Zimmer Tavern

The Zimmer Tavern, building #45.

The south section is a recent addition to the original two-story building, built as the Zimmer Tavern and Wagon Shop circa 1849. It was issued one of Lake County’s first liquor licenses and claims to be the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Illinois.

Its grandfather clock is from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and its bar was rescued from the “Great McCormick Place Fire” of 1967. During Prohibition, the tavern became an ice cream parlor. In 1962, one of the matriarchs of modern Long Grove, Norma Sales, took over ownership and transitioned it to the family-friendly atmosphere it has today.

Further down the same side of the street, adjoining the tavern parking lot, was formerly the residence of one of the Zimmer family. Looking further down the road toward Kildeer School, you’ll notice a large gravel parking lot next to the Hotel Building.

Press NEXT STOP for information on what used to stand on this vacant lot.