Blue Dog Inn receives "Delicious Destination Award"

[February 07, 2015]  LINCOLN - Within the state of Illinois, the Illinois Tourism Bureau has named a total of 25 restaurants as Delicious Destinations. As of Friday, Logan County has two such restaurants with the prestigious designation.

On Friday, the Blue Dog Inn in Lincoln joined the Palms Grill of Atlanta as a Delicious Destination Award recipient.

Sarah Wallick of the Logan County Tourism Bureau made the presentation to Blue Dog owner Barbara Blackburn and bar manager Susie Taylor. Those also present for the presentation included Lincoln Mayor Keith Snyder, Nicole Cox of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Ambassadors Karen Hargis and Roy Logan.

Wallick began by noting that there are only 25 designations in the state and saying that it was an honor to have two of those designations in Logan County. She explained that the award is given by the state to businesses that are nominated locally. She noted; "Lincoln is lucky to have the Blue Dog for the last 36 years.”

Snyder was given the plaque and asked to present it to Blackburn and Taylor. He noted that the state Bureau is a “little late to the game.” He concluded, “Lincoln has known the Blue Dog is a delicious destination for a long time.”

Blackburn spoke briefly saying, “I want to say thank you. If we didn’t have such a great staff with Susie as our bar manager, Denny Sharpe as our business manager, our waitresses, our bussers; we are a team. And we would not be here without our customers, so we’re really grateful to everyone involved.

Though the Blue Dog has been in business for 36 years, The Blackburn’s, Barb and John, purchased the business five years ago in April. Two years ago they expanded the business, adding a new dining area by refurbishing a vacant building next door. Blackburn said projects in the restaurant are ongoing, and currently work is being done to upgrade the restroom areas of the business.

The business is located on Lincoln’s historic Sangamon Street in one of the original buildings built in that area. The interior offers tin ceilings, hardwood furnishings and a genuine vintage atmosphere. Restaurant hours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Menu items are offered as dine-in or carry-out.

[Nila Smith]