Geneva Ale House

I've found that typical bar food can grow boring due to often being deep fried and this generally gives items the same taste. Everybody needs some variety. I'm here to provide that for you.

I promise to provide my honest opinion, but I still think this won't quite cover the exceptional food, drinks and service that this pub and restaurant offer.

Geneva Ale House


The Crowd
As many other restaurants have a variety in crowd, the Ale House follows suit. The patrons could be infants to senior citizens. If you're younger, 20's, the sound of children or an older crowd may push you in the wrong direction. I'm hear to say this isn't the case. Everyone has a smile on their face when you look around to observe the crowd. I must say it's true, and it's due to the service and incredible food.

The Drinks
I'll start by saying Ale House has over 100 beers to choose from, as well as 12 of these selections on draft. The prices vary from high to low pending on the quality of the lager you choose to imbibe on. The list is lengthy and can be found here. Just in case you may not have time to wander that way at this moment, I'll do you the favor of showing it here for you to glance over. Hopefully you aren't too overwhelmed. It's a beer lovers paradise.
ON DRAFT

De Glazen Toren Saison D'Erpe-Mere Belgium, 7.5% ABV - This is really something special. The saison from brewery De Glazen Toren is one of the best saison/farmhouse style beers available. The aroma is typical of a saison, earthy and yeasty, and little bit a citrus. The flavor is similar, with some peppery notes. Sorry, no tasters on this one. You'll have to trust us. Beer Advocate (A-)


Founders Centennial IPA Michigan, 7.2% ABV - Get ready to bask in the glory of the frothy head's floral bouquet. Relish the citrus accents from the abundance of dry-hopping. This one's sweet, yet balanced. Malty undertones shake hands with the hop character for a finish that never turns too bitter. Beer Advocate (A-)

Two Brothers Cane & Ebel Red Rye Ale Illinois, 7.0% ABV - A fantastic red ale brewed with rye. Fresh piney hops pave the way for rich, buttery, caramelly malts. Super smooth and super warming. Beer Advocate (A-)

He'Brew Messiah California, 5.6% ABV - A deep, bold nut brown ale beautifully balanced with rich dark malts and a complex hop character converging to reveal a simply enchanting elixir. Beer Advocate (B)

Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA Colorado, 10.5% ABV - Only 120 precious barrels were brewed, adding more than half a ton of extra malt and twice the amount of Amarillo hops, so prepare your self for a full sensory explosion. The double dry-hop addition elevates the grapefruit-like aroma and flavor to an outrageous intensity. Beer Advocate (B+)

Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale California, 7.2% ABV – This is an aggressive beer. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. Beer Advocate (A-)

Ska True Blond Ale Colorado, 5.3 % ABV - A crisp, light to medium bodied blond ale brewed with a touch of honey. Beer Advocate (B-)

Tripel Karmeliet Belgium, 8.4% ABV - This Belgian ale is still brewed to an authentic recipe dating to 1679 originating in the former Carmelite monastery in Dendermonde. Brewed with three grains - wheat, oats and barley. Beer Advocate (A-)

Left Hand Milk Stout Colorado, 5.9% ABV - Classic cream stout with strong roasted malt and coffee flavors. 2006 and 2008 World Beer Cup gold medal winner. Beer Advocate (B+)

Alagash White Maine, 5.2% ABV - Allagash White is unique and truly refreshing. Brewed with a generous portion of wheat and our own special blend of spices, this beer is light and slightly cloudy in appearance, with a spicy aroma. Overall, it is a beer that is very drinkable and smooth any time of the year. Beer Advocate (A-)

Tyranena Rocky's Revenge Wisconsin, 6.0% ABV – An American brown ale with a portion aged in bourbon barrels. Each bourbon barrel will contribute its own unique character to this rich, satisfying ale. Beer Advocate (B+)

Trumer Pilsner Germany/California, 4.8% ABV – This perfect balance of flavors is achieved by procuring the exact blend of malt and hops from Germany and Austria and fermenting the brew with proprietary yeast. Beer Advocate (B+)


IN BOTTLES

Lagers
Metropolitan Flywheel Lager
Stiegl Premium Lager
Sam Adams Boston Lager
Stella Artois
Negro Modelo
Burger Lager (can)
Bud Light
Coors Light
Miller Lite

Pale Ales & IPAs
Stone IPA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA
Dark Horse Crooked Tree IPA
Tyranena Bitter Woman
Green Flash West Coast IPA
Two Brothers Resistance IPA
Two Brothers Long Haul
New Holland Mad Hatter
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head Raison d’Etre
Dogfish Head Aprihop
Flying Dog Doggie Style
Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale
Ska Modus Hoperandi (can)
Lagunitas IPA
Lagunitas Censored Ale
Boulder Beer Hazed & Infused American Pale Ale
Boulder Beer Mojo IPA
Meantime IPA
Old Speckled Hen

Pilsners
Victory Prima Pils
Capital Pilsner
Trumer Pilsner
Pilsner Urquell
Left Hand Polestar Pilsner
Scrimshaw Pilsner

Ambers
Bells Amber
Rogue Dead Guy
Capital Wisconsin Amber
He’Brew Geneisis
Tyranena Headless Man
Dark Horse Amber

Red Ales
Green Flash Hop Head Red
Founders Red's Rye Pale Ale
Ska Pinstripe Red

Brown Ales
He’Brew Messiah
Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball
Tyranena Rocky's Revenge
Lagunitas Brown Shugga
Barley Island Dirty Helen
Abita Turbo Dog

Scotch & Scottish Ales
Three Floyds Robert the Bruce
Founders Dirty Bastard
Flying Dog Road Dog
Arcadia Scotch Ale

Porters
Bell's Porter
Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
Left Hand Blackjack Porter
Arcadia London Porter
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter

Stouts
Founders Kentucky Breakfast
Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout
Murphy’s Stout
Young's Double Chocolate Stout
New Holland Poet
Bell's Double Cream Stout
Victory Storm King
North Coast Old Rasputin
North Coast Old No. 38

Wheats
Breckenridge Agave Wheat
O’Fallon Weach
Bells Oberon
Flying Dog In-Heat Wheat
Flying Dog Woody Creek Wit
Two Brothers Ebel Weiss
Three Floyds Gumball Head
Sierra Nevada Kellerweis
Barley Island Sheet Metal Blonde
Wittekerke (can)

Belgian & Belgian Style
Brewdog Bashah
Witkap-Pater Abbey Single
Piraat Ale
Delirium Tremens
Delirium Nocturium
Brewery Ommegang Three Philosophers
Brewery Ommegang Abbey Ale
Bornem Double Abbey Ale
Victory Golden Monkey
Allagash White
Duvel
Kwak
Saison DuPont

Trappist
Koningshoeven Trappist Quadrupel Ale
Chimay Red
Chimay White
Chimay Blue

Specialty & Seasonal
Stone 21st Amendment Firestone Walker El Camino
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot 2010
Sierra Nevada Glissade
Breckenridge Pandora’s Bock
Flying Dog Raging Bitch
Mendocino Bock
Hofbrau Maibock
Duchesse De Bourgogne
Redbridge (gluten free)
Clausthaler NA

Ciders & Fruit Beers
Original Sin
Original Sin Pear
O’Fallon Weach
Cherish Raspberry Lambic
Cherish Cherry Lambic

Bombers
Goose Island Demolition 22oz.
Goose Island NightStalker 22oz.
Southern Tier Unearthly 22oz.
Stone Smoked Porter 22oz.
Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye 22oz
Arcadia Sky High Rye (Limited Release) 22oz
Three Floyds Brian Boru 22oz.


The Grub
I, like many other food lovers, have a love hate relationship with something called the hamburger. When done wrong, aka overcooked and over-garnished, it's hatred. But, when the Ale House cooks up their half pound $5.00 Burger Special (Tuesdays)and serve it up on a pretzel bun, it's nothing short of amazing. The burger is garnished with fried onions, smoked apple bacon, a fried egg, lettuce and tomato. The smell alone will catch your nose as you drive by and just begs you to stop to enjoy a succulent burger. Aside from my burger rant, many of their other dishes are top-notch as well. I'll let you be the judge, and will even be kind enough to give you the ability to see this extraordinary menu.




The Venue
Geneva Ale House is located in what used to be the old Geneva Theater. The warm and inviting atmosphere is provided by dim lights, dark rich woods and stainless steal throughout the bar decor.

Location
'Under The Marquee' (Geneva Theater Sign saying Geneva Ale House)
319 West State Street
Geneva, IL 60134

My Opinion
The service and beer selection, along with knowledge of these beers cannot be beat. Nor can this selection be found at many other bars within this area. I've never had a negative experience at the Ale House, aside from leaving extremely full. Which I never complain about. I was literally that full, and yet with the amount of food and drink consumed, my wallet was still full too. Always a plus. If you enjoy a wide selection of beers to accompany your dishes, you'll be in heaven. There are other drinks as well, but with the expansive beer list there is always something you haven't tried and typically worth the adventure for your pallet.

Swedish Days, Geneva IL

I'm sorry it this wasn't posted any earlier so people had the opportunity to attend. The weather didn't want to hold off this week, and made my attendance and ability to take pictures a difficult task. At this point in time, you'll have to wait until next year. But, I did manage to follow through with my goal of taking my own pictures for your enjoyment.

I chose the venue of Swedish Days in Geneva IL.



The Crowd
This once again varies from the time of day or weather. During the afternoon to late evening hours you'll find entire families. Later in to the night you can find a relatively older crowd from early 20's up to in the neighborhood of 60's.

The Drinks
There are an array of beer tents spread throughout the event (runs up and down 3rd street, nearly in its entirety). The beers, wine and cocktails can be relatively expensive, it is a beer garden. And, most tents in operation are run by charities, so they're out to make a few bucks for their cause. Don't think of it as buying an expensive beer, figure the terrible drink in your hand that was slightly overpriced went to help someone in need. It sounds cheesy, but it's true.


The Grub
Fantastic, fantastic, and a great variety to choose from. There are food tents located up and down third street and state street and they have everything to offer. My personal favorite is grilled sweet corn. It's simple, but it tastes too delicious. Aside from this there is also brats, hot dogs, garlic crab pasta, seviche, giant turkey legs, standard carnival goods (funnel cake, cotton candy, fresh squeezed lemonade, etc), sno-cones, pig roasts, homemade pizzas, amongst others. It is nearly impossible to find something that doesn't appeal to the family.

(Graham's Chocolate- Best chocolate and candy around. The homemade ice cream is unbelievable as well.


The Venue
Swedish Days isn't in one particular bar/restaurant, it's more or less the entire downtown Geneva. The two main roads where the concerts, carnival, food tents are located are State Street and Third Street. Historic downtown Geneva is a rather beautiful place. The buildings are older in their architectural style and have a 'modern old country' feel. If you haven't seen downtown Geneva or are still trying to gauge how this may look, check out the movie The Road To Perdition. A majority of the film actually had taken place in downtown Geneva.



Location
State St
Third St
Geneva IL, 60134

My Opinion
The food is great, and price pointed where the entire family can afford to eat at several local restaurant tents. The carnival can be fun, but I think I've outgrown this aspect of the festival, although younger patrons would enjoy. The beer gardens are always enjoyable, but often too crowded for my taste. Think the taste of Chicago crammed in to one tent. Aside from this, the festival has concerts and food worth pursuing and the town of Geneva itself is aesthetically pleasing, so it's worth the trip.

Bad Weather= Better Fishing.

The blog has had yet another face lift in terms of design... I complain about the difficultly to read other blogs, yet mine was illegible and I did nothing about it. Quite the class act over here. Also, hopefully the resized images help everyone out a bit, colored a bit outside the lines.

Everyone has their passions or hobbies during the summer, and mine typically revolve around the outdoors. More times than not, something less expensive in my book is typically better. I'm running on empty, and can't seem to find more work.

So, I'm here to fill you in on this wonderful hobby called fishing, and point you in the direction of some worthy tunes to listen to for summer.

Fishing Local
Fishing here seems to be quite a bit easier than the city, as there are accessible ponds/lakes all around rather than attempting to go to a zoned area (Harbor, etc) in the city.

Requirements
License- This won't set you back much and is highly recommended. The license will put you back around $15.00, but will save you a fortune in tickets/fines. You don't want to go that route (unless you enjoy all your gear, car, boat, etc impounded and towed, as well as a hefty $500.00 ticket on top of that).
Trespassing- Watch the signs posted. In most cases I've found that you can weasel your way around such signs as long as you are civil/ethical in your fishing, ie don't leave trash, bait, fish around and watch the noise level. Use your own judgement on this, not everyone is a saint when it comes to obeying these laws, but don't be a dick. (This isn't a requirement, trespassing, just giving you a fair warning that these signs may appear and all that occurs is you asked to leave. Worst case scenario if civil.)

Gear
Fishing Pole- Most people have a pole in their attic, or at a relative's house. If not, it's a rather cheap investment. You can find a rather standard pole in the ballpark of $25.00 up to $500.00. I'd suggest starting on the lower end of the totem pole of price if you're just starting out.
Bait-Always a tricky subject. Soft plastic baits if you feel like doing a decent amount of work or effort (jigging, flipping, pitching, etc). If you're looking to sit back and relax I'd suggest a box of Canadian Night Crawlers and a set of bobbers. For the first-timer it's convenient- watch the bobber, when it sinks, jerk the line to set the hook, and a fish is on the line. Simple stuff.
Chair- Not essential, but it never hurts.
Sunscreen, and either sandals or waterproof shoes can be helpful as well.

Typical Illinois Fish
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Gar, Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish, Catfish, Striped Bass, White Bass, Rock Bass
Not all these fish are found within one area, so don't be upset if you can't catch them. The most typical fish to find in local ponds are largemouth bass, sunfish, bluegill, catfish, and unfortunately carp. Carp as a fish are terrible. They put up a fun fight, but they're difficult to reel in and even worse in regards to the effort.

Some proof of fish existence from this week... My younger brother and my own larger catches of the day.








Music:
Dirty, dirty self-promo. I can't stop listening to two friends' bands. They've been my feel good songs of the summer as of late, and I figured I'd show them to you in hopes that you'll enjoy as much as I do.

Light Pollution- Good Feelings


Secret Colours- Love (Stream 'em all if you like it, I dare ya)

I may be broke, but Old Towne Pub makes me feel like a millionaire.

It's true. I used to avoid this bar and headed to a watering hole down the street, but they closed and I'm kicking myself for not frequenting Old Towne as often.

Old Towne Pub & Eatery


The Crowd
Like any bar you've been in, the crowd is never the same. Granted here there are quite a few 'townies' (such as myself) that you may see in the bar quite often. Either way, the bar has a friendly aura and you feel right at home upon entering (Make sure if you do decide to enter...pull the front door not push. It's deceiving and everyone may point and laugh for a few seconds.) The ages vary pending on the time of day as well. Early in the day you'll see families enjoying a meal, and once about 9 o'clock or so hits it's more bar-goers than those whom are hungry. At this point the age still varies, but obviously the youngest person you'll see is 21.

The Drinks
June has been a friendly month at Old Towne in regards to drink specials. My wallet never falls completely empty, and here's why.

Monday- $2.00 Coors Bottles
Tuesday- $2.00 Bud Bottles
Wednesday- $2.00 Miller Bottles
Thursday- $2.00 Bud Bottles
Friday- $4.00 Bacardi Sweetart
Saturday- $4.00 Hawaiian Punch
Sunday- $5.00 Bud Light Pitchers (Pretty sure this is on Saturday and Monday as well)
Beer of the Month- $3.00 Goose Island 312

The Grub
The food served is your typical bar eats, but done with some extra pizzazz. I haven't found anything on the menu I didn't care for and the menu is priced well. Everything is affordable and makes you feel as if you were stealing from them with how great the food tastes. My personal favorite for my past few visits has been the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. Simple, yet filled with a decadent sauce that has levels of flavor.

Here's the menu for you curious folks.
EDIT- Blogger isn't cooperating with me right now. Until then visit www.oldtownepubeatery.com and head to the menu section located in the top left corner. I'm sorry it won't let me upload- I'll fix this as soon as possible.

The Venue
Old Towne in Geneva has a rustic, yet modernized feel. The floors are coated in a rich dark lacquer, and the walls are bare brick accentuated by refurbished ceiling tiles from when the building itself was first built. The bar on the main floor is large and can accommodate more than a few patrons. Upstairs is typically reserved for special events, but when it isn't occupied it's a nice place to escape to and play darts or shuffle board. The basement is relatively the same, not nearly the amount of people on the main floor and filled with games such as- darts, pool, Big Buck Hunter, Bags, GoldenTee, and Golden Bowling.

Location
201 State St.
Geneva IL, 60134

My Opinion
The drinks are more than affordable, as well as the food and it tastes great. This is all made possible by the staff. They're friendly and quick to help/serve. I'll continue to visit this bar forever, or at least until they get rid of the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. Then I'll boycott with signs and all, think Congress Hotel, until it's back on the menu or they give me a free beer for my efforts.

Hope everyone enjoyed, and head on over when stopping in Geneva.

Better Weather. Better Golf.

I'm glad summer finally decided to show its face and tell the rain to *#$@ off for a bit. It makes the days seem longer and obviously more enjoyable. The weather also brought around the opportunity to fish and golf. Two things I enjoy- not everyone may feel the same, but to each their own.

With that being said, let me give you the rundown on the golf course we played yesterday.



Mill Creek Golf Club
I've found that golfers, not myself, are snobbish ass holes about the courses they play. Mill Creek isn't the best course I've played, and it has a few blind spots (hidden creeks, rough, sandtraps not viewable nor marked on the scorecard) that will make you want to snap a few of your clubs in half, but for $25.00 after 2 PM for the twilight rating is a steal. If you finish with a considerable amount of light left...Play another couple holes, or even a full 18 (We managed to get in about 27 holes, so we paid a little less than a dollar a hole).



The Crowd
...so vast I'm not sure where to start. Golf timing is rather temperamental, pending on the time of day, weather or day in general the crowd will vary and you can gauge the rate of play for the day. All I can say is pick and choose your battles wisely. We had a rather quick playing foursome and had confrontation here and there when approaching other groups about their rate of play. Typically common courtesy/etiquette is if the group behind you is riding your ass, let 'em play through. This isn't always the case. The group in front of us was using a range finder for every shot... This grew old so we did (which I don't advise) the unthinkable or completely dick move- hit in to them. Not suggested, but sometimes the spoken word isn't quite enough, and a quick moving golf ball does the trick.


The Drinks
I can't really sweeten the pot too much with my drink description. The course has your standard cocktails (and shots if your looking to lose motor skills and not swing a club). The beer isn't too overpriced in comparison to most local courses, and the beer cart is always helpful when the sun starts beating down. Beers in and on the course are about $3.00 a pop, while gatorade and bottled water are about $2.50, in addition to a tip (obviously tips are optional, but I would recommend it otherwise you'll probably find yourself bypassed next time around).

The Grub
Golf food is typically run of the mill... That isn't the case here. We finished our round and noticed a fish fry happening, so we fled inside to see what it was all about. To say the least, I was impressed. Beer battered halibut, salad bar, fries, cheesecake, brownies, chicken tenders, hush puppies, etc etc. Everything was on constant rotation in and out of chaffing dishes and kept fresh.
Side note- I've been here several times, eating other items than the fish fry fare. The menu is expansive, price points won't put a massive hole in your wallet, and everything tastes damn good.

The Venue
The proshop is in great condition and P.O.S. items are typically worthy of your time, as well as signing up for the course's points program. The bar and restaurant section are better than some free-standing bars I've been too and the service is always on par.The golf course itself is located within a subdivision, so as wide as a fairway may look, be cautious. Houses are abundant, and breaking a window is never cheap. Take my word for it, a broken window the size of your computer monitor your staring at took around $600.00 from my wallet. Really makes me wish I was famous, could hit someone with a golf ball like that and they'd shrug it off after I gave them a golf glove with my Johnny Hancock on it...

Location
39W525 Herrington Dr
Geneva, IL 60134
630-208-7272

My Opinion
For the price and proximity from my home, this course wins every time. Even if traveling from further distances, it's still worth the trip. The staff service is always impeccable. With courses the staff can honestly make or break a players willingness to return and Mill Creek definitely has been a place I've made dozens and dozens of trips to. The food is worth it, and a notable feature you may need to check in to is the 'call ahead' food service. I'm not sure if they do this any longer or not, I forgot to check when I was here. From what I recall they had an option where you could call in food and drink orders to the bar on the 5,6,7 hole and it would be ready to pick up at the turn (9th green, going on to the 10th hole).

I would not hesitate to recommend this course to someone based on the staffing, price, and course maintenance.

Rainy weather fixed with the help of Bien Trucha.

Hopefully my delay of posting didn't ruin anybody's week. Bachelor party in WI left me half dead and in dire need of some recovery time.

Honestly, my words do this restaurant little justice, but I'll give you my best efforts and the assistance of images to show and tell you why you need to show your face in this wonderful place. If you don't believe me head to google, search it up and read the 70+ reviews, notice the five stars from each review and then hop on the train or get in your car and drive out.

Bien Trucha (Geneva, IL)
Here's the deal- I am upset when someone mentions Mexican Cuisine and the first thought that pops in a head is Chipotle or Taco Bell. No, no and no. Venture to the west suburbs (roughly 45 minutes west of Chicago) and experience Mexican cuisine inspired by markets and street food from Mexico City.


The Crowd
To start, there is a dress code in place. It isn't strict, but don't expect to show up in a pair of sweatpants or pajamas. The age varies, but it is typically an older crowd (not sure on the general consensus on 'old' but for clarity we'll say 30's). The restaurant holds about 30 patrons at a time and there's often a wait. So, if you don't like the wait head to a bar (several within a blocks distance).

The Drinks
I've been here several times, and still haven't made my way through the drink list in its entirety. They steer clear of traditional bar drinks- meaning there isn't a vast list of beers. They have a few bottles of wine to choose from, but the highlight is the tequila. The tequilas have depth, as well as the list of margaritas. My last visit I imbibed on fresh fruit margaritas, and they were absolutely delicious. If you're not a big on the tequila stick with the 'limonada'- it's incredible. It's a concoction of soda water, orange and muddled limes. (sometimes getting a virgin 'rita there can be a challenge). Oh, and to top it off they avoid using a blender and ice to make these delicious margaritas....

The Grub
I honestly don't even know where to start with the food. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING on the menu is incredible and freshly made. The menu is set up in order from 'lightest' to 'heaviest'. Not sure how to describe this aside from it being much like a light appetizer to the 'heavier' dinners. I was fortunate enough to try the Bien Trucha- skirt steak, manchego cheese, chorizo and serrano-tomatillo salsa on corn tortillas, the Crema de Chile Poblano soup- roasted poblano peppers, potato cubes and queso fresco amongst a few other things. Everything tasted incredible. I'd say my mouth had a million 'mouthgasms' throughout the course of my meal.

Oh, and a quick reminder- everything you order is made to share. It comes out on a large tray and you share with whomever you're with.







The Venue
I'm going to forewarn, AGAIN, that Bien Trucha isn't too large. It houses maybe 30 devouring patrons, and it's elbow to elbow at times. Unfortunately the patio outside is rather small as well. Thankfully there are plans being put in action to revamp the patio to greatly increase its size.

Location
410 West State Street
Geneva, IL 60134-2104
(630) 232-2665

My Opinion
I'm in love with the place... and I'm not ashamed to tell everyone I know about it. I'll do you a favor and tell you what I don't like, because that list is a hell of a lot shorter. I desperately wish it was larger (room wise for seating), reservations would be great, and the music could be turned down a smidgen. Aside from this, I can't think of a better spin/modernization of traditional Mexican dishes ever. I almost forgot- try the guacamole del dia (of the day) I had a watermelon guacamole. You'd never assume something so odd sounding could be so delicious. Get up and get there now before the crowds gather.

Cheap Beer, Cheaper Food, Free Bocce Ball?

It's been awhile... First time at this bar we saw a decrepit man banging away on some spoons to CCR and could barely contain our laughter while we sat outside. Second time was the last night with our best friend (he passed away from cardiac dysrythmia later that night and we chose to avoid the bar until we both came to terms with the tragedy of that night. We have, and I'm glad we have because it made for an enjoyable night in his memory.

Rays Evergreen Tavern: Home of the Rolle Bolle
Often times a secret is best kept as a secret. Fortunately for web users, I despise secrets. Imagine a place where the beer (all drinks, not just barley-pops) is cheap, the food puts a dent of $0.50 in a wallet, and there is a wonderful astroturf bocce ball and bags court that is free (and sheltered).

The Crowd:
...it varies from night to night. One night it may be 70 something war veterans and another night it could be a bar full of young 20 somethings. Either way the music is always in decent taste, whether it's hip-hop or the picks from the older crowd (my taste in music is vast, so I appreciate what they put on the majority of the time until Bryan Adams Summer of 69 comes on, and then I become upset). As long as that song doesn't rear its ugly head, I'm a happy camper and love everyone there that much more. When I say it's old and young, don't be too surprised if you see some creepy Miley Cyrus dirty dancing going on there. Obviously they won't be 16, but to reassure, it's typically more funny than that is creepy.

The Drinks:
As much as I have loved my time in the city, I hated the price I paid for drinks. The drink specials at Rays make me feel like I'm robbing the place. Monday happened to be $1.50 tall boys of PBR and High Life and $2.00 well-drinks (Bottom of the barrel nasty booze that I happen to love. They don't cost much, taste decent and do what they're supposed to- make you feel good). Think Popov, but not nearly as bad. Few steps above that. If you haven't tried Popov I highly recommend leaving this computer screen, going to the grocery/liquor store and purchasing a bottle. You'll never bitch about the taste of booze again, and you'll consider everything quite palatable after that.



The Grub:
I'm a bigger guy, so I like to eat. I came to the realization that I like food when we had barely anything in our cabinets a few months ago (before my return back here) and went to sleep and had some explicit dreams about eating a bigggass sandwich. Dreams aside, the joint had $0.25 tacos to complement the beer. We sipped on quite a few drinks and quickly made friends with the 40 whatever couple sitting next to us. Lucky us, he was a cook there and a few drinks later he was back in the kitchen cooking us up a little bit of everything from the menu. After trying the burgers, fries, sloppy joes, nachos, etc etc (all specials during the week) I will definitely head back at some point with an appetite.

The Venue:
Rays is a nice place found away from the regular stretch of bars in St. Charles, which I appreciate. The bar was originally built in 1928 and hasn't moved since and has quite a few pieces of the original bar within. The most enjoyable part of Rays is once the weather turns warm the inside bar is shut down, and they run solely on the new tiki bar located behind the bar (It is roofed, so don't fret about rain). There are Hawaiian accents all over to complement the astroturf floor and several flat screens lining the bar wall for those looking to watch TV rather than drink or smoke or whatever your preference is.

Location:
1400 West Main Street
St Charles, IL 60174-1626

My Opinion:
I'm typically the guy who bitches and moans about 'plagiarism of food'- restaurant opens and makes the same dishes as down the street but calls themselves unique because the cheese is pepper, or some bullshit like this. No. Not many restaurants can survive on serving up 'typical American' cuisine, but some how Rays has kept the doors open for 82 YEARS, so obviously they're doing it right. My drinks were cheap and so was my food- yet it was more than palatable, it was delicious. If you need a helping hand, try the chili. Outstanding.


While I may not

Working Hiatus

Suburbia is a terrible place compared to Chicago, where I once was until running out of funds... Somehow when in the city I was able to find part-time work that had some particular harmony with my class schedule- currently have three online classes, and one physical class that meets twice a week and I am now jobless because of this.

The only work I was able to find happened to be landscaping- not complaining. I kept the majority of the check, and made my own hours (which is why I'm still confused to the 12+ hour days from last week). The sun nearly killed me, and made me 'jones' so much more for a delicious barley-pop at the end of the work day. Had it not been for the music blasting and pissing off all the neighbors, I may have ended my own life in that backyard with the chainsaw while cutting down trees. The 'drug' of choice for the day- Blur. Song that often found itself played for the week- Country House.


Listen to the lyrics, or look them up (sort of hard to understand) and you'll understand my love for this song- especially when these people sat inside drinking beer and watching us bust our ass. They didn't attempt to landscape for the last three years- three years worth of weeds and shit all over the place.

Which brings me to a better point. After a hard days work, all you want is a cold drink- my drink was beer and we found it for cheap at a local watering hole. Ray's Evergreen Tavern had bags, bocce ball and food 'n drink for cheaper than I've ever managed to find in the city.

I constantly bitch and moan about being here in the suburbs, but beers for a buck tacos for 25 cents and a bar filled with lawn games- I was in temporary heaven. It also helped that the place was overflowing with women from 21-40 something. Another reason I love the summer time.

The food wasn't bad by any means, especially for the price. And, I'll never complain about a beer that's under two bucks- regardless of the label it carries.

On a complete and random side note, we read some Keen articles this week cover amateurs and the web, and plagiarism... If you're at the bar spouting lines from movies at women, don't play them off as your own. Especially when everyone around you... and the girl know it isn't your own. You thought it was hilarious, we all thought you were an ass. You provided countless hours of entertainment for us- even more so when you threw up in your sandals and dropped a bocce ball on your toe. Thanks.