Chug over to Evviva's in downtown Lisle
I am a big supporter of drinking establishments located near public transportation hubs. What beats the joy of having a cold one after a tough day at work while you wait for the train to approach the station? If for some reason you find yourself awaiting a train out of Lisle, you're in luck with Evviva's Bar and Eatery (formerly Pazzo's Bar and Eatery, but the name recently changed due to what their Web site calls "litigation issues.") Commuters, celebrate!
Motif: Evviva is a wide-open, square-shaped room with walls of wood paneling, stone and brick and exposed black pipes on the ceiling. And don't worry, six flat-screen televisions line the walls, as well. There are tables and chairs near the entrance, and in the back of the room sits a three-sided bar with chairs all around and Evviva's liquor proudly displayed along the back wall. Next to the bar is an online jukebox and the always-necessary Golden Tee machine. Evviva's large front windows let in some nice natural light, and for some real sunshine, hang out on Evviva's front patio.
Crowd: I visited on a Monday, and Evviva's was fairly crowded. All ages were represented, even families with children eating pizza.
Service: Good service. The staff was extremely enthusiastic about Evviva's and you could tell they meant it when they told us to come back soon.
Liquid consumption: Doing its best to sucker you in is Evviva's Pazzo's Punch (at least it's still called that on the menu). Billed as a challenge for one person, the drink consists of Bacardi Razz, Bacardi O, Amaretto, Dekuyper Peach Schnapps, Triple Sec, sour, cranberry and a splash of grenadine, all served in a 26-ounce glass. Tempting, isn't it? Evviva's also has a few other signature cocktails such as the appropriately (or maybe inappropriately) titled Train Wreck and another known as Call A Cab.
Besides these cocktails, you can find a decent selection of beer and wine. Throughout the week there are $12 buckets (five beers) of Coors, and Sam Adams Summer Ale drafts are $3 on Tuesday.
Food: Evviva's specialty is pizza, which, according to them, you'd be crazy not to try. Besides their pizza, (which is half-price on Monday), Evviva's menu contains sandwiches, burgers, pasta, ribs, salads, soups and a variety of appetizers.
Sounds: Evviva's has had live music in the past, mainly on Thursdays, though the online calendar currently does not show any upcoming events. Still, don't be surprised if you run into a band some weeknight. At other times, rely on the online jukebox in the back right corner, which customers seem to be enthused about.
Parking: Parking at Evviva's can be difficult during the day. There is a two-hour-limit parking lot to the east of the building with spots along the streets throughout downtown Lisle. Later at night, your best bet might be the Lisle train station parking lot across the street, which should be cleared out of commuters.
Overall: Evviva's is a great neighborhood bar in downtown Lisle with great drink and food specials.
You could easily spend some quality time here - just try not to miss your train.
Evviva's
Facts: 1017 Front St., Lisle, (630) 241-9955, kjktech.com/playground/
Hours: 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Monday; 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday; noon-2 p.m. Saturday; noon-1 a.m. Sunday