blue grillhouse

With forty-plus years of experience, blue grillhouse and event center has earned a place in the hearts of multigenerational enthusiasts. Family members have married at the event locale, and they’ve gathered for lively holiday meals at Easter and Mother’s Day. Smaller private spaces accommodate corporate functions and special dinners. The restaurant encompasses several dining rooms with distinct styles of warm sophistication, along with bar and lounge with a striking décor. Of course, all this simply sets the stage for extraordinarily fine dining and imbibing, from lunch and dinner to Sunday brunch. 

And for the really good news: After a lengthy pause, Happy Hour makes a glorious return to the indoor bar and seasonal outdoor patio bar. Monday through Saturday, from 4 to 6 p.m., nicely priced libations and enticing plates can facilitate much needed – and appreciated – attitude adjustments for guests.       

Specialties of the grillhouse cover 100% Black Angus steak from a renowned Chicago butcher – with a blue burger option at dinner (there’s no snobbery about casual appetite preferences!) – and premium seafood selections. For instance, the new Pan Roasted Salmon, with an 8-ounce sustainably raised Jail Island fillet presented on Caribbean mango and vegetable slaw – with green mango, chayote, peppers, ginger, and garlic bringing a refreshing counterpoint to the mild and buttery fish encircled by a broken – meaning not fully incorporated – curry vinaigrette. Its tangy sweet brightness complements both the salmon and the freshness of the salad, and a wedge of lime delivers a final pop of acidity. That’s a lot of flavors, irie.  

Although the barn-roofed patio and bar remain closed until amenable weather arrives, the laid-back destination gets a jump-start on the season with heaters and a central fire pit.

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