I've read most of the reviews on here and I must say that I agree and disagree. It does have a "dive-bar" feel but I think that is the point. It's a neigborhood bar with cheap drinks. A jagerbomb is 6 bucks yea, but drive 8mins to downtown Naperville and there are 8-12 bucks and poured light. The Lodge doesn't even have Jager, they have some knockoff brand AND they chage more for them. A well drink was like 4 or 5 bucks and the bartender poured it pretty good. I don't expect any bartender to jepordize thier job for us patrons by over-pouring and I can say I got a good pour and good service. I also noticed that the economy is struggling and the smoking-ban has effected the bar industry by over 30% since the new year so that needs to be taken into consideratin when complaining about prices and small crowds.
I was actually at the bar this past Saturday night to catch a tribute band and it was pretty damn good. I looked at thier calender and noticed they have booked KASMIR in the past, along with ANIEMA, BLACK PEARL, ONE NIGHT IN GOTHAM, MOST ABOUT NOTHING, etc. These are all exceptional bands covers, tributes and originals. As far as, "garage bands," go I have seen a few there and I also know from once being in the industry, summer is the hardest time to book bands with all the fairs.
When I was there I spent a lot of money and was comped a round or two by a bartender who was a nice guy. I'm in my 30's and divorced so I do enjoy looking at attractive female bartenders but I also know that the bulk of them are terrible. I would rather tip my 30% on a guy who gets my drinks, has my food order righ and is quick than a hot 22yr old who is too busy texting or fixing her make-up.
I've also been to the Lodge and I wasn't allowed in because I had a hat on and it was, "club night." I watched MTV and saw people in New York clubs wearing hats and it humored me. When I was at the Lodge a fight brokeout that was horrible. Never seen that at Maple. I would prefer Maple anyday!
Pros: Great service, nice crowd, excellent food and good drinks
Cons: Parking
more