Food, service make Stockholm's a standout on Geneva scene
Stockholm's celebrated its 10th anniversary May 1, and there are plenty of reasons for the restaurant/micro-brewery's successful decade. Good service, drinks and food have earned the Geneva spot a loyal following, while also helping to woo newcomers.
Motif: The space features a large central bar, with a pair of flat-screen TVs tuned to sports. Small candlelit tables in the front give way to settings for bigger groups in the back, and there is counter space for diners who can't get a seat at the bar or a table. When the weather's nice, you can hang out on the back patio, which has mosaic tables topped with umbrellas. Black-and-white photos line the walls, including images of the Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central Station. The bar celebrates the area's Scandinavian heritage by displaying Swedish flags and a jersey for the Geneva High School Vikings.
Crowd: The place was packed around 8 p.m. Saturday night, with a wait for tables. The crowd was mostly in their 30s and up, though mixed with young guys in baseball caps and a large bachelorette party. The owner was born and raised in Geneva, and has striven to make Stockholm's a community gathering place where families with young kids can come for dinner and couples and groups can drink and hang out late into the night.
Service: The bartenders were friendly and attentive throughout our visit. Even though the place was packed, they were happy to spend time making food and drink recommendations and letting us taste a draft beer we were considering. Stockholm's prides itself on the experience of its employees. Many servers have been there for years, and the core of the kitchen staff has been working at the bar since it opened. Owner Michael Olesen takes a very hands-on approach, buzzing around doing everything from greeting guests to making sure diners have drinks.
Food: Stockholm's avoids standard pub grub in favor of classier fare, including ahi tuna, risotto and steaks. Our food came out fast and tasted great. The veggie wrap was loaded with a mix of fresh sprouts, roasted red peppers and big chunks of perfectly ripe avocado, served with a pile of fries. The ultimate steak sandwich was delicious, if messy, with the very tender meat covered in rich sautéed mushrooms and served on a soft onion bun.
Liquid consumption: Stockholm's is a working microbrewery, serving its selection of unfiltered and naturally carbonated beers on draft or in growlers to go. If you want to get acquainted with the menu, you can order up one of their sampler lists or make your own by choosing whatever brews sound good to you. We enjoyed whatever we tried, especially the refreshingly fruity Lorazz Weiss and the rich and complex Third Street Ale. Root beer is almost as popular as the real stuff, made from a recipe that was taste-tested by local kids.
The bar also offers a full menu of cocktails, including a selection of hot drinks perfect for a chilly night. The peppermint patty — a mix of hot chocolate, rum and peppermint schnapps topped with whipped cream and crème de menthe — tastes like its namesake, but with plenty of kick. Even better was the Voyager, good clove-scented apple cider mixed with rum and banana liqueur for a mellow sipper that smells as good as it tastes.
Parking: There's plenty of free street parking nearby.
Overall: Whether you're a craft beer lover, cocktail fan or just looking for a good meal, Stockholm's has you covered.
Stockholm's
306 W. State St., Geneva, (630) 208-7070, <a href="http://www.stockholmsbrewpub.com" target="_blank">stockholmsbrewpub.com</a>
<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to midnight Sunday