Dawn's Boatyard Bar opens in St. Charles
Dawn's Boatyard Bar and outdoor patio, at 214 W. Main St. in St. Charles, recently opened.
Owner Dawn Humer also owns Dawn's Beach Hut around the corner at 8 N. Third St. While Dawn's Beach Hut offers custom-blended tropical drinks in a tiki hut atmosphere, the new Boatyard Bar makes patrons feel as if they've just walked into a sea captain's room on the pier overlooking the lake or ocean, she said.
“We always strive to make the atmosphere special for our customers,” Humer said. “I want the décor to transport people from their everyday schedules and priorities, and take them to a ‘far away' place where they can relax and enjoy themselves.”
Humer points out the custom drinks — with names such as Pirate's Punch, Purple Barnacle, Blue Shark and Mermaid Water — are joined by a full complement of unique beers as well as familiar mixed drinks. One of the most popular is her own recipe for The Boatyard Shot, the ingredients of which are a closely guarded secret.
In addition to the 24 seats inside the bar, patrons can enjoy the 72-seat patio in the back.
“We've had great success with the Beach Hut for the past nine years, as it continues to do very well,” Humer explains. “St. Charles has been very good to me and my business. I felt it was time to expand onto Main Street, with an additional bar with a different name, different theme, and different drink menu. So far, I've been proven right.”
Prior to opening Dawn's Beach Hut nine years ago, she had owned and managed four other businesses, one of which accommodated upward of 425 patrons. “That just got to be too much — I wanted something smaller and more intimate, more personal, where people can really enjoy themselves,” she said.
The walls — and even the ceiling — at the new establishment feature nautical-themed items, from signage and photos, to starfish and fishing nets; from portholes and crab traps to boat rigging and vintage excursion signage. “It's an eclectic collection of items that complement my custom drink menu,” Humer said.