All four of Emmett’s Brewing Co. locations are in historical downtown areas in buildings dating back at least 100 years.
“We’re family owned and we connect better through downtowns and community groups. It’s easier to be part of the fabric,” said Andy Burns, founder and owner of Emmett’s.
Being in older buildings reinforces Emmett’s heritage, Burns said. And while it may be challenging to retrofit an old building as a brew house, Emmett’s accomplishes this. “We take the step of repurposing downtown buildings and reinvesting in them,” he said. “We like being near other small business owners.”
“Once upon a time there were only a handful of breweries around and we were one of them,” Burns said. “Fresh, local craft beer, we were pioneers of that. We like people in town to take ownership and say, ‘This is our local beer.'” Emmett’s offers Munich Light, World’s End Peace Keeper, Melee, Cow Tipper and seasonal offerings.
And who doesn’t love a burger and beer? “Beer is more forgiving and there are fewer rules than there are with red and white wine and what to pair it with,” Burns said.
“You can’t go wrong with burgers, but we also like to showcase our upscale side like Cedar Plank Whitefish with sauteed garlic spinach and lemon caper beurre blanc,” Burns said.
On the menu: “Kind of classic American. We like to incorporate beer into our food, like cheddar ale soup and Melee barbecue sauce to make it more Emmett’s,” said Amanda Guttke, general manager. Melee barbecue sauce is used with the smokehouse burger, baby back ribs and BBQ pulled pork and pulled pork slider. Cow Tipper milk stout gravy is also used on the pulled pork poutine appetizer.
About the owners: Founder Andy Burns discovered the craft beer scene while in college. After work his boss gave him a bottle of his own home-brewed beer. Burns bought some home-brewing equipment and after a few years in the Marines on the West Coast, saw the popularity of crafted beers and realized he could make a go of it in the Chicago area. He opened the first location of Emmett’s Brewing Co., which was named after his grandfather, in West Dundee in 1998.
Philosophy: “Casual and community-centered. We’re not trying to chase every trend. We’re entering our 18th year so we’re not the new kid on the block. We’re reliable and consistent, a choice for people when they have people visit them. A little gem,” Burns said.
Decor: “Classic, timeless. We’re not super-trendy so you won’t find ultra-modern light fixtures. Dark woods, mosaic tile on the floor by the bar,” Burns said. “And we showcase the brew house itself. It’s important to let the customer know we have artisanal beer on site.” Or, “40 feet from grain to glass.”
Price range: Appetizers from $7 to $16. Small bites are $3 to $6. Soups from $3.50 to $5. Soup and salad or half sandwich from $8 to $9. Salads from $7 to $14. Sandwiches from $9 to $13. Burgers from $10.50 to $15. Entrees from $15 to $25. Vegetarian menu includes starters from $7 to $11, small plates from $3 to $5, salads from $7 to $12, sandwiches from $10 to $12 and entrees for $14. Gluten-free menu includes starters from $9 to $16, small plates from $4 to $5, soups and salads from $5 to $14, sandwiches from $9 to $11, burgers from $10.50 to $15, entrees from $16 to $23 and desserts for $6. Kids’ meals are $6. Desserts from $4 to $8. Pints of hand-crafted beers for $6. Cocktails and wine.
Logistics: Emmett’s Brewing Co. is at 128 W. Main St., West Dundee. Hours are 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Additional locations in Downers Grove, Palatine and Wheaton. Contact 847-428-4500 or
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www.emmettsbrewingco.com.Shonda Talerico Dudlicek is a freelance writer for The Courier-News.