Mack’s, which has been in the space next to Kelleher’s (previously Tannins & Hops) for just over two years now, has had many great local artists perform since opening in November 2019. We appreciate their support of live, local music, and the fun atmosphere we always encountered when we stopped in.

The Peoria Journal Star reported this morning that Ken Allison has decided to close Mack’s for good due to the lack of business COVID has caused. He’s calling their annual New Year’s Eve party the “Last, Last Call.”

Kirk Wessler went live twice with PML from the back room at Mack’s.

It’s disappointing to see another small local bar, restaurant, and music venue leave the scene. It’s not a surprise, however, as many downtown establishments are still being hurt by the high number of workers, who previously filled in downtown buildings, staying at home to continue their jobs remotely.

While there is some hope that the downtown will be bustling again in the not-too-distant future. For some places, like Mack’s, it’s not happening soon enough.

Below are some photos PML has taken at Mack’s, including photos of the back room where we went live a few times with local artists. Be sure to stop in one more time before they close on New Year’s Day.