Four stateline bars advance to top 32 in Illinois dive bar competition

BOONE COUNTY, Ill. (WIFR) – Four stateline bars are moving on in a statewide online competition after thousands of votes pushed local businesses into the next round of voting.

The bracket-style competition, organized by Dive Bar Road Trip, started with 205 nominated bars across Illinois. Founder Chris Whillock says 6,301 votes came in during the opening round, narrowing the competition down to only 32.

Whillock says the competition helps mom and pop shops thrive.

“We all like the little bars. We want them to stay in business,” said Whillock. “It will bring people through the door.”

Representing the stateline in the next round are The Stumble Inn, Mortimer’s Roadhouse, Buchanan Street Pub and Stumpy’s Pub.

At the Stumble Inn in Capron, co-owner Bjorn Nebergall says making the top 32 puts a spotlight on his business, which people have been supporting for years.

“This place has been special for a long time,” said Nebergall. “It feels good. We kind of know where we stand in the community. We have a lot of good customers, a lot of loyal regulars that come in here.”

Nebergall says the food and staff are what make his bar stand out.

“It can be anywhere from a family environment during the day and more adult at night, but it’s definitely a welcoming place for people,” said Nebergall.

Just minutes away in Poplar Grove, Mortimer’s Roadhouse also secured a spot in the top 32. Manager Michelle Burke says she was excited to see that two other Boone County businesses made the list.

“Somebody once called us a diamond in the rough, that we are a hidden gem that most people don’t know, that it’s kind of scary on the outside, but once you get in, you feel right at home,” said Burke.

Burke says Mortimer’s has a lot to offer, like live music, karaoke and even sand volleyball.

In Belvidere, Buchanan Street Pub owner Brandy Reames says the competition helps bring most customers and business through the doors.

“I think that the exposure is absolutely amazing for all of the small businesses, whether it’s on social media or we can throw a party for it, it really gets our names out there,” said Reames.

Reames says many businesses have supported one another throughout the voting process.

“I don’t think it’s so much the competition as it’s just everybody rallying together. I know that there were a bunch of bars that I personally voted for. They voted for us and it’s just fun all the way around,” said Reames.

The next round of voting begins Saturday as bars compete for a place in the Sweet 16.

The Illinois championship round wraps up June 27 at 10 p.m. The winner will earn the title of Illinois Champion before advancing to the national competition next year.

To vote head to Dive Bar Road Trip’s Facebook Page.