Long Grove has gained popularity recently, and it’s easy to see why. This charming town near Chicago hosts many beloved festivals, including the Chocolate Festival, Apple Festival, and Strawberry Festival— they truly have it all.
However, that’s not the only thing that Long Grove has to brag about. The state’s oldest restaurant is located here as well. The Village Tavern in Long Grove, Illinois, has been operating since 1847, making it the oldest restaurant in the state. It opened just a decade after Chicago was officially named a city and has continued to serve patrons ever since.
The Village Tavern has been running for 179 years
Originally known as Zimmer Tavern and Wagon Shop, the Village Tavern served as a stopping point for travelers, offering a place to rest their horses and enjoy a meal. The tavern can seat over 125 guests in its spacious dining room, which features a large brick fireplace, solid oak hand-hewn beams, and a pub-style bar.
One of the tavern’s centerpieces is the impressive 35-foot mahogany “Presidents Bar” sourced from McCormick Place, which draws both locals and tourists alike. The Village Tavern is renowned for its variety of freshly ground half-pound burgers made from meat sourced from Dorfler’s Meat Market, as well as hearty sandwiches, homemade soups, and salads.
The menu also features ribs, steaks, chops, fish, chicken, and shrimp. A highlight is the tavern’s famous freshly-breaded Fish Fry, along with what they claim is the best broasted chicken you’ll ever taste. Of course, what’s a tavern without beer? The Village Tavern has a selection of craft-brewed beers on tap and in bottles, along with a lovely assortment of wines and a full bar.
