Adult S’mores, anyone? The beloved autumn campfire dessert just got better. Enter the S’mores Martini, one of 85 reasons to love Quincy, Illinois.

The new Watering Holes Guide to the city’s prolific bar scene connects visitors to 85 unique venues, from retro cocktail lounges to cozy corner bars and late-night musts. It features Three Themed Mini Crawls along with nearby attractions suggesting historical, recreational and shopping stops. 

The guide is a natural fit to Quincy’s history along with today’s elevated bar experience. The city has enjoyed a long love affair with the charms of libation, dating from 1837 when the first brewery was established. It used to be said that there was a bar on every corner, and a church on every other—both providing camaraderie, a sense of community, and confession. From 1850-1860 the surge of German migration to Quincy was accompanied by the tradition of brewing “liquid bread”.

During this era, Dick Brothers Brewery was established, built over a clear, bubbling spring with laterals stretching a half block. Once larger than Anheuser-Busch, today Dick Brothers Brewery District is home to festivals, tunnel tours, a museum, and The Ratskeller—featured in Mini Crawl #3. 

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The 85 Watering Holes adventure includes a fun incentive, THE Q5 CHALLENGE: Visit five participating bars and win a signature Quincy shot glass. Whet your whistle with the guide’s Themed Mini Crawls showcased below: 

  1. ISLAND GIRL / Tropical Paradise Potions
  • ON THE RAIL SPORTS BAR & GRILL Pizza, burgers, sandwiches + a full bar
  • Quinsippi Islander: Pineapple-soaked rum, regular Malibu, coconut water, tajin rim + blue curacao with dry ice
  • RIVERSIDE SMOKHOUSE Family-owned BBQ joint two blocks east of the river
  • The Pink Pirate: Malibu, lemon, orange cherry, pineapple & cranberry with sugared rim
  • BOODALU STEAKHOUSE Dedicated Angus beef steakhouse with sunset river views + extensive bar
  •  House Moscow Mules: Cranberry, Lemon Blueberry, or Raspberry Lime
  • CHICK’S ON THE RIVER Hot Lips and fresh juice martinis, facing the Mighty Miss’
  • Martinis: Espresso > Rum Rum Punch > Summer Breeze
  • THE DOCK Casual spot aside the river with covered patio + live music 
  • Sunday Funday Lineup: Bacon & Egg Bloody Mary > Bottomless Mimosas > PBR Hard Coffee with donut

2. FOXY / Custom Crafted Cocktails

  • THYME SQUARE CAFE Farm-to-table fare with artisan bread; an Illinois Maker
  • Bloody Mary with house-cured bacon, homemade pickles & Tito’s
  • PLATT DADDY BBQ Established 2023 with top-rated reviews, using local 100% grass-fed beef
  • Bourbon Peach Tea
  • TIRAMISU Quincy’s authentic Italian restaurant for over two decades, facing historic Washington Park
  • House Homemade Limoncello in season; extensive wine list year round
  • THE FUZZY BUBBLER A cheese-focused beer, wine & cocktail pub on Jail Alley
  • The Strawberry Sparkler Hendricks, Eufloria, and simple syrup made from local berries
  • THE PATIO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE Swanky, retro & fabulous: check out the Gucci Room 
  • Patio Punch Dark rum, orange, lime & pineapple juice + Grenadine
  1. BITTERSWEET / Cocktails + Beer
  • THE POUR HAUS Coffee & cocktails meet here, morning to night; cozy ambiance + expansive outdoor patio
  • S’more Martini A sweet, nostalgic treat: skewered roasted marshmallow atop the perfect martini with chocolate & graham cracker rim
  • QUINCY AXE COMPANY Axe/knife throwing for all skill levels + giant jenga, corn hole, darts & snacks
  • Melon Lime Fizz Crisp & invigorating, a zesty blend of melon & lime flavors with a sparkling finish
  • QUINCY BREWING CO Quincy’s only craft brewery + inviting beer garden 
  • Great Debate Pale, light-bodied, well-attenuated lager with a very neutral flavor profile & low bitterness
  • THE SCOREBOARD Classic corner bar offering comfort food, cold beer + “The best cheeseburgers in town!”
  • Lemon Shots
  • THE RATSKELLER Underground German bar in Dick Brothers Brewery Complex
  • The Boulevardier Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky, Carpano’s Antica Sweet Vermouth + coffee- infused Campari 

Download or call for the 85 Watering Holes Guide + more travel inspiration. Check out our FREE 2-hr bike rentals.

800.978.4748 | seequincy.com