Shuttered Lincoln tavern makes comeback with new owners, menu, and traditional favorites

The Blue Dog Inn was the site of the first meal Valery Carnes and Paul Saba ate upon relocating to central Illinois from the St. Louis area.

So naturally, the couple considered the signature Lincoln eatery “their” place. Now they have the deed to prove it.

“The Blue Dog was our go-to place,” said Carnes. “The first place we ate at in Lincoln and it became a weekly routine.

“When it went up for sale . . . and then closed.”

Carnes and Saba have purchased the tavern and the 109 Sangamon St. building, and rechristened the business as the Blue Dog Steakery, which reopens Monday.

“We wanted to keep what made the Blue Dog, the Blue Dog,” she said. “Keep the tradition, but add a steakhouse feel in the evenings.”

So the foot-long hotdog that appeared on the original 1979 menu is back. Ditto the Blue Dog Inn’s signature sandwiches like the Chive Turkey, Birds of Paradise and The Affair.

But now, several entree selections join the lineup, ranging from porterhouse steaks to ribeye, salmon to shish kabobs. A full salad bar, complete with baked potato and scratch-made soup selections, also will be available for lunch and dinner.

Carnes and Saba have applied the same philosophy to the Blue Dog’s ambiance.

The solid wood bar still grounds the space. But the beadboard and tin ceiling tile lining the walls have been removed to expose the original brick. More lighting has been installed to brighten the space.

“We still have our Blue Dogs,” Carnes said. “But the decor, it’s more fun, whimsical. Less 90s tchotchke.”

Long-term plans include adding a bakery and catering services.

More: Former McDonald's site on way to becoming cafe; juice bar opens in The Gables

Operating hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The full-service restaurant also offers in-town delivery and online orders. Delivery is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Phone: (217) 651-8022. Website: www.bluedogsteakery.com.

This is the second Logan County eatery Carnes and Saba have breathed into new life. They took over the New Holland Cafe in New Holland in 2022. They also have operated the Lincoln-based Frothy Bottom Mobile Bar since 2019.

The Blue Dog Inn opened in 1970. Founders Lou and Bonnie Hardacre started the business as a stand-up bar serving cold sandwiches. It eventually expanded to a full-service restaurant and bar.

John and Barbara Blackburn purchased the business from Susie Fuhrer, Lou’s second wife, in 2009. The couple put the tavern up for sale in 2018, but said the business would continue operations as normal until a buyer was located. Last October, the Blackburns shuttered the Blue Dog Inn, calling it a temporary move.

Portillo's celebrates 60 years

Portillo's is celebrating its 60th anniversary by keeping the party going with others who reached the six-decade mark this year.

The Oak Brook-based chain is covering the catering tab for 10 winners of the Portillo’s “Sweet 60” Sweepstakes. Winners will receive a $500 Portillo’s catering gift card, as well as limited edition Portillo’s 60th merchandise.

Anyone celebrating a 60th birthday, wedding or business anniversary or class reunion is eligible. Nominations will be accepted through midnight Oct. 31. Enter online at www.Portillos.com/sweet-60-sweepstakes/ by filling out a short nomination write-up. Entries also can be sent by mail to Portillo’s Sweet 60 Sweepstakes, Portillo’s Hot Dogs LLC, 2001 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, Ill. 60523. Include a printed list of the individual/business’s name, phone number, and email in a No. 10 envelope.

The 10 winners will be selected in a random drawing.

Founder Dick Portillo opened his first stand in 1963, known as The Dog House, in the Chicago suburb of Villa Park. The brand is known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef and chocolate cake.

Today there are more than 70 locations throughout the nation, including the Springfield business at 4300 Freedom Drive in the Parkway Pointe shopping center.

The A La Carte column highlights restaurant openings, closings, renovations, and relocations, as well as personnel changes and business news. Natalie Morris can be reached at (217) 737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Lincoln's Blue Dog Inn to reopen with new owners, updated menu