Herald and Review from Decatur, Illinois • Page 50

18 Decatur Our Treasure Kick back and is for tomers as well as players across the country in an interactive television trivia game. A favorite of college students and 4 fiy Danny Briscoe Neighborhood tavern "regulars" share friendships forged by a common bond. Their ages and backgrounds often differ, hut thev all faculty as well as Decatur at-large, Lock Stock Barrel boasts a sprawling menu of more than 20 hot and cold sandwiches, soups of the day and appe tizers as well as Mexican dishes. Sunday brunch and the all-you-can-eat taco bar on Wednesday evenings are big draws. Jumping Dave It's a blast The Wagon 1987 N.

Jasper St The Wagon opened on Dec 12, 1980, in the former Covered Wagon at Jasper Street and Garfield Avenue. Patrons call owner Dave Jordan "Flash." If you visit on a busy Friday night you may get a pretty good idea of why. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, with fish specials on Fridays and chicken dinner specials on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Friday is the busiest night of the week, so if you plan to visit, get there early and take a number. It's no secret that the food's top-notch; there may be a little wait, but it's worth it Landlubbers welcome The Wharf 201 W.

1st St It's been a moving experience for The Wharf. Constructed about 1955 as an addition to the Motel Orlando at 1804 S. U.S. 51, the building became The Wharf in late 1969. In 1975, it was moved to its present location 300 feet from its original site.

Nothing lonely about Lone Oak Lone Oak Tavern 175 S. 22nd St If you want a juicy burger in an authentic neighborhood bar atmosphere, the Lone Oak Tavern is a place to go. Owner Cynthia Craig inherited the tavern from her father, Fred Dolson, in 1956. Dolson had been involved with the bar since 1936. The tavern opened soon after s-u: Current owners Brett and Angie CHELP Helping senior citizens stay independent and in their own homes is the goal of the Community Home Environmental Learning Project.

Its community care program sends homemakefs to help with household chores. It also seeks out seniors who need help, investigates elder abuse and matches up low-income seniors with frail seniors to act as a companion and visit them in their homes. CHIC Each year, the staff of the Community Health Improvement Center provides direct medical care to about 6,000 low-income Macon County families. Preventive medicine immunizations, prenatal clinics, mammography referrals, well child checks is also a priority. A newly diagnosed diabetic can learn how to inject insulin and a teen-age mother can gain parenting skills as part of its health education efforts.

Nutrition, optical and dental care they're all provided by CHIC's 40 full- and part-time workers. Anders bought the bar just a year ago from long-time owners TJ. and Marv VauiJhan. The Wharf is decorated like feel at home and Danny Briscoe comfortable in "their" tavern. The spirit of the "just up the block" tavern thrives in Decatur come along on a tour of one-of-a-kind watering holes.

Esker's hails from the '30s Esker's 1703 E. Clay St. In October 1934, with Prohibition still a lingering memory, "Cowboy" Stark opened Cowboys. Later called Elmer's, it's now named for brothers Vic and Arthur "Speed" Esker, who sold it in the mid-1970s. Now owned by Doug Burrows, Esker's typifies the "neighborhood tavern," where pals socialize over food and beverages.

Burrows estimates 80 to 90 percent of his business comes from repeat customers. Flashback to the '50s Flashback Lounge 2239 E. Wood St Formerly The Rainbow, Flashback Lounge was bought and remodeled by Carl and Ruth Blazier about three years ago. The '50s-style decor pictures icons James Dean and Marilyn Monroe. Famous faces of the era cover tables in the bar and dining area.

Flashback offers specials throughout the week, including free hot wings on Thursday! The all-you-can-eat walleye with potato and salad is served on Fridays after 4 p.m. Flashback also features delicious pizza Tuesday through Saturday evenings. The fun Is Interactive Lock Stock Barrel 129 S. Oakland Ave. What is now Lock Stock Barrel, owned by Jim and Kathy Gresham, began life as the Oakland Theater in 1913.

Other past incarnations: a shoe repair shop and the Oakland Avenue Garage. Antiques, news clippings, and old pictures decorate the stained wood walls of the popular hot spot on Decatur's West Side. While sitting at their tables, patrons compete against others cus an old shipping port tavern. iSji ill: The fireplace in the middle of the room gives a cozy feel. Everything evokes salt air, from the fish net over the window to the fish tank to the "galley" sign on the kitchen door.

Deep-fried fresh mushrooms, breaded in the kitchen, are the best advertiser" on the menu. On Mondays, The Wharf offers a 10 percent discount for seniors. Winery's a collegiate favorite The Winery 1093 W. Main St The bar area is dimly lit Jimmy Buffett, The Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan headline the CD jukebox. While seated at the bar, you'll never get amnesia: the mirror reflects the words 'The Winery." Although a mecca for the college crowd and other twentysomethings, it attracts patrons of all ages who visit with chums, shoot pool or watch sporting events.

the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 and has always kept the same name. Night bartender Chuck Ulbricht says, "We make the best burgers in town. if it ain't made the way you want it, I'll make you another one; the customer's always right" Weekly specials include taco salad on Wednesdays; chicken wings Thursdays; walleye dinners Fridays. Seniors receive a 10 percent discount on all drinks..