Reviews
Koppermill Raises the Sports-Bar Bar
Friday, September 30, 2005
Daily Southtown
By VICKIE SNOW
Staff Writer
The Koppermill Bar & Grill in Orland Park looks like a sports bar from the outside, with neon signs in the windows.
But inside, with its somewhat upscale decor and extensive menu, the Koppermill is much more than a sports fan's haven.
Located at the southwest corner of 159th Street and Wolf Road (behind McDonald's), the Koppermill has eight plasma televisions, including one on each side of the bar, a dart board and a 22-foot shuffleboard game (with tournaments on Tuesdays).
When the Chicago Bears play, Koppermill offers a free half-time buffet. Up to 15 college football games are on screen every Saturday, and every NFL regular season game is shown on Sundays.
And, guys, women's volleyball teams flock to the place after nearby games.
Drink specials include Miller longneck buckets at four for $9 Sundays and Mondays; mimosas and Bloody Marys for $4 each Sundays; margaritas for $4 Wednesdays (when nachos and quesadillas are half-price); and martinis for $5 on Thursdays.
For the latter, my guest and I highly recommend the Koppermill martini, a heavenly pineapple and Chambord concoction.
On a recent weeknight, we also tried the Koppermill beer, a dark amber brew made by Leinenkugel Brewing Co. especially for the Koppermill.
Sports and specials aside, the Koppermill goes above and beyond your average sports bar.
At first, we noticed the rustic-yet-pretty floor, made from stamped concrete, and walls painted a similar copper color. Plenty of dark wood is found throughout the restaurant, where there are tables and chairs by the windows for non-smokers and tall tables and stools closer to the bar for smokers. Cigar smoking is a no-no.
The place, which opened in June, is clean, and the wait staff is friendly and efficient.
The menu has some surprising offerings, such as the artichoke and mushroom chicken ($13.99), two grilled porterhouse pork chops ($13.99), and grilled Atlantic salmon ($14.99).
We enjoyed the homemade lasagna ($9.99) and the barbecue chicken-and-ribs combo ($14.99).
In addition to six salads and four wraps made from jalapeno or sun-dried tomato tortillas, the menu includes 10 sandwiches ($6.25 to $9.25), including grilled strip steak and beer-battered cod.
For an appetizer, we were divided on the chili: I liked its sweetness; he didn't. Next time, we'll try the mixed veggie basket with teriyaki green beans.
"Take my word for it, you'll like the beans," co-owner Jill Hays said.
A former attorney, Hays and her husband, Jim Tukich, a loan officer, teamed up with a couple who know what they're doing when it comes to the food service industry. The Hays' longtime friends, Brian and Elizabeth Wojak, had owned another restaurant, John Gino's in Justice, for nine years. Elizabeth Wojak also worked as a waitress and bartender.
"We were looking for a nice crossover," Hays said about Koppermill's appeal to sports fans and couples just wanting a decent dinner.
For those interested in a bite to eat and some music, local bands will perform on select Thursdays and Saturdays. A schedule can be found at www.koppermillbarandgrill.com.
A party room for up to 40 guests and catering services also are available.
Koppermill Bar & Grill
Address: 11265 W. 159th St., Orland Park
Phone: (708) 460-6644
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily; kitchen open until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with appetizers until midnight, and until 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, with appetizers until 11 p.m.
Credit cards: All major cards accepted
Reservations: Recommended for large groups |
