Nason, a small town of just more than 200 residents in southern Illinois, located on a peninsula that juts into Rend Lake. The main attractions in this area are the many swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities available on the lake. Nason has only one small bar within its limits. Three chain-style bar/restaurants are located approximately 13 miles to the north in Mount Vernon.
Bubba's Place, on the western edge of Nason, is one block north of Route 13. This is a neighborhood bar with a shot-and-beer ambiance in which the majority of its patrons already know each other. A family owned and operated establishment, Bubba's is open until 11 p.m. on weekdays and until midnight on weekends. It does not cook food, but will prepare pizzas for its customers in a microwave. Its limited amenities include a pool table. Although it does not have a happy hour, its drinks are already reasonably priced.
Krieger's Sports Grill has three locations in Illinois, including one in Mount Vernon. Open seven days a week, Krieger's received the Missouri Restaurant Association award for Best Menu in 1999. Popular food items include its fries, hamburgers and hot wings. Steaks and seafood are also available. The bar features high definition TVs that show the NFL, NBA, NCAA and MLB viewing packages. Various specials are held each week, including on Wednesdays when children eat for free. It also has various promotions throughout the year in which it gives away free baseball, hockey and concert tickets.
The Chili's Grill & Bar Restaurant chains can be found in well over 1,000 locations, including one in Mount Vernon north of Nason. This restaurant/bar is open seven days a week, starting at 11 a.m. It stays open until 10:30 most of the weekdays, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The menu features American cuisine with a Tex-Mex influence. Hamburgers, tacos, fajitas and quesadillas are among the favorites on a menu with a wide range of salads, soups and appetizers. A veggie burger is also available. The bar area features drink specials and televisions for watching sports. Gift certificates and Chili's merchandise are available through its website.
The Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon in Mount Vernon is part of a nationwide chain that features Texas-style cuisine with items such as steaks, buffalo chicken tenders and onion strings. The Mount Vernon location is open on Sunday from Thursday to 10 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m. It opens each days at 11 a.m. While its food is the main attraction, it also has a bar where guests can order food and watch sports on TV. Its website promotes is cold beer and margaritas. It also has various drink specials, including a drink of the month. Gift certificates can be obtained through its website.
