Emmett's returns to Palatine with craft brew and variety of food
Every day, more and more breweries seem to be sprouting up in Illinois, and I couldn't be happier. Continuing with that trend is Emmett's Tavern and Brewing Co., which late last year opened up a third suburban location, this time in Palatine, (a town they had been in before.) Emmett's is back and continuing their trend of delicious craft beer.
Motif: Emmett's is an upscale sort of place. Some may even mistake it for a classy restaurant at first glance. It's in a new building that appears to be old, giving off a sophisticated vibe. And depending on which entrance you go through, (near the bar or by the dining area), you might have completely different first impressions. The restaurant side has many tables and chairs for patrons, but once you hit the middle of the building, you'll see the big fermenters and be reminded that you are in a brewery - a nice one, at that.
Just past the fermenters is the bar. The floors are wood, the bar is wood and there is a large buffalo head over the brick fireplace. If that doesn't put a mental image in your head, I don't know what will. Off to the side of the bar is a chalkboard, which shows what beers are currently on tap. There is seating at the bar, as well as tables and chairs in the vicinity. There are a few televisions hanging from the ceiling, probably tuned in to whatever sporting event is in progress. If you would much rather just enjoy a beer outside (and who wouldn't), a decent-sized patio is connected to the bar.
Also worth noting is Emmett's Brew-n-View events, a cool little idea that happens about once a month. For instance, enjoy the wine-oriented movie "Sideways" with a glass of wine on Aug. 21 and during a showing of "Forrest Gump" on Sept. 18, Emmett's will be serving fried shrimp and cocktail sauce.
Liquid consumption: Ah, craft beer, now we're talking. Emmett's brews their own beers right on site. Choose from such beverages as the Victory Pale Ale, McCarthy Red Ale, Seventh Inning American Wheat, 1 A.M. Ale and more. Be sure to check the chalkboard by the bar to see what beers are available, including seasonals. Just don't be the guy who shows up and orders a Miller Lite. No one wants to be "that guy." I had to change a friend's drink order at the bar to avoid embarrassment for myself. I don't want to be associated with "that guy" and will do anything in my power to avoid the judging eyes of beer aficionados.
Crowd: The crowd at this upscale brewpub had a good mix of young and old on my visit. The dominant age group seemed to be middle-aged, probably because I caught the tail-end of the dinner hour. Us younger folk have to save money on food so we can spend more of it on decent beer, and you'll probably find us around later in the evening.
Service: Nice, friendly service. The bartender was more than happy to talk beer with me and recommend her favorite Emmett's brew. She also didn't kick out my friend when he requested a non-Emmett's beer at first, and that's a lot nicer than I would have been to him.
Food: Emmett's describes itself as "fine-dining establishment or a friendly neighborhood pub with upscale fare." In other words, they may be a brewery, but don't expect standard bar food. For appetizers, you can start out with crab cakes, Wisconsin cheese curds, nachos, calamari, coconut shrimp, soups, salads and other foods. Main courses include steak, ribs, chicken, horseradish salmon, cedar planked whitefish, chicken fettuccine, rigatoni mozzarella, shrimp bruschetta pasta - and that's just a sampling. Lots of good stuff to be had here. Note to self: do not write about food while on an empty stomach.
Sounds: No music in the background at Emmett's, just people's conversations. Were you expecting to hear Black Eyed Peas blasting over the sound system? Or the equally awful Soulja Boy? C'mon, this is Emmett's, they're classier than that.
Parking: There's a small lot and spots on the street, and I was able to quickly snag one. You may end up parking down the street, but a short walk is worth it for some good beer.
Overall: Odds are, if you are a beer lover in the suburbs, you have been to an Emmett's already. Emmett's Palatine home does not do things drastically differently than at its other sites. And why would it want it to? The place has its own great beer selection, a somewhat upscale/comfortable environment and did I mention the beer? If you've never been to an Emmett's and are nearby Palatine (not to mention its West Dundee and Downers Grove locations), what are you waiting for? Just don't order a Miller Lite. Deal?
Emmett's Tavern & Brewing Company
Info: 110 N. Brockway St., Palatine, (847) 359-1533, emmettstavern.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday