Glen Ellyn bar pours some commendable beers
Is calling a bar Tap House Grill the equivalent of having a beer-themed bar? And is that even possible, seeing as how every bar has beer?
Personally, I see no fault in this concept. The more bars that focus on their beer selection, the better.
Problem is, they will undoubtedly be held to a higher standard by beer lovers worldwide. The only question is whether Tap House Grill can hold its own against these brew connoisseurs.
Motif: Located on Main Street in Glen Ellyn, this Tap House location was formerly Firkin & Fox, but has now become a part of a new bar franchise. Not much has changed with the interior. The front section is very pub-like with its small, wooden bar and surrounding booths. Just past the bar area is small room with tables, stools and a fireplace. This room is like an extension of the front bar. This room is also next to the bathrooms (a word to the wise, people in the bathrooms can clearly hear your conversations from this room). Just past the middle room is a larger area that resembles more of a restaurant seating room with its many booths. And do not worry, for there are televisions covering the walls in all of these rooms.
Crowd: As the dinner crowd of families was leaving Tap House, more and more twentysomethings entered the establishment to enjoy some drinks.
Service: Our waitress was very attentive and helpful. When it turned out that Fat Tire was not available for my one friend, she recommended a similar beer. While it turns out he didn't like the replacement, (he's a picky drinker), it was still very nice of her.
Liquid consumption: Tap House prides itself on its beer selection, but after sampling this location's list, it could use a few more taps. I must hand it to them at the same time for the inclusion of Three Floyd's Alpha King, unfortunately a rare find. Other beers on tap include Magic Hat No. 9, Sam Adams Winter, Leinenkugel Fireside Nut Brown, Sierra Nevada, Guineess and other mainstream choices. Look for specials during the week, such as half-price bottles of wine on Monday, $2 Miller Lite and MGD drafts on Tuesday, $4 bombs on Wednesday, $3 Mexican beer and $4 margaritas on Thursday and $3 mimosas and $10 Miller buckets on Sunday.
Food: Tap House has a fairly extensive menu with items such as burgers, wraps, sandwiches, wings, steaks, seafood, pasta, quesadillas, nachos, hummus, soups and salads. At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, Tap House will be having a special food pairing with various Sierra Nevada brews for $40 per person. For the tater tot lovers out there, Tap House will be hosting a tater tot eating competition at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Sounds: Music takes a back stage at Tap House, but I did hear some classic rock coming out of the speakers.
Parking: Finding a spot during the nighttime should not be too much trouble with the parking lot that is adjacent to Tap House on the other side of the street, and spots located on the street itself. Securing a nearby spot during the day might be a tougher ordeal, though.
Overall: While this Tap House's beer selection might be lacking (other locations advertise 20 beers on tap), it still has some commendable selections. Not much has changed here, and the bar would still work better as one big, skinny room, but that's just being picky. Fortunately, Tap House is at least making an effort to spice things up with this location with themed dinners and ridiculous eating competitions. Every downtown needs a worthwhile bar, and Glen Ellyn has one with Tap House.
Tap House Grill
Facts: 411 North Main St., Glen Ellyn; (630) 858-4369; taphousegrills.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday