Elgin Dining
The landscape of Elgin is in a phase of transformation. From brand new housing to the revitalization of the downtown area, things are changing and improving to entice people to move to Elgin, set up business and tempt shoppers and diners to come and experience all that the city has to offer.
Restaurants are an important piece of the puzzle. Every day people gather at Elgin’s local eateries, not only to curb hunger, but to get together with friends, family and business associates. The older restaurants of Elgin are dusting off and freshening up to match the surroundings, and new restaurants are opening.
Elgin Public House, a newcomer on the scene since January 6, 2007, is definitely a step above the average pub. According to co-owner Lou Gramm, when she and her business partner and co-owner Greg Shannon visited the would-be location of the restaurant, Shannon exclaimed, “‘this is it!’”
“We saw need for a restaurant known for really great service and really great food,” said Gramm. Elgin is growing and changing due to the revitalization; it is “coming alive.”
The décor adds to the overall atmosphere of Elgin Public House. The front section of the restaurant is perfect for lunches and dinners with family, friends and coworkers. Exposed brick scales the walls and ornate original tiles cover the ceiling. Moving farther back, the bar area with its highboy tables encourages socializing and playing tunes on the jukebox. There are future plans to build a martini bar upstairs, but for now, the restaurant and bar hold their own.
Mingling in the bar and snacking on appetizers is sure to make for an enjoyable evening. The snack-size pub burgers are a hit and other tasty appetizers like Cajun or margarita-style peel-and-eat shrimp, hummus and pita chips, or an assortment of boneless wings are sure to satiate. Don’t forget to try the fried pickles! Appetizer parties in the bar area can be a perfect option for birthday parties and other occasions.
Elgin Public House is getting a reputation as the “best burgers in town or anywhere,” according to Gramm. With a variety that stands up to no one else, it’s hard to argue with that statement. What other restaurant serves a pesto burger, fiesta burger or even a bacon and blue cheese burger? Elgin Public House prides itself on offering not only favorite bar food standbys, but has introduced a more sophisticated menu. A favorite is the potato crusted cod sandwich; an upcoming item is the bucket-o-bones, a pound of delicious ribs. Their cobb salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the appetite. Each ingredient is expertly diced and placed in rows on a plate making an edible work of art. Enjoy specials daily such as tilapia fish fry Fridays, king crab Mondays or pot roast and sirloin.
A staple of Elgin, the Gasthaus Restaurant, is making its way back onto the scene. Since 1969 Gasthaus has been part of the city’s dining culture. Current manager Erik Eshelman said that years back there would be a line out the door of people waiting to savor the culinary genius of Fritz, the previous owner and chef.
Eshelman would like to bring Gasthaus back to its earlier glory. Because he used to work at Gasthaus prior to being named manager by the new owner, he has a special knowledge of what the restaurant was all about and what it will take to recreate its past success. He has plans to update the restaurant slightly and give it a bit of a facelift, without detracting from its traditional charm. Continuing to serve the same European dishes, items like wiener schnitzel, cordon bleu ala suisse and prime rib are among patron’s favorites.
Gasthaus is an important part of Elgin’s history, but under new ownership and management it will also be a part of Elgin’s future and the move toward growth and prosperity. “It is the really well-known neighborhood bar. It’s the ‘Cheers’ of Elgin.” Eshelman is doing all he can to cater to the customers of Gasthaus by listening to their comments and feedback, attending to their tastes by incorporating their requests into the already wide range of food and beverages. Popularity is growing for the recently added karaoke night on Thursdays.
Gasthaus may one day rival the achievement of its previous owner due to its own revitalization, focus on customer service, friendly atmosphere, old-world appeal and one of the most important facets — the food. Because not many places in the area serve this type of cuisine, Gasthaus has a unique appeal to those looking for a taste of Europe.
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