The Oldest Restaurant in Illinois Has Been Serving Up Tavern Grub Since Before the Civil War

Did you know that the oldest restaurant in Illinois is located just an hour outside of Chicago? The Village Tavern in suburban Long Grove has been serving up tavern eats since before the Civil War. Here’s everything to know about Chicagoland’s most historic restaurant. A Chicagoland institution nearly 200 years ---------------------------------------------- The Village Tavern was established way back in 1847, when Chicago was an industrializing frontier boom town of only 16,000 residents. Nearly 200 years later, the restaurant is still welcoming guests in its 125-seat dining room complete with a massive “President’s Bar,” a relic which survived the Great McCormick Place Fire of 1867. Menu highlights include German comfort food favorites like pork schnitzel and bratwurst, paying tribute to the area’s cultural roots. Other specialties include broasted chicken, a famous fish fry, steaks, chops, and other pub grub. On tap, the tavern offers a long list of craft brews, along with a curated wine selection, and a full bar. Looking to explore a piece of Chicagoland history and enjoy a great meal along the way? Check out the Village Tavern next time you’re in the ‘burbs. Source: https://secretchicago.com/oldest-restaurant-illinois-guide-2025/