Set back from South Peoria Avenue and dwarfed by its neighbors, Elmer’s BBQ is only identifiable from the street by a simple illuminated sign with its name and slogan.
Stepping Back in Time
Old instruments and the faces of jazz musicians covered the walls. The piano by the door begged for a live performance. Jazz music pulsed through the room. One woman swayed and sang along while others tapped their feet in time.
A man in a red Elmer’s apron strolled over to a table, snapping his fingers to the beat. The couple greeted him as an old friend.
When I asked, they told me the man in the apron was the current owner, Keith. “He’s a great guy,” said the woman.
Keith laughed. “I always say we have the best customers around.”
Gone but Not Forgotten
Elmer, the original owner, passed in 2003 after 22 years with his restaurant. He still smiles over the dining room from a picture that hangs in the corner.
For more, check out Elmer’s website at http://www.elmersbbq.net/index.html.
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