On October 27, 2021, I posted what I feared might just be the last MBIP post from the legendary Peoria tavern, The Friendly Valley Tavern. The owner had put it up for sale and my fear was that someone would buy it for the land, tear the bar down and put up something horrific, like another Starbucks or some other vomit-inducing chain store or restaurant.
I took a picture of the “For Sale” sign and said that I hoped that someone would buy it and leave it the same way it’s been standing for the last several decades.
Well, I’m pleased to say that a couple months later, I got a text from my friend and the owner of Kenny’s Westside Pub, Sean Kenny and it said, “Someone just bought The Friendly Valley Tavern.”
I excitedly texted him back and said, “Did you buy it?”
I was so happy when I read his answer, which said, “Yep, but don’t tell anyone yet!”
Talk about a thrilling moment! I knew if anyone could pull off the next chapter of The Friendly Valley Tavern, it was Sean Kenny!
And he did something amazing with the place, he left it the same and he made it better!
Come on, let’s go celebrate our Friday Happy Hour at The Friendly Valley Tavern!
Here we are at Friendly Valley Tavern. The place looks great, but keep scrolling for even better pictures coming up!
As soon as I walked in, I saw some familiar faces here at the bar…
There’s Angie, Ed and Sue in the first photo, Diane and Dixie and Brian was tending bar. Great to see everyone here at The Friendly Valley Tavern!
Here’s some shots of the classic bar in here and the vintage round tables and candles that stand opposite the bar in here.
There’s the quartet of beers on tap in here and I love the classic Schmidt Beer lamp hovering over the bar.
The bar is a classic masterpiece in here and I love that Aiken Avenue sign that’s hung in here forever!
There’s gaming machines in here and a cigarette machine that brings back memories of the past in here as well!
There’s a nice beer patio outside as well as a yard that’s home to wonderuul live music and volleyball games in the spring and summer hosted here at the Friendly Valley Tavern.
I love the bear next to the door over there as well! Classic!
And as I went back inside I saw Sean Kenny, the man who bought The Friendly Valley Tavern and fixed the place up while maintaining the charm and ambiance of Peoria’s only Quonset Hut Tavern!
Sean has successfully kept the nostalgia alive in here while updating the place with a much needed modern approach. He’s made Peoria history by making The Friendly Valley Tavern a nostalgic bar with a modern feel! Not something easily done, but Sean made it look effortless and successfully updated this historic tavern and kept the original feel of the place alive. It’s not an easy thing to do and I applaud what Sean has accomplished here!
if you’ve never been here you need to stop by and experience this unique tavern that’s part of Peoria’s history since the 1940’s!! And if you have been here, stop by for another drink and let’s keep this memorable tavern alive!
And I’ve saved the best photos for the end of this post!
Sean and his crew have decorated The Friendly Valley Tavern in a classic manner for the holidays!
Check out these night time shots and stop by for a holiday cocktail as soon as you can to support one of Peoria’s most historic and classic taverns!
Cheers to The Friendly Valley Tavern!
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3708 N. Meadowbrook Road
Peoria
309-672-3886
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Related Post: The MBIPTGIF Happy Hour @: Mike’s Tavern.