour would be a bit of a challenge, since taking photos in the club is not allowed. However, after asking if I could stop by and take some photos of the newly opened Big Al’s, they said I could stop by early in the evening, before things started happening and get some photos of the newly remodeled Big Al’s.
And so tonight, we’re going to take a tour of Big Al’s before the dancers and customers arrive.
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Bar Number 221: Big Al’s, Thursday, September 24, 2026
Here we are at Big Al’s in downtown Peoria. Let’s go in and check out the newly remodeled nightclub and bar.
Bryan and Russell are the security team for Big Al’s and you’ll meet them as you walk in the front door. They’re both very nice guys…unless you’re a troublemaker!
There’s no photos allowed in here and I appreciate them bending that rule for us tonight!
Let’s go inside and check out the newly remodeled Big Al’s!
The front foyer has art and a dancer’s pole from the original Big Al’s back when it was located on Main Street.
There’s also a lot of photos including this one of actor James Gandolfini, best know for his role as Tony Soprano. I met James once in New York City and he was a real nice guy!
This is the front room where you can relax and have some drinks with friends. Big Al’s has a full drink menu with beer, seltzers and mixed drinks, but they don’t serve food.
Here’s spacious bar in the main room of the nightclub.
Here’s a shot of the back of the bar, which is very well-stocked.
This is Britt, who’s the pretty and friendly bartender for the evening. She took a break from setting the bar up for the evening to pose for a photo and I appreciate that!
There’s the stage for the dancers in this room just off from the bar. There’s comfortable chairs and tables in here and the place has a nice classy, yet comfortable lounge feel to it.
There’s also dances in private rooms available for customers that want a more personal and private show.
I love the new design and lighting in here. It’s got a nice relaxing and welcoming feel to it.
Here’s something that we haven’t seen before on our bar tour, a massage chair!
Sabrina is the in-house massage therapist and she can give you a nice massage while enjoying the dancing and your evening in here!
Here’s Nate who’s the DJ here at Big Al’s! Nate’s been a DJ for over 15 years and has experience in other clubs, birthday parties, karaoke and weddings. Check out his facecrack page by clicking here.
Oh and here’s a fun fact: Nate’s last name is Wombacher and one of these days we’re going to figure out how we’re related!
Jess is the pretty manager here at Big Al’s and she said the place has been going great since the re-opening.
It was great to meet her and I appreciate her giving me this “before hours” tour of the new and improved Big Al’s in downtown Peoria!
You should definitely stop by and check it out!
And don’t forget to get a World Famous Big Al’s t-shirt on your way out of this legendary Peoria nightclub!
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400 SW Jefferson Avenue
Peoria
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 8pm to 1am.
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