The Calabrese Restaurant Group is extremely proud and excited to have the honor of owning and restoring the Beacon.

We took over the property in March of 2017. For a short while, we considered renaming the bar, but soon realized that no other name would fit. Therefore, a bar restoration, or as we like to call it, “The Beacon Revival” began.

Des Plaines issued The Beacon the town’s very first liquor license in 1955. Over the years, this iconic bar has developed “landmark-like” status to many people. The Beacon has always been a great place to relax and have fun. We remember coming to The Beacon as kids, then returning in our 20’s, 30’s, and eventually bringing our own kids. We wanted to keep as much of the old Beacon as possible. The original circular bar has been restored with one section removed, allowing us to accommodate a dart board and Golden Tee game area. Warm barn wood, wrought iron, and exposed trusses make the interior welcoming. Several Beacon artifacts, along with new sports memorabilia hang on the walls. State of the art sound and televisions allow sports viewing from every seat. Historic Des Plaines images adorn one wall.

Chef Joseph Calabrese, of Zia’s Trattoria, Zia’s Lago Vista and Café Touche, has updated the menu with classic bar food served in generous portions. Customers can choose from an in-house smoke section, as well as a burger, sandwich, salad, pizza and appetizer sections. The Beacon offers a Friday Fish Fry.

Over the next several months, we plan to continue our restoration with concentration on The Beacon Patio. The Beacon wouldn’t be the same without a volleyball and bags area, so we’re making that a priority and plan to offer outdoor dining this spring.

We hope to attract old and new customers to our neighborhood bar and look forward to serving you for many years to come.

The Calabrese Restaurant Group