Mulgrew’s Liquor Store

More iconic than the iowa-​illinois bridge the mulgrews chilli dog has survived the test of time. Some hint gangsters once dipped there fingers into some of the long gone downtown bars back in the days of All Capone. At one time sleazy strip joints dotted Main Street. The night life lasted hours longer here than neighboring Dubuque drawing many a soul across that bridge that shadows Mulgrews at sunset. Even after the flood waters of the Mississippi river one thing has survived. The Mulgrews chilli dog. A foot long masterpiece of Americana. Boiled to perfection and topped with your choices of real chilli and beans, cheese, onions and a bun to match. The bar is long as a hot dog goong the full length of the Mulgrews. Who knows might be the longest bar in Illinois. Great place for lunch with complementary menu items. Plenty to drink too. Enjoy your stay. Your dog awaits. Just remember there’s no waitress. Order at the bar. Otherwise you’re I’m for a long stay.

Disappointed did they cahnhe the hotdogs??? Cold, and didn’t taste a same all the way back from Texas and I will not be back… I come once a year

Gotta love it. Their foot long chili dogs are the ultimate bar food. We made chili dog runs from UW Platteville 30 years ago and they’re still there! It doesn’t get better than this in East Dubuque. Honestly, it doesn’t. Go there.

You have just entered East Dubuque Illinois! A dowtown all of three blocks long formally known as «Sin Street’. Long gone are the numerous strip clubs and flashing lites. A few bars remain in the shadows under the route 20 bridge over the Mississippi leading to Dubuque Iowa. Mulgrew’s is one.
Open at 7 a.m. seven days a week. Your choice of take out package goods or belly up to the lengthy bar for a drink and the famous «Foot Long» chili dog with copious amounts of cheese and onions! You’ll need a fork for this one. The good thing is you get one automatically with plentifull napkins. It’s steamy, hot and messy. A tasty combination to say the least. They have a small kitchen, but to my surprise it was prepared right in front of me. You see, the steamer and all the fixins are under the bar just about at mid point of its length.
Very friendly bartender and the owner was on hand as well. The downtown area is small and visually worn from time… however remains interesting and worthy of a look. Park your car, open the door and step into Mulgrew’s. Once you do, you’ll know what I am talking about.