Batavia's Wilson Street Tavern caters to laid-back crowd

New owners took over The Spotlight Inn on Wilson Street in Batavia in May 2012, keeping the bar at the center of the space but ditching the rest of the worn-out décor. Since then, the new Wilson Street Tavern has served as a laid-back hangout for locals looking to put some tunes on the jukebox and have a glass of wine or craft beer.

Motif: The small bar offers a few TVs tuned to sports, an electronic dart board in the back and a Golden Tee game in front. The centerpiece of the space is a huge wooden bar that has a twin in a Chicago spot.

Walls are lined with beer posters, and the candlelit tables are set with backed leather stools. A long table set up in back is often used as a place to hold food for parties, which you can host at the bar free of charge.

Sidewalk seating is available when the weather's warm.

Food: The current offerings are limited to frozen pizza and peanuts, but you're welcome to bring in food or order from their collection of delivery menus. The owners would eventually like to offer more food such as soups and sandwiches.

Liquid consumption: In November, the bar installed 16 taps that serve an excellent selection of craft beers. If you're not a beer lover, you can also try one of 11 wines by the glass. Drink specials change regularly and the beer selection rotates every few weeks.

Crowd: A diverse crowd ranging in age from 21 to 60 includes dressed-up couples sipping wines and casually dressed drinkers enjoying a draft beer. While it's not a sports bar, Wilson Street Tavern still brings in solid crowds looking to watch the Blackhawks, Big 10 games and high school football.

Service: We were quickly greeted by a friendly server who explained the specials of the night and was happy to offer samples, undeterred when we decided we preferred something else.

Parking: Free street parking is easily available.

Overall: Wilson Street Tavern keeps it simple, offering a casual place to drink and watch a game.

<b>Wilson Street Tavern</b>

105 E. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 482-3200

<b>Hours:</b> 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday