With COVID-19 on the rise in Illinois again, Governor Pritzker has mandated the shutdown of indoor dining for restaurants and bars. All indoor restaurant and bar services have been suspended for Du Page, Kane, Will, and Kankakee counties until further notice. With the incoming winter season, many restaurants struggling to successfully handle the new order. However, some are staying open for takeout or alternative seated dining. Check out what these bars and restaurants in Downers Grove IL are doing during the latest shutdown.
Cadence Kitchen & Co.
One restaurant with heated patio dining is Cadence Kitchen & Co., situated in downtown Downer’s Grove near the Metra train stop. They serve Midwest-inspired dishes with a fresh, modern twist, along with house cocktails. While the restaurant always had an outdoor patio, they added the heated tent this year when cooler weather set in. Cadence Kitchen also introduced heaters near every table and even have additional fireplaces lit to keep things extra cozy. They encourage patrons to bring a blanket in case they get too chilly. You can also order for pick up if you feel like staying in.
Pierce Tavern
While many restaurants only offer carry out, one downtown Downer’s Grove restaurant is serving outdoor tables and preparing orders for carry out. Also close to the Metra train stop is a modern/industrial American restaurant called Pierce Tavern. They offer delivery through food delivery apps, as well. Pierce serves classic favorites like sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and tacos along with several draft beers and whiskeys. Similar to Cadence, Pierce Tavern also has a heated tent built where the outdoor patio sits, plus tables with heated lamps.
Emmett’s Downers Grove
Unfortunately, not all restaurants in Downers Grove have the means to offer dine-in options. One pub operating solely on carry out and delivery is Emmett’s Brewing Company. Emmett’s has an upscale vibe with classic pub food, like a burger that goes perfectly with any of their house-brewed beer. They brew a wide variety of styles that come ready-to-go in 6-packs, including Lagers, India Pale Ales, American Wheat Ales, and Stouts. You can pick up Emmett’s beer while you grab your to-go meal, but they currently don’t offer delivery on beer. Additionally, while they do have a patio, it is not heated and has been closed as of late due to the colder weather. Right now they are only offering carry out or delivery from Thursday through Sunday, and are closed the other days of the week due to slower business.
Parkers’ Restaurant & Bar
This casual-upscale dine-in option is another example of how restaurants are adjusting to the complications of the pandemic. Many families attend Thanksgiving celebrations at their favorite restaurant, but that is sadly not an option this year. To ensure those families can still enjoy a quality meal, Parkers’ is offering a Thanksgiving carry out menu that you can pre-order up until the 21st. You can choose a package for 2 or 4 people that includes all Thanksgiving meal essentials and a choice of pumpkin or pecan pie. In the meantime, you can also order from Parkers’ for carry out, delivery or dine in on their patio (weather permitted).
Bryan’s American Grille
This locally owned restaurant is a staple in the southern part of Downer’s Grove. Bryan’s American Grille offers classic pub food and prior to the pandemic, they hosted events like karaoke, trivia, and live music. Like other local restaurants, these difficult times have proven to be rough for business owners. Because of the pandemic, Bryan’s is solely offering carry out and has shut down its dining options entirely. Patrons looking to keep up with weekly specials can check out their website!