Rockwood boasts large, revolving beer list
While Finley's Grill Room was meant as a place diners could visit regularly, the restaurant's fancy décor gave it a reputation as a destination for special occasions. The owners decided to change things up, altering the menu and atmosphere, lowering the prices and adding a huge beer selection, then reopening the space as Rockwood Tap House in January.
Motif: The cozy dining area features stone walls and dark wood tables with padded chairs. Mellow illumination comes from orange lights embedded in the walls and hanging overhead. The bar area features brightly colored beer-themed paintings, small candlelit tables and a large bar with a bank of flat-screen TVs tuned to sports. If you're looking for a place to hold a party, Rockwood's banquet rooms offer space for 20 to 200 people.
Crowd: Rockwood attracts a younger demographic than Finley's did, with most customers in their late 20s or early 30s. Weekend dinners are the busiest, though the spot does a strong lunch business along with bringing in the after-work crowd and late-night drinkers.
Service: Our server came over quickly and was helpful and friendly throughout. He offered honest recommendations on the beer, saying he wasn't a fan of one but suggesting we should try Magic Hat #9. He checked in regularly and was very enthusiastic about the food. We took his recommendations and were happy we did.
Liquid consumption: Rockwood offers a regularly changing menu of 32 drafts, with all the brews served at a frosty 32 degrees. The selection emphasizes craft beers like Rogue Dead Guy and Goose Island Matilda. With so many choices, the $6.50 flights of four five-ounce beers have been extremely popular. Rockwood also plans to offer beer dinners to provide further education. Drink specials are changing soon, but you'll still be able to find $2.50 pints on Wednesdays.
Food: Finley's fans can find some of the restaurant's favorites on the menu at Rockwood, including the $17.95 cedar-planked salmon and $19.95 slow-roasted prime rib.
Everything we tried was excellent. The $9.95 lettuce wraps are beautifully presented, with strips of chicken served with cups of shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, cold noodles and bean sprouts along with a sweet orange ginger sauce and a particularly delicious Thai peanut sauce. The $14.50 pot roast is easily enough for two meals, featuring super tender beef, pearl onions and baby carrots in rich gravy over a pile of mashed potatoes. The $7.95 Aztec wrap, a mix of blackened chicken, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and cheese served with a side of homemade potato chips, was light, fresh and spicy.
Parking: There are plenty of spots in the large free parking lot.
Overall: Rockwood Tap House's roots are in fine dining, and it shows. Beer fans will love it, but anyone can appreciate the great food and service.
<b>Rockwood Tap House</b>
<b>3131 Finley Road, Downers Grove, (630) 964-3131, rockwoodtaphouse.com</b>
<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday