The Absolute Best Bars in Downers Grove [Updated 2023]

Fortunately, I've had plenty of experience with the local watering holes and have narrowed down my top picks to the best of the best. From dive bars to sports bars to trendy cocktail lounges, I've reviewed a total of 12 establishments that are sure to please any type of drinker. So if you're looking for a good time in Downers Grove, grab your friends and let's explore the best bars in town!

Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant

Highlights
Live music
Large portions of food
Outdoor seating with good service

I was impressed with the live music that they had playing while I enjoyed my drink. The atmosphere was lively and fun, making it a great place to relax after a long day at work. But what really stood out were the generous portions of food that came out of the kitchen. As an avid foodie, I can tell you that their meals are definitely shareable.

During my visit, I also got to enjoy the outdoor seating area which provided me with excellent service. The staff was attentive and friendly, making sure that I felt comfortable throughout my visit.

Overall, Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant is definitely one of the best bars in Downers Grove. With its live music, large portions of food, and great outdoor seating area with amazing service, it's no wonder why this pub is so popular among locals and visitors alike. So if you're looking for a place to unwind and have some fun in Downers Grove, Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant should be your go-to choice!

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Parkers' Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Wonderful food
Fabulous oysters
Spectacular Branzino
Personable service
Welcoming manager

The moment I stepped in, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting, and it wasn't long before I was seated at a cozy table. The menu had my taste buds tingling with excitement, and I couldn't wait to try out their famous oysters - which were absolutely fabulous! Parkers' is renowned for its seafood cuisine, and their Branzino dish lived up to expectations. It was spectacularly cooked to perfection.

However, what stood out the most was the personable service provided by the staff. They were attentive but not intrusive, making sure that everything was perfect without being overbearing. The manager went above and beyond with his welcoming demeanor and made me feel right at home.

Overall, Parkers' Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit for anyone looking for wonderful food and impeccable service. It's perfect for a romantic date night or a night out with friends. So if you're in Downers Grove, be sure to swing by this fantastic spot!

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The Fremont Bar & Grill

Highlights
Friendly staff
Incredible music
Great food options
Cool owner

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most friendly staff. They were quick to make recommendations and answer any questions I had about their menu. And let me tell you, the food options were impressive! From classic burgers to creative small plates, there's something for everyone.

But what really stood out to me was the incredible music they played all night long. It was a perfect mix of old classics and new hits that kept the energy up throughout the night. The atmosphere was lively and fun, with a diverse crowd of locals and visitors alike.

I also had the pleasure of meeting the cool owner, who shared some interesting stories about how he came up with the bar's name and concept. He clearly takes pride in his establishment and it shows in every detail.

Overall, my visit to The Fremont Bar & Grill was a great experience. I highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for delicious food, awesome music, and a friendly atmosphere. It definitely deserves a spot on the list of the best bars in Downers Grove!

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Q Pub and Grill

Highlights
Sports bar atmosphere
Friendly servers and bartender
Delicious food served perfectly
Great place for playing pool and darts
Well-made drinks

What struck me about Q Pub and Grill was its sports bar atmosphere with several TVs broadcasting the latest games. As a sports fan, I felt right at home. But what really made my experience memorable was the friendly servers and bartender who were quick to greet me and make me feel welcome.

Since I'm a foodie, I couldn't resist trying their menu items. The food was delicious and served perfectly! Their burgers were juicy, fries crispy, and wings spicy. It's safe to say that my taste buds had a blast!

Apart from great food and drinks, Q Pub and Grill is an excellent place for playing pool and darts. I had so much fun with my friends while enjoying some friendly competition.

Speaking of drinks, their well-made cocktails were just perfect for relaxation after a long day at work. And if you're not sure what to order, don't hesitate to ask the bartender for suggestions – they know their stuff!

Overall, Q Pub and Grill is definitely one of the best bars in Downers Grove that offers everything you want in a bar - delicious food, refreshing drinks, fun games, sports entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere.

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Walsh's Bar and Grill

Highlights
Great kitchen
Friendly staff
Spacious parking
Neighborhood bar
Pleasant vibe

First of all, I must say that this is a neighborhood bar with a pleasant vibe that makes you feel right at home. The staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly, which is always appreciated when you're walking into a new place.

The menu at Walsh's Bar and Grill is simple yet superb, offering an array of dishes to suit any taste bud. The great kitchen here will leave you feeling satisfied with their delicious and mouth-watering dishes. Trust me; it's not just your regular bar food.

One thing that caught my attention was the spacious parking lot. It can be quite frustrating when you are driving around in circles looking for an available spot to park your car, but at Walsh's Bar and Grill, this won't be an issue.

Overall, Walsh's Bar and Grill has exceeded my expectations with its excellent service, friendly environment, great food choices, and ample parking space. If you're in Downers Grove looking for a local bar with an inviting atmosphere to hang out with friends or family, then this should be on top of your list!

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Brick House Tavern + Tap

Highlights
Excellent service
Good food options
Great atmosphere
Must-try mozzarella bricks

First and foremost, the service was exceptional. The staff was attentive and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our visit. As for the food, there were plenty of options to choose from and everything we ordered was delicious. But let me tell you about the star of the show - the mozzarella bricks! These bite-sized pieces of heaven are a must-try, trust me.

Now, let's talk about the atmosphere. The dim lighting and brick walls give off a cozy yet lively vibe that makes it perfect for a night out with friends or even a date night. And if you're looking for some entertainment while you enjoy your drinks, they have several TVs playing different sports games.

Overall, I highly recommend Brick House Tavern + Tap for anyone looking for an enjoyable evening out in Downers Grove. With excellent service, good food options, great atmosphere, and those delectable mozzarella bricks, what more could you ask for?

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Pierce Tavern

Highlights
Lively sports bar atmosphere
Great menu with many choices
Friendly and accommodating staff
Amazing Moscow Mules and cocktails
Relaxing and cozy ambience

As I walked in, I was immediately impressed by the lively and upbeat sports bar atmosphere. The walls were adorned with flat-screen TVs playing different games, and the patrons were cheering and jeering their favorite teams. I found myself quickly getting caught up in all the excitement.

The menu offered an extensive range of choices that catered to everyone's taste buds. From juicy burgers to crispy chicken wings, everything was cooked to perfection. The staff was friendly and accommodating, making sure that my visit was a memorable one.

As for the drinks, Pierce Tavern did not disappoint! Their Moscow Mules are to die for. They were served icy cold with just the right balance of ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. The cocktails were equally impressive with creative blends that tantalized my taste buds.

What I loved most about Pierce Tavern was the relaxing and cozy ambiance. It provided a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As I sipped on my drink and enjoyed my meal, I felt relaxed and at ease.

Overall, Pierce Tavern is definitely one of Downers Grove's best bars that you don't want to miss out on. So if you're looking for a spot to unwind after work or catch up with friends over some great food & drinks while watching your favorite team win - this place is definitely worth checking out!

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Emmett's Brewing Company

Highlights
Pub atmosphere with wood interior
Careful preparation of food
Great place for hosting events
Very accommodating to large groups
Recommended dishes: Sandwich

I walked into Emmett's and was immediately impressed with the pub atmosphere. The wood interior gave off a warm feeling and the dim lighting provided just enough ambiance for a night out. The server quickly came over to greet us and offered us some recommendations, which we appreciated.

We started with some drinks and were pleasantly surprised by their beer selection. They have a great variety of craft beers that are brewed on-site. I also noticed that they had several options for wine drinkers, as well as other cocktails.

Next, we ordered some food and wow, was it good! It was clear that they take careful preparation in their dishes - everything was cooked to perfection. I highly recommend trying their sandwiches - they're absolutely delicious!

Emmett's is also a great place for hosting events. They have ample space to accommodate large groups and they were very accommodating to our party. If you're looking for a spot to host your next get-together, this is definitely worth considering.

Overall, my experience at Emmett's Brewing Company was top-notch. They had an excellent selection of drinks, delicious food, and fantastic service. Put simply: if you're looking for a great bar in Downers Grove with something for everyone, you can't go wrong with Emmett's!

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3 Corners Grill & Tap

Highlights
hot and solid food
friendly server
great beer selection
impressive fish dish
fantastic atmosphere

First off, I was pleasantly surprised by the hot and solid food that they serve. Not only did they have classic bar food options like wings and burgers, but their menu also had some unique twists that impressed me. Speaking of impressive, their fish dish was a real standout - it was cooked to perfection and had great flavor.

While the food was definitely a highlight, I can't forget to mention our server who was incredibly friendly and attentive throughout our meal. It's always nice when servers take the time to chat with you and make you feel welcome - this definitely added to the fantastic atmosphere at 3 Corners Grill & Tap.

Of course, being a bar, they also had an extensive beer selection that did not disappoint. Whether you're into IPAs or stouts, they've got something for everyone. And if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the options, don't worry - just ask your server for a recommendation!

Overall, I would highly recommend checking out 3 Corners Grill & Tap in Downers Grove if you're looking for a welcoming atmosphere with great food and drink options.

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Orange & Brew Bottle Shop and Tap Room

Highlights
Local microbrew selection
Extensive inventory
Rotating draft list
Single can purchase option

First of all, let me just say that the selection of local microbrews at Orange & Brew is absolutely outstanding. I was amazed by the extensive inventory they had, and even more impressed by their rotating draft list. The staff really knows their stuff when it comes to craft beer, and they were more than happy to make recommendations based on my preferences.

One thing that really stood out to me was the option to purchase a single can. As someone who enjoys trying new things, this was perfect for me because I didn't have to commit to a full six-pack or even a pint. It's like speed dating for beer!

The atmosphere at Orange & Brew is cozy and laid-back, making it the perfect spot for a low-key night out with friends or a casual date. The decor is rustic yet modern, with plenty of seating options available.

Overall, I highly recommend Orange & Brew Bottle Shop and Tap Room for anyone looking for an exceptional selection of craft beer in Downers Grove. It's clear that they take pride in their offerings and truly care about providing customers with an enjoyable experience. Cheers!

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Cellar Door

Highlights
Stellar food
Great for trivia
Extensive drink options

First off, let me just say that the food at Cellar Door is stellar. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the dishes they served. From their delicious sliders to their mouth-watering wings, everything tasted amazing.

But it's not just the food that impressed me. If you're a trivia buff like me, then you'll love this place. They have regular trivia nights and it's always a blast competing against other teams.

And let's not forget about their drink options! The selection is extensive and impressive. Whether you're in the mood for a craft beer or a fancy cocktail, they've got you covered.

Overall, I had a great time at Cellar Door and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun night out with friends or a casual dinner date spot. Just be sure to bring your A-game for trivia night!

Bryan’s American Grille

Highlights
Delicious lunch specials
Excellent service from Shannon
Killer potato salad and soup
Warm and welcoming atmosphere

First off, I have to say that this place is definitely one of the best bars in Downers Grove. The lunch specials were absolutely delicious, especially paired with their killer potato salad and soup. And let me tell you, the service from Shannon was top-notch. She was so friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

But what really stood out to me about Bryan's American Grille was the warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you feel like a regular even if it's your first time there. The decor is charming without being over-the-top and there's just something about the ambiance that makes you want to stay awhile.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Bryan's American Grille if you're looking for a great bar in Downers Grove with excellent food and service. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!