March 28, 2024
Local News

Tavern on Lincoln set to open in downtown DeKalb

Long-awaited Tavern on Lincoln opens to public Tuesday

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DeKALB – Joe Butts said his wife, Melissa Butts, bleeds orange and black, and their mutual love for DeKalb has drawn them back to live downtown, just across the street from the new Tavern on Lincoln restaurant, which opens to the public Tuesday.

Part of a multifaceted effort, what DeKalb-based developer John Pappas of Pappas Development LLC has said will enliven the Lincoln Highway downtown strip, the Tavern will open its doors over a year after it was announced as part of the Cornerstone DeKalb project.

Foti Pappas, vice president of development in the family business and John’s son, hosted a soft opening for friends and family over the weekend. His father, John Pappas, was in the kitchen Friday helping serve up plates of steaming Broaster chicken wings, Mediterranean pork chops, hummus platters, duck bacon cheeseburgers, spanakopita, pulled-pork tater tots, meatball appetizers and chicken kebabs as wait staff got their first taste of the dinner rush.

The Tavern, located at 124 E. Lincoln Highway, is open from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and closed Sundays.

The Buttses only had to walk across the street from their downtown apartment to enjoy what they call a long-awaited restaurant. They’re DeKalb natives, and after a stint living outside of town near Rock Falls, they decided to move back to be part of the efforts to revitalize downtown DeKalb.

“My wife is involved in a bunch of committees, including #proudlyDeKalb,” Joe Butts, 53, said as he enjoyed a plate of chicken kebabs. “We recently moved back because of what is being done in the downtown, to be part of the rebirth.”

“The food is amazing,” Melissa Butts, 46, said. “I think it’s cool that they’ve reused so many of the materials. I think it’s wonderful to have really good, reasonably priced food, and to have another option.”

Foti Pappas described how construction crews salvaged portions of what used to be the top floor of the building that now houses Middle Eastern eatery Jamrah's downtown DeKalb location, adjacent to Plaza DeKalb, 209 E. Lincoln Highway. Pappas Development is also seeking a third mixed-use space downtown, and John Pappas has said he wants to bring more young professionals to the area.

“Good things take time,” Foti Pappas said, addressing the original opening that was slated for fall 2018. “There’s something for everyone here. It’s a classic American tavern with a modern twist: comfortable, inviting atmosphere for families and friends. You can pop in after work and grab a couple drinks.”

Janee Spencer, 25, of St. Charles was serving up Manhattans, Old Fashioneds and signature cocktails as well as craft beer on tap and wine by the bottle and glass.

“I’m golden behind the bar,” Spencer said, adding she was excited to come work at the Tavern. “It has that college vibe but it’s a lot more upscale.”

J.R. and Wendy Randall only had to come downstairs from their Cornerstone DeKalb apartment with a few tenant friends as they ate a Caesar salad, Broaster-style pork chops and a Bessie Meltdown sandwich.

“We’re retired, and we love it,” Wendy Randall said. “It’s very nice and convenient. We’ve been in DeKalb almost seven years. The goal is to walk downtown and do some shopping and grab a bite to eat.”

Sean Frazier, Northern Illinois University athletic director, said he thinks the Tavern will be a fun spot for students and community members alike.

“The pricing with the serving is excellent,” Frazier said as he split a plate of chicken wings with his table. “It’s got a nice vibe. Pappas has done a great job. This is a great location. He’s revitalizing this community.”

Kelsey Rettke

Kelsey Rettke

Kelsey Rettke is the editor of the Daily Chronicle, part of Shaw Media and DeKalb County's only daily newspaper devoted to local news, crime and courts, government, business, sports and community coverage. Kelsey also covers breaking news for Shaw Media Local News Network.