Bar Food Is Taken To A Whole New Level At This Local Tavern In Illinois
By Linze Rice|Published July 20, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Whether you work in downtown Chicago or you’re a rural farmer, everyone enjoys having a local bar they can call “home.” And, just like there are all different types of Illinoisians, there are all different types of bars — from simple watering holes with a basket of peanuts to snack on, to glitzy clubs with fancy cocktails. But the best bar food in Berwyn, Illinois sits right in the middle — a friendly neighborhood tavern with great drinks, yet elevated food that takes things to another level of yum.
Lavergne's Tavern, 6546 Windsor Ave., is a local bar and diner that takes classic pub fare up a big notch.
One of the first things you'll notice walking up to the front door is one of the restaurant's colorful murals, which is part of a community-wide art initiative.
Inside, the vibe is a classic tavern with a modern twist. The atmosphere is casual and relaxing and is a popular place for date nights, families, after-work hangouts, and group events.
Its stately bar has a number of standard and craft beers on tap, rotating regularly to keep it fresh. They also have a robust list of canned and bottled beers and ciders, as well as wine and liquor.
Its most popular drink is the award-winning Cucumber Mojito, which has a tart, yet cooling flavor, complete with a fresh cucumber slice.
Linze Rice
This is my favorite drink in town, easily!
Another fan fave is the Depot Margarita, which pays homage to the tavern's location in Berwyn's Depot District — a business district along the Metra train line.
That means that Lavergne's is easily accessed by both locals and commuters heading to or from the city — the diner is right near the Lavergne Metra stop and is only a 15-20-minute ride to downtown Chicago.
Of course, it would be a crime to go to Lavergne's without trying their famous Italian beef egg rolls, served with a side of au jus. These bad boys have been featured on "Chicago's Best" and are the No. 1 go-to snack here.
Linze Rice
My husband and I get them every time! Our second go-to: the cheese curds.
Vegetarians are treated to lightly-battered cauliflower pieces, served with Cholula ranch.
Another popular option is the street tacos, which come in wild mushroom, shrimp, and mahi mahi varieties. Topped with fresh veggies and delicious sauces, these are sure to make an impression.
Lighter fare includes a small roster of salads, like the beautiful Strawberry Salad, which tops arugula and spring mix with candied pecans, strawberries, parmesan, crispy prosciutto, a balsamic glaze, and lemon honey dressing.
So, do you think Lavergne’s Tavern has the best bar food in Berwyn, Illinois? Where’s your favorite tavern in the Land of Lincoln? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your visit by checking out the Lavergne’s Tavern website and the Lavergne’s Tavern Facebook page. And while you’re in town, walk across the street to this massive store specializing in pop culture collectibles!
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