Monday 12th of October 2009 09:54:44 AM

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Visited for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Free parking garage across the street...

There are two doors, the entrance is on the left, although the bar is through the locked door on the right. There are three areas of the place, each distinct and mismatched somewhat. The room you enter into seems like an overflow seating area, with no bar, but a hostess stand with the kitchen in the back. Through the arched doorway on the right was more seating, and a bar that seats 10-12. In the back (which I explored after lunch) there were random tables and naugahyde booths, with a long bar that was hidden from the front. A jukebox and Star Wars pinball was back here, and a claw machine filled with giant kooshballs...promptly I said to myself, lolwut? For the kids I guess, but I didn't see any.

Beer. That's why we're here... Bottle list was solid, taps not so much. 312, Lite, and Guinness. But wait there's more... It was sunday and import bottles were 1/2 off, which was a great deal! Paulaner, Celebrator, and Rochefort 8 were the beers I had, all seemed fresh and were served in the corresponding glassware. The menu was 50/50 craft to import, some craft standouts were Maximus, Alpha King, DFH 90, Left Hand Milk Stout, and Victory Storm King. Sadly for WI all that was listed was Miller and Old Style. They need to dump the dead macro weight, then the list would really be something to sing about.

Menu was solid, some interesting specials including pot roast and a "banger burger" with Irish sausage and grilled onion. Settled on a rueben for $8 that was a generous portion, with thick steak fries.

In a craft wasteland, this looks like the best option. Besides a tattoo shop across the street, and Hilltop Skate Shop around the corner, downtown Elgin was a ghost town on Sunday. Recommended if you're local or passing through.

Sunday 16th of August 2009 04:09:33 PM

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The Elgin Public House does not make their own beer, but their website promised a good selection of bottled beer and scotch along with better than average pub grub.

As is usual for me, I visited this establishment on a Saturday afternoon. I parked across the street in a free parking garage.
As we walked in it was pretty empty and we had our choice of seating. We chose to sit at a table in the small bar area. The decor was just what we like with a minimum amount of TVs and plenty of dark wood. Nothing too fancy. There was music playing at a reasonable volume that still allowed us to converse.

The bartender/waiter arrived promptly with menus. I started with an Aberlour scotch on the rocks and my wife had a Victory Golden Monkey.

The beer was served ice cold, but that can be resolved with a little waiting. The scotch was a new find for me and it was delicious.

After our first drink, we ordered food. The bucket of bones (ribs) was tasty. The "filet" steak sandwich was a little tough, but tasty. Both meals were served in small buckets. I wasn't particularly fond of this presentation.

Another round of beers and we were feeling full and happy.

Overall I enjoyed the Elgin Public House and I will definitely be back.