Bulldog’s Cellar bar and grill opens in downtown Batavia

BATAVIA – The owner of the new Bulldog's Cellar hopes that his bar and grill will become as well known as the nickname Bulldog.

The name is a reference to Batavia High School’s mascot, which is a bulldog. The bar and grill opened June 22 at 1 E. Wilson St. in Batavia, in the space that formerly housed The RendezVu restaurant. It stayed open during the transition.

“We didn’t want to interrupt the business and the regular clientele that we had,” said new owner Jason Keller, who recently moved from Elgin to Aurora.

As its name implies, the focus of the bar and grill is on its downstairs space. Local bands perform in the space, and Bulldog’s hosts events such as Game Night – featuring activities that resemble TV shows like “Wheel of Fortune,” “Family Feud,” “Jeopardy” and “Name That Tune.”

“It’s a social event,” Keller said. “It’s something for people to do, like trivia night.”

Bulldog’s also hosts open mic nights on Thursdays, which have proven to be popular, Keller said. It also hosts dart tournaments.

“Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are our busiest nights,” he said.

The upstairs space has been renovated as well, including the addition of two 70-inch flat television screens.

"We're trying to appeal to multiple groups of people," Keller said. "We're doing special events up there, like we do a poker league on Sunday nights. We've done Vino van Gogh up there, which worked really well."

Vino van Gogh hosts events at local venues. Participants have the option to drink while painting for recreation.

Another Vino van Gogh event at Bulldog's Cellar is set for 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28. The price is $38 per person, and one can sign up by going to www.vinogogh.com/Chicago/EventOrder.aspx?id=4541.

The upstairs space can also be rented out for private parties, Keller said.

In addition, Bulldog’s Cellar has an outdoor patio, which has proven to be a popular attraction. The patio offers a picturesque view of the Fox River.

Bulldog’s is currently only open for dinner. Items include appetizers, such as wings, chicken tenders, Philly Cheesesteak potato skins, homemade nachos and red pepper hummus.

Entrees include burgers, fish and chips, chicken wraps and the beer brat plate. One of Keller’s favorite items on the menu is the Bulldog Burger, which is a half-pound beef patty topped with half of a beer brat, bacon, cheese and a fried egg. The meal also comes with fries.

“It’s different,” Keller said. “It’s kind of like a little gut stuffer. I’m definitely full after eating that.”

The Philly cheesesteak appetizer – which features six pieces served with jack and cheddar cheeses, bacon, sliced tomato and sour cream – also has been a big seller, Keller said, along with the fried pickle appetizer.

Bulldog’s Cellar is open from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays.

Information is available by calling the restaurant at 630-406-9177.