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GLEN ELLYN – Although Main Street Pub in downtown Glen Ellyn is still relatively new to the village's restaurant scene – it opened in November 2015 – it already is making a mark for outstanding fare.
Brothers Brian and Kevin Hahn, who own Jackson Avenue Pub in Naperville, obviously know what people crave in a restaurant. Main Street Pub's friendly staff help contribute to the relaxed, comfortable feel of the attractive space.
For those who want to sit back and watch a game with their food, Main Street Pub offers plenty of spectator opportunities, with an array of televisions ready for sporting action. The pub also has an extensive beer list, including more than 20 beers on tap. Bourbon and whiskey, as well as scotch and wine, also are emphasized.
After we were seated, my dining companion and I started perusing the menu for some tempting options.
With appetizers such as beer cheese pretzel bites, spicy tater tots and jalapeño poppers, that search didn't last long. We settled on the latter – whole jalapeños stuffed with a blend of cheddar and cream cheese, wrapped in bacon and served with a cilantro ranch dipping sauce. The poppers pack plenty of heat and flavor.
Choosing an entree was an equally difficult task, as the menu is filled with appealing salads and many distinctive half-pound burgers not likely to be found at another restaurant. That includes the Maui Waui, which arrives topped with marinated grilled pineapple, provolone, roasted jalapeño and bacon, and the Gringo, crowned with pepper jack cheese, cheddar cheese, roasted corn, fried tortilla strips and guacamole.
I opted for the Drunken Pear, which is topped with a bourbon-poached pear, goat cheese, arugula and balsamic glaze, while my dining companion chose the Macho Verde with pepper jack cheese, chorizo sausage, fried egg and salsa verde.
People yearning for something inventively different than the same old cheeseburger won't be disappointed by either dish. The patty on my burger was especially juicy, and its flavor was only heightened by the delectable toppings.
My dining companion also was pleased with her burger and the generous order of fries that accompanied it.
"The fries are cooked to perfection – all fresh cut, and they have a perfect layer of crisp on the outside, and are soft on the inside," she said. "I loved Main Street Pub, and I can't wait to go back and sample another one of its burgers."
As for me, I already look forward to returning.
The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at Suburban Life Media. The diner's identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. Only positive dining experiences will result in published reviews.
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Main Street Pub
WHERE: 466 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday
DRESS CODE: Casual
INFO: 630-790-1734, www.themainstreetpub.com
More photos online
To see more photos from Main Street Pub, find this story online at shawurl.com/2129