Maybe it’s just the month of April and the added daylight hours – what with the “Spring Ahead” and all, or is it “Spring Back and Fall Down?” Or maybe it’s just the change to warmer, then cooler, then warmer, then cooler, then… but I digress. And I’m not really sure what’s going on anyway. Maybe though, it’s just Old Towne Pub calling to me – I know it can have that affect.
Let’s Go Try Old Towne Pub Again
When the season changes and April arrives, “all my get up and go just got up and went!” For example, I fell asleep at a stoplight the other day. When I got home, Lauren took one look at me and said: “We’re going out to eat tonight, you look too tired to cook.” I’m still trying to figure out what sounded wrong about that – or how she knew. But I quickly agreed and said, “OK, let’s go try Old Towne Pub again. We haven’t been back there in a while.”
Being that it was April, I don’t remember what night it was, but it was definitely not a weekend. I only mention that because the place was rockin’ and it was only 6:30! I counted only 5 empty tables in the place and it seemed as if no one was getting ready to head for the exit. And the tables were not just seated with those at “cocktail hour.” A waitress quickly greeted Lauren and me and took a drink order. I hadn’t been in town for a while and I noticed that the menus were new and that there were several new items offered.
Items That Make My Mouth Water
I am one of those diners who finds a special item on a menu and, if the item is really good, I order it almost exclusively when I go to that particular restaurant. This is definitely not the best way to go, since I never get to try the other great items that a restaurant has to offer. For instance – Old Towne has a number of items that make my mouth water. Like the Barese Sausage ($7.95) or Bruschetta ($6.95) appetizer. Or – does it make your mouth water – the Grilled Ribeye Steak sandwich ($8.50) or the Half Slab of BBQ Ribs ($8.95) with Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce?
There are also several great-sounding salads and even Homemade Key Lime Pie ($2.95) for dessert. But no, I had fallen in love with the Old Towne’s Famous Italian Beef ($7.75. Thinly-sliced beef soaked in our original au jus served on an Italian loaf. Add cheese, hot or sweet peppers (50¢ each). I enjoyed this item on my previous visit and I needed to see if was still as kick-butt as I had remembered.
Homemade Chips & Salsa
So I ordered it and continued to savor the Blue Moon draught beer on tap. Lauren ordered the Taco Dinner ($9.50 – three soft flour tortillas served with shredded cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. It’s served with homemade chips and salsa, and you choose either chicken or steak. Add jalapenos or sour cream. (50¢ each)
I didn’t really mean to start you drooling. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. So here are the results of our evening. First off, neither of us could finish our meals – they were more than adequate in size. Lauren stated that her Taco Dinner was very good. She ordered it with the steak and it had super flavor, although it could have used some cilantro and/or chili powder. It was certainly far superior to a certain nearby restaurant that serves “Mexican” food. The homemade chips and salsa were excellent.
You Have a Great Thing, Old Towne Pub and Eatery
My Beef was as good as I remembered it. Although the beef itself seemed as if it must have been from a different vendor. Do not try to pin me down as to why, ‘cause I am not sure – it was just plain excellent. My only “disappointment” was that the fries did not seem to be the homemade ones that I remember. And – if that is the case – I wish that Old Towne would bring ‘em back. They were SOOO good!
Other than that, I am thankful that Old Towne Pub continues to thrive and serve some food in a friendly environment. I am still surprised at the number of children that are brought to “bars” by their seemingly unconcerned-about-the-noise-language-etc. parents. But the atmosphere there seems to be very family friendly, and I hope that all families are back home and kids tucked in bed by the time the place really starts to rock. Keep it up Jason and Chris – you have a great thing. Old Towne Pub and Eatery maintains its 4-Zin rating. Good Job!!
Ralph Pancetta
Old Towne Pub was located at 201 W State St in Geneva, IL. This location is now permanently closed but their location in Wasco is still open.
