Inside The George: Naperville’s Newest Downtown Restaurant

The George is a new upscale American tavern located in the heart of downtown Naperville. Owners Dave Miller and Will Cullen designed the space around four distinct seating zones, a curated menu anchored by their signature George Dip (a prime rib French dip) and the Badge 13 Burger, and a covered pergola patio. The name pays tribute to four prominent Naperville historical figures all named George, researched with the Naperville Historical Society. It’s family-friendly, well-priced, and built to work for date night, dinner with friends, or a drink at the bar

What Is The George?

Brief introduction to the concept new upscale American tavern in downtown Naperville, built to serve every mood with four distinct seating environments. Opened recently. Co-owners Dave Miller and Will Cullen. Location on the 245 S Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540, USA.

The Story Behind The Name

• Dave and Will, along with their wives, were on a ski trip in Big Sky, Montana, when they spotted a space with a very similar rustic American eclectic tavern feel. The wives were instrumental in the direction.
  
• They worked with the Naperville Historical Society and discovered that “George” is a quietly prominent name throughout Naperville’s past.
  
• George Cradle: Naperville’s 20-year mayor. The Badge 13 Burger is named in his honor; he was the 13th police officer in Naperville. The burger bun is stamped at the table with a cast-iron replica of his original badge.
  
• George Knoch: Knoch Park is named after him. He was prominent in the Naperville political scene.
  
• George Martin: The Martin Mitchell mansion visible from The George, now part of Naper Settlement The Martin family made their fortune quarrying limestone from the Naperville area to help rebuild Chicago after the Great Fire.
  
• George Laird: Built the Preemption House, Naperville’s first piece of hospitality a tavern and hotel that served travelers heading east of the Mississippi alongside the Stenger brewery.
  
• Dave Miller notes they are considering an annual “George Day” where any guest named George drinks for free.
  
• The design concept American rustic, eclectic tavern was inspired by that Big Sky space, with Will’s wife leading the interior execution.

The Pontiac Lounge

The soft-seating back room has its own origin story. The building has roots as a Washington Street gas station operated by the Burgess family in the late 1950s. A historical photo given to co-owner Will Cullen by Bev Patterson showed a 1967 GTO Pontiac parked out front with cars displayed for sale. Dave Miller, a self-described Pontiac fan, and Will Cullen looked at that photo and the name followed naturally.

What to Order First

1. The George Dip (top bestseller since opening): prime rib French dip, flat-top griddled, NY aged white cheddar, house French bread, herbed au jus. Dave’s personal connection: it’s rooted in memories of eating French dip sandwiches with his father.
   
2. The Badge 13 Burger: prime Segal Farms dry-aged double patty on a brioche potato bun, onion bacon jam with bourbon and brown sugar, stamped at the table with a cast-iron replica of George Cradle’s badge.
   
3. Thai Curry Mussels: described as “very unusual” and carrying a London-esque quality the restaurant leans into.
   
4. Bourbon Maple Glaze Salmon: hand-cut fresh Atlantic salmon (cut in-house most mornings), light bourbon-maple glaze, served with haricots verts and classic mashed potatoes.
   
   Drinks: good classic cocktails (not trying to be flashy), a well-priced wine list, drinks described as “very reasonably priced.”

The Seating Zones (Choose Your Mood)

• Pontiac Lounge : soft seating, relaxed, back of the restaurant
• Fireplace Dining Room : intimate, warm lighting
• VIP Cozy Booths : described as “really cool”
• The Bar : more action, louder, more vivid music
• The Patio : new pergola with roof (rain-proof), sun blocking; music; prime downtown Naperville street views

Key quote from Dave: “Whatever mood you’re in, you can come in.”

Who Should Visit The George?

• Date night or anniversary : fireplace dining room, VIP booths, intimate atmosphere
• Drinks with friends : Pontiac Lounge or bar area, well-priced cocktails
• Family dinner : explicitly family-friendly (strollers welcome, all ages)
• Warm-weather patio nights : covered pergola patio with music
• Downtown Naperville explorers : prime location for before/after Riverwalk or events

How The George Fits Into Naperville

Connect the restaurant to the broader Naperville narrative: the owners researched Naperville’s past, partnered with the Historical Society, and named both the restaurant and its rooms after real people who shaped the city. The Preemption House origin story is particularly resonant The George is, in some ways, a continuation of the city’s oldest hospitality tradition. View The George American Tavern.

Plan Your Visit