Listings

Summary:

Rare opportunity to acquire or lease a fully equipped bar and restaurant in the heart of historic downtown Utica, IL!

Located in a landmark 1874 masonry corner building, formerly Duffy's Tavern, this distinctive property combines 150+ years of history and a prime tourist destination, plus an extensive bar and restaurant build-out.

Extensively renovated in 2019, the ~4,448 sqft property features exposed brick, high ceilings, historic architectural details, a beautiful full-service bar, 24-tap draft beer system, inviting dining areas, an upstairs event space and fully equipped commercial kitchen, plus a full basement with coolers, freezers and storage space. Its prominent corner location, distinctive rounded turret, and vintage character create an atmosphere difficult to duplicate!

3 Options To Acquire This Impressive Bar & Restaurant

1. Buy The Property - $850,000; historic freestanding building; draft system, FF&E, build-out, trade name, goodwill included
2. Buy The Business Assets - $99,000; draft system, FF&E, build-out, trade name, goodwill included and a new lease at $6,500/mth
3. Lease Fully Equipped - $6,500/mth; modified gross lease with FF&E included in the rent (landlord owned); terms negotiable

Own A Piece Of History

Own a landmark 1874 masonry bar and restaurant building in the heart of historic downtown Utica. Formerly a longtime neighborhood tavern, this distinctive 150+ year-old corner building combines historic charm with modern bar and restaurant infrastructure.

Offers an owner-operator or investor the opportunity to acquire a fully equipped hospitality property in one of Illinois' most popular tourist destinations.

A chance to own the building, control your location and build equity rather than pay rent.

Keep The Current concept or Bring Your Own

The flexible layout and existing infrastructure accommodate numerous bar and restaurant concepts with minimal additional build-out.

Continue a craft beer taproom or introduce your own bar & grill, gastropub, brewpub, wine bar, family restaurant or other hospitality concept!

Feel free to stop by the location as a customer first. This is a HIGHLY confidential listing, DO NOT talk to any owners, employees or patrons. If interested, please complete the short Contact Form on the right or email Brian O'Kelly at Brian@eatz-associates.com or call 847-579-9641 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours.

Competition:

An exceptional opportunity to own or lease a piece of Utica history in one of Illinois' most popular tourism destinations.

Utica's historic downtown is an established destination for craft beverages, dining, shopping and entertainment. Its proximity to Starved Rock and surrounding attractions creates demand extending well beyond the village's residential population.

With limited available commercial space and significant tourism traffic, a fully equipped bar and restaurant in this desirable downtown location offers an opportunity to enter the market without the expense and delays of constructing a new bar and restaurant.

Growth and Expansion:

Growth & Expansion Opportunities

- Expand operating hours to 7 days; currently closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays
- Introduce breakfast, brunch, expanded dinner service or seasonal specials targeting park visitors
- Develop private parties, rehearsal dinners, corporate gatherings & tourism-related events
- Expand online ordering, delivery, packaged beverages, & customer loyalty programs
- Capitalize on the approved outdoor beer garden for live entertainment, seasonal events & group gatherings

Location:

Prime Downtown Utica – LaSalle County – Gateway To Starved Rock

Situated in Utica's charming historic Mill Street dining and entertainment district, this high-visibility corner property benefits from an established bar and restaurant destination and a thriving tourism economy.

Just 1.6 miles away, Starved Rock State Park welcomes about 2.4 million visitors a year, making it Illinois' most-visited state park. Other nearby attractions include the scenic Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, Starved Rock Lodge, Matthiessen State Park and Grand Bear Resort's indoor waterpark.

The surrounding downtown features several other popular restaurants, craft breweries, wineries, shops and the LaSalle County Historical Society Museum. In fact, August Hill Winery's tasting room is directly across the street.

And during warmer months, Mill Street transforms into a pedestrian-friendly outdoor dining destination, creating a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Plus, the annual Burgoo Festival brings additional crowds downtown each October.

The taproom is also conveniently located just one block from IL-178, the primary route connecting Interstate 80 with Starved Rock State Park with ~ 4,750 vehicles traveling daily on IL-178.

Additional Location Highlights

- Established year-round local & regional tourism appeal
- Street & public parking available downtown
- Utica retail vacancy reported at 0%
- North Utica Median household income ~$104,000

County: LaSalle

Facilities:

Property Information: ~4,448 sqft two-story freestanding building with full basement. Historic 1874 masonry building. Former Duffy’s Tavern. Substantially renovated in 2019. On 0.06 acres or 2,614 sqft. PIN: 19-09-311-008. Class C building . Zoned C-1 Central Business District. 2025 real estate taxes $7,722.

Lease Information: $6,500/mth modified gross; terms negotiable. Tenant responsible for increases in real estate taxes and insurance above base year.

Outdoor Space: Its adjacent beer garden parcel received Village approval in 2021 for a seasonal outdoor bar with ~250-seat capacity, fire pits, stage and canal views.

Square Feet: ~4,448 + Basement.

Seating: 364 (14 Bar + 80 Dining + 20 Outside + 250 Beer Garden).

Days/Hrs of Operation: Mo, Th-Su 11a-8p & Fr-Sa 11a-10p (Closed Tuesdays-Wednesdays).

Owners Role: Absentee.

Real Estate: Owned.

Value of FF&E: $99,000 (Included In Asking Price).

Value of Inventory: Not Included In Asking Price.

Number of Employees: 2-3 Full-Time & 7 Part-Time.

Support/Training: Negotiable on-site comprehensive training.

Seller Financing Available: No.

Reason for Selling: Has other business interests and cannot devote the time/attention it deserves.