'Popular Evening Night Spot' With 100 TVs Opens On Jefferson Street

JOLIET, IL — Saturday was a day that bartender Dona Pifer won't forget anytime soon —the grand opening for Joliet's Black Eyed Susan, Club Hawthorne's new off-track betting location at 2200 West Jefferson St.

For several years, Club Hawthorne operated the Bookie Magee's Hideaway & OTB in a secluded location, tucked behind the Menards along West Jefferson Street.

On Saturday, Black Eyed Susan celebrated its grand opening at the old Hawk Subaru dealership. The turnout for the Kentucky Derby was fabulous, Pifer told Joliet Patch.

At least 200 people packed underneath the outdoor tent, and another 200 people mingled inside, watching Rich Strike, one of the biggest long shots ever, win the Kentucky Derby.

"It was crazy busy, crazy busy," Pifer told Joliet Patch during Wednesday's interview. "Nobody complained. Everybody was happy, drinks were flowing. Everybody had a great time. I think people were surprised by the outcome of the race."

The new location along West Jefferson Street for Black Eyed Susan gives Club Hawthorne enormous visibility. Generally, Black Eyed Susan will be open from about 10 a.m. until about midnight as the last races finish on the West Coast, Pifer explained.

Pifer said Black Eyed Susan will be adding about a half dozen video gaming machines soon.

"And we have a full bar now and a limited menu," she said.

While Joliet Patch was interviewing the bartender, one of the patrons exclaimed, "When you get a chance, can I get a Budweiser, please?"

One of the first things you will notice when you step inside Black Eyed Susan is the TV screens.

They're practically everywhere.

"I would say there's close to 100, easily," Pifer remarked.

In addition to horse racing, Pifer expects Black Eyed Susan will be a popular hangout to watch basketball, football and hockey games.

She also stressed that "nobody has to bet anything."

However, guests must be 21 years old to purchase alcohol or to bet, she said.

The new Joliet location, at 2200 West Jefferson St., is next to the Super China Buffet.

"I like the location," Pifer said. It's "in one of the busiest streets in Joliet. It's clean. I look for it to be a popular evening night spot."

Joliet Patch has posted photos of the Black Eyed Susan menu at the bottom of this article.