Let me start off by saying I should have listened to everyone and gone to this place a long time ago.
There are two sides to the Bavarian Lodge: the restaurant and the bar. I of course made it to the bar area where there has to be at least 20 tables and a huge bar (maybe 50 feet of bar). The inside is cosy with a faux tin ceiling, narrow aisle, and a feeling that you are no longer in Illinois.
The bar only has a single area to get beer but they do a good job of serving you. They had at least 15 quality beers on tap and have a beer list to rival most. It is a whose who in American craft beer with solid foreigns represented also.
Standing room was all Rich and I could find but quickly started talking with some guys that had room at their table and we sat with them talking about Midwest American craft beer.
Didn't order food but I scoped out the menu. I want to take the family here for dinner sometime but I felt as though it was a bit on the high side (probably the only thing keeping this place from not being rated a 10). Food is authentic German affair.
I would recommend this as a must stop to anyone that wants to have a quality experience in every aspect from a beer bar. Enjoy!
"...there is only one game at the heart of America and that is baseball, and only one beverage to be found sloshing at the depths of our national soul and that is beer." - Peter Richmond