Or perhaps the title should read: Relatively Sane Woman Turns Into Her Parents.
Either way, the quest to visit the oldest restaurant in every state has begun!
An important note here: as the Jeep (aka Saphira) pulled away from the historic tavern after a lovely meal together, my oldest kid told me that he appreciates my love for life and for finding so many interesting ways to delve into the many facets surrounding us. I am hereby proclaiming that particular comment to be the underlying theme of the entire venture.
Long Grove, Illinois is a quaint little town in northern Illinois that has the honorable distinction of playing host to the oldest restaurant in the Land of Lincoln. The history of the town is steeped in German culture, and once upon a time there was a little building on the main road called “John Zimmer’s Wagon Shop.” In 1847, the “Wagon Shop” became the “Zimmer Tavern and Wagon Shop.” Now, not only could you get your wagons repaired, your horses shod, and a new bridle, you could also enjoy a nice, hearty meal and whiskey straight from the barrel. That same little two story building once situated amid stables and a general store is now a very fun spot for a burger, live music, a root beer float, and a glimpse into history.
The “showpiece” of the establishment is most definitely the mahogany bar that stands prominently to the right of the entrance, which is the actual location of the original wagon shop. The bar itself was originally from the President’s Walk Bar from downtown Chicago (McCormick Place), and was purchased in a closed bid auction after being salvaged from a fire.
Second to the mahogany bar (in size, not necessarily interest) and situated right next to our table near the end of the bar, you can find a Grandfather clock made by the Waltham Furniture Company for the 1893 Columbian Exposition. The gentle sound of its chime did not go unnoticed as we looked over the menu, which is rich with German heritage to include bratwurst, schnitzel, and German potato salad. The dinner menu also features a broasted chicken, prime rib, and BBQ baby back ribs. On the vegetarian side (I always have to look to see if my brother would eat anything on the menu), a Farmer’s Market Salad or Portobello Mushroom Burger are listed, while an Apple Haus Pie highlights the dessert menu.
Although the tavern changed owners in 2023, the roster of staff members is filled with long-time workers…some of them have been employed by the tavern for over 25 years. Our server was knowledgable, friendly, efficient, thoughtful, kept a tremendously clean dining room, and had impeccable timing with her check-ins at our table.
I selected a burger from the list of specials for my lunch, the Bourbon Burger, along with some steak cut onion rings, while el niño mayor selected one of his all-time favorites, the fish fry (though in our never-ending love for all things British, we tend to call it “fish n’ chips”). Between the fabulous service, the delicious burger, the eclectic ambience, and the peaceful post-lunch stroll across Buffalo Creek and past the covered iron truss bridge, I would call this first official stop on the Oldest Restaurant Quest quite a successful day and a worthwhile recommendation for those of you traveling near Long Grove, Illinois.
And so I was left with the burning question…have I actually become my parents?? I am relieved to report that I landed on a resounding “NO” to that internal wrestling match. I can definitively tell you, however, that my parents did instill within me a natural love for life and for learning as well as a deep interest in culture and how it evolves, how it affects, and how it is embraced by those within it. And, perhaps most importantly, to always measure others in the way that we ourselves would like to be measured.
Click here to find the Village Tavern on Google Maps
Hillary Danaher 