Taste of the Town: Pub 47 expands St. Charles dining scene

ST. CHARLES – The original Pub 47, a popular dining destination to the north in Huntley, hopes to replicate its success with the addition of a St. Charles location near Randall Road and Route 64.

The upscale bar and grill features a scratch kitchen and offers an array of local craft beers on tap, said general manager Greg Zuleger, noting the venue welcomes families.

“We’re thrilled to be here – the community has been fantastic,” he said.

Opened this spring, the space was redesigned to be a comfortable getaway, where tables, high-tops and booths are set off by eye-catching stone, tile and reclaimed wood.

Pub 47 features a diverse menu, according to Gordon Smith, food and beverage director for both locations. He said offerings range from pub favorites, such as burgers, specialty pizzas and appetizers, to upscale pasta dishes, steaks, chops and seafood.

The bar boasts 20 draft handles, and Smith said special attention is paid to Illinois breweries, wineries and distillers.

“Our … mixologists come up with clever cocktails – a lot of infused spirits [including] in-house-infused vodkas,” Smith said, citing such herbs as rosemary for martinis, and explaining that Pub 47’s own berry-infused vodka is a signature ingredient perfect for pairing with soda or finding its way into a martini with muddled mint.

“No place can do exactly everything we do,” Smith said of Pub 47, noting the team emphasizes quality in food and service to go along with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

“We duplicated the entire menu you can enjoy at the Huntley location,” Smith said. “The only thing different is the executive chefs will do their own daily features.”

He said the menu’s most popular item is the burger, prepared with grass-fed beef from Illinois to enhance the flavor. And the pizza – from dough to sauce – is a homemade recipe. Another hit is the slow-roasted barbecue pork. Pub 47’s colorful wild berry salad is prepared with fresh berry varieties, greens and candied walnuts among the ingredients. It was created by the executive chef at the Huntley location, which opened two years ago.

“We are trying to appeal to anybody who walks in the door – [from] I want to have a nice quiet dinner in the evening with my significant other [or] a quick lunch with co-workers [or] come in with the family for a weekend dinner for a variety of ages,” Smith said.

Sports fans will find televisions tuned to the action, and a spacious covered patio is being readied for dining al fresco.

A monthly special event is the tap takeover, with the next set for June 14 to showcase Penrose Brewing in Geneva, which is June’s featured brewery.

“There will be a variety of Penrose beers available in draft and bottles, along with giveaways from Pub 47 and Penrose Brewing, complimentary Penrose pint glasses, and a Meet the Penrose Brewery session during the evening,” Smith announced for the tap takeover.

The kitchen offers catering services, highlighting appetizers to sandwiches, wraps, entrees and South of the Border menu items, Smith said.

Pub 47 is located at 1890 W. Main St. For information, go to pub47grill.com or call 630-945-3066.