3 Corners Grill & Tap offers complete casual dining experience

DOWNERS GROVE – Frank Militelo, owner of 3 Corners Grill & Tap, believes his restaurant's tag line – eat, drink and relax – aptly describes the new Downers Grove eatery.

“We’re food first,” Militelo said.

But the menu is only one part of the overall experience.

Thirty craft beers are on tap at the bar, which serves as the centerpiece of the spacious eatery. More than 80 domestic and craft brands are available in bottles and cans. Those who prefer cocktails can choose from several mixed drinks, including martinis, or a glass of wine.

Featured cocktails can be found on the restaurant's Summer Sippers list. A different craft brew also is highlighted each month.

Televisions tuned to all the big college and professional sports games can be found throughout the restaurant, which seats about 200. Patio seating is a popular draw during the summer months.

Located in the Downers Park Plaza near 75th Street and Lemont Road, 3 Corners offers a varied menu complete with 12 burgers, unique sandwiches and a wide variety of appetizers.

“Our biggest seller is the classic burger,” Militelo said.

The burger is served with a choice of cheeses including American, Merkt’s cheddar, Vermont white cheddar, Swiss, blue, Gruyere, provolone, mozzarella, pepper jack, feta or goat. Applewood-smoked bacon also is available.

The sandwiches go well beyond the traditional fare. The PBLT, for example, adds smoked pork belly to a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. The New England Lobster Roll – a crowd favorite – features Maine lobster meat tossed with mayo, lemon, celery and chives, stuffed into a buttered split-top bun dusted with paprika.

Customers uncertain about which of the many burgers or sandwiches to order can opt for the minis, which are “inspired by their bigger burger and sandwich siblings,” the menu states. Orders of three or six minis are available.

When it comes to samplers, quesadillas, jalapeño poppers, buffalo wings and buffalo shrimp are just some of the selections. But there’s little question which food reigns supreme on the starter menu.

“People love cheese curds,” Militelo said.

Wraps, salads and entrees, such as barbecued ribs and chicken and waffles, round out the choices.

The dessert menu includes apple walnut bread pudding, molten brandy truffle brownies, ice cream and homemade cookies.

Militelo, a veteran of the printing industry, decided to make a career change in 2014 when he purchased the restaurant’s Lemont location, which is situated on a triangular piece of property bordered by Archer Avenue and Derby and McCarthy roads – hence the name 3 Corners Grill & Tap.

Militelo was a patron of the Lemont location before he bought it.

“I liked the place,” he said. “I liked the atmosphere. I liked the food.”

When the chance to buy the restaurant presented itself, he grabbed the opportunity.

The Downers Grove location opened May 8, and it has enjoyed a successful first month, said Militelo, who runs both restaurants with his wife, Becky.

“Here, there’s tons of people, shopping and traffic,” he said.

The restaurant was a Fuddruckers for several years and went through a few reincarnations before Militelo stepped in and opened 3 Corners.

The restaurant attracts a variety of patrons.

“We’re very family-friendly,” Militelo said.

In fact, all the typical kid-favorite foods can be found on the children's menu.

But the eatery also draws a large weekday lunch crowd, people enjoying date nights and softball players.

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If you go

What: 3 Corners Grill & Tap

Where: 7231 Lemont Road, Downers Grove

Hours: 3:30 to 10 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday

Info: 3cornersgrill.com/downers-grove