The Oldest Bar In Illinois Has A Fascinating History

Are you the type of person who likes a taste of the past in your pint? In Illinois, there’s no better place to go for a historic sip than the Long Grove Village Tavern. Located just outside of Chicago and operating continuously since 1847, this is the oldest bar in Illinois and it has a fascinating history waiting to be explored.

The Long Grove Village Tavern is located at 135 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047.

Long Grove Village Tavern / Official Facebook Page

Long Grove Village Tavern / Official Facebook Page

As the oldest bar in Illinois, Long Grove Tavern has plenty of tales to tell to visitors interested in history. Originally the Zimmer Tavern and Wagon Shop, this bar was granted one of the first, liquor licenses in Lake County.

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Long Grove Village Tavern / Official Facebook Page

Inside the bar you will find many amazing antiques to admire, such as a grandfather clock from the 1893 World's Fair. The Presidents Bar is the staple attraction. This gorgeous mahogany bar was rescued from the the Great McCormick Place Fire in 1967.

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Long Grove Village Tavern / Official Facebook Page

In its nostalgic style, The Long Grove Tavern and Restaurant serves back-to-basics cocktails and brews to remind you of simpler times. If you thought prohibition-style speakeasies were retro, wait until you go somewhere that even precedes the prohibition.

Long Grove Village Tavern / Official Facebook Page

Also classic is the Long Grove Tavern's selection of bar food, which will delight fanatics of fried food, and do wonders to stave off a hangover.

Long Grove Village Tavern / Official Facebook Page

Those looking to sample the tavern's food selection really should stop by at the end of the week for an all-you-can-eat treat. Every week, Friday means Long Grove is frying up a delicious fish dinner that fits any appetite. This bar may be old, but there's nothing fishy about their seafood.

So, lovers of history, raise your glasses to The Long Grove Inn and Tavern. This bar’s fascinating past gives new meaning to the phrase “drunk history,” and is a guaranteed good time.

Where’s your favorite historical spot to sip spirits in Illinois? Where do the mixed drinks serve up the past with the present? We love hearing your tips and seeing your photos. Get in touch!