Originally named for its plethora of oak trees, Long Grove was first settled in 1838 by Germans from Alsace & Lorraine (now France). The Village Tavern was established in 1849 in what was John Zimmer’s Wagon Shop, and has continuously operated since that time—making it the oldest tavern in the Chicagoland area and one of country’s 20 oldest. The Village Tavern is now owned by Chip and Mary Ann Ullrich, who maintain its rustic authenticity, particularly with its décor of old photographs and antiques for sale. The centerpiece of the pub is a 35-foot mahogany bar that survived the McCormick Place Fire of January 16, 1961. The spacious dining room features a home-cooked menu highlighted by the half-pound Black Angus burger, all-you-can-eat broasted chicken on Wednesdays, all-you-can-eat fish fry on Fridays, and Prime Rib on Saturdays. Buffalo wings, sandwiches, a few salads, hand-cut steaks, chops and fish are also available, as is a brunch buffet every Sunday from 9am–noon. Live music is featured every night starting around 5pm, primarily by Roger Pauly’s Dixieland jazz band, the RJ Express. The crowd consists primarily of an older suburban crowd, except for the busloads of tourists that come to shop in Long Grove’s quaint 19th century downtown and to experience a Victorian Christmas and Chocolate Fest, held every Spring. All of the above, plus restrictive alcohol licensing, makes the Village Tavern the only bar in town. For more information, check out the Village Tavern website.
Full review coming soon…
