Elgin paves way for new downtown bar, event center
Elgin leaders have granted a 4 a.m. liquor license - the latest allowed in the city other than the casino - to the owner of the Road House Bar and Main Event Elgin.
The bar, grill and special events area for kickboxing and concerts will fill a void in downtown that was created when Prairie Rock Brewery, 127 S. Grove Ave., shut down earlier this year.
While Elgin leaders were pleased that Road House owner Ed Mascari was making an investment in the downtown, they said the establishment would be closely monitored to ensure it is a good neighbor.
The liquor license, which the city council unanimously approved, will allow the Road House to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
After a one-year trial period, City Manager Sean Stegall will recommend to the council whether it should be extended.
Across the street from the Road House are Festival Park and brick rowhomes that have been the centerpiece of efforts to bring more residential development to the downtown area.
"The neighbors are going to be the final court of review," Councilman David Kaptain said.
The city has several establishments that have 3 a.m. licenses: the Mission, Mad Maggie's and Afterset in downtown Elgin, along with Rookies, Boogie Nights and Village Pizza on Randall Road, said Sue Olafson, city spokeswoman.
The Grand Victoria Casino has a 22-hour liquor license and is regulated by the state. The pavilion area of the casino has a city license that allows it to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. Friday through Sunday, Olafson said.
Other council members were concerned that fights at Main Event Elgin wrap up in the wee hours of the morning.
Councilman Prigge said he envisioned a worst-case scenario in which a kickboxing event would end really late, the bar would close and dump men onto the street in wee hours.
"My concern is not so much the lateness of it but what's happening inside," said Councilman John Prigge. "I'm worried about a major testosterone explosion."
Mascari said he would not put on ultimate fighting events like the octagon-shaped rings on TV, but kickboxing exhibition and mixed martial arts instead. Tickets would be $20 to $70 and organizers would be selective in which clubs fought each other. Events would not run too far past midnight and the kitchen would be open late.
"If we invite a violent school that is known for letting things get carried away, then shame on us," Mascari said.
Mascari said the Road House would be open for lunch and dinner and the Main Event Elgin would host a variety of musical acts and even comedy shows. At night, the bar would transform into a quasi-Coyote Ugly scene where bartenders dance on the bar a few times a night.
Mascari said he hopes to open on Dec. 11 with a grand opening planned for February. For details, visit roadhouseelgin.com or call (847) 695-4454.