Chill out at Warrenville pub On the Rocks
Warrenville residents and passers-by on Route 59 might have noticed that the bar mainstay Avalanche II has changed its name to On the Rocks. What could this new identity mean? Is the bar now focused on cocktails? Is it a fancy lounge? What have they done to this popular neighborhood sports bar?
Motif: The interior of On the Rocks is akin to your classic neighborhood sports bar. A large bar is the centerpiece of the room and is sure to be filled with customers throughout the day. Around the bar hang many televisions to view whatever sporting event might be showing. The walls are covered with neon beer signs and posters advertising the bar's weekly specials. Three pool tables are next to the bar. On the Rocks has darts as well, plus a small dance floor, DJ booth and plenty of tables to sit at.
The décor isn't fancy, but that's not what On the Rocks is going for. The place embraces its identity as a straight-up neighborhood sports bar. It's not flashy (unless you consider neon signs fancy), and that's what gives On the Rocks its charm.
Crowd: The clientele at On the Rocks feels like a family. Though I was visiting this bar for the first time, I felt welcome. Ages vary, with a younger crowd on weekends, but that makes no difference. Come one, come all.
Service: The service at On the Rocks was extremely pleasant. This is a bar where- after you've visited a few times - the servers get to know you, your name, what drink you enjoy, how the kids won't stop nagging you, etc. In fact, the whole place felt like one big family - a family I was not really part of, but if they needed a wacky second cousin, I was more than up for the challenge.
Food: If you've read this far, you should have an idea what to expect from On the Rocks: good oil' fashioned bar food. Look for burgers, pizzas and sandwiches on the menu. Like their drink specials, the bar has great deals on food throughout the week.
Liquid consumption: With On the Rocks named after a liquor serving term, you better believe the place has a full bar and not just beer. It's not like you drink your beer over ice cubes. Right? Look for brews on tap such as Schlitz, Bud Light, Goose Island and more. Be sure to check out their daily drink specials.
Sounds: Upon my arrival at On the Rocks, the bar was blasting some good oil' rock music. To say it was loud would be an understatement, and it's not like the place was packed at the time. After a while, management switched to the television commentary, but you better believe that once the game was over, the rock returned. Be on the lookout for live music on the weekends as well as DJs tearing up the dance floor.
Parking: On the Rocks is located in a strip mall off Route 59 with plenty of parking.
Overall: Besides the name, not much has apparently changed at On the Rocks. The bar still features friendly locals who have come to have a drink, watch a game and socialize with others. I suppose the name, On the Rocks, is more appropriate for a bar than Avalanche II, but what's in a name? It's all about what's in the bar.
On the Rocks
3S071 Route 59
Warrenville
(630) 393-9669
Hours: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-1 a.m. Sunday.