In 1967, when the Dwyers were searching for their very first saloon, they came across an authentically old tavern in Forest Park. This saloon was in mint condition, a real antique. Well, the name " Grandpa's Place " came to mind. However, the price was high and the cash was low. So in 1968, they rented an existing tavern on Division Street in Chicago, which was also quite old and there they attached the name "Grandpa's Place".

So, the time came for the Dwyers to leave Division Street. After another long search, this present location in Glenview was found in 1977.

Now as the story goes, Mr. Harms built this place in 1898 and sold it to Leo Lang in 1902, who is responsible for the original tavern. There's a picture in the barroom of Leo in front of the building taken about 1914. On Armistice Day in 1918 Leo was killed, in his own car, by a passing train right in front of this place. He was survived by his orphan daughter, Helene. Thus the bar was closed - the only time it was ever closed - notwithstanding two world wars, The Great Depression and Prohibition.

Herb Rugen, returning from W.W.I married Helene and reopened under the name "Rugen's" in February 1919, as is commemorated by the unique propeller over the bar.

Now Herb and Helene had three children: Herb Jr., Jeanne and Leon. Jeanne helped her father run the place for many years. When Herb passed away in 1968, Jeanne and Helene took full charge, along with long time friend Bob Ascher. In 1975 Helene died and it was then that Jeanne made the decision to sell the family heirloom.

There were the Dwyers ready to buy. If you've noticed the wallpaper in the Derby Room, those racing sheets are the Real McCoy. Word has it that this was the biggest wire service in the northern suburbs.

In the barroom is also a picture of William Maher, Tom Dwyer's maternal great grandfather, taken around the turn of the century when he was about sixty years old. Grandpa Maher is the "Grandpa" of Grandpa's Place.

We named our little restaurant "Grandpa's Place" not only to honor all our Grandpas, but also because the basic decor (especially the back bar which dates back to 1891) suggests the era of their times. Furthermore, we like to think that "Grandpa" suggests warmth, character, friendliness and old-fashioned quality. It is our ambition to apply these attributes to "Grandpa's Place".

Inflation prevents us from pricing the way Grandpa might have done; but we do hope you find the quality, atmosphere and friendly service comparable to what you might have expected in Grandpa's "Good Old Days".

 Sláinte!