ThreeB's trifecta: Beer, burgers and sports
Opened by brothers Gus and Alex Pagonis in July in Monterey Place's former space in Geneva, ThreeB stands for brothers, beer and burgers. Luckily you don't have to be family to take advantage of the latter two.
Motif: The bar features a mix of large booths and tables suited for big groups, but no matter where you sit you can get a view of one of the 16 screens tuned to sports. You can also test your skills at the Golden Tee or Target Toss video games. The large windows overlooking the downtown area are decorated with neon beer signs. Gus Pagonis' kids go to school nearby, so the bar is planning to offer events and fundraisers for local schools.
Crowd: The bar draws a casually dressed crowd, from the mid-20s up to 60-somethings. Weekends are busiest, with Sunday bringing in plenty of football fans. Their lunch specials have also attracted local workers looking for a good deal.
Service: A bartender checked in with us as soon as we sat down, quickly doling out our drinks and chatting a bit about favorite brews throughout our stay.
Food: Burgers are the most popular item at ThreeB, especially on Tuesday when they're half price. Appealing to health-conscious diners, the hand-packed ground beef is free of hormones and antibiotics. The bar also serves up a huge amount of wings when they're half-price on Mondays and plenty of their Friday prime rib special. Another favorite is pizza. Instead of traditional toppings like pepperoni, ThreeB offers cheeseburger, taco and BLT pies that are light but filling.
Liquid consumption: The bar's beer selection changes seasonally, with eight on tap and 40 bottles including Two Brothers Domaine DuPage and Prairie Path. Current draft offerings include Wild Onion Pumpkin Ale and Spaten Oktoberfest, but look for those to change as supply runs out. ThreeB offers draft and bottle specials daily, including $2 Bud bottles Monday and Wednesday and $2 Miller bottles Tuesday and Thursday. For drinkers who aren't interested in beer, Rumchata seems to be the spirit of choice, with patrons lining up to do shots of the chilled, creamy booze.
Music: ThreeB hosts karaoke on Wednesday and Friday and bands or acoustic acts Saturday play a mix of classic rock and contemporary tunes. When there's no live music, a digital jukebox provides the soundtrack.
Parking: There's plenty of easily available street parking.
Overall: Beer lovers are sure to find something new to enjoy at ThreeB while taking in some sports or music.
ThreeB
7 W. State St., Geneva, (630) 845-4045
<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday