From the moment diners walk into 1930, located at 106 N. Jackson St. in Perryville, owner Brian Walters says guests are transported back to the “roaring ‘30s — a time of jazz, prohibition, and timeless camaraderie.”
It’s easy to understand why. This bar and restaurant isn’t just a nod to the past — it’s an immersive tribute. With walls adorned in photos and memorabilia of gangsters and the lawmen who pursued them, the space captures the tension and spirit of a pivotal American era. Figures like Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Bugsy Siegel, and Bonnie and Clyde come to life in the gallery of history, reminding visitors of a time when crime and justice battled in the headlines.
It might not surprise locals to learn that Walters, beyond being a business owner, also serves as a Perryville police officer.
“That’s the whole reason I’m behind opening this,” said Walters, his tall frame relaxed in the cozy interior of his restaurant. “I’ve met some really cool people since I’ve opened this, and I’ve heard some really interesting stories from people who have struggled with life. This is about more than food for me. It’s a community-reach deal for me. We’ve got bars already in town. I don’t want to be a bar. I want to be a restaurant where people come, bring their families, and enjoy hanging out while learning a little bit of history.”
For Walters, the 1930s represent more than a design choice — they reflect a turning point in American law enforcement and culture.
“It was a very pivotal time in law enforcement because they started running into a lot more than social and economic issues,” he said. “Now we’re talking about gangsters and bootlegging. It was a time when the nation stood up and said, ‘We’re going to do something about this.’ That’s why I came up with 1930. It’s literally a favorite time of mine. I’m a big history buff, and I love everything about the ‘30s.
“I’m a police officer, and you look at some of these pictures where they’re dumping kegs of beer — that was a time when people were secretly drinking beer. I wanted everything about this place to reach back into that era and be able to share that with people. I want it to be a destination for people and more than just a restaurant, you know what I mean? These photos were real. They weren’t staged. Each one has a story behind it.”
Of course, no matter how intriguing the ambiance, no restaurant survives on looks alone — and 1930 delivers where it matters most: food and drink. Since opening its doors on New Year’s Eve 2024, 1930 has earned praise for its atmosphere, but even more for its flavor.
Walters initially envisioned the business as “basically a prohibition-era bar,” but quickly pivoted to meet the appetite of his growing customer base.
“We transitioned over into food in February, and we’ve been a restaurant ever since,” he said. “I would say we’re 90 percent a restaurant and 10 percent a bar. We’re no different than if you go to Texas Steakhouse and there’s liquor there. We sell an experience; it’s not just food. We’ve got photos of Perryville back in the day spread through here. I’ve had people say, ‘I’ve got a picture of my grandma’s farm in Perry County,’ and I say, ‘Bring it. We’ll copy it and put it in the hallway where people can see it.”
Today, 1930 serves up slow-smoked barbecue and handcrafted cocktails in a setting that feels equal parts supper club and time machine. After the original smoker “bit the dust,” Walters invested in a top-of-the-line replacement that ensures not only quality, but enough quantity to satisfy every hungry guest.
From tender brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs, each dish is steeped in tradition and delivered with care. Live music, family-friendly vibes, and a healthy dose of nostalgia round out the experience. 1930’s hours of operation are:
■ Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
■ Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. ■ Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information or to make a reservation, email 1930pvmgt@gmail.com or call 660-621-1318.
