Want a (good) beer? Head to Grumpy Bulldog
Downtown Naperville is one of the more robust and thriving downtowns in the suburbs. But something has been missing for too long: a bar that offers good craft beer! Three months in the making, brothers Craig and Chris Bauer recently opened Grumpy Bulldog, an establishment with a wide microbrew selection in Naperville. It's about time.
Motif: Grumpy Bulldog, built in the former site of Red Door Tavern, is in a small street-side building with a whole lot to offer. Maybe that's why owner Craig Bauer refers to the place as his "own little baby." There is now a large, wood bar on the left side of the space, and booths have been replaced by tables and chairs. The tan-and-brick walls are adorned by wood paneling, televisions, beer signs and art. Though it's not the biggest bar, I'd call it cozy, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Liquid Consumption: This is why you are here. For beer! Good beer, in fact! And in downtown Naperville, it truly is an achievement worthy of exclamation marks. During my visit, there were 10 beers available on tap such as Huyghe Brewery's Belgium Delirium Tremens, Left Hand Milk Stout (from Colorado-based Left Hand Brewing), Goose Island Matilda and Indiana's Three Floyds Gumball Head. Wow, just writing about these beers makes my mouth water. Besides what's on tap, Grumpy Bulldog offers close to 70 different bottles to choose from. So many options - how about a Kalamazoo American Wheat Ale, Ayinger Celebrator, Two Brothers Prairie Path, Lagunitas Maximus or a Miller Lite? Wait, scratch Miller from the beer-lover's list, though Grumpy Bulldog manages to cover all bases.
Crowd: Sure you're in downtown Naperville, but don't expect to find the same sort of crowd that you'd see at Features or Bar Louie. Even Bauer says Grumpy Bulldog attracts a "different crowd." People that you're going to find here are those who want something different from Naperville. These are the type of people who may be looking for a few good beers instead of a dozen of the lighter variety. In fact, I'd say that a couple higher-alcohol content beers are the perfect start to a night, if you're on to bars that are less advanced in their beer selection.
Service: Grumpy Bulldog's staff is extremely friendly. They are more than happy to discuss their many beers with you. Ah, beer talk. Really, how many beverages, at least non-alcoholic, can you hold discussions on? Besides the overdone, heated debate about Coke versus Pepsi. Yawn.
Sounds: There was some background music at Grumpy Bulldog, but conversation was at the forefront. Grumpy Bulldog is a great place to enjoy a new beer and to interact with your buddies. Or at least have a beer. It's not my fault if your friends are boring.
Food: Besides owning Grumpy Bulldog, the Bauer brothers also run a catering business. So, food is nothing new to these guys. There are quite a few available meal choices here, and the bartender heartily recommends the Maple Bacon Cheddar Burger, which is exactly as deadly as it sounds, containing a sweet-onion marmalade. Other choices on the menu include a Reuben, Grumpy Dog (according to their menu, it's the largest all-beef hot dog you can eat. Oh really?), Grumpy BLT, soup, salads, New York Strip Steak, rib eye, fried fish platter and grilled chicken platter, among others. Their appetizers menu also contains fried pickles. Score!
Parking: Anyone who has ever been to downtown Naperville knows exactly what the parking situation is like at night. Sure you could attempt to park on the street, but the parking garage on Jefferson will usually be your best bet.
Overall: Beer lovers, rejoice! Downtown Naperville finally has a place to get a good, honest craft beer At first glance, Grumpy Bulldog appears to be a somewhat typical little bar/hangout. But take a closer look and you'll see one of the most exciting new bars in Naperville. Beer fans, it is time to celebrate: You have a new home in Grumpy Bulldog.