PEORIA MAGAZINE March 2022

D I S H A N D DR I N K Welcome (Back) to Friendly Valley

PEORIA’S QUIRKIEST BAR WILL REOPEN ...WITH MUSIC

BY P H I L L U C I A NO P H O T O GR A P H Y BY RON J O H N S ON

C

ountless times over many years, Sean Kenny would drive past the iconic Friendly Valley Tavern and ponder a

true to its name, in a small valley at 3708 N. Meadowbrook Road. With no residences nearby, Kenny began hearing the sound of music. He’ll likely soon get his wish, putting a new spin on a local mainstay. Kenny, who owns Kenny’s Westside Pub in Downtown Peoria, has purchased The Friendly Valley, which shut down last fall after almost 80 years as perhaps the city’s quirkiest saloon. In the fickle and demanding entertainment industry, it’s hard enough to keep one place going. But take over a second bar? Amid a lingering pandemic? “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity,”

Kenny says with a smile. Tavern legend – judge its reliability accordingly – has it that the unusual structure was first used as a chicken coop. By 1942, according to city records, a saloon was operating at the address. Even with additions, capacity reached just 40 people, which made for a tight fit. Over the years, the interior remained unchanged, chiefly a weathered bar, pool table and scattered seats. A curved and paneled ceiling stretched just inside the front door, which opened to mismatched and faded floor tiles underfoot. Union bumper stickers dotted the back bar.

possibility: “I bet you could have some great concerts there.” Not inside, of course. Small and cramped, the Quonset hut-like saloon often would pack ‘em in cheek by jowl. As far as a concert on busy nights, there wouldn’t be room for a kazoo soloist, let alone a band. But outside? Though not far from the intersection of War Memorial Drive and University Street, the 1.1-acre site is almost hidden and,

26 MARCH 2022 PEORIA MAGAZINE