Westmont’s Neat Kitchen + Bar Doesn’t Skip a Beat

Neat Kitchen + Bar isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Like the beloved Cheers of yesteryear, regulars are greeted by name and genuine warmth upon every visit. While their delicious food and expertly crafted cocktails reign supreme, Neat is also anchored in the atmosphere of camaraderie and the legacy of late co-owner Matt Verde.

Nestled on Westmont’s Cass Avenue, Neat has become a local institution for a reason. The menu boasts a diverse selection of chef-driven American fare, ranging from elevated comfort food to more adventurous dishes. Every item is made with the finest ingredients and a touch of creativity, ensuring a consistently satisfying visit every time. Neat’sbar is also second to none.

Between unique craft cocktails, gems like the Neat Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and more are created from more than 150 different whiskeys. Wine and craft beer enthusiasts will also find a well-curated selection to suit their tastes. We’ve never met a Neat drink we didn’t love.

Under the same ownership for more than seven years, Neat has yet to miss a beat. They also recently opened a second location in Oswego, offering the same great experience further west.

“That milestone means everything to us,” said owner John Taylor. “Longevity in this industry is no small feat, and it’s all a testament to the incredible team we have and the loyalty of our customers.”

Much of the community is still trying to understand the senseless loss of co-owner Matt Verde with his sudden passing at the end of 2024. However, the restaurant continues to honor his legacy with incredible dedication. The staff, led by Taylor, has seamlessly navigated this difficult period while maintaining the high standards and welcoming spirit Verde stood for.

“We want to thank the community from the bottom of our hearts for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm for what we do inspires us every day, and it means so much to us to continue the incredible legacy that Matt built. It’s an honor to carry forward his passion for great food, memorable events, and genuine hospitality,” added Taylor.

Every meal at Neat Kitchen + Bar is a culinary journey. Want a fine-dining dish without a high price tag? Order the mussels appetizer and thank us later. Easily shared among the entire table, or enjoyed as the main event, the mussels are served with a rich chorizo, harissa, and chardonnay cream sauce; it’s a feast for the senses.

Our server Bri recommended the Korean Cauliflower appetizer, which we’ve eyed, but never previously tried. Consider us converts. This will be a must-eat on all of our future visits. Holy taste buds! Between the gochujang sauce, sesame, and scallions, this dish blows away your palate. Tangy, light and delicious - the trifecta. Who doesn’t love a good bowl of soup as a beginning to warm up on a winter night? All are made from scratch daily, but we’re partial to the potato cheddar soup, served with bacon bits, croutons, and scallions. Akin to a hug, it’s cozy and one of the best soups we’ve ever had.

The burgers are legendary. The Neat Burger and Black & Blue are crowd favorites, but one can’t ever go wrong with their Wagyu, either. This visit, we indulged in the short rib grilled cheese sandwich, made with tender meat, white cheddar, and an onion marmalade. We always upgrade to the truffle or sweet potato fries with garlic aioli, but their traditional french fries and Neat slaw are also delicious.

Neat’s Rigatoni offers a cajun twist on a traditional pasta dish with a slight kick. Between the blackened shrimp, andouille sausage, peppers, onions, tomatoes, cajun cream, house pico, andqueso fresco, we were all clamoring for another bite.

Looking for lighter fare? You can never go wrong with a Neat’s Cobb Salad. And I always advise ending a meal with dessert, like their creme brûlée or chocolate lava cake. Both are worth every calorie!

From lively trivia nights on Tuesdays to private events, Neatcaters to a wide variety of interests. Our personal favorite is yoga and mimosas, followed by stopping in during one of Westmont Special Events’ holiday bar crawls or during Cruisin’ Nights in the summer. Neat’s covered patio is one of our favorite spaces in town when weather allows.

Planning an event? Their private room is made for you! Host everything from baby and wedding showers to birthdays and everything in between. Neat can even offer a brunch menu for private events.

We can all take a page out of Neat’s book, striving to live like Matt Verde: never taking a day for granted, living with a smile on our face while putting others first, and ensuring we leave the world around us a better place. Neat Kitchen + Bar is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and community. It’s a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and the spirit of Matt Verde lives on in every dish and every smile.

Plan your next meal or event today! Stop in at Neat Kitchen + Bar, locatedat 246 N. Cass Ave. in Westmont, or visithttps://neatkitchenandbar.com/.

For more information, please contact:

Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau

1 South Cass Avenue, Suite 101

Westmont, IL 60559

(630) 960-5553

www.westmontchamber.com