BEST MUSIC VENUE BEST BEER GARDEN

The Curve Inn 3219 South Sixth Street, Southern View, 529-5806 Listening to music outdoors is a fine idea, even if it’s only available seasonally here in central Illinois. The seasons didn’t stop our readers from designating the Curve Inn as the best beer garden and music venue. The venerable tavern has a long and interesting history, beginning in 1932 as Copps Corner and becoming the Curve Inn in 1945, capitalizing on the Route 66 location just outside the Springfield city limits. Continuing the tradition, owners Ray and Ami Merchant and Don Thompson since 2002, kept the name, but expanded the beer garden, making it a hotspot for live music in the capital city. The beer garden success during the warmer months and early evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays bring the best bands in the area to rock the roomy and comfortable enclosed deck space. With smoking allowed outside, cold beer and tasty bar food available, what else could a person ask for? Runner up: Best Music Venue - Hoogland Center for the Arts Runner-up: Best Beer Garden - Boone’s Saloon