Holiday Brunches at The Anvil Club Add Fun to its Speakeasy Vibe
If you know anything at all about The Anvil Club, you know that for 66-years it has been a rather mysterious place. No signage, no windows, a front door with glass etched the words “Members Only.”
The Anvil Club was a true Supper Club. Members paid annual dues to belong. In the days when fine dining was a rare commodity in far-flung villages and rural communities, Supper Clubs were sustained by those dues. Dues insured that top-shelf libations and gourmet meals could be enjoyed far beyond the big city.
In the Village of East Dundee, Illinois, a historic blacksmith shop was converted into just such a Club. With a nod to its past, the Dundee area businessmen who made that happen in 1956 called it The Anvil Club. For more than half a century, very few knew what sumptuous delights its members enjoyed inside the doors of the nondescript old building in that tucked-away spot beside the railroad tracks.
But things have changed. Those tracks are now a bike trail. The Anvil Club faces the vibrant village green of the East Dundee Depot Park. In 2021, the Club raised its very first sign. It even has a couple of windows now. And, because so few can fathom this monumental change, let it be clearly stated: The Anvil Club is now open to the public.
For much of the Club’s existence, a Mad Men-esque, culture persisted—suits and ties, nightclub couture, martinis, smoke-filled air, piano lounge standards playing as Hearts-of-Palm salads were served, cheesy crocks of French Onion Soup, and perfectly broiled Prime cuts of meat. It was more than just a great meal; it was a place where deals were sealed over steaks and the gears of networking oiled with Old Fashioneds. Children were rarely seen, but for special occasions.
Since it opened to the public in 2020, The Anvil Club team has worked hard to maintain the best of their historic vibe, but with a modern freshness and inclusivity that offers both a warm welcome and fine cuisine. The Club still has a dress code, but children may dine at the Club every day, especially on Sundays when kids age-8 and under can eat for free!
The Club’s iconic sprite, Sparky, is a reminder not to take things too seriously. That’s especially true during the Club’s extravagant holiday brunch buffets. It is a Club tradition to have the Easter Bunny handing out treats to the kids at its Easter Brunch. Moms and their entourages are treated like queens and their court at The Anvil Club’s Mother’s Day Brunch. In December the Club sets aside several Sundays for their classic Brunch with Santa seatings. For years, Santa has made it a point to stop at The Anvil Club!
With April comes the first of 2022’s extraordinary brunch buffets. Please join us at The Anvil Club in celebration of Easter. Check out The Anvil Club’s ad in this issue of Smart Living to learn more! Call 1-847-426-7710 to reserve your table or go to www.theanvilclub.net to reserve online.
