According to a recent article from The Daily Herald, The Village Tavern will see a change of hands, located at 135 Old McHenry Road.
“We have been transitioning ownership for a few months now. The Ullrich/Sayers family owned the Tavern for 61 years. Mary Ann has been very helpful with everything. As she has put it, which I think best describes the transition as “We have just extended our family.” She has been very kind in teaching us how the restaurant operates. We have been fortunate that the staff stayed during the transition to ease any hiccups,” Nicole Jarvis told What Now Chicago.
“We don’t really want to change much to the food menu but rather add items to it. The fish fry, broasted chicken, hamburgers, and Reuben are favorites so we want to keep them the same. My husband is from New Mexico so we have talked about adding a hatch green chilli burger during harvest season. Some other changes will be adding more local craft beer options and some vintage fusion cocktails for the bar. We plan to make the downstairs area which was formerly an antique shop, a billiard room as well.”
“We have musicians on Wednesdays and Fridays. Roger Pauly has been playing for 25 years at the tavern and will continue to lead our sing-alongs on Friday. Long Grove is a beautiful charming historic community, we plan to work with the community to promote the tavern and the surrounding businesses.”
The Village Tavern stands as a testament to time, tracing its roots back to the horse-and-buggy era. Founded in 1847 as the Zimmer Tavern and Wagon Shop, it has evolved over generations while retaining its essence and charm.
Eventually renamed as The Village Tavern, the establishment’s historical significance is etched in its very walls. Long Grove’s first liquor license, bearing the signature of Village President Robert Parker Coffin, was granted to this hallowed space in 1956, shortly after the village’s incorporation, according to Daily Herald’s article.
Throughout the years, The Village Tavern has embraced the flow of time while honoring its roots. Notable additions, like a bar hailing from the original McCormick Place, have enriched its narrative. Framed photographs adorning the walls capture moments that define the tavern’s journey through the annals of time. The iconic 35-foot mahogany “Presidents Bar” from McCormick Place has been described to beckon patrons, both locals and tourists alike.
Known for its unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, The Village Tavern boasts a menu brimming with offerings that pay homage to tradition while embracing contemporary tastes, from freshly ground 1/2 lb. burgers crafted with care from Dorfler’s Meat Market to hearty sandwiches, homemade soups, and salads.
If those don’t sound intriguing, guests can enjoy a range of other options such as ribs, steaks, chops, fish, chicken, and shrimp. With its freshly breaded goodness, the Fish Fry and the broasted chicken hold a special place on the menu. Patrons can also enjoy a diverse selection of craft-brewed beers on tap and in bottles, alongside an array of wines and a full bar to pair with the meal of their choosing, according to the company website.
