Turnkey Landmark Bar & Restaurant + Beer Garden – Downtown Utica, IL!

Rare turnkey opportunity in the heart of historic downtown Utica, IL! Lease two complementary hospitality venues for just $6,500 per month, modified gross, with existing furniture, fixtures, equipment and build-outs included in the rent. This exceptional offering includes a landmark 1874 bar & restaurant building plus an adjacent outdoor beer garden property, complete with existing furniture, fixtures, equipment as well as bar/restaurant/beer garden infrastructure. The 4,448 sqft historic bar & restaurant, extensively renovated in 2019, features exposed brick, high ceilings, distinctive architectural details, a full-service bar, 24-tap draft beer system, inviting dining areas, an upstairs event space and 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! Plus, its adjacent beer garden property features a distinctive outdoor hospitality venue designed with repurposed shipping containers, custom artwork, outdoor seating and unique architectural features. This unique property offers an inviting setting for craft beverages, live entertainment and seasonal gatherings/events. Includes various seating, firepits, a stage and scenic views of the Illinois & Michigan Canal. A sought-after destination for locally crafted beers, meads and ciders, plus acoustic/rock performances and seasonal gatherings. Situated just across the street from the historic building at the same prominent corner location with its own one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Together, these two properties together create a distinctive indoor/outdoor drinking, dining and entertainment destination, just minutes from Starved Rock State Park, which welcomes ~2.4 million visitors a year. Both properties are included in one lease, offering the flexibility to operate a coordinated indoor/outdoor hospitality destination, host private events and capitalize on the region's strong tourism appeal. 3 Options To Acquire This Impressive Bar & Restaurant + Beer Garden 1. Lease Fully Equipped - $6,500/mth; modified gross lease for historic freestanding building + adjacent beer garden with FF&E included in the rent (landlord owned); terms negotiable 2. Buy The Business Assets - $99,000; historic freestanding building + adjacent beer garden; draft system, build-outs, FF&E, bar & restaurant trade name/goodwill (beer garden name does not convey) included and a new lease at $6,500/mth 3. Buy The Properties - $850,000; historic freestanding building + adjacent beer garden; draft system, build-outs, FF&E, bar & restaurant trade name/goodwill (beer garden name does not convey) included Bring Your Concept Here Introduce your own visions. The two properties are located directly across the street from one another, providing opportunities for shared branding, coordinated events and cross-promotion. The flexible layouts and existing infrastructures accommodate numerous bar/restaurant/entertainment concepts. 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 [email protected] or call 847-579-9641 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours. Utica serves as a gateway to the Starved Rock region, attracting outdoor enthusiasts, weekend travelers, day-trippers and local customers seeking memorable dining and entertainment experiences. Few available properties combine a historic, fully equipped restaurant and bar with a separate established outdoor beer garden in the same walkable downtown district. The complementary venues provide flexibility for year-round indoor hospitality and seasonal outdoor dining, entertainment, and special events. Introduce a new restaurant, gastropub, brewery-inspired concept or dining and entertainment destination. Expand operating days and hours, add brunch, catering, private parties and group events or create coordinated food-and-beverage offerings across both properties. Capitalize on the beer garden's outdoor setting with live music, themed events, seasonal celebrations and tourism-driven gatherings. Build additional business through online ordering, digital marketing, partnerships with area lodging properties and attractions and cross-promotion between the restaurant and outdoor venue. Both strategically located in Utica's vibrant Mill Street dining and entertainment district, these high-visibility corner properties benefit from a highly desirable downtown setting and an established tourism economy. Just 1.6 miles away, Starved Rock State Park is Illinois' most-visited state park. Other nearby attractions include the scenic Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, Starved Rock Lodge, Matthiessen State Park, Grand Bear Resort's indoor waterpark and more. Also, surrounded by other popular restaurants, breweries, wineries, shops and historic attractions including August Hill Winery's tasting room. 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. Downtown Utica is conveniently located near IL-178 and I-80, providing accessibility for local customers and regional tourists. And downtown Utica's retail vacancy was recently reported at 0%, highlighting the scarcity of available commercial space in this popular destination! Properties: Includes both the historic 1874 building and its adjacent beer garden in downtown Utica. Two properties, one with indoor/outdoor dining and the other a substantial outdoor entertainment venue. Historic 1874 building - ~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. Downtown street & public parking. PIN 19-09-311-008. Class C building. Zoned C-1 Central Business District. 2025 real estate taxes $7,722. Beer Garden - A separate, distinctive outdoor hospitality venue adjacent to the building (just across the street). 300 sqft bar structure and 4,004 sqft decking. 250 guest capacity. Built in 2021. On 0.12 acres or 5,227 sqft. Downtown street & public parking. PIN 19-08-415-015. Class C property. Zoned C-1 Central Business District. 2025 real estate taxes $4,352. Lease: $6,500/mth modified gross; terms negotiable. Tenant responsible for increases in real estate taxes and insurance above base year.