{"id":1581,"date":"2021-09-06T00:32:22","date_gmt":"2021-09-06T05:32:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thebeerreport.com\/mainblog\/?p=1581"},"modified":"2021-09-06T14:18:12","modified_gmt":"2021-09-06T19:18:12","slug":"beer-burger-podcast-1-haynes-on-main-in-mackinaw-illinois","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.thebeerreport.com\/mainblog\/?p=1581","title":{"rendered":"Burgers & Beer Podcast #1 – Haynes’ on Main in Mackinaw Illinois"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Welcome to Episode one of the Tazewell County Beer and Burgers Podcast with Groucho.\u00a0 We take our movable feast to Mackinaw Illinois for episode one.\u00a0 Haynes’ on Main has been a benchmark for quality pub fare with great craft beer since they opened.\u00a0 It was an easy decision to start with Haynes.<\/p>\nhttps:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/thebeerreport\/BNB_01_-_Haynes.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

First off… thanks for tuning in.\u00a0 This is a huge departure from a normal TBR show.\u00a0 We hope you enjoy this project and if you have any thoughts or want to make some recommendations.\u00a0 By all means…\u00a0 Email us at groucho@thebeerreport.com or hit me on most socials @thebeerreport<\/p>\n

The last episode and introduction podcast had me sitting with a friend of the show, Kevin, at the Blacktop Tavern.\u00a0 We still have Blacktop on our list as a show destination.\u00a0 Don’t think I have forgotten.\u00a0 Also…\u00a0 I was reminded today that the Burger Barge in East Peoria has amazing burgers and it is definitely in Tazewell County.\u00a0 \u00a0So, we will probably fit them into a show as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Today was a cool, Fall “feeling” day.\u00a0 It felt appropriate to head out to the eastern edge of the county for a scenic drive.\u00a0 It was easy weather to have the windows down and take a breath of country air.\u00a0 All the while, driving roads that dissect nearly mature corn and bean fields add to the feeling that I am getting a little remote.\u00a0 Every field looks like it’s just days away from turning brown for harvest.\u00a0 We are close for Fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mackinaw Illinois sits on Route 9 between Bloomington and Pekin.\u00a0 It’s just 10 minutes away from Interstate 155 and is a fairly easy drive for most.\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>12 minutes from Pekin.\u00a0 Probably 20 minutes from Bloomington\/Normal.\u00a0 These are the kind of roads that you can travel 7 miles in 7 minutes.\u00a0 Straight lines that have 2 directions\u2026\u00a0 North to South or East to West.\u00a0 It’s “grid life” before the kids came up with their version of “grid life”.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mackinaw is one of the few communities in Tazewell county that could be called a river town.\u00a0 Because of this, its become synonymous with local river culture.\u00a0 The Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area is nearby and allows for easy access to the recreational waterway for thousands of rabid canoe and kayaking fans.\u00a0 There is even canoe rental available in the area for those wanting to check it out without the ownership commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The main street is small, even by small-town standards.\u00a0 You could call it petite.\u00a0 Nicely maintained space and all buildings appear to be occupied.\u00a0 A rarity in this day and age of rural flight.\u00a0 The Library, Post Office, and professional services are located in the heart of the town, along with an IGA grocery.\u00a0 There is something funny about seeing buildings with the year 1869 stamped on their crown with a Yoga studio located at the street level.\u00a0 Makes you wonder what the founders of the town would think if they could stroll down this street today.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Haynes’, sitting smack dab in the middle of town, is part of that downtown space.\u00a0 Haynes’ adds to the clean and appealing look of the downtown with its nicely renovated exterior.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The menu is full of fresh-made food…\u00a0 But we don’t have time for that.\u00a0 We are here for a burger and beer.\u00a0 What’s the burger menu like?<\/p>\n

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Classic Burger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The options:<\/span><\/p>\n