This past weekend while driving through downtown Grayslake, my wife and I were pleasantly surprised to see that Emil's Tavern on Center is now open. We quickly decided it would be a great time to try out the lunch experience on one of the first weekends of spring.
PARKING:
We found street parking around the side, as parking on a Saturday afternoon may seem like there are few spaces. There is parking down the street, to the south of center street. (In a pinch, you can park north of center toward Tastee Freeze).
LAYOUT AND STAFF:
So upon entering Emil's Tavern, it's a large open space with a full bar, high table dining, and regular table dining. Above the bar there were 8 hi-def flat panel TVs, which seems like it would make a great spot to come enjoy a sports game.
The regular dining area also has several TVs, and a large 100+ inch screen from a projection TV showcasing a particular TV channel.
We had stopped in during lunch time, and there were a mix of families having lunch, and various patrons at the bar/tables having drinks and watching events on the TVs.
The wait staff was very friendly, and I would say excited about the opening of the establishment. Angie, our waitress, really made us feel invited and she shared some information about how Emil's came to Grayslake and their future plans for the area. If all of the staff were as helpful and friendly, I think many will find Emil's to be a great local place to check out. I'm sure with any new establishment, the wait staff, cooks, and bar staff will take time to get up to speed, but overall I felt it was off to a good start.
FOOD:
My wife and I had intended to try something familiar off of the very ample menu, such as a Burger or Wrap, planning to judge the food quality compared to other establishments. Through the helpful and genuine recommendation of our waitress, we actually ended up going to the other side of the spectrum.
Upon being told that Emil's makes their Brisket homemade, I decided to give it a shot. My wife chose the Mussels and a side salad, hearing they were a popular dish which often sells out.
When the food arrived, the brisket sandwich was served with a healthy portion of delicious looking brisket, which was mildly sauced, and on a grilled bun. Upon eating the brisket, it was clear the star of the delicious sandwich was the succulent brisket. Unlike other places that serve BBQ, the lightly sauced meat really let the flavor come through, instead of the sauce overpowering it. Served with homemade BBQ beans, and coleslaw which was very tasty, as well as skin on French fries. After having the brisket I'm excited to go back and try their Pulled Pork, as well as their Ribs. One interesting item on the menu is the "Ferg Burger", which is described as "A half pound burger, applewood bacon,and a fried egg, layered between two
grilled cheese sandwiches". Yes, 2 Grilled cheese sandwiches.
My wife's serving of the Crossroads Mussels came in a wine sauce and served with a crusty garlic bread. I would estimate there were about 15 mussels, and 4 large buttery slices of garlic bread. The mussels smelled fresh and delicious, and tasted even better.
DRINKS:
One of the other stand outs of the venue was their large list of beer selections on the wall, including a large assortment on Tap as well as imported varieties. Martinis and mixed drinks were also available from the bar. I had a refreshing Franziskaner which went perfect for the afternoon meal.
SUMMARY:
Overall, we had a great experience, and are every excited to head back there for a bite and some drinks. Hearing some of their future plans for the establishment such as possible outdoor seating ,and delivery, makes me think Emil's will be a go-to place in Grayslake when you want a casual but enjoyable dining experience. It's good to see Grayslake starting to evolve with a variety of establishments that cater to different tastes. The Vine, another good restaurant on Center, has a different vibe than Emil's so they are more complimentary to each other than direct competition.
If you are in Grayslake, and you want a good BBQ sandwich or choice of burgers, a friendly environment to catch up with friends, check out the game or chill over a drink, Emil's would definitely be the first in mind! read more