Bars of the Western World #2: Meier Tavern, Glenview

Bars of the Western World #2: Meier's Tavern, Glenview

Finding myself in Glenview around 5:00 today, and coming up on a 6:00 conference call, I parked myself in a bar (it was convenient, plus doing business in a tavern sends the right message to clients about what it’s going to be like working with me).

I’d been by Meier’s Tavern a load of times, and today, as the sun cut golden through the windows of this white wood roadhouse, nothing looked better than my frosty mug of Dab (far from the world’s greatest beer, but equally far from the worst).

This place is a throwback, specifically to the 30’s (there’s a photo at the front, by the candy bars and smokes, of the place during “the height of the depression,” (as it was oxymoronically captioned). The walls are wood-paneled; there’s a nice- looking long bar, packed with business men and construction workers -- a bunch of television sets and checker board tablecloth tables set up in two rooms. Out back, there’s a lot of space for parking, and a wooded area for whatever.

I ordered a platter of tater tots. Tater tots are a marvelous invention; unfortunately, they are frequently consumed at home, and thus rarely deep fried, which is the only way they (and so many other things) shine. The tots at Meier's were pretty much exactly as they should be: crunchy on the outside, fluffy in the inside, and not at all greasy.

The rest of the menu was, well, somewhat lengthy but limited. Lots of the usual bar food type things, and a Gourmet Sandwich. I queried my waitress, and she averred that this was the fanciest thing on the menu: turkey, ham, cheese and thousand island dressing. Sounded pretty good, but as I was meeting the wife at Ravinia later for dinner and Lyle Lovett, I stuck with the tots.

Seated at the back of the place, I had a good view of the kitchen, where one elderly man cranked out mostly sandwiches and fries for what must have been 50 or so people at the dinner hour. He didn’t crack a sweat.

Meier’s is a fine little place; I’d like to check it out after-hours.

Meier’s Tavern
235 Lake Street
Glenview, IL
847-724-0477

Are you aware that Meier's Tavern was one of the prime locations for a short-lived evening soap called "Winnetka Road"? I never watched it, but they supposedly used exteriors in the credits, and may have duplicated the look of the interior.

Joelf,

Among the many distractions of a work-at-home dad, watching soap operas is not one of them.

That's very interesting, though, about using Meier's as a location; the place has a lot of personality (and space, and good light), and I could see how it would attract a producer/director. You've been there?

David

I've never been in there, but passed by there nearly daily on commute. I just remember the news flurry when the show started up. I didn't watch the show either.

There's a little detail at TV Tome: http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-446

I haven't been able to find references to the original articles.

Quite a cast for a show that lasted only two months.

Josh Brolin as...Nick Passion. Too funny.

David

Have not been to Meier's Tavern in 5-6 years, even better than I remembered, in other words, pretty damn good!

Med-rare burger, tots, crusty yet friendly bartender, conversation amongst folks at the bar and very little cell phone use.

Meier's Tavern
Lunch like a steel worker. Burger, tots and shot of Jim Beam!


Meier's Tavern, Count me a Fan!

A nearly twelve-year boost!
I'll put it on my long list.