Yes, Judge's Bar Is Moving Elsewhere, But This Is What Will Occupy Space When It's Gone

JOLIET, IL — One of the biggest stories to come out of this week's Joliet City Council meeting agenda concerns the future of the Judge's Bar. The Council will vote on Judge's proposal to have a Class B liquor license at a different property, one located several blocks away, at 508 North Chicago Street.

But as far as Mayor Terry D'Arcy, as liquor commissioner is concerned, this is opportunity to increase downtown Joliet's taverns. The mayor is also recommending the approval of a Class B liquor license for a new bar that wants to move into the Judge's Bar location. The new established will be called Jonny's Bar and 95 percent of its business will be derived from the sale of alcoholic beverages, the Council memo shows.

Jonny's also plans to have disc jockeys, live music, karaoke and comedians perform at their new bar located at 35 East Cass Street near the corner of Scott Street, across from the public parking garage now owned by John Bays.

"The subject business is a new bar in the multi-tenant building at the northwest corner of Cass Street and Scott Street in downtown Joliet occupied by Judge's," the Council memo outlined.

According to Mayor D'Arcy, the property is zoned B-2 for central business "which permits bars and taverns with the sale and premises consumption of alcohol."

The City Council vote will take place Tuesday night.