Paulie's Pub and Grille: Where size really does matter
For a lot of sports bars, the industry motto tends to revolve around the "bigger means better" adage. But instead, bigger bars sometimes end up feeling cold and somewhat lifeless.
Paulie's Pub in Aurora is a smaller, more welcoming sports bar and grill without overdosing on bar steroids.
Motif: Walking through the entrance to the left of the outdoor patio, you are greeted inside by a decent amount of high, wood tables. Though the far wall contains a respectable-sized wooden bar, the side section of Paulie's reflects more of a sit-down restaurant with tables and booths. (Note to partiers: This area can be converted to a private party room via the two garage doors that slide down from the ceiling. An interesting choice.) Paulie's also has a few arcade-game regulars in back that cover the usual Golden Tee and hunting shooters, as well as an arcade game of bags. Yes, bags, the game that requires you to stand in place while holding a drink and throwing bean bags at a board is now available in video-game form.
Crowd: Paulie's mixed-age crowd includes a good balance of people who come to watch games on TV and others who stop by just to have a good time. Just be wary of those who may get a little too into whatever event might be broadcasting on TV (see Sounds section).
Service: Paulie's offers excellent table-side service provided by waitresses, also known as Paulie's Girls. There was never a long wait for another beer, and the nachos our table ordered came out within minutes.
Sounds: Though there is one of those new online jukeboxes that people can use to play any song in the system, during this visit an Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-view was not only on the televisions but also over the PA as well. Along with the announcers calling the fight, Paulie's attendees could be heard yelling things such as, "Punch him!" "This is it!" "It's over!" and "Oh no!"
Liquid consumption: On top of a full bar, Paulie's features an above-average beer list for a sports bar, including Fat Tire, Franziskaner, Goose Island and Guinness. Check Paulie's Web site for daily specials.
Food: Paulie's offers standard American fare of burgers ($7.95 to $17.45), sandwiches ($5.45 to $8.65), wraps ($7.85 to $8.85), soups ($2.95 to $6.95) and salads ($3.45 to $8.95). Necessary appetizers such as chips and salsa, artichoke spinach dip, buffalo wings and onion rings are also available ($4.65 to $10.95).
Parking: Lots of spots are available at Paulie's, as it's in a big ol' strip mall.
Bottom line: At a time when sports bars seem to be getting bigger, Paulie's keeps things reasonable and simple. It's a comfortable sports bar that's not too in-your-face. You want to come in and watch a game? Go ahead. If you're looking to have a few drinks with friends and relax, well, you're more than welcome too. Just try to ignore the guy yelling at the games.
Paulie's Pub and Grille
Where: 444 N. Eola Road, Aurora, (630) 499-8956
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11a. m. to 2 a. m. Friday and Saturday
Web: www.pauliespubandgrille.com