Village Tavern, Long Grove, IL

What do you get when you put hungry people in a tavern from 1847? Fed. And boy did we try it all at this quaint, but not small, joint in Long Grove, IL. They seem to have been here forever, even before Miller Beer was invented. They have lots of old-timey decor and history. Plus, good food.

I was not feeling hungry enough for a meal after a bunch of apps at the brewery nearby, so I thought I would go "light" with a simple sundae. Local ice cream, real whipped cream, it was pretty boss. And, well, it was a monster. I wound up getting about halfway in and giving up. No worries, the table finished it.

I would recommend Long Grove at almost any time of the year, and this place is on the list of places to go back to, hands down.

Heritage Tavern, Madison, WI

This post's tavern will be almost a 180-degree change from the previous post on Chief's Tavern. This is a very much an upscale tavern off the Capitol Square in downtown Madison. It's not a "local", unless you live in a condo nearby, I 'spose. In much the same way as Chief's though, I really enjoyed this place... of course, for different reasons, and maybe some not so different.

It's in the basement or ground floor of a stately brick building, but still gets sunlight through windows at street level...

Once you're in it's very cozy, warm, and inviting...

They have a large bar down one wall, small tables with chairs and a banquet opposite, then a whole other room for dining. It's pretty big for how quaint it looks from the outside. It's well-appointed and nicely decorated, up-to-date design and materials. You can also see into/watch the kitchen from one half of the restaurant, which is always kind of cool.

They have a very nice bar menu and drink menu. I was just in for a quick beer at happy hour.

The service felt a bit "Madison", which means the student bartenders and servers are either disinterested in being attentive or simply haven't been trained how to yet. Despite that, it's a really nice place and relaxing way to start the evening hours. I would go back in a heartbeat.

(That's the Winter Solstice on nitro from Boonville, CA - delicious and smooth)

Pop quiz - how many images or parts of a fox do you see in this post? I believe it's their logo/mascot. Kinda fun and definitely unique.

Chief's Tavern, Madison, WI

Any place that has a WiFi password of 4BIGBEERS is alright with me... or so I found on Superbowl Sunday 2018. I'd decided to check out a bar merely down my street a few blocks and take in the "big game".

What a local WI treat this place is. Decor that looks like a 70's or 80's basement, almost no sunlight, patrons and a sassy bartender that swear out loud, enough snacks and food to keep you happy, and a nice dozen or so beers on tap, plus bottles of even more varieties.

My gastronomic portion of the night went like this:
Spotted Cow - this is a WI classic
Spotted Cow
Pretzel w/ "Cheese" - bartender apologized for "too much cheese", uhhh, this is WI, lady!
Bell's Amber, sure - why not?
Free Superbowl Sunday Pulled Pork sandwiches with chips n dip, baby carrots, and crudites - huzzah!!!
And for dessert a nice cold Atwater Brewing VJP (Vanilla Java Porter) on nitro pour - very good, imo

I think I spent about $25 in total, should have tipped more. Sorry, Sam. It was a good game, fun visit and I've already been back more than once (ok, only twice).

(Bundle up, Sam)

Notes 2 Know:
 - This bar is Cash-Only, which goes perfectly with the overall theme, imo. They also have an ATM inside too, phew.
- The kitchen has a small menu that's served until a bit after dinner time most nights.
- They have an "anytime menu" that you can get at any hour, but it's more like snack items - hot pretzel, nachos, etc.
- The have a system set-up with a local pizza place across the street to have patrons order their own custom pies and have them brought to your table/barstool. Lots of options on size and toppings. Delivered hot too.
- They have live music pretty often. Started at 6:30pm on a Friday when I was in.
- The Men's john is out the back, between the outer & inner doors. Trust me, this one's worth gold.

Here's a few more shots from the subsequent trips too:

Bacon n Black Olive, try it.