Inside Illinois’ Oldest Tavern, Where History And A Famous Fish Fry Meet
If you find yourself craving both history and a hearty meal, The Village Tavern in Long Grove, Illinois, offers an experience that’s hard to beat. Known as the oldest tavern in the state, it’s a place where each corner echoes with stories of the past.
The warm glow of its wood-trimmed interior, the creak of timeworn floorboards, and the steady hum of conversation make it clear that this is more than just a place to eat, it’s a step back in time. The menu, a mix of classic comfort foods, features a standout Friday fish fry that keeps locals coming back for more.
There’s something about the atmosphere here that invites you to linger, whether you’re enjoying the familiar flavors or just soaking in the history that surrounds you. It’s not just a meal; it’s a slice of local history you’ll want to savor.
Exact Location And How To Find It
The Village Tavern sits in the heart of historic Long Grove at 135 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047. Plug that into maps and you will land steps from charming brick walkways, boutique shops, and seasonal festival action that turns the village into a lively stroll.
Parking is available around the square and along nearby streets, with clear signage that keeps things straightforward.
Arrive from Route 83 or Route 53, then wind through tree lined roads that make the drive relaxing. The building itself is unmistakable, a classic wood facade with vintage signage and a welcoming front.
Look for the porch style entry and the steady hum of conversation that spills out during lunch and dinner hours.
First timers should plan a few extra minutes to wander before or after eating, because Long Grove rewards curiosity. The tavern anchors a day trip beautifully, offering dependable comfort food in between browsing shops.
If accessibility matters, call ahead for the easiest entrance guidance and available seating.
A Living Timeline Since 1847
Walking inside feels like shaking hands with 1847. The Village Tavern is celebrated as the oldest continuously operating tavern style restaurant in Illinois, and the building wears its years with pride.
Dark wood trim, time polished floors, and period details create a setting that does more than serve meals, it preserves memories.
Local lore points to a lineage of proprietors who kept the doors open through wars, snowstorms, and festivals. Publicly available sources highlight historic fixtures, including a striking grandfather clock linked to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
Rather than invent names or dates, it is safer to say stewardship has stayed community minded and enduring.
That sense of continuity shapes the experience. You feel it when regulars greet staff by name, or when visitors snap photos near the clock before sitting down to a hearty plate.
If you are a history buff, ask your server for a few building stories and you will likely get a warm mini tour without leaving the table.
Decor, Ambiance, And Setting
The room glows with amber light reflecting off timeworn wood, and the details tell the story. High back booths, framed memorabilia, and the long polished bar anchor the layout, while the dining side offers calmer seating with good sightlines.
Across from the bar, that famous grandfather clock chimes on the hour, adding gentle theater to the rhythm of the meal.
Sound levels land in the happy middle during busy times, lively but not chaotic. On select days, live music adds energy without overpowering conversation, and staff manage seating to fit your mood.
Prefer a quieter meal. Ask for the dining room where families gather and service feels unhurried.
Lighting stays flattering day and night, and windows pull in Main Street charm. Seasonal decor keeps the space fresh during festivals, from strawberry to apple celebrations.
Altogether, the ambiance mixes small town warmth with old Illinois character, making it easy to settle in, order a favorite, and stay for dessert.
Menu Overview And Notable Dishes
The menu reads like a roadmap of Midwestern comfort, with burgers, broasted chicken, hand battered fish, German inspired plates, soups, and shareable appetizers. Expect cheese curds that squeak, pretzel bites with creamy dipping sauce, and a well liked French onion soup with a melted cap.
Sandwiches run from tuna salad to pulled pork, plus occasional specials like prime rib sandwiches and ribs.
German heritage shows up in pork schnitzel with dill sauce, spaetzle, sausages, and sauerkraut. Fans mention a fish fry on Fridays, while everyday choices include crisp salads, quesadillas, and loaded baskets of fries.
Portions are generous without being overwhelming, and sides complement rather than crowd the plate.
Pricing sits comfortably in the mid range, with good value for quality and portion size. Families, couples, and festival goers all find something easy to love here.
If deciding feels tough, begin with curds or pretzels, then share a schnitzel and a fish plate. You will cover a lot of ground in one sitting.
The Famous Friday Fish Fry
Friday brings the buzz. The Village Tavern is well known for its fish fry, drawing locals who plan the week around crispy fillets and golden fries.
Expect a light, crackly coating that shatters at first bite, revealing flaky white fish that stays moist without extra fuss.
Not every week looks identical, and availability or format can vary, so it helps to call ahead if you have specific expectations. What stays consistent is the friendly, fast pacing and the way plates arrive hot with balanced seasoning.
Fries come crisp, slaw cool and tangy, and portions generous enough to satisfy a serious craving.
Arrive a touch early to skirt the peak dinner rush, especially during festival weekends. The dining room keeps conversation flowing, while takeout offers an easy option if you are on the go.
Pair with a cup of soup to warm up in winter, or lean into lemon and tartar for classic nostalgia any time of year.
Signature Plates: Broasted Chicken, Schnitzel, And Ribs
Broasted chicken is a house favorite, arriving with crackly skin and juicy meat that pulls clean from the bone. The pressure cooking method locks in moisture, so white meat stays tender and dark meat turns luscious.
Sides usually include fries or potatoes, and the portion easily satisfies a hungry diner.
Pork schnitzel highlights regional German roots. It is pounded thin for tenderness, breaded evenly, and finished golden, then dressed with a dill accented sauce that cools and brightens every bite.
Spaetzle on the side catches the sauce, while sauerkraut adds a gentle twang.
On certain days, rib specials appear and win fans with deep caramelization and a tug just short of fall apart. Sauces lean savory sweet, and the slabs arrive with enough heft to share if you are pacing yourself.
If deciding is tough, split chicken and schnitzel across the table and trade tastes. Your future self will thank you.
Service Style And Staff Interaction
Service here feels practiced and personal. Hosts greet with an easy warmth, servers move with purpose, and food arrives hot even during busy stretches.
Special requests, like extra onions for a burger or a quieter table, are handled with friendly assurance that puts first time guests at ease.
During events or live music nights, staff balance energy with attentiveness, keeping refills steady and pacing courses so the table never feels rushed. Large groups benefit from clear communication, and private events in the downstairs pool hall earn praise for coordination and value.
If you need high chairs or accessible seating, ask right away and staff will guide you.
Smiles come standard, and regulars get welcoming nods that make the place feel like a neighborhood living room. Even on peak Fridays, patience goes a long way and is usually rewarded with quick, accurate orders.
It is the kind of service that makes you plan a return visit before dessert hits the table.
Customer Experience And Atmosphere
Guests come for comfort and stay for community. Families find the dining room relaxed and welcoming, while groups of friends linger over shareables and hearty mains.
Reviews frequently highlight the trifecta of good food, good service, and a uniquely historic setting that sparks conversation.
Festival weekends transform the block into a mini celebration, with outdoor seating when weather cooperates and an easy flow between shops and the tavern. On quieter afternoons, it is a restful stop during a Long Grove stroll.
The soundtrack might include live German tunes or classic standards, adding charm without stealing the spotlight.
Expect an older crowd early and a wider mix as the evening unfolds. Photos near the clock are a ritual for first timers, and everyone appreciates how the staff handles both casual lunches and milestone celebrations.
It is a come as you are feel, with consistent value that keeps people returning across seasons.
Price Range, Value, And Portions
The Village Tavern aims squarely for fair value. Dishes land in the mid range, with most guests noting that portion sizes match the price and often lean generous.
Shareables like pretzel bites and curds stretch dollars nicely for groups, while hearty mains leave little room for dessert unless you pace yourself.
Lunch and early dinner can be the sweet spot if you are watching costs, since the same comforting plates feel especially satisfying after a morning of shopping. Specials rotate, so it is smart to ask what is running that day.
Staff are forthcoming about portion size and sides, helping you order exactly enough.
In an era of creeping prices, it is refreshing to sit down to hot, well seasoned food that does not feel inflated. Families appreciate the predictable value, and event planners find packages flexible for larger parties.
Even a simple soup and sandwich combo fills the tank without emptying the wallet.
Hours Of Operation And Best Times To Visit
Plan around posted hours for a smooth visit. Current public listings show: Monday 11:30 AM to 9 PM, Wednesday 11:30 AM to 9 PM, Thursday 11:30 AM to 9 PM, Friday 11:30 AM to 10 PM, Saturday 11:30 AM to 10 PM, Sunday 11:30 AM to 5 PM, and closed Tuesday.
Hours can shift for special events or holidays, so checking the website or calling ahead is wise.
For the calmest experience, arrive just after opening on weekdays or aim for late afternoon before the dinner rush. Friday fish fry draws crowds, so earlier seating helps.
Festival weekends swell with energy, and outdoor seating becomes prime real estate when weather cooperates.
If you prefer quick in and out, order takeout during peak times and enjoy in the nearby parklets. Otherwise, settle in and make it a full outing with a stroll through town.
Either way, a little planning ensures you spend more time enjoying plates and less time waiting.
Unique Features And Tips For Newcomers
The basement pool hall is a sleeper hit, available for private events and group gatherings, with big screens and space for crafts or buffet style meals. Upstairs, the grandfather clock becomes a conversation starter and photo backdrop.
Seasonal festivals add outdoor momentum, and the staff handles the higher traffic with practiced calm.
First timers should try cheese curds, then share schnitzel or broasted chicken, and circle back for the Friday fish fry on a future visit. Ask about daily specials, seating preferences, and any event night plans, so you land exactly the vibe you want.
Parking gets easier if you arrive a little early.
Finally, do not rush out. Wander Long Grove’s wooden covered walkways, pop into a shop or two, and savor how the tavern fits the village’s rhythm.
The experience feels bigger than one meal. It is a small town postcard that happens to come with hot plates and friendly service.