Some people`s careers follow a more circuitous path than others. Take Bill Fitzpatrick`s, for example. A lawyer by profession, he practiced for many years in both the public and private sector. But in the back of his mind, he always dreamed about doing ”something else.”
Two years ago, he and wife Patti made that dream a reality by purchasing The Village Inn of Wauconda. The building itself is a historic site. Opened as a hardware/dry-goods store in 1858, it became a tavern after the Kirwan family bought it in 1900.
Restoring the original turn-of-the-century ambience was, from the outset, a top priority for the Fitzpatricks. The intricately patterned tin ceiling and brass bar rail have both been restored to their former glory.
Photos and other memorabilia are scattered throughout the tavern, thoroughly at home with modern accouterments, such as a large-screen television and an array of sports pennants.
Commenting on the mix, Fitzpatrick observed, ”This place is a pleasant blend of old and new. It`s an old-fashioned neighborhood tavern where locals can meet, visit and enjoy a good meal.”
The inn`s menu concentrates on sandwiches and salads, all of them nicely prepared and presented. Possibilities include a Philadelphia steak and cheese sandwich smothered in sauteed onions and green peppers; burgers done with a variety of toppings; a Reuben sandwich, and a charbroiled boneless chicken breast seasoned with a lemon or Cajun marinade.
Also available are homemade soup, chili (in season) and a selection of daily specials. Barbecued ribs are featured on Friday night and prime rib on Saturday. Wednesday is taco night. Fitzpatrick uses skirt steak rather than ground beef for his tacos. Courtesy of a marinade whose ingredients remain a carefully guarded secret, the meat is juicy, flavorful and possessed of just the right amount of bite.
Commenting on his venture, the genial lawyer-turned-publican observed,
”We must be doing something right; the response has really been terrific.”
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The Village Inn of Wauconda, 202 S. Main St., Wauconda, is open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday; open Sunday during the football season. Phone 708-526-8130.
