Grub Hub: Poopy's is far more than a typical biker bar

SAVANNA – When I first heard the name Poopy's Pub 'N Grub, it definitely grabbed my attention.

"We are probably the only restaurant with a poop theme," says Kevin Promenschenkel, the owner of Poopy's in Savanna.

The story behind the restaurant's name makes for a good laugh. At the time, however, Promenschenkel was not smiling.

When he was a young child, his Little League baseball coach was hitting fly balls for the kids to catch when a bird pooped on Promenschenkel. Just 15 minutes later, another bird pooped on him.

"Someone started called me 'Poopy' and, of course, I didn't like it," Promenschenkel says. "The kids kept calling me Poopy and I've been Poopy my whole life. I've turned the name around and I used it for something."

Promenschenkel, 48, and his wife Peggy, 52, have owned Poopy's since 1996.

"Little kids love the name for some reason," he says. "It gives kids permission to say poop."

Inspired by his longtime love for motorcycles, Promenschenkel created the bar with a biker theme.

It’s billed as the biggest biker destination in Illinois. And for good reason, since its location is along the Great River Road, a popular biker route.

As I walk into Poopy's, the first thing I see are motorcycles hanging from the ceiling. The restaurant is full of other bilker memorabilia, including an old-school gas pump.

There also are Harley-Davidson pictures on the walls and Harley-Davidson banners hanging from the ceiling.

The restaurant's decor also plays off of its title. Bar stools with toilet seats are neatly positioned around the bar.

Poopy's also has an open floor plan for casual dining. When it fills up or when visitors want fresh air, there is additional seating outside under a giant shelter.

Then, there is the menu. Poopy's offers a diverse, complete menu full of mouth-watering choices like chicken strips, prime rib, catfish, homemade soups of the day and The Home Wrecker, which is a foot-long, all beef hot dog.

Another item on the menu is the 1-pound, Big Poop burger, which is a massive slab of meat grilled to perfection and finished with your choice of toppings.

"I really hope you are hungry," one waiter says as she gives me my Big Poop burger.

People can have their burgers made and prepared however they want it. I order mine with lettuce, onions, pickles, jalapeno and pepper jack cheese.

This burger is massive, and it is much more than I am able to finish.

It is served with french fries and coleslaw, and it is delicious. I see why it was recently named one of the top 17 burgers in the state by Thrillist.com.

Poopy's has built a reputation that stretches for miles, making it one of the most popular stops in Carroll County, not just for bikers but for families looking for a down-home meal.

No matter the time of day, Poopy's menu is sure to satisfy. It serves breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. The grill is open until 11 p.m. on weekends.

"We turn into a bar at 10 p.m. and we are open until 2 a.m.," Promenschenkel says.

Poopy's has much more than food. The establishment sits on 10 acres of land. There is plenty of weekend entertainment that takes place throughout the year. There is a big outdoor stage and a firepit positioned behind the restaurant.

There also is a tattoo parlor and a clothing store on site filled with plenty of Poopy's merchandise. Some employees can do piercings for customers.

If you are looking for somewhere to spend the night, Poopy's also has tent camping available with 24-hour restrooms and hot showers available.

"We wanted to make this a one-stop shop," Promenschenkel says. "We have a lot going on."